This book sits with you. It’s sad, no doubt, but I don’t know if there’s any truer sketch of the life of someone who genuinely follows Christ in the vThis book sits with you. It’s sad, no doubt, but I don’t know if there’s any truer sketch of the life of someone who genuinely follows Christ in the very core of their identity....more
This is probably my favorite book I've read so far this year. It is absolutely amazing. Honestly, I could pick it up again right now and start rereadiThis is probably my favorite book I've read so far this year. It is absolutely amazing. Honestly, I could pick it up again right now and start rereading it, because there is so much depth to it. It is, firstly, an artistic masterpiece. The way in which Vodolazkin constructs the story just leaves you speechless & revelling in its beauty. That said, some phrases felt weird, and I didn't always like the syntax, but a) I'm pretty sure there's a good reason behind this (partially due to the nature of time) and therefore I'm not too upset about it and b) this is a translation, so, who knows, maybe there would be a better way to translate some parts. But, as I don't know Russian, I highly appreciate Lisa Hayden's work!
Beyond being an artistic masterpiece, this book is a spiritual masterpiece. There is so much here to mull over and contemplate, so much to emulate, and so much to reflect upon. The story takes place in a primarily Medieval Orthodox world (with a few Catholics), which gives a different light to the Christian faith than what I, at least, am used to, and I highly appreciate it. It's the story of a man living his life on behalf of the woman (& child) he *murdered* (he didn't mean to let her die, but it was his fault, and she died without Confession). He spends his life traveling, healing others, and hoping that the Lord will redeem Ustina (the woman) through his work. There's so much to be gleaned from this story, and it's really quite more complex than what my two sentences can convey.
This book will stretch you, but (or perhaps therefore) you really should read it. ...more
This remains my favorite Goudge novel and one of my favorite books of all time. All I can say is, go read it. It is such a balm to the soul. Also, it This remains my favorite Goudge novel and one of my favorite books of all time. All I can say is, go read it. It is such a balm to the soul. Also, it includes the greatest description of woods of all time. Truly a magical book on so many levels....more
All I can say is, this is the story of my childhood dreams. There’s nothing more awesome than being a spy, and this book is full of thrilling adventurAll I can say is, this is the story of my childhood dreams. There’s nothing more awesome than being a spy, and this book is full of thrilling adventure, incredible friendship, and a whole lot of character growth. I had to read it in a single day because I just couldn’t put it down. So splendid....more
**spoiler alert** Rowling really can write children’s fairy tales. Oh goodness. It was a fun story! Once again, Rowling has all sorts of fun names (Ic**spoiler alert** Rowling really can write children’s fairy tales. Oh goodness. It was a fun story! Once again, Rowling has all sorts of fun names (Ickabog, Spittleworth, Roach, etc.) and yes, there is a touch of Latin (the Fluma river). It had all the trappings of a good fairy tale - kings, monsters, evil old witches (ok technically an orphanage director, but she gave big time witch vibes), and a fair bit of death.
But this story was more than just good fun. Proverbs says that the wicked set a trap that they fall into, and this is exactly what this entire story is all about. It points to the dreadful power of lies, but also the truth that, well, the truth will out! Good will always triumph. (And as a person with some knowledge of the PR world and the power of narratives...it’s very revealing how fake stories can have disastrous real effects)
Do I think there were a few rough patches? Sure. There was the slighter weaker mantra of “kindness” that doesn’t hit home in the way Harry Potter’s mantra of love does. Also, Spittleworth seeing through Eslanda felt a bit unbelievable to me, honestly. Nor was I sure how humans being Bornded out of hatred fit into the whole thing - though it seems Rowling attempted at the end to say that perhaps that narrative that the Ickabog had of humans was equally false.
Overall, it seems that Rowling is always about reconciling, and that’s what she does here. The humans and Ickabogs are reconciled, and this good comes out of all the evil perpetrated by Spittleworth. And even foolish King Fred is redeemed a bit by the end, which made me happy.
I’m surprised this book hasn’t been talked about more. Rowling seems to be one of the few (or only) widely known authors who writes in the legacy of the best of British writers through the ages.
If you want to read a book on the power and danger of lies, but also about their ultimate self-destructive tendency, this is the book to read. And it’s also an absolute pleasure. I genuinely never knew what would happen next! ...more
Every time I read Chesterton, I am reminded of the simple truth that he is the master of the English language. The way in which he puts words togetherEvery time I read Chesterton, I am reminded of the simple truth that he is the master of the English language. The way in which he puts words together is a work of beauty in and of itself. But thankfully, it doesn't even end there!
Chesterton puts forward his arguments in such a way that they just make sense. His words are refreshing, wonderful, and imaginative. The way in which he describes Christianity is so utterly joyful, complex, truthful, and exciting. And it's just plain honest.
While walking through the growth of thought in his own life, Chesterton is able to paint a clear picture of the truth that we are all living in a story. What hope there is to know that, after all, the fairy tales were right. I think, personally, the crux of it all was when he said that coming to Christianity was "coming into my second childhood". What a mindset of wonder, adventure, and hope to embrace.
There is, of course, so much more to unpack in this book! Every page will be full of scribbles and notes, I guarantee. Chesterton was a wise (and mirthful!) man....more
There is no other way to describe this story than: “purely delightful”. Ok, I guess you could also say “crazy insightful”. It’s the best sort of storyThere is no other way to describe this story than: “purely delightful”. Ok, I guess you could also say “crazy insightful”. It’s the best sort of story! It really is just a pleasure to read - so enjoyable (and impossible to put down). And it is simultaneously so very True. But who’s surprised? It is, after all, George MacDonald. And it is a children’s story. This is the sort of book I’ll be picking up again and again (and again). ...more
I utterly adore this book. I'm honestly still upset I didn't read it as a child, but at least it's better late than never. It's a beautiful story abouI utterly adore this book. I'm honestly still upset I didn't read it as a child, but at least it's better late than never. It's a beautiful story about wonder, imagination, friendship, and childhood. I could quite literally talk about it forever (https://anchor.fm/tikvah-podcast/epis...). Read it read it read it. ...more
One of my favourite works by Lewis, perhaps because it is one of his most philosophical works. It remains incredibly insightful today, offering us theOne of my favourite works by Lewis, perhaps because it is one of his most philosophical works. It remains incredibly insightful today, offering us the same chilling warning that it offered his original audience in the 20th century. If anything, we are further along the path towards the abolition of man. ...more
This will always be one of my favorite books. Anne brings magic to the world we live in, and I’m certain that there could be no better place on earth This will always be one of my favorite books. Anne brings magic to the world we live in, and I’m certain that there could be no better place on earth to grow up in than Green Gables. While everyday coming of age tales aren‘t usually my favorite, there’s something about Anne - her wonder, imagination, passion, and love - that always draws me in and reignites my own childlikeness. I’d say this is the kind of book that only gets better and better as you age....more
I feel like this book is so overlooked...maybe less so now that there's the Disney+ show??
This is one of the books that I loved as a child and still lI feel like this book is so overlooked...maybe less so now that there's the Disney+ show??
This is one of the books that I loved as a child and still love as an adult! After trying to reread Eragon and being downright horrified that I ever enjoyed it, I was terrified I would feel the same about this book. Not at all!!
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a delightful adventure book that stretches your brain muscles a bit and showcases the beauty of friendship. Plus, this book is rooted in the idea that knowing truth is essential. It's always encouraging to see lovers of truth beating back the nefarious plots of Mr Curtain and others like him.
Boethius is one of my all-time favorite philosophers. In this slim volume, he masterfully expounds upon the problem of evil and suffering, free will &Boethius is one of my all-time favorite philosophers. In this slim volume, he masterfully expounds upon the problem of evil and suffering, free will & predestination, true happiness, and some other equally big topics all in the imaginative context of a conversation with Philosophy herself. Plus, there’s poetry. This is a work of wisdom & beauty, and it’s no wonder Boethius shaped so much of Medieval thought....more
Loading...
