Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - March Book Reviews

Allegory of Love: A Study in Medieval Tradition

This is one of Lewis' most well-loved and often read literary works. Lewis was professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and this book reflects his extensive knowledge on the subject of not just medieval literature, but medieval thought as well.

This book specifies particularly the medieval idea of love. This is such an important topic and theme in medieval literature. However, the medieval idea of love is very different from the postmodern, western idea of love. Lewis introduces us to this foreign idea of love and how it affects our interpretation of medieval literature. This is a must read for interested readers of medieval literature!

Miracles

Miracles? We read about them in the Bible and sometimes we even see them in our own lives. But what are they? Are they really miracles we see, or is there some other explanation for it? Can miracles actually exist?

Lewis shows that miracles are not just plausible, but they are practical. He answers all these questions and more in his little book. We learn what a miracle is, as well as how to respond to them and the different reactions of other religions to miracles.

But most importantly, Lewis shows that miracles CAN happen. This is the best defense for miracles that there is--showing that miracles can happen, and just because they defy the laws of nature, doesn't mean they defy the laws of God.  

Fathers and Sons

Considered Turgenev's finest work, this book was written during a period of upheaval in Russia which is directly reflected in the work itself. The growing division between generations of Russians is illustrated between two young men, and their relationship with their families.

Bazarov is a young man studying to be a doctor. He is a nihilist and clashes with his more traditional parents. He plays the role of mentor to young Arkady, who follows him blindly while trying to figure out his own family.

The book is a great side by side comparison of these conflicting generations as Russia was splitting politically, socially, and spiritually.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines

I flipped through this book at Barnes and Noble a LONG time ago and knew I wanted to read it. I'm glad I finally got a chance to read the whole thing.

The author of this book does a great job of explaining symbolism and allusions in literature. He shows how it is necessary to look at everything--weather, biblical allusions, mythology, Shakespearean allusions, sickness--and find out exactly what it all means, rather than just "get the big picture" of a story.

Now, of course, that is an extremely important part of literature. But I have two reasons that this book isn't as helpful as it sounds.

1. When you are reading literature, you can enjoy the symbol isms. They make the work that much better and give you a good understanding of characters and events. However, I don't believe that is because every little thing was intended by the author of that piece. Mr. Foster, in this book seems to conclude that authors put everything in on purpose. He believes that if the book says, "it was raining outside" that the author consciously thought of that for an important reason. Now, yes, that could be the case sometimes. Rain could be important to the plot. HOWEVER, I don't hold to this in all cases. I know, because I write. What Mr. Foster failed to point out is this--in ancient literature, you may find little details to be more important. In more modern literature, however, we have entered into a state of realism, in which we add these details not because they are important because they are part of everyday life. We don't really think about it when we write "it was raining outside."

So while symbolism is great, I disagree that ALL authors ALWAYS have  particular reason in mind for each detail. Enjoy the symbolism, but please don't let that make you think everything you read is the author's intent.

2. Secondly, this book tells us about these ways to read literature like a professor. Unfortunately, you don't just read this book and know it all. At least for me, I *knew* almost all these topics before. It is just applying them that is hard. People don't need to read a book on how to read, they need to read that way. So that makes this book not as helpful as it sounds.

Nevertheless, it IS an interesting book. I would probably recommend it to someone who wants to start reading more, rather than someone who already has for years. For me, it wasn't anything really that new, but I'm sure it could be helpful for some. I still enjoyed it, and it confirmed what I already believe, so it wasn't a waste of time, but don't expect your reading to be dramatically changed by this book.

Notes From Underground

Notes from Underground is one of Dostoevsky's shorter and earlier works. The work is literally "notes" from a man, divided into two parts--the first more of an analysis of the man, and the second the actual story and action of the man.

This "Underground Man", as he is called, plays the existentialist part as his actions and circumstances propel him to further a sort of "extra consciousness." This book inspired many existentialist writings, but also caused controversy as it rejected socialism.

The book is much better than it sounds, though. It lives on, in many people's opinions, including mine, not as an existentialist work but as a amazing character sketch of a seemingly ordinary man.

The Misanthrope

  Moliere is one of the wittiest writers ever. In this play, a comedy of manners, he satirizes the high class French and also the human nature.

This play is one of his best known today. However, the tone of the play is very different from his other works. This focuses less on plot and more on characters. Thus, some readers may not find it very interesting.

The play does a remarkable job creating fascinating and humorous characters--all in Moliere's astoundingly witty language.

The Personal Heresy: A Controversy

  This book makes up several articles and letters written between C.S. Lewis and E.M.W. Tillyard, a British literature scholar, in the thirties. The articles were collected into book form because both authors thought that readers would be able to glean something useful from the philosophies presented in them.

Both men argue on the best way to read poetry. They both make great arguments, and sometimes agree. However, their most important points conflict. Tillyard argues that poetry is above the common man, and that poetry is a direct reflection of the author's personality . Lewis, however, believes that all men should be able to enjoy poetry, and that the poet writes about something "external" to him.

If you are a reader of poetry, this book presents some great suggestions and ideas from two leading scholars!

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

My mom has been trying to get me to read this book for months. I tend not to read a lot of theology, other than Lewis, because...well...I'm a quick reader and sometimes reading theology quickly can be overwhelming. Theology is something you want to chew on, read slowly over a long period of time...and I dread doing that. But I found this book suited me, because I actually couldn't put it down! Not only did I get through it quickly, I enjoyed it and was able to take a lot from it.

I've read a few 'defense of the faith' type books over the past few years. To be honest, other than Mere Christianity, I haven't been very pleased with a lot of them. As a Christian, I understand them, but when I read apologetic type works, I try and read them with the mindset of the unbeliever. And unfortunately, it seems like when doing that I'm left with more questions than answers with a lot of books.

Not so with this one. Pastor Tim Keller covers not just the basics of Christianity, but answers EVERY question that modern day skeptics bring up. Any doubt of Christianity is clearly answered. He brings in good arguments (another thing seemingly lacking in other books I've read) and humor, drawing from literature, pop culture, the Bible, and philosophy.

This is a great book for the skeptic, and a even better one for the person who wants to have an answer for the skeptic. This book and Mere Christianity should probably be the top books on any apologist's shelf!

A Death in the Family

A perfect little family is suddenly and irrevocably destroyed. That is the main theme of this book--heartbreaking and tragic, but written in a way that no other book on death has ever been.

The autobiographical novel tells about the family of a young man, Jay, who is killed suddenly in a car accident after going to visit his father. The thirty-five year old man leaves behind a wife, a three year old, and a five or six year old, and the novel tells from the point of view of these characters from the time that Jay leaves to see his father through is funeral. It is a intimate portrait of the grief and responsibility, especially of Jay's widow, as she seeks comfort in her own family, cares for her children, and tries to reach out to Jay's distant family, while seeking comfort in her faith.

Treasuring God in Our Traditions

For my review of this book for Crossway, you can find it here.

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Comments

Thursday, April 9, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by carygrant19

Yeah, I'm not sure when I'll see the movie of Twilight. And yes, the books do get more 'mature' as they go on. I did like the second and third ones, though, so if you're really devoted, they aren't so bad, but at the fourth one I had to stop.
Have you ever seen 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game?' I haven't reviewed it cause I only saw some of it on TCM but was wondering if you had.
Also, have you ever read 'Lord of The Flies?'
It's good to talk to you too! I'll be back with more reviews later. Oh, I finished GWTW! It was fantastic and I was pleased that they stayed relatively close to the book (except for Scarlett's other kids!)

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Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Charlotte

*gasp* You took my book recommendations! I feel so honored..... I look forward to the reviews!

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Monday, April 27, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by CrossView

I missed this? *sigh*

I had no idea Lewis wrote so much! Thnak you for eduKating me! ;o)

How to Read.... looks interesting!

Notes.... sounds good! And timely??!!

I read much of Moliere in college. Loved the writing!

Poetry is K's forte. =/

A Death... I'll pass. I would cry.

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