Tag: book review

Shades of Grey

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Hello friends!! Tuesday afternoon here. A few words on my latest books – not many I promise! – and then it shall be walk time, even if it is ridiculously hot and sticky this mid-March day.

14. The Passion According to G.H. by Clarice Lispector. What even do I say about this one? A profoundly weird book, I enjoyed it in part but most certainly not in its totality. I doubt I could even recommend it to anyone because I just don’t know anyone who could take the strangeness and come out unscathed. Oh but perhaps that is the point? One is not supposed to experience this book and not be different on the other side, methinks. Anyway. I won’t spin my wheels too much here. My favourite parts of this book was the wordplay and the absorbing rhythm at which the author spins her tale. The book fairly thrums with a high intensity sense of longing. There are stretches in this book which thrill in the way in which the author constructs a train of thought. I honestly don’t know how one can write in this way. I think perhaps I’d love to read her poetry for at the end of the day, the stream of consciousness which runs through this novel is poetic in a way which feels almost effortless, though I’m sure the author travailed over this book with much blood, sweat and tears. This is a good book, to be sure. But just maybe not one for me. There are philosophical underpinnings which make me quirk an eyebrow and wonder what exactly the author is getting at. Her thoughts are veiled at times and I wonder if the titular G.H. is an aspect of the author or simply a handy voice to ponder deeper truths that may be at odds with the accepted wisdom of the age. It is a work to behold and perhaps some of you may enjoy this one. The writing is beautiful and the way in which the author utilizes language is truly a marvel. If perhaps I had a bit more comprehension I too could peer over the heights of pretension and join the narrator at a spot unbidden and gaze myself over the deserts that call me back to my ancient home. But if we acknowledge an ancient home we too acknowledge the fruit that we ate that took us from it and though I wish to discourse myself on many things I fear my ability to do such is not quite up to the skill the author wields with such peculiar joy. I both loved and loathed this book. I think the author would approve.

15. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. I enjoyed this book in the moment though less so as I reflect back now. It is a very easy read and the narrative pulls you forward swiftly, even as you lean forward with the girls in earnest, eager to hear the next part of the tale their mom has finally resignedly decided to tell. Possible spoilers ahead. The characters are lovingly drawn and there are parts of this book that I truly loved despite the trauma that marked this book in parts. I think my favorite parts of this book were simply witnessing Lara and Joe and their daughters living and working and talking and laughing and crying even as they spend their time working the orchard and wrestling with their past. I could have spent most of the time with them in fact! Maybe that makes me a bit akin to Peter Duke, one who recognizes the most unusual peace and beauty at that place and feels it to be home even though he only walked that land but twice. I did think this book was well written and did enjoy the craft of the writer as she tells a story about a girl who becomes a woman and experiences a life that seems as foreign to me as to her daughters. There were a few things that bothered me, of course. I have decided I don’t like Covid books. As much as it’s subtle, even reminders of that time irk me and especially looking back at it, it frustrates me to see all the follies of that era laid bare again. There are also a few character moments and choices that made me sigh, though I recognize they are common to this age so I should not be surprised. It makes me sad to see Emily’s fierce opposition to bringing children into the world. Though I do understand the sentiment and even know people who share it, it will never not make me sad. Though perhaps there I stand with Joe and Lara. And then of course the abortion at the end was handled with such brevity and obvious approval, it made me want to weep. I do so hate abortion. But is this not a reflection of the times and mores which even now hold sway? I suppose so. So as much as parts of this book grieved me and as much as I don’t think I’d read this one again, I am still glad I read it. There are reflections in this book that are truly lovely and I’m grateful to read about a family in which there is such fierce love for one another.

Piano Mornings

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One more little book review this Friday morn.

13. How To Lead Your Family by Joel Beeke. A wonderful little booklet on how a man should and ought lead his household. This is a book that I really think I should revisit every year or so as an encouragement and reminder of what God has called me to. It was wonderfully refreshing to read such clear and simple exhortation and meditate on my role as a husband (current) and father (not yet). It is a very little book and could easily be read in a sitting, though I stretched it out over several days. The chapters are structured over the familiar prophet/priest/king paradigm and though helpful as a structure, they mainly aid in helping one think of the different aspects in which a man may properly love and lead his family. I realised as I read how very far I am from loving my wife in the way Christ loves his bride, yet too it was encouraging to remind myself and meditate on the way that Christ has loved us and so of course in the same way I am called to love my wife and it’s almost staggering to sit under this awesome responsibility and I feel humbled that I have been called to such a task. The author writes with tenderness and grace, aware that we are not perfect and that we are weak in so many ways. Yet he does not thus excuse us from fulfilling the commands that have been given to men. We are not called to passivity and ease. No, men are called to actively lead and love and take initiative in caring for his family, spiritually above all (though not solely). This book did not say anything that I hadn’t heard before, yet somehow I found my soul blessed as I was reminded anew of what my God has called me to. This shall certainly be a re-read for me.

All Glory Be to Christ

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Hello friends! A quick Thursday post. Well, at least I think it will be quick! Thought I’d write a few words on books, as is typical more often than not these days. If I have time after that, may try to write some creative words too. We shall see! Peace and love, one and all.

11. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. I picked this one up quite some time ago and it’s been sitting on my shelf for ages sadly unread, but finally I picked it off the shelf and gave it a go and…it’s alright? I regret to say that I didn’t really love this one. I’ll blame part of it on me and my preconceived idea that this was going to be a silly fun whimsical tale with lots of books and at least a little magical realism. Well, some of the above is true. There were lots of books and even more fun booklore (and in fun coincidence, Wuthering Heights and its author played a prominent role, making me think I should read it again instead of going to see the movie that just dropped) and yes there was magical realism too! But the whimsy was not quite. Again, maybe this is my fault, but I wasn’t quite expecting there to be so much trauma and sadness in this book and I guess I just wasn’t really in the mood? So this book was fine. Characters a bit flat and the various perspectives felt like they were all from the same person. But that’s probably me being overly critical! Still not a terrible read, but just not one that really worked for me.

12. The Christian Life by Sinclair Ferguson. A beautifully simple and profound work on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. I much enjoyed reading a chapter or two of this one every day and reminding myself of God’s work in my life and what He has called me to! Much of this book may seem simple to some, but I think it’s most important to spend time continually reminding ourselves of the fundamental truths of the gospel and the realities of our life in Christ. This book walks through the progression of the Christian life, beginning with who we are before we know the Lord, following up with the work of God as he draws and calls us to himself and creates us anew that we would follow Him and walk in newness of life even as we look forward to resurrected glory that awaits us in that eternity that we shall be with our Lord. Oh how good is it to think on such things! I love Ferguson’s frequent Scripture references of course, but also enjoyed his excerpts from other authors and frequent quoting of hymns!! It is good to read a book that points one to the glories of the gospel. I need to read more such.

Simply Yes She Said to Me That One Fine Winter Day

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I’m a bit tired and don’t think I shall spend much more time on the computer this day. Leftover sausage and lentil stew for dinner, hurrah! And more Olympics-watching for Dani and I! We shall soon find out who wins the ladies’ figure skating gold! But for now, thought I might as well spend a few minutes of my time writing a bare few words on my latest read.

10. A Haunt for Jackals by J.L. Odom. A great read. As previously reported, read a new book recently (By Blood, By Salt) and was so struck by its uniqueness and high quality that I couldn’t help but immediately source the second book. This is that second book and I am very sorry to say that the third book is not yet available so I must wait for the conclusion (or just continuation?) of this series! Ahhh! But anyways, A Haunt for Jackals was a fantastic book, even if it was even more grim than the first book, if that was possible! This book is a very…how shall I describe it…muddy and bloody book. I think that description is apt. So I read this one a bit slower than I originally thought I would, simply because I had to be in the right mood for it. But once I slipped into the world again with Azetla and Tzal and others, well…the pages just rolled by. The world is so richly textured and the characters feel so real, I simply delighted in the reading experience every time I opened the book. There is definitely trauma in this book, especially with the history of Tzal being unveiled. It was…hard to read at times. Be warned. Still yet, there is beauty in this book. I’m grateful for this book, even though I must confess I was a bit surprised by a revelation at the end that I thought was too obvious to be true! But we shall see what the next book holds. Sad I have to wait!! Oh one more point. This book is definitely more of a military book than I am used to reading. Not sure if that’s my thing, but I have to say the battles were thrillingly told and even for someone as militarily inexperienced as I, was not bored. This author knows how to spin a tale.

Sixteen

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A few thoughts on my latest read – not too many words, I promise!

9. Believer’s Baptism edited by Schreiner & Wright. My studies on baptism continue. I found this book recommended as one of the best recent resources on believer’s baptism (or what some prefer to call “confessor’s baptism”) and it did indeed fit the bill. A very solid and comprehensive work, even if the format – each chapter by a different author – did make for a bit of a disjointed reading experience at times. And there were a few chapters which I felt didn’t add much, specifically the chapter on the Stone-Campbell restorationist movement at the end. But there were a few chapters in this one which were indeed well worth the price of admission, namely the middle chapters. Wellum writes a fantastic chapter looking at reformed theology and exploring how the logic of the covenant of grace carries over into a theology of baptism. Also was much interested in and benefited by the two historical chapters, one looking at the writings of the early church on baptism, the other being an exploration of baptism following the Reformation, leading up to the Anabaptist movement. I find it very helpful to more fully grasp the arguments around baptism when one more properly understands the historical progression, and these chapters were very helpful in that regard. Being one who is particularly interested in comparing the classic Reformed view of baptism vs the Baptist view, I appreciated that Wellum fully explored the logic and underpinnings of Reformed theology and how that necessarily results in a theology of baptism that is a bit different than what may be seen in early church and modern Baptist practice.

I fully admit my biases in that I’ve long believed in what some would call Baptist theology, baptism being a sign and proclamation of a reality that has already taken place. This places me full on one end of the spectrum, very much gazing off into the distance towards the Catholic/Lutheran/Reformed camps as I sit with my Baptist brethren. I came to this book predisposed to believe what it sought to prove but I did also hope that it would be a work that was intellectually honest and forthright in both the view it put forth and the views it argued against. I did not find anything in this book to budge my view down the spectrum and if anything, I found my support for believer’s baptism strengthened. While I don’t believe baptism is a first-order issue (few in the Christian world would), I do believe it’s an important issue and one that is sadly neglected too often these days. When we consider that one of the primary commands of the Lord given to his disciples was to go forth and make disciples and “baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, how critical is it that we have a proper understanding of what baptism actually means and entails? I would argue – quite. I also much enjoyed Dever’s chapter at the end laying forth some practical advice and guidance as to how baptism ought be practiced in the modern church, answering some possible questions/dilemmas and being clear as to the function of baptism in our modern day.

I don’t think this book was perfect but I do believe it was a worthwhile read. If anyone would like to discuss this issue with me further, let me know and I’d love to have that chat over a coffee. I have many brothers and sisters who differ with me on this and I love them none the less for that.

Notes

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It’s a Tuesday night. It’s warmer. Why. I want our nice cold winter weather back! Alas, I suppose I will just have to grin and bear it. For now. So while I bemoan the unseasonably warm temperatures and pine for winter once again, I will write a few words on my latest.

7. The Winds of Change by Isaac Asimov. I’d forgotten I’d read this before and pulled it off my shelf thinking it was a new read. By the time I had a funny feeling that I had indeed read this before, I was already about halfway through and decided to just finish it! And it…was fine? Either I’m starting to outgrow Asimov a bit in my advanced age or this is one of his weaker collections. Either way, the short stories were reasonably entertaining in the moment, but not much more than that. Some of them were downright clunkers! Ah well, still better than a lot of sci fi being published at the moment!

8. By Blood, By Salt by J.L. Odom. What a stupendous book. Oh how I do delight when I find a book that so thoroughly surprises me as this one did! I bought this one off a recommendation and kind of forgot about it until a few days ago when I was perusing my shelves looking for a new read. Saw this and shrugged and thought why not try it? It looked a little grim and daunting and I wasn’t entirely sure I was in the mood for such. Still yet? It won my heart. I shall attempt to not spoil this one as I really feel much of the beauty of this book is in the discovery. But it is a fantasy, I guess you could say. A work set in a place and time not quite our own. Yet there are similarities – obvious and not disguised ones – to cultures and personalities of our own human history, and while I first wondered if it was perhaps a bit too pat in its appropriations, I soon found myself marveling at the deep and intricate world the author had constructed. This may be a debut novel, but the writing feels confident and self-assured. The author knows where she’s going with this. One of my only qualms is that this book is not the end! I have already sourced the next book and eagerly await it arriving so I can drop once more into this world. Some may think her themes and touchpoints too obvious, yet I feel they work. I do wonder where she’s going with this and I’m pleased that I can’t quite tell. I get whiffs of some of my all-time favourites (particularly some resonance to Till We Have Faces) and I’m frankly a little shocked that this is the author’s first published book. The writing is grounded, detailed and feels utterly real. The characters are a bit foreign at times yet…with the world and history that they’ve lived, is that not surprising? I mentioned at the start, but this is indeed a grim book. Not much light-heartedness, quite a bit of violence and trauma. If you’re looking for a bloodless adventure, this is not the book for you. Yet sometimes the shedding of blood is necessary, is it not? I can’t wait to read the second and see how the story of Azetla continues. Stunning work, truly.

All The Trimmings

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A few book thoughts this cold grey January day.

3. Moon Shadow by Rachel Shinnick. A fine second book in the Moon Thief trilogy! I was much delighted by this one and as I started reading was drawn even more into the saga of Ilis and her friends. The first chapter was suitably dramatic and emotional and while I shall be attempting not to spoil things here, I really enjoyed how it set us up for the rest of the book and established Ilis and her place in Beriyth. I loved the letter conceit that was used throughout – it did a marvelous job of both communicating the emotions of the main characters as well as ratcheting up the tension. What is going on in this world? Why is the moon red? What’s going on with the “Lift”? And can Ilis protect her land from the Aetoneans? These questions are (mostly) answered, though as this is the second book in the trilogy, there is a definite sense of unfinished business and lingering fear as one closes the book. I have to confess, I did not at all anticipate the ending of this one. It shook me. I will have to re-read at some point soon and I am curious as to how knowing the end will affect a re-read. The characters in this one are still a joy and I love some of the new characters introduced – especially Cogs! Him and Kat’s friendship is one of my favourite parts of the book and I was always smiling whenever they were on stage. I’ve been a bit all over the place with this one but that’s partly because I really don’t want to spoil. I much enjoyed this. The author’s writing style in the first book was bracingly fast-paced yet lovely – this book the writing took a step up, feeling even more confident and sure of itself as the author continued to unfold her story. The emotional scenes in this one hit all the harder and the beauty shone through all the more. I’m quite excited to see what she does with book 3 and cannot wait to read!

4. Practical Religion by J.C. Ryle. A wonderfully encouraging book. Every time I read a book by Ryle, I wonder why I haven’t read more of his and am all the more eager to find another to add to my shelf. Yes, Ryle is a 19th-century writer and so at times the style feels a bit old-fashioned to her ears. But yet? Ryle speaks clearly and forcefully of the Christian faith and what it calls us to and he is not ashamed one bit. I love how much Ryle feels the weight of the message of the gospel and how passionately he calls us all to make sure we are in the faith as we meditate on our own place in this life. This book is an easy read in some ways, as each chapter is standalone and can be read as part of your daily meditation or devotion. Some of the chapters are a bit longer and will require an extended period (perhaps an hour), yet each chapter is well worth it. I need to read more books like this, books that encourage me in what I believe and remind me of what I know and yet give me further fuel and fire to delight in my Lord and to seek ever more to follow him all of my days. As I read this, I was reminded of the simple and practical parts of our daily life that we should and ought give to our Lord and how silly is it that we so often segregate our life between the secular and the spiritual whereas we should actually consider the whole entirety of our life in the light of the spiritual and seek that we might be properly taking steps that would align us more with what our God has called us to. I realise I haven’t really talked about the main meat of this book – so what is this book really about? As I mentioned, each chapter is standalone, so each chapter is different and it is difficult for me to say there is one major theme. There are chapters on bible reading, prayer, zeal, love, the Lord’s table, sickness, riches and poverty, our final home, the fundamental differences between the Christian and non-Christian and so many other topics. It is helpful to think about these things and Ryle writes so clearly and plainly that it is easy to understand, even with the slightly outdated language at times. Truly this is a pastoral book, and one that I would encourage to all. Yes, he wrote this in a different time, where the majority of people were at least nominally Christian and so some of his lines seem a bit odd now as he’s clearly writing to people who have at least a familiarity with church and Christianity. Still I think this book would benefit anyone who would read it now, even as it would clarify what it means for one to be a Christian and be a follower of Jesus. Reading books that encourage me in following Christ and to be more intentional in my daily walk? Yes please. I need more books like this in my life.

5. Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen. A superb polemical work, even if at times feeling a bit dated by the time in which it was written. If anything though, this serves both as a proper aid to understanding true historic Christianity as well as a historical primer of the state of the church in the early 20th century. This book really is a fascinating look at the state of the established church (with an American focus) now about a hundred years back and Machen’s book is a bracingly clear and concise defense of what were considered the orthodox beliefs of Christianity. Machen is addressing those “liberals” in his time who began to believe and say and preach (even if veiled at times) that perhaps some of the historic truths of Christianity weren’t quite as important as they were of old made out to be and that perhaps they weren’t even true at all. The quest for the historical Jesus had already began and the critical method had begun to be used as a tool for questioning the old ways of understanding both the Bible and Christianity. Machen in this book attempts to challenge the new paradigm and he takes great offense at the cunning of the modern scholars and theologians who attempt to reframe and ever so gently reshape the Christianity of old to make it more palatable to the modern enlightened mind. Machen holds fast to the old-time religion and in this slim volume (really a quick read – knocked it out in less than a week to Dani’s chagrin!) he spends time talking about some of the fundamentals of the Christian faith and comparing the Christian view to the liberal one. These fundamentals include thoughts on “doctrine”, “the Bible”, “God and Man”, “Christ”, “Salvation” and “the Church”. I think I just named the chapters in this book, for the most part. Machen with skill and grace attacks the liberal position and attempts to set forth the Christian position as the one which aligns with both historic and metaphysical reality. He at times can be a bit abrasive yet I do get the sense that Machen is deeply wounded and shaken by the subtle attacks of those who toss forth that classic question – “hath God said?” and in soft words and softer intimations indicate that of course their position is the only reasonable one in the here and now. Are we not in the modern age, after all? Machen is fighting for the faith and I admire his zeal and love for the Lord as he clearly defines the core ethos of Christianity.

I have a few times mentioned the word “fundamental” and while Machen is often seen as a precursor to the “Fundamentalism” movement of the 20th century, I’m not sure he would himself align with such. Yes he clearly believes in the reality of a spiritual world and the possibility and actuality of the miraculous and supernatural work of God (In ways his thoughts on such reminded me of Lewis’ book ‘Miracles’, which I really must re-read soon!). Yes he clearly believes in the authority of the Word of God and the efficacy of such in working in the hearts and minds of men and women through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet he also is one who very much values the thoughts and minds of the scholars and theologians of old and does not so eagerly dismiss the written works of the past few thousand years, understanding how much God has worked in his church throughout the past few millennia in increasing our understanding of who God is and how God is working on this earth. Yet Machen also doesn’t hold as blindly as some to earthly institutions and manmade hierarchies. He calls for a simple Christianity and a simple faith, a belief in the God who is real and who in reality stepped on this earth and died on an actual cross of wood so that all those who simply believed on Him would have life eternal, both now and in the age to come. This is both simple and profound and should shake all who think truly upon these words. I was much benefitted by reading this book and while it might be a bit heady for some, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to think a bit more about the core tenets of the Christian faith and how they compare to some of the modern thoughts and beliefs we even now have about what it means to be a Christian. There are different battles we fight now to be sure. But even now, there are those who call themselves Christians who preach another gospel. Is it not helpful for us to consider even now what the true gospel of Christianity is? What message shall be proclaimed?

A Consideration

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Hello friends! While I hope at some point to do a proper 2025 retrospective and a 2026 looking forward…this is not that. Instead, why not start off the year with a few books? (That I most certainly finished in 2025 but have only gotten around to writing about now!)

1. You Are Not Your Own by Alan Noble. A difficult read at times, but not for any fault of the author’s. Rather, this is a book that shines an unsparing mirror upon society (and yes, ourselves) and asks us to consider if the way we live our lives really properly reflects the truths that sit at the core of our very existence. Of course this is coming from a Christian perspective but if one considers such a perspective is true (which I do), this book is properly bracing in how it lays out the way our modern society has failed us and how our only response can be a reorienting and a considered, intentional way of living that operates with the understanding that we are not our own, but we belong to the God who created us. The first few chapters of this book (really the first half of this book!) are grim indeed, as they lay out the way in which our society and our modern outlook have failed us. It can be a bit of a hard slog and a depressing one as one reads on and on about we are set up for a miserable go of it if we live as if we are our own. I appreciated Noble’s perspective, for as much as I love old books, sometimes it is quite important to have people writing and sharing wisdom on the time in which we now live. This book does that. All the modern Western ailments are dealt with and at times I flinched as I considered how much my own thoughts and actions are coloured by my unthinking adherence to the standards and practices of this age which I call my own. And so, please push through the first few chapters as they are important and necessary for us to understand the problem. Of course, Noble does eventually come to a solution (what I would call the solution) of understanding that only through living as if we belong to God can we properly thrive in our living and being. It is still hard though. We want a practical primer, takeaways and 5-step programs and knowing that if we do the “one thing”, then everything will be better. Well, everything won’t be better immediately, no matter what we do. We live in a broken world, and nothing we can do can entirely redeem it. Thankfully, miraculously, gloriously? We know there is one who came to this world precisely to redeem it, and so in the glorious reality that Christ came to this world to offer salvation and point to a future in which all will be made right, we can also live now in gratitude and joy, beacons of hope to the dark that surrounds.

I am beginning to ramble now, so I won’t say much more, but there are some lovely statements and practical wisdom at the end of this book that helped me to reflect on how I ought now live. Particularly one line I loved was about the importance of “small rearguard advances”, the small things we do that reflect the true and the beautiful.

Actually, I think I will quote that paragraph to end: “I suspect this part of the book would feel much more satisfying if I lied to you, but I’m not going to. You will not save the world; you can’t even save yourself. At best, you may see the corruption in society more clearly, you may be better prepared to deal with the indignities of the modern world, and you may make small, rear-guard advances for truth, goodness, and beauty in your sphere of influence. I hope you do! But if you can get over yourself and stop thinking in terms of efficiency, you can honor God and love your neighbor while having faith that He will set things to right. Don’t let yourself ask, “Is this good deed making any real difference?” If it really is the right thing to do, the efficiency does not matter. Your obligation is faithfulness, not productivity or measurable results.”

2. Voices From the Past, edited by Richard Rushing. A wonderful daily devotional. I read this (almost!) every day this past year and my soul was much delighted in the doing. As someone who appreciates the old Puritan writings, reading a little bit of one every morning was truly balm for the soul. Of course some of the selections are better than others and of course there were times I wondered how the selection reflected the verse chosen. Still yet. It is wonderful to meditate on God and His words and works, and these writings helped me do so. Heartily recommend this if any of you are looking for a new daily devotional!

Fixed it For You

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A few thoughts on my latest read this warm December evening.

83. The Everlasting Righteousness by Horatius Bonar. A beautiful book on the righteousness of Christ and its implications for those who put their trust in him. I was looking for a little book on Christ that would aid my devotion and meditation on him, and this certainly fit the bill! Its subtitle is “How shall man be just with God” and most certainly this book answered the question with the answer being self-evident from the title alone. At times we can trust to our own efforts or goodness, even if we would not put it quite so boldly out loud. Yet at times we often think we have done a bit of what is necessary to give God cause to love us, true? This book is a wonderful corrective to such thinking, driving one to the cross. Only in Christ can man be just with God. Only through Christ and his righteousness, for we have naught to bring! We are blind indeed and those who know such and cry out to the great Healer will surely find their eyes opened and eternal life in the bargain. The majority of this book deals with the subject of Christ’s righteousness and the imputation of such to the sinner who puts his trust in Christ. I probably read this a bit too quickly and I think it would well repay a slower reading. The author did add a few chapters at the end on both the significance and result of the resurrection of Christ as well as the necessary outcome of holy living for the one who is truly covered by the righteousness of Christ. These are “side issues” as it were to the main subject of the justification of the sinner through Christ’ righteousness, yet I’m still grateful that the author decided to add these chapters as they are simply magnificent and heart stirring in all their grandeur. Meditating on the resurrection of Christ was true balm for my soul!! I probably have said too many words on this one already. It’s a small book, the chapters perfectly sized for a short evening’s reading. Though this book may come across a bit dated to some (written over a hundred and fifty years ago now), I’m still most grateful I read this and shall certainly pick it up again when I am seeking to be encouraged and reminded of why I am so confident of that hope which I call my own.

A Lamb Shakes Her Tail

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A fine December morning dawns. Well, almost dawns. I believe it is still dark at the moment yet I know the sun is hovering just barely off stage simply waiting for her cue. I have no doubt we shall witness her entrance soon enough. As to the now? I thought I’d just pop in for a second and write a few words on my latest book before work begins in earnest. Grateful that this work week is not going to be long – hello vacation my old friend! Soon. Soon. Hopefully the take off this week leads to much writing. No promises. Now enough rambling.

82. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. A week or so back I decided that I really felt in the mood for a proper Christmas-y book to welcome in the Christmas season. And…is there really any better book than this one? I think not, even if there is no snow falling in my present climes. I forgot how much I love this book. It never ceases to warm my soul. And I’m pretty sure each time I read it, I discover new nuggets of truth and beauty. Lewis tells this tale with such simplicity and wonder, I dare say I’m almost jealous of his skill in such. There is much in this book to recommend it, not least that it points to deeper and greater truths that make this heart swell with joy. I love this book and I’m now contemplating whether or not I should read it every Christmas. This is one of the greats.