Time to round up this month’s reading for What’s On Your Nightstand? Here’s where I’ve been:
- America at War, a book of war poems for children. I had mixed feelings about this one, as my review indicates.
- That Hideous Strength, a C.S. Lewis science fiction novel I reread to see if I grasped more than I did when I read it years ago. I loved it, and found much food for thought among the pages. My review is here.
- The Memory of Old Jack, a Wendell Berry novel (and another reread). We’re discussing this one at my book club next Monday. Review of this beautiful novel is here.
- Billowing Sails by Debora Coty is a a YA novel, Christian fiction. Review here.
- The Way of Ignorance, a book of essays by Wendell Berry. Written in 2005, this one’s already a tad outdated (it includes some suggestions for the Kerry campaign). I’d be curious to know Mr. Berry’s take on things these days. Review here.
- The Summons, a John Grisham audiobook my husband and I listened to during a trip last weekend. We enjoyed it, although the ending was a little anticlimactic. Here’s the review.
I should also add: some of the content of this blog was lost or relocated last month. I explain it here. But I’m back to posting regularly, and Across the Page should be stable and permanent from now on.
On my nightstand for reading next: more C.S. Lewis (The Weight of Glory), more Wendell Berry (Citizenship Papers), the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and another John Grisham novel. (Forgot the title, but I grabbed it off the library shelf yesterday.)
The question is, are these reading ruts, or just deep delvings into readers I like? Time will tell!
I appreciated your thoughts on That Hideous Strength. I read Lewis’s Space Trilogy when I was in college and I liked it but I really want to go back and revisit it. Like you, I’m sure I would find so much more to enjoy and think about.
I’ve been picking up CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy for my husband one at a time – thanks for the reminder to add book 2 to his Christmas list.
I should read The Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis. I have really enjoyed his non-fiction and fiction books! Have fun reading The Weight of Glory
I haven’t read The Weight of Glory yet and would be curious for your thoughts on it!
Looks like a fun month of reading for you.
I like reading several books from one author right after each other. I think it gives a little further insight into his or her thinking than reading an occasional book every now and then.
Sticking with a known (and liked) author can be a good thing during the holidays. I enjoy reading several books by one author when I get a chance.
I think reading ruts are okay! I think it’s interesting to compare a certain author’s work. I’m so impressed by your volume of reads! Great to find you!
Oooh, I remember reading C.S. Lewis’ science fiction trilogy when I was a teen – I loved it! I think “That Hideous Strength” was one of them.
My post is up!
I’ll be interested in what you think about “Weight of Glory.” I read it about a year ago and found it very challenging and insightful. I don’t have it here in front of me, but Lewis’ quote from the essay “Weight of Glory” about how we should be awestruck at the sight of other human beings is deeply moving to me. Let me know your thoughts.
I haven’t read any of the books on your list, but I might have read the John Grisham book. I have a hard time keeping track of them all – all of the plots seem to blur together in my mind.
I am going to be reading the first book of C.S. Lewis’ sci-fi trilogy later this week, and I’m hoping it’s good.
Please tell the CF family you know that there is a nice little network of support growing through blogs. Even if she doesn’t blog, hearing our stories may help her. CFers don’t really have “in person” support groups because CFers are advised not to be around each other. Finding other women in my same shoes has been a huge help. Feel free to give her my blog or email address! And thank you so much for praying for us!
Hi Janet,
Found a great article that I think captures the essence of our discussion from a few weeks ago. It’s at http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=1225
My response is at my own blog.
I love C.S. Lewis, and the space trilogy is on my to-read list after I finish Narnia.
Happy Thanksgiving!