The spring pull has begun this month, but we oddly also got winter's last fight as it dumped a little bit of snow here in NC. I have loved the birds beginning to chirp without reserve mixing with the sun trying to stay out past it's bedtime.
Even now, I sit here with my computer, oatmeal, book to be reviewed beside me, and the 2005 Pride and Prejudice soundtrack playing in the background. (who gets it, gets it) (IF you want to understand it, I suggest watching the movie immediately, or listening to the soundtrack here.)
C.S. Lewis 'On Stories' Review:
Besides the month of February coming to an end, I also came to the end of a collection of C.S. Lewis' essays on literature. I received this collection as a dear gift from a friend, and as I've been struggling to write, it has been beautiful to read about the joys and trials of writing and reading. I love the way Lewis outlines the comfort and golden feel of a simple book, the passion of reading.
C.S. Lewis explores the depth of imagination and the need for creative spirit, even review, in this collection titled On Stories. All my life, I have admired his works one way or the other. He is one of those people I would love to be able to sit down in a dusty cafe around twilight to speak to with coffee in hand. Granted, he would have tea and only me have the coffee; the point is, I would have so many questions, and then also just want to listen the whole time and not say a word. I love to imagine those meetings himself and Mr. Tolkien had over the years in their meetings with all the Inklings in Oxford.
But I am rambling far from simply sharing how a reader loved a book . . . On Stories presents just as was promised in the front cover jacket: " . . . he was renowned for his insightful and often witty presentations on the nature of stories." And it came away very true. In this collection, we have "On Stories", "The Death of Writing", and "On Three Ways of Writing for Children". But not only that, it added eleven pieces that were unpublished during Lewis' lifetime; some of those sections highlighted reviews and critiques - or extreme high praise - of fellow authors in the current markets.
His reasons for loving certain things in books and then in writing, are sown throughout this book. The way he answered questions people often presented to him on the mind of a writer were honest and refreshingly simplistic. Lewis had a way of making things intricate and easy all at once. One reads his words and then leans against a chair saying, "Ah, so that is why that has always been and felt this way." More fun are the moments he inspires and challenges one to read or write something. I also loved how he spoke on theme coming from the story that is bursting inside. It's not a planned meal, but a dessert that makes sense after the other things come before.
Here were some of my biggest takeaways from these essays:
"That is one of the functions of art: to present what the narrow and desperately practical perspectives of life exclude." ~ pg. 13
"We do not enjoy a story fully at the first reading. Not till the curiosity, the sheer narrative lust, has been given its stop and laid asleep, are we at leisure to savour the real beauties." ~ pg. 24
"In real life, as in a story, something must happen." ~ pg. 28
"Since it is so likely that they [children] will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker." ~ pg. 59
" . . .for I think we can be sure that what does not concern us deeply will not deeply interest our readers, whatever their age." ~ pg. 62
"If good novels are comments on life, good stories of this sort (which are very much rarer) are actual additions to life; they give, like certain rare dreams, sensations we never had before, and enlarge our conception of the range of possible experience." ~ pg. 99
"As we read, we find ourselves sharing their burden; when we have finished, we return to our own life not relaxed but fortified." ~ pg. 132
This collection of essays was a fabulous and thoughtful way to end February.
February Favorite Things:
Here a few fun highlights or things I have loved this month and recommend to you all!
1.) The Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack (again . . . yes. Never too much) Listen here.
2.) White chocolate and caramel latte from anywhere.
Now not all of you live in NC, so I can't recommend one place, but I have found this
combo to be my new favorite anywhere I go. IF you do happen to find yourself in
NC, I would highly suggest trying this from Dough-Joe's in Reynolda Village. (and if
you do, grab one of their homemade donuts)
3.) Favorite Book of the month: 'On Stories' or 'A Crown That Lasts' by Demi Tebow. Neither are fiction but both have been great reads this month.
4.) AMP Version of the Bible.
This version has been great to have on hand through an app or physical translation for
Bible studies, as it adds a little more depth. Yet, NIV and KJV are still my go to's, lol.
5.) Josiah Queen and Ludovico Einaudi
Josiah has great folkish alternative worship. Check out two of my favorites below:
Need You More listen here.
Alone With You listen here.
Ludovico Einaudi is a great modern composer and his newest album is perfect as
spring and summer begin. I've listened to it doing a lot!
The Summer Portraits listen here.
6.) Lightweight Layering Cardigan from Loft.
Ok, this little thing had been so comforting and effortless to wear for warmth or a
statement. Plus they come in quite a few colors: look at them here.
7.) Lastly, another favorite thing from this month has been simply to take pictures of small
moments. I'm not talking even people, but simple easy beautiful things that one day
you may look back on and smile. Try a new angle or snapping a pic of something you
normally would overlook.
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