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"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." -- C. S. Lewis
Celebrating the life of a very special mentor in literature and faith. Since I discovered him late, I’ve yet to read everything Lewis has written. But I’ll be spending the better part of December with The Four Loves and On Stories and Other Essays. Whenever I read one of his books, I feel like I am spending time with a good friend and a beloved teacher.
My favorite Lewis book is Till We Have Faces, because it has taught me to look at a familiar story from another perspective and that all stories carry levels of truth that speak to the human condition. This book is an invaluable inspiration to me in my current writing project.
How about you? What is your favorite book by C. S. Lewis, and why?
Persephone Writes 
You have me wanting to head to the library right away and get some of his work. I love the Narnia tales of course, and have only seen the movies. How much more lovely the books must be.
I saw the movie “Shadowlands” with Debra Winger and Anthony Hopkins, it was about the life of C.S. Lewis and was a wonderful movie.
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Thanks for commenting and for visiting!
While I do like the Narnia films just as films on their own, they really don’t quite hold up to the books — but what film-based-on-a-novel really does? They’re few and far between. My son and I have been slowly working through the Narnia Chronicles for our read-aloud books and find them enchanting. I highly recommend them.
Shadowlands had quite an impact on me when I saw it years ago — I remember being very moved by it. It prompted me much later to pick up copies of Lewis’s A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. In our current culture, which sees no value at all in weakness or suffering of any kind, these books provide some much-needed perspective.
Cheers!
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I haven’t read anything by Lewis, but I do have Till We Have Faces now sitting on my shelf patiently waiting its turn to be read.
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Hello Bookish Hobbit!
By your name, I see we share opposite deficiencies, for I have not yet read any Tolkien, something I tend to rectify in 2012.
I’d love to know what you think of Till We Have Faces.
Cheers!
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All good books, but I must say that my personal favorite is Screwtape Letters. It really has influenced my thoughts, attitudes, and behavior in regard to things, related to the Devil, and how he operates. Something in this book speaks true to me. So much so, my current project, also deals with the Devil and Truth. For those without a lot of time, I started “The Business of Heaven” a month ago and it is daily readings from C.S. Lewis. Most are about one page and give you much to ponder. Mark
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for sharing! I love Screwtape, also. But it scared me an awful lot. I suppose it’s due to my past experiences — it just read a little too close to home for me. But I agree it is an essential read on the topic of evil and how it manifests in daily life in very real and insidious ways. I have never heard of The Business of Heaven, but it sounds great. Nothing like a bit of Lewis to get you through the day!
Cheers!
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“The Great Divorce” is brilliant and often overshadowed by Jack’s other work. What an incredible person that brilliance can overshadow brilliance!
I relate far too well to various people on the bus in “The Great Divorce” and the conversations therein are frightfully familiar as well.
Other well-thumbed paperbacks on my shelves: A Grief Observed, Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and the Chronicles of Narnia, of course. I also have copies of his letter to educators somewhere, which was hilarious and frightening at the same time, a mood he excelled in creating.
The only writing of his that has not struck a chord are his Space Trilogy works, which just lacked the magic for me.
C.S. Lewis is a mentor as mine as well, though I’d call him a friend, too. I wish I could hunker down for a beer at the Eagle & Child with him back in then day, but the writing will have to suffice until we can do it in heaven. That assumes, of course, that Saint Peter will let me squeeze through the pearly gates.
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Hi Victoria! Thanks for visiting — always love to hear your thoughts on all things literary.
The Great Divorce is sitting on my shelf, as yet unread, as are Mere Christianity and several others. I’m thinking The Great Divorce needs to be read sooner rather than later. I’ve heard good things about that bus, and how one finds oneself on it, from several people. I am intrigued……
It’s a funny thing that nearly all of the Lewis books I have were bought used at The Psychic Eye book shop up in Northern California. Those were the types of places I frequented…interesting how God put Lewis on my path even then, when I had absolutely no idea who or what I would encounter much later in life through these same books……
Yes, lounging by the fire at the Eagle and Child with the Inklings would be a dream come true — for us writers, I’m sure heaven will be something like that absolutely.
Cheers!
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If not for dear Jack, I’d still be slugging it out in the darkness, struggling for purpose and meaning. His works shed light on my life during a bleak time.
The Screwtape Letters struck me across the face to wake me up; Mere Christianity reminded me why I should be awake; and his other works have helped me to attemtp to stay awake in this faith journey.
Happy birthday, Jack. Thank you … from Aslan’s adopted daughter
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Hi Vee!!!!
Well said, as always. So many people who used their gifts for the good of others, to express truth to light darkness. Eternity is not enough time to thank them for their faithfulness and friendship.
Cheers!
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