Book Review: That Hideous Strength

That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
4.5 of 5 stars

That Hideous Strength, the third in C.S. Lewis' sci-fi trilogy following the character Ransom (based on Tolkien), was by far the best of the series. Set on Earth after Ransom's inter-planetary travel, we follow a couple, Jane and Mark Studdock and their interaction with N.I.C.E., an organization intent on world/natural domination. As Mark is drawn deeper into the organization, Jane finds out more about gifts she has been given and how it all relates back to the Director (Ransom, the Pendragon), a docile bear (Mr. Bultitude), and even Merlin. This theological trilogy draws one through Lewis' ponderings on how the gods and goddesses of mythology could possibly relate to the true God..among many other wonderful things. Suffice it to say that I will be mulling this book over for a long time. I think this series is an absolute must for anyone interested in writing theological sci-fi. It is foundational to this particular genre and illustrates the necessity of fully planning out ones thought progression through a book series. A fantastic read. 

Book Review: Perelandra

Perelandra by C.S. Lewis
4 of 5 stars

This is the second in C.S. Lewis' sci-fi trilogy following the character, Ransom, a space traveller. This time Ransom visits Venus (Perelandra) and we get an interesting glimpse of a Garden of Eden-esque scenario with a woman being tempted into sin. Ransom stands as witness to this event, and eventually realizes his role in the entire scheme. This book brings up a lot of questions about morality and gives Christians a way to look at how Satan can tempt us, and arguments we can use to combat his work. It also gave a picture of true innocence in the Green Woman and how all things and situations can be used to the glory of God. As for the injury of Ransom's heel: that serves as a reminder that true sacrifice and obedience to the Lord often leads to some type of persecution and suffering. But those who endure will be saved! A great book, followed by an even better one!

Book Review: Out of the Silent Planet

Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
3 of 5 stars

My appreciation of the talent and imagination of C.S. Lewis only grows with each book I read (or reread). This sci-fi trilogy was implausible from a scientific standpoint, but he was writing about things that hadn't been imagined yet, so I am going to give him a pass on that. I will say that, although this was my least favorite in the series (because each book got better and better), this book was a necessary step the the build up of the trilogy as a whole. Ransom (who is believed to be a character based on Tolkien) easily becomes a lovable character that you will root for. Don't go into this book thinking it will be a light read. It delves deep into sociology, and more specifically, how our sociology would be different if we had interaction with other sentient beings on Earth. I have a feeling Orson Scott Card read these before writing his beloved works.

Book Review: The Scribe: Silas

The Scribe: Silas by Francine Rivers
5 of 5 stars


This was by far my favorite in this series. To look at someone - a writer, a teacher - with whom I have many shared interests, and to see how he succeeded in his craft and was able to use it as a tool for God was life-changing. My current recurring prayer to the Lord is for Him to use me as He did Silas. If that means helping others write books, great. If that means writing stories and books of my own...even better. I want to be malleable enough to be used by the Lord how He sees fit. Silas became a new role model.

Thunderstorm - Poem

I DO NOT consider myself a poet, but some seriously powerful lightning and thunder during a storm in Haiti recently inspired me to write this. The storm was a reminder of my need to fear God.


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When the lightning smacks and the thunder cracks and the rains roar...
You are feared, Oh God.
When the night is still and the brisk breeze chills and Your Spirit fills me...
You are loved, Oh God.
When the waves crash and the waterfalls splash and the aspens reach to the heavens...
You are revered, Oh God.
When the meadows glow and the willows hang low and the butterflies flutter by...
You are adored, Oh God.
When the woods are dark and the path shows no mark and I'm unsure of the way...still
You are praised, Oh God.
When the sun shines through and the adventure is new and you guide my hand...
You are thanked, Oh God. 

You are worthy to be praised.
You are worthy to be praised.

Book Review: Go Set a Watchman

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
2 of 5 stars

This book was very odd. It wasn't what I expected at all, and so I think that is part of what left me disappointed with it. I can understand why Lee's publisher told her to write another book before releasing this one. This book doesn't even come close to comparing with the beauty of To Kill A Mockingbird. A lot of the thought processes of Scout seem erratic. There were many obscure references that a decently educated person could understand but I think if this book was intended to be read by a larger audience most readers would be discouraged from reading because of them. 

Lee's depiction of Atticus completely destroyed my beliefs about TKAM. She used Atticus' character to make a point through the view point of Scout, but I think she greatly destroyed his character to make some points that were out of character. She wrote him so well the first time, I think she shouldn't have written any more about him. Some characters are too good to be messed with. 

I think the only point that seemed really relevant and important to today's political atmosphere was Scout's realization that she was a strong supporter of states' rights. This is a hot topic in a time in which executive order and Supreme Court rulings are taking a lot away from the 10th amendment giving all other rights and decisions to states. Some of the political moves being made today are going through states rights (legalization of marijuana) and others are not (SCOTUS ruling on homosexual marriages). I think this book could start some interesting discussions about the power of the federal government and its interaction with the power of state governments.

Book Review: The Prophet: Amos

The Prophet: Amos by Francine Rivers
4 of 5 stars

This was one of my favorites out of the Sons of Encouragement series so far because it took a book that most people can't even fathom or understand, including me, and fleshed it out into a story that people can connect with. We see more of the man behind the prophesies and are able to understand the world he was living with. I reread Amos after reading this book, and had an entirely different perspective. In a culture in which people are very conscious of judgment for anything on anyone, it was interesting to see into the world of a man sent to tell the world of God's judgment and then to witness the types of persecution he was willing to endure for God. It was an encouraging story for a modern Christ follower, especially a missionary sent to proclaim the Good News. Inspiring.

Book Review: Mansfield Park

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
4 of 5 stars

Jane Austen has always been fun to read, and this is no exception. You can't help but love Fanny and desperately wish throughout the book that her cousin would finally realize her value. My only disappointment was the allotment of this realization to a few pages at the end. I would have liked to see more of how her cousin finally came around. Great book!

Book Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
5 of 5 stars

I read this classic in ninth grade for the first time, but was recently able to read it again due to an untimely sick day (as if those are ever timely). I understand why many of the classics are required reading for public schools in high school. But with some books, I feel like I missed a lot when I read them, this being one of those books. I had forgotten what lovely prose Fitzgerald used throughout this book. His descriptions are unlike any other writer, which is obviously what sets him apart. This is a story that is so relevant for our current culture. The American Dream can become the American Nightmare.  So many people still chase dreams of wealth and fame and money, and Fitzgerald knew then that the pursuit of this would not bring happiness. Fitzgerald also deserves acclaim for this book for its original point of view. Not many writers have dared use a narrator in the first person that is not the protagonist of the story. For this particular story, it was the very best choice and I marvel at how he came to that conclusion for himself. This is a book I would advise everyone to read or reread. I put off watching the new The Great Gatsby movie until rereading, so I'm interested to see how it will line up with the story. Another great classic that deserves its acclaim.

Book Review: Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
5 of 5 stars 

This book was a delightful read. This one has been on my to-read list for quite a while, and I'm so happy that I did read it. The gossipy style writing of Emily Bronte made an otherwise melancholy and tragic story much more enjoyable.  Nelly's ability to see the people she interacted with for who they really were and not who she wanted them to be was a breath of fresh air. Her attitudes towards everyone in the book were more realistic than I think many of the interactions we read about in modern books. This one is a classic for a reason.