C. S. Lewis: A Grief Observed

My sister recommended this as a touching book. I'm glad I read it the last couple of weeks because I have been so busy and it was really short.

This short book is the journal C.S. Lewis kept after his wife passed away. It is incredible. The best word for this one, I think, is honest. He is so honest about his feelings, doubts, sorrows, and fear. It is heartbreaking and powerful in ways that I think only Lewis can be. Although it is mostly about grief, there are also important thoughts about love and marriage that really struck me. It is after we experience loss that we can really appreciate the beauty of these things in our lives.

Anyone who has ever loved, been married, or lost someone should read this book.

Deepak Chopra: The Return of Merlin

This was one of the books on my shelf that I had to read to decide whether to keep or give away before we move. This is definitely a keeper.

This novel follows events across centuries and retells the Arthurian legend in a way that all of us can relate to. Sure there are wizards and magic and time-travel, but at the very heart, this book is about the battle between good and evil that has always raged and continues in our world today. It's a book about remembering who we are and honoring the goodness within ourselves to conquer that evil. The characters are engaging and the plot is wonderful. I always love a good time-travel story but this one has a new spin on it because the wizards, who are not considered human, have an advantage others don't. The end is sufficiently satisfying without being too cheesy or too final, which is something you don't always find in a fantasy novel.

I would recommend this to anyone because it is just a good book. I really appreciate that there was limited language and the scenes were clean despite a little violence. Even if you're not a big fantasy reader, I think you will like this because the focus isn't on all the magic and wizardry.

Have you read this or anything else by Deepak Chopra? I'm interested in reading more of his work and I'm looking for suggestions. And let me know what you think when you do read it.

Mitch Albom: For One More Day

I probably wouldn't have read this book on my own, although I did really like Tuesdays With Morrie. But this was the book chosen for my local book club, and I like to be able to participate.

It was a quick read and definitely a tear jerker. The story follows the main character through a day he gets to spend with his deceased mother. The book explores topics such as regrets, depression, hope, forgiveness and understanding. I think that his other book was better, but this was also an inspiring story. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so because it's been made into a movie. I haven't seen it so I can't personally recommend it, but I can recommend the book. It will only take you a couple of hours to read and it might make you think about how you live your life and how you treat the people who mean the most to you. What if you were to lose them tomorrow? How would your actions change today?

C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity

People have been recommending I read this book for years and I finally got my hands on a copy. I was a little hesitant at first, because I sometimes shy away from the more theological works, but I loved this right from the start. C.S. Lewis sure knows how to read his reader - I should have know.

Mere Christianity is a compilation of three radio talks Lewis gave on what he calls 'mere' Christianity, or the basics of the Christian religion. Whether you're already a believer or just walking the line, Lewis will speak to your heart, spirit, and logical mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because Lewis speaks simply and directly. I never felt like he was talking over my head or I was missing something. Although, my beliefs don't totally coincide with his, I still agreed with most of his views. He gives great analogies to illustrate his ideas and he follows a logical train of thought through the whole book.

This a beautiful and uplifting book and I highly recommend you pick it up.

Fynn: Mister God, This is Anna

Earlier last week I read this charming book for another book club. I had never heard of it before, but it was suggested by a member of our group as a lovely book on the nature of God. I would have to agree with her.

This book takes place in London during the 40s. A young man finds a 4 year old girl in the street and takes her home. Fynn soon realizes Anna is not an ordinary child and the book is all about her views and discoveries about Mister God, as she calls Him. Anna's simplicity is what makes this story so beautiful. Her child-like disposition combined with her mature and complex mind reveal the essence of God to Fynn and, in turn, to the reader.

Anna's simple arguments and thoughts are so intriguing and I felt that I was missing something almost the whole time I was reading. This is a book I want to add to my personal collection so I can read it over and over. I know I will learn something new every time.

I recommend this charming story to anyone looking for a good Christian book.