Written by Elizabeth George Speare
A book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Ciara
The Bronze Bow is set in first century Galilee, Israel. The main character is Daniel Bar Jamin, who lives in the same time as Jesus. Daniel learns how to forgive the Romans after they kill his father.
Overall, The Bronze Bow is great in teaching people how we should always forgive. However, it’s very wordy and quite hard to understand at times.
Written by C.S. Lewis
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The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a satirical compilation of “letters” with the intention of tempting a “median” soul towards the side of Hell. The main character is Wormwood, a devil who went to a college in Hell. Before and during the events of World War II in Europe, he attempts to win over the soul of an undecided and wavering man who is simply called “The Patient.” Using his uncle Screwtape's advice in the form of letters (Screwtape is a very experienced devil who has caught many souls of his own for the Underworld to enjoy), Wormwood attempts but fails to successfully capture the soul of The Patient. He goes on to learn to repent, enhance his experience with love, and grow closer to his faith.
As a Buddhist, I thoroughly enjoyed this read (which is
obviously intended for Christians) thanks to the great writing and storytelling
offered by masterclass writer C.S. Lewis. If you are willing to lower boundary-creating
differences (ideologically, religiously, philosophically, and what have you),
you will be able to reap the most food for thought and knowledge from this book,
as well as enjoy it as a cleverly written story. As a tribute to the late
J.R.R. Tolkien (one of my favorite authors), it stands the test of time as a
worthy homage to the relationship the two authors shared (especially
spiritually).
Written by C.S. Lewis
A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by John
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The Chronicles of Narnia is a compilation of all seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia series. The series is about a mysterious kingdom where four siblings can escape reality. It takes place in Narnia, a magical land filled with fantastic beasts and talking animals. The series tells the stories of several children who play pivotal roles in Narnia’s developing history.
I feel that The Chronicles of Narnia can have a religious interpretation. The storyline finds the main godlike character killed and brought back to life. This instance could be seen as similar to the crucifixion and how Jesus rose from the dead.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys far-fetched fiction.