Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - September Book Reviews

 

At the Back of the North Wind

Although it is quite different from any other George MacDonald book I've ever read, it is one of his more famous ones. Unlike Phantastes and Lilith, which I reviewed a few months ago, At the Back of the North Wind is a pleasant children's story. In fact, it is credited with being a pioneer in the children's novel. It also is equally engaging for adults, though, as it contains a good deal of spiritual symbolism.

Little Diamond is a young child who lives a pretty regular life with his poor parents. One day, though, he meets a new friend--the North Wind. Diamond travels with the mysterious North Wind--who takes many shapes, from big storms to tiny breezes. Although he is certain he loves the North Wind, Diamond is confused by her. He does not understand all of her actions--like why she must, through her large gusts, sink a ship of innocent people. Why is she helping people sometimes, but causing pain and death with others?

Diamond must learn the answer to this question, always hoping that he will, through his love of the North Wind, get to the country that is at her back one day.

At the Back of the North Wind is a sweet little fantasy for children, but it is not for children alone. A good one for the whole family to enjoy!

 The Discarded Image: an Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature

This, the last book written by C.S. Lewis, is a different kind of literature book. Rather than focusing on learning or even criticizing different literature from the Medieval and Renaissance periods, Lewis goes a lot further.

Lewis points out medieval thought and imagery and relates it to the literature of that time. He uses the worldview of the medieval period to successfully analyze literature. Thus, by putting each of his readers into the shoes of a medieval person, he is enabling them to better understand the literature. Lewis points out the views that influenced the writers of the period by explaining what they believed about the planets, earth, life, people, education, and more. It is altogether a fresh and unique way to approach literature--laying away our modern views to think like a typical medieval person.

The Prophet of Yonwood

This third book in the Ember series is a bit different from the other two. Whereas the first two books chronicles the life in Ember, and the life of the people who depart from Ember to the earth, this book goes back before the Great Wars, to when Ember was just being built.

Nickie is an eleven year girl from Philadelphia. Her family is left a mansion in North Carolina, so she and her aunt travel there to fix up the place to sell. Nickie is determined, though, that the home will stay in the family. She dreams of it being a happy place where her mother, father (who is often away on mysterious trips), and herself can live like a normal family.

However, the city of Yonwood is anything but normal. With world war looming ahead, citizens everywhere are tense, even in the quiet town. Yonwood is also under the control of a "prophet," and although everyone is intimidated into obeying her, Nickie and others feel that something about her just doesn't seem right. Would God really want the prophet to tell them to do some of the things she asked them to do? Are the people the prophet proclaims "evil" really that bad? What is good and what is evil? Can we ever know?

The only thing I do have to complain about is I'm not crazy about the main character. She's too mature--sometimes the stuff she says sounds like it could come out of the mouth of a lonely depressed thirty-five year old, rather than a little girl.

This novel is definitely the most philosophical in the series so far. An apocalyptic book, it deals with war and destruction, but on an even more intense note, it is an interesting look into false prophets and the fear that leads people to follow them. It's a great reminder that we must look to God, not men.

 The Dark Tower and Other Stories

After the death of C.S. Lewis in 1963, his brother Warren went through some of his old papers. There were many many papers that he could not understand or did not have the time to go through, so he was planning on burning them. But first, he called Walter Hooper, C. S. Lewis' secretary and adviser of his estate, to take a look at them. It is very lucky that Warren did, because Hooper uncovered among these writings several manuscripts written by Lewis, which are included here along with a few previously published short stories.

The Dark Tower

The first of these was, of course, The Dark Tower. It is a science fiction story that is connected to Lewis' Space Trilogy. The Dark Tower is a story of a group of academics at Cambridge University. Long have they discussed time travel, but now they were thrown into the world of it when one of the group invents a machine that will enable them to see the future. They use this machine to observe the future world--complete with bizarre aliens. Yet surprises are in store for the group when they discover that some of them have a double in this "future world", and when one of them is accidentally transported to the world, it cannot be good for any of them!

It's really a fascinating story--unfortunately, Lewis never wrote any more beyond the first 75 pages. Although it is somewhat dissatisfying to read a book that doesn't finish, it is a lot of fun speculating on what may have happened. The editor gives some hints on where Lewis may have intended the plot to go, which eases the dissatisfaction. Even with the disappointment, though, at it being incomplete, it is still a remarkable beginning and a must read for science fiction or Lewis fans!

The Man Born Blind

Although probably my least favorite of the stories in this collection, it is nonetheless interesting. It is a short, several page story chronicling a man who is given sight after being blind all his life. It is a neat concept--exploring the perspective of a man who hasn't seen before. How do you explain color to him? How do you explain light? But it all ends in tragedy for the man, as he comes across a stranger who tries to explain just that to him.

The Shoddy Lands

A man at a college experiences a visit from a young friend in this short story. The friend brings along with him his brand-new fiancé. The man was beginning to get bored, however, until he suddenly found himself in a new world. It bared resemblance to the old world--for instance, his friend's fiancé Peggy was there--yet it was different. What follows is a bizarre story of how the man views this new world--and wondering all the time, "is it a dream?"

Ministering Angels

I'd be crazy if I didn't say this story is a bit....weird. Unusual. Strange. Bizarre. And dare I say rather funny?

A group of scientists, technicians, and astronauts (all male) are sent to Mars. They are to stay there several years, studying the planet. They are all of different backgrounds--from newly married to old men, meteorologists and botanists--all different men. Yet they all have one thing in common--they are pitied by those they left behind on earth, because, of course, what would men do without any women?.

So in a gesture of kindness, those on earth send up two women to keep the men company. Of course, what happy woman would want to leave a planet full of men on earth for a dangerous journey into space? Not many, so the men are stuck with two flirtatious--yet horribly unattractive--women. Lots of laughs as they try to avoid the duo!

Forms of Things Unknown

There is nothing better than mixing mythology and modern day space travel/science fiction. All of that is accomplished in this story about a young lieutenant, John Jenkin, who volunteers to voyage to the moon. It is a risky voyage--because the three before had ended in disaster. Each of the three previous explorers had landed alive on the moon, and sent messages--but every single message was interrupted, and the three men were never heard of again.

John is delighted to have been chosen to be the fourth. He is not concerned about the risk, because he believes he has discovered the secret of why the men had seemingly disappeared mid-message. Each message, he realized, only ended as the speaker was describing what was behind him. For instance, one message ran, "On my left, far away across the crater, I see the big peaks. On my right I see the Yerkes cleft. Behind me--". Each message was cut off in the same manner--and John realizes that, for some reason, on the moon, you cannot turn around.

John is proven right in this climatic ending. Yet what lurks behind you on the moon is more terrifying than even he can ever imagine.

This was my favorite of the short stories. It has a wonderful build up and ending--but as a warning, if you read it and don't quite understand the ending, look up your mythology. Or just ask me, because I researched it and have it all figured out--but I won't give it away till after you've read the story!

After Ten Years

This is another unfinished book. I think it is even more sad to see this book unfinished that it was to see the Dark Tower unfinished, though, because I honestly believe this story had the potential to be Lewis' best book ever.

It follows closely in the path of Lewis' Till We Have Faces, but much more intense from chapter one. It is a retelling of the tale of the Trojan War, but from the eyes of Menelaus (if you aren't' familiar with the story, Menelaus was the king of Sparta who waged war on Paris of Troy after Paris stole Helen, the wife of Menelaus). We find Menelaus struggling as he wars against Troy, wanting to find his wife, yet enraged at her unfaithfulness. He is conflicted--should he take her back as his wife, or treat her as a miserable slave? And will he find his wife the same woman as when he last saw her?

The first four chapters are the beginning of the story, then Lewis skips somewhere ahead to what is called the fifth chapter, but that actually would take place in the middle of the story. This gives one an idea of where Lewis was going with the story, and Hooper reiterates this by giving some good ideas on how Lewis may have intended to end it.

The amazing thing about this book is that, although it only goes on for five chapters, you can already see the brilliance behind it. The plot is catching, and the characters are so well developed. It is a shame it was never finished, because it would have been a great classic work.

 

An Experiment in Criticism  

I've really got to stop reading so much Lewis. I'm coming to a point where I'm afraid to read any more of his writings, because I am honestly afraid I might discover something we disagree on. No one I've ever "meant"--whether in real life or through their writing, have I been able to relate and agree with any more than Lewis. I swear we have the same mind (hey, he was a genius!). Maybe we were switched at birth--come on, it could be possible. He's only 93 years older than me!

I think I have decided this is my favorite of his non-fiction works. It's a different kind of literary criticism. Lewis explores how we should approach literature by first showing the differences between the literary ("The Few") and the unliterary ("The Many"). He shows how each of these two groups read literature, why they read literature, and what literature they read.

Lewis also argues on how we need to judge books. Do we judge them by other criticism we have read (here Lewis points out--in what I've always said--that literary criticisms are not good for someone wanting to read a book, but for someone who has read it and wants to explore more)? Do we judge it by preconceived notions? Do we have prejudices and biases going into literature? Do we care what is "popular", "smart", or "distasteful" at the time when we read?

This is a must have for any student of English and serious reader or writer. It is also highly relevant to others, as it is not just a commentary on how we view literature, film, and other forms of media, but deep down, on how we view culture. I can't recommend this book enough--it is the best introduction for literature or even reading there is. If you are a student, get it to complement your literature courses. If you are a parent, read it and make sure your kids do as well. If you are a teacher, there is no excuse for not reading this. If you are just a big reader, it is you who this book is directed to. Don't miss out.

 A Long Fatal Love Chase  

I always knew Louisa May Alcott had this book in her, even before I had heard of this book. Some of her works, like Little Women and Jo's Boys, hinted at it. I wasn't sure she was capable of something deeper and darker, though, until I read her Rose in Bloom (sequel to Eight Cousins and my favorite of her books!), and saw the intensity that loomed over a certain story line in it.

But still, she never completely gave in to that intensity until this book. In fact, it was so intense that was deemed too sensational and not published in her lifetime--actually, it was only published 13 years ago. Take the story of Faust, who sells his sole to the devil, and mix it with Jane Eyre, and you've got A Long Fatal Love Chase.

Rosamond Vivian is a young girl living on an island in England with her grandfather. She's lonely--her only friends are books. Although a pleasant and vivacious young girl, she's also a bit innocent. Thus, when her grandfather's friend, Tempest, appears one night, she falls for him. Tempest, twice her age and an admitted scoundrel, returns the girl's favors and "buys" her off her grandfather. He marries her, and they start a happy life together traveling around the world.

Soon, though, young Rosamond finds out some secrets about her mysterious husband. Is he as wonderful as he sounds? When she discovers his true character, she runs away, and thus begins the long "chase." Tempest will not have his wife running off, and is determined to hunt her down. "Mine!" he swears, "Mine first - mine last - mine even in the grave!" His determination leads to a startling tale of deceit, lies, love, and reckless obsession. Will Rosamond ever escape her husband and his tormenting secrets? Can she undo any of the wrong he has done? Will she ever find a man who truly loves her, and does not think of their love as but a game?

The Complete Short Stories  

This books contains every one of Robert Louis Stevenson's short stories. It's a fun read, with a variety of stories that only the author of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Kidnapped, and Treasure Island could bring. Some are short stories, others more novellas. Whether they are horror ("The Body Snatcher"), medieval-style romances ("The Sire de Maletroit's Door") or just plain mysteries ("The Suicide Club"), you will find plenty of stories that will suit you.

I'm not going to take the time to review each of the stories, since there are so many of them, but as a collective whole, I would recommend the book, especially if you have enjoyed any of Stevenson's longer fiction. There are a few stories that seem to drag on, but most of them are enjoyable tales that will keep you turning pages!

Wives and Daughters: An Every-day Story 

Well, I have heard so much about Elizabeth Gaskell lately that I figured I better read some of her books. It seems to me like she is fast replacing Jane Austen in popularity right now! And I can see why, I enjoyed this story and it is equal to Austen's novels, in my opinion. Keep a look out for more reviews of Gaskell's works as I plan to add more later on this year to my list!

Molly Gibson's mother died when she was young. She lives with her father, who she adores, and is very content. Of course, predictably, her father remarries, bringing into the family not just a new stepmother, but a new stepsister, as well. Molly, now seventeen, tries to love her new stepmother, but cant help but resent her a bit. But in her new sister, Cynthia, Molly finds a great friend her own age.

Cynthia and Molly are very different, however. While Molly is sweet and innocent (albeit a bit smart alecked sometimes!), Cynthia has been out in the world almost all her life. She is lively, worldly, and smart; Molly is quiet, simple, and wise. The two make an incredible duo.

Ah, but what kind of story would it be with men? Suitors began to arrive by the dozen--most of them preferring Cynthia. Molly, though, begins to love a certain young man--but her hopes are dashed when she realizes that Roger prefers Cynthia and only loves her like a little sister. Meanwhile, she finds out a secret about Roger's brother that she must keep, although it could be devastating if the family found out about it.

Although this story, actually, was not finished either, it was close to being done, so it has a pretty conclusive "ending". The characters in it are wonderful, and although the plot is predictable at times--well, as I always say, I'd much rather have good, developed, interesting characters in a less original plot then boring people in a more unique story!

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Thursday, October 2, 2008 - Greetings

Posted by MaidenCapitolaBallot

HI!
I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you! I have been arguing with some characters and writing like my life deoended on it, however I shall do my very best to answer you today! *Sigh* I cannot believe how behind I am on everything, I must talk to my characters about this! They simply cannot hoold me captive and force me to write anymore :)
Until next time I bid thee adieu

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Thursday, October 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by hotlipsbarton

When we watched it my sister(carygrant19) said " I wish he didn't have to go bad!" But if He didn't go bad there would be no story line! I love all of the Star Wars movies! I like Luke, Anikan and Obi-wan best! Who r your favorites

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Thursday, October 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by sharla88

I'm watching the debate while blogging SP....hehe so awesome.

SO many books!!! SO little time!
It's so funny that I feel like I do nothing all week, but then I can't find time to do anything like run to the library to pick up a book! I think part of that is because I can't drive! lol
GB~
Sharla~

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Friday, October 3, 2008 - Greetings!

Posted by MaidenCapitolaBallot

Well, I am very sorry I have been gone so long. I have been working on a book for about a year now and over the last month have suddenly realized it was reaching it the end of it, since then I have written as though my life depended on it, and sadly all over writings have gone slack. Even now I am rushing about with all my writing!
I think that is my problem, I find Narniaweb overwhelming, I shall have to work at getting used to it, then I think I shall be fine. Perhaps I can find you on there!! I shall look for you!
When William found out we are friends he was very delighted and insisted we all have to meet sometime. It would be great if we could!
I am to the part where Sybil has just died. That was so sad, and though I know Dorian turns bad, I was so hopeful there for a moment. I think that it is going to have a great message, wither the author intended it so or not.
Where did you find the pictures? I looked but couldn’t find any, though I did find out who is going to play Sybil. I think they made a good choice, I was wondering about who they would pick.
Also, I am glad they are not going to die Barnes hair blond; I think he would look rather odd with blond hair.
Yes, I think he will make a wonderful Dorian, I wasn’t too sure at first, but now that I am reading the book I really think so. Now as I read I keep picturing Dorian as Ben Barnes :D
Yes, there is that. No matter where he goes from here, he will always be Caspian to some of us. I saw him in Stardust, and kept thinking how odd it was that Caspian would be there!
In the throne room where you able to count the chairs? The second time I realized some where empty and kept trying to count to see if there was seven, you know the seven missing lords! I am sure there was, however, every time I started to count the scene moved and I lost track of where I was. Once I get the DVD I am going to pause it and count just to make sure :D Anyways, something else we can look for!
Huh, I had never thought of that till now, however you are right, when they did bow to Aslan they were showing humility, great humility. Oh I can just imagine how they felt! Remembering all the times they had doubted him, and now having to come before him and wishing they could go back and redo it, and knowing how better to do things for the rest of their lives. Or not, in Susan’s case.
I think in a way Jill resented Eustace. Wither it was because of him having been there before her and knowing more about the country, or wither because he knew more about fighting or whatever might be the case. I am wondering if it had to do with the equal rights in the school. Maybe she resented that he was given more responsibility in Narnia because he was a boy.
Hmm, now that I am onto this theory I find ways to prove it, but tell me what you think. In SC I see it more, she seemed to have this bossiness about her, and by LB she gets a little better. Maybe she had a struggle we seemed to have over looked. Maybe she had to learn how to be submissive.
Another point I find interesting, none of the other parents went to Narnia but Peter Susan Ed and Lucy’s. I mean I know this can be explained being as how they were the only ones on the train and all, however I also find it interesting that Jill never mentions her parents and we all know what Eustace’s were like. Maybe this explains Jill’s behavior.
That said, I do think after a time, Jill and Eustace did become good friends. I don’t think they ever expressed it, to each other. However when Jill was pulled out of the tunnel I love the part where Eustace panics and says, “Why couldn’t you have held her Pudlleglum!” So yes, I think they did become close friends, and I like to think they stayed friends in-between SC and LB.
I think Ed did learn of what Aslan did. His attitude around him seems to suggest it, he was always humble and solemn, as though realizing all that had been done for him and knowing he could never repay it. Perhaps he was like this. His joy was more then the others knowing what a second chance he had been given he learned to take joy in even little things more then the others, and yet when thoughtful could spend hours brooding over something.
Come to think of it, out of them all I think Ed is the most complex and interesting! At sometimes he could laugh and joke and be quite funny. I try and think of a reference but it is late and they all fail me. Oh wait, DLF, he was joking quite a lot with him, and picking on him and such.
That describes Ed! Mysterious, a bit of an out cast.
I think that when Ed returned to our world after being a man in Narnia, he never lost some of his grown upness and wisdom. More so then Peter, I even see this in the move.
I cannot now picture Edmund without seeing Skandar, as Barnes is Caspian then Skandar is Edmund, he brings Edmund to life, and, well he just is Edmund!!
Grave yet funny. Yes, it is confusing, but then Ed was rather confusing, which may explain why we like him so, there is an air of mystery about him, something we may never to explain, though if anyone can find it I am sure we can :D Oh I simply cannot wait to see him in DT!!
I think Caspian was more like Ed then Peter, more grave, maybe it came from knowing his people had brought the darker age on Narnia, and he felt bad for it.
That scene at the slave market will be great, I hope! I do hope they do it justice and show the indignation of Caspian and Ed, and Lucy, though I think she would be more sorrowful remembering the days when she ruled with the others and such things were unheard of. Oh I can just see Ed!! Trying to take on the men as the grab his little sister! Showing that, though he does not always show his love for her, he is always ready to fight for her!
Yes, I think that look did say that. Perhaps Lucy was scared a bit knowing her big brother and protector would not be there on her next adventure. And then Ed looked at her reassuringly as though to say, “Its all right, I will be there, I will look after you!”
Yes, I have read the lyrics, and now that you point it out I can see how it applies to them all! What a wonderful choice, though I wonder if they wrote the song special for the move.
Have you heard the song This is Home? It was the one they wrote and had planned to sing instead of The Call, but they changed it. This is Home is also very fitting to all of them! Though I am glad they used The Call instead it was more fitting.
I think Lucy, being able to get past Peter’s betrayal, shows not only her forgiving heart but her love for her brother and her willingness to trust him again.
I do not doubt they all loved Susan and that she loved them. But on being close to her, there never really was anything there. It was as though they did not understand each other. I wonder what caused this? Maybe is was her bossiness, though she never seemed that bossy.
Anyhow. I am surprised to hear you have learned a lot from me. If it were not for you I would never have looked deeper into Narnia and discovered all of its hidden treasures! They are really quite interesting and so much more then simple children’s books!
Well, I want to get this sent, so good bye for now!

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Friday, October 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by luckyme

did u watch the vice presedental debate last night?
(sorry 4 spelling)

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Friday, October 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Becca

Hello!

Yes, I like Elizabeth Gaskell! I'm reading Wives and Daughters now. It's really good so far! It's very thick! I haven't read much in a year or so, and now that I'm getting really interested in books again, I decided to jump right in!

Yes, I'd recommend both the movies! In North and Soyth, there's one kiss. But there isn't any at all in Wives and Daughters. North and South was really good, but I prefer Wives and Daughters. It was very in-depth and true to the book. You know the part where Squire Hamley tells Dr. Gibson that he and Mrs. Gibson didn't "hit it off", and "one of us was silly"? They use the exact quote from the book in the movie. There's more than one occurence of that.

Tell me if you like them!

Hugs,
Becca

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Sunday, October 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by carygrant19

Hey....sorry I haven't written in so long. You certainly read fast! I didn't read that many books last month.
You've seen 'Talk Of The Town,' right?
-tpk

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