More Narnia

Something about fall time (ok, fall time in Florida means the temps drop to 80, but still...), makes me want to pull out certain genres. Mysteries. Any book that takes place in cold weather places, especially in Great Britain. War stories. Tragic dramas. Grand epics. I guess with the heavy weather comes a certain spirit that encourages me not to take the world lightly.
I'm a firm believer that literature can mirror, or even stir up, real life. And, as I've declared before, you can't read better stories than from our dear friend C.S. Lewis. They contain a bit of every genre--mystery, romance, war. It's because of this I'm sure I'll never tire of his stories, and as I read them over and over, I find truths that grow up with me from the 4 year old girl that first discovered the magical world through the wardrobe.
I was in my beloved LifeWay bookstore the other day, with every intention just to run in and pick up a book that MIL (my mother-in-law) had recommended, when I found myself walking out with several other titles, including "Roar!" by Heather and David Kopp. This book caught my eye with its colorful illustrations by Martin French and guide-like formula.
With the Narnia movie last Christmas, and a renewed interest in great children's literature, it seems there has been a rush of books exploring life lessons for children, and adults alike, through classic literature. But this is one of the best I've seen on this subject.
The book contains so many great features, I was caught up for hours exploring them. The Chronicles take a reader through many adventures, but "Roar!" leads the reader deeper in to the wisdom of Narnia by sharing mythology, interactive activities (including a recipe for Turkish Delight!), indexes of the creatures and places, and even a glossary of the difficult language gap sometimes created for those of us that didn't live in World War II days. Every page is full color and packed with articles, chapter-by-chapter guides for each of the seven books, quizzes, and the history behind Mr. Lewis and his beloved "childrens'" stories.
To explore the world of Narnia further, also check out:
-A Field Guide to Narnia by Colin Duriez
-Companion to Narnia by Paul F. Ford
-Lessons from the Lion by my personal friend, Michael Pritchard
-both CDs, Music Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and the score to the motion picture contain fabulous music.

The Best-Laid Schemes

Today I read "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck. It's only 107 pages, so a perfect size for my purse. Ever since I got back from California, I've been craving a bit of Steinbeck, so I've been carrying it around for a while, and today I showed up half an hour early for my interview, so I started this tiny gem.
I don't know how I missed this in high school. But it's a shame that I did. It's sad, and sweet, and such a great story.
In the spirit of keeping things short and sweet. That's all I'll say about the book. Other than you should read it, if you haven't. Or at least some Steinbeck. If you love it, then go on to "East of Eden." It's anything but short, but well worth the time. Ignore the "Oprah's Book Club" sticker on the front. It's good too. I promise.

Wandering Through the Kid's Section

As I ran into my beloved B & N (Barnes and Nobles, if you don't know that, shame on you), the other night to pick up Lauren Winner's latest book, Real Sex (I know, risque title, not the "throw in the purse to read in a spare moment" kind of book. I accidentally didn't think about that when I was in the doctor's office the other day. It took about a dozen funny looks before I wanted to scream out, "I'm just getting my eyes checked, people!" ...anyway...), I ironically came dangerously close to the most charming section in the place, the children's section.* It's so alluringly decorated with bright Winnie-the-Pooh characters, and lovely hardwood, that I can scarcely resist going in.
It must be the holdover from the education major days in college. I'm not sure. But although I went running when I realized that I'd actually have to work with 30 of them--at the same time, I'll still argue that it just doesn't get any better than a good work of children's fiction. And in the spirit of my latest clandestine purchases from the aforementioned section (see, I am an adult... did you know the word "aforementioned" in second grade? Well, you would have if you had read a lot!), I'd like to recommend my top 5 favorite children's books of all time. In alphabetical order.**
Here goes:
1. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
I never read anything by Ms. Paterson that wasn't brilliant and touching and unforgettable. My elementary school librarian recognized a girl after her own heart, and recommended this and "Jacob, Have I Loved," also by Katherine Paterson, in 4th grade, and it has haunted me (in the good way), ever since.
2. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
Loved this author's humor and storytelling so much, that just last month, I searched out another read: Silent to the Bone. Good too, but you must read "Mixed-Up." It's like a grown-down (opposite of grown-up?) version of Da Vinci Code.
3. Homer Price by Robert McCloskey (My Daddy introduced me to Homer when I was very small and we still laugh about his foibles).
Mr. McCloskey is one of the most celebrated authors, and left us with some of the most beloved works for children ever written (most of you remember his picture book "Make Way for Duckings"). The stories of Homer Price and his small town life in Centerburg are one word: hilarious.
4. The Nancy Drew Mystery series by Carolyn Keene
Yes, I know this doesn't count as just one, as there are 56 (origianl... and who knows how many more recent spin-offs), but every young girl especially should be able to admire Nancy for her manners, wit, and clever ability to solve any puzzling situation that came her way (with the help of her Dad, and her friends Bess, George, and the handsome Ned).
I hear a rumor a major motion picture is in the works about our favorite girl dectective. I hope so. She stole my heart long before Veronica Mars was on the scene.
5.Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
It's no secret to most of you that I am fascinated by Jewish culture. But this isn't a recent love. I remember reading this book, and my heart being touched by what horrors and triumphs two girls, Annemarie and Ellen (best friends, but Ellen is a Jew), went through during World War II. Every bit as good as "Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank.

Read these to a kid you love, or even yourself for a real treat. And that, my friends, is your first annual Sepember is Back To School reading list!




*A dear thanks to my good friend, Sara, for emboldening me to admit that, at an age where my mom already had two children (scary), I don't! but still READ for children.

**Mr. John Newberry would agree with me. Three of the above are Newberry Medal winners--the highest honor in young adult fiction.

Welcome, Xanga-ers!

As I was saying, I found a jewel on my very own bookcase. I once purchased "Orthodoxy" by G. K. Chesterton in college, planning on joining that Rounders group, but never got around to that, or to reading it.
I knew it would be good. I knew it would be deep. I figured it would be just as hard to read as any meaty, classic that we all should read at some point in our lives, but I had just been avoiding it. Shame on me.
It is one of the most refreshing books I have picked up in a long time. Mr. Chesterton puts his faith in terms of romance and adventure and turbulent change. It's almost autobiographical, in his journey from believing certain doctrines, to actually embracing them as his creed. The book moves along with the compelling nature of a mystery, but he explains that "the riddles of God prove more satisfying than the answers proposed without God."
Not that there is anything wrong with logic. I'm a big fan. But it seems most intellectual books put this on the highest pedestal, and focus solely on reason to define theology. But this Victorian English journalist explores God more in terms of poetry, drama, and fluid, active beliefs. He goes into the doctrines of original sin and Christ's divinity that are so applicable to our world today.
For any fans of John Eldredge, Donald Miller, or John Ortenberg, G. K. would have been a fan, and a friend.