2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Soul of C.S. Lewis, August 9, 2010
This review is from: The Soul of C. S. Lewis: A Meditative Journey through Twenty-Six of His Best-Loved Writings (Hardcover)
I had the pleasure of reading The Soul of C.S. Lewis: A Meditative Journey through Twenty-Six of His Best Loved Writings, written and edited by Wayne Marindale, Jerry Root and Linda Washington.
I wasn't sure what to expect but this book is similar to a devotional type of book. Each entry is inspired by one of Lewis' stories, with a little quote an then the authors' reflections and insight on that part of the book. For those that know the books, this is delightful! I have a feeling even if you were not familiar with the writings of Lewis, you will still enjoy the thoughts and probably be inspired to read Lewis' books!
I especially enjoyed the thoughts and reflections of the Narnia books and Screwtape letters. I gleaned so much more information and contemplated his writings a bit more because of some of the entries in this book.
While I prefer the actual writings of C.S. Lewis more than just taking an excerpt and expounding on it, I found this book interesting to read and insightful. I enjoyed it.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
For the Lewis Fan, May 26, 2011
This review is from: The Soul of C. S. Lewis: A Meditative Journey through Twenty-Six of His Best-Loved Writings (Hardcover)
A collection of writings from multiple C.S. Lewis works, The Soul of C.S. Lewis is meant to be a devotional book, but with many more "devotions" than most books of that type. The book gives passages from 26 different works from Lewis, from children's works to deeply theological and apologetic works. After each quotation, there is a discussion of how that quote fits into the overall work. Following that, there is a devotional application for the reader to consider throughout the day. Finally, there is a verse of Scripture. Each one of these readings, except for a few, fit onto one page, making them a good devotional for the reader, though much deeper than many "common" devotional books.
As I began the book, I was confused. Admittedly, I have not read many of Lewis's works. That was my mistake. I plan to read more of his works, then come back to this book again. Having a better grasp on his overall style would be very helpful to the reader before trying to tackle this work. It does take some background knowledge of his writings for these devotions to "come alive." If you are a fan of Lewis, this book would be a great addition to your library. If you are not familiar with his works, I would hold off on the purchase until you are.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Soul of C.S. Lewis, September 16, 2010
This review is from: The Soul of C. S. Lewis: A Meditative Journey through Twenty-Six of His Best-Loved Writings (Hardcover)
The Soul of C.S. Lewis: A Meditative Journey through Twenty-Six of His Best-Loved Writings
Written and edited by Wayne Martindale, Jerry Root, and Linda Washington
Whether the words Narnia, Screwtape, and the Weight of Glory lead down familiar paths in your reading habits, or if you are just being introduced to one of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century, this book is a must-have. It is an invaluable spring-board into the broader range of Lewis' thinking coupled to helpful comments and Biblical passages.
It is dedicated to the need for quiet reflection and the "interconnectedness of Scripture and life."
Designed for the reader's personal growth, each offering is one short page. The book is divided into four categories: Pilgrimage, Temptation and Triumph, Going Deeper, and Words of Grace. There are six chapters in each category from six different writings, with ten contemplative offerings from each work cited. The introduction is packed with valuable references and establishes the flow for the entire work.
This book is three hundred and seventeen pages of sustenance for our souls. It expands our ability to plumb the depths of God's Word through the heart of C. S. Lewis. The contributors vary from life-long Lewis scholars to those who have lived his mind in the realms of his fiction. All carry insight into Lewis' connection to the mind of God.
Thankfully, his fiction works have been included and act as what they are: an expansion of his intellectual understanding of human nature. Story, for many of us, is the link that brings truth to life. The introduction states:
"Lewis himself was well aware that reason has its own weaknesses. If someone makes a bad decision or a questionable moral choice, reason is not so quick to challenge the choice and call the individual to repentance. It is more likely that reason will be marshaled by the will to make a host of rationalizations and excuses for the bad choice. Consequently, bad moral choices can lead to intellectual blindness; cleverness is no synonym for ethical clarity. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:18 that `wicked people...suppress the truth by their wickedness.' Lewis recognized that reason, having been employed to justify a bad choice, will stand like a dragon guarding access to the heart, thus keeping one's understanding darkened. Sometimes story alone makes it possible to get past a watchful dragon."
We have been blessed with Lewis' insight into the human soul. His ability to communicate that insight will stand for posterity. This book adds to that gift by helping us connect the dots between Lewis' vast works, his enduring themes, and Scripture. It is the work of ten gifted writers who will help move this treasure into the minds and hearts of coming generations, adding their own depths of scholarship and understanding to us, the readers.
Tyndale House Publishers has graciously provided a complimentary copy of this book to the reviewer. Yea!
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