5/5 stars

A formational book review by Megan

“The notion of return, of “crossing a threshold,” is at the heart of the Narnia stories. It seems to be something that Tolkien missed in his critique. Lewis called these tales “good dreams”, the universal stories of restoration sent by God to every corner of humankind. Yes! Lewis believed the imagination offered each person their own door to a vision of the universe with true meaning.”

The Mythmakers is a unique telling of the friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The book chronicles their experiences growing up, through war, and the beginning of their writing journeys. Expertly researched and beautifully told through art and a story of its own.

Reading as a Disciple

“But we must not forget what he called the true gift- perhaps the most obvious attribute of the fairy tale… it is the hinge on which all fairy tales turn, the single unification of escape, consolation, and recovery. Tolkien created a beautiful word for this collision: The Eucatastrophe. All real fairy tales have it: the anti-catastrophe! You have probably felt it in your heart when you’ve read a story. That moment when all hope is lost but then, without warning, there is a “sudden and miraculous grace: never to be counted on to recur! Giving a fleeting glimpse of joy; joy beyond the walls of the world, as poignant as grief. The “happily ever after”! Even better! A longing to live forever in joy. It is the universal desire for the greatest of all escapes- an escape from death.”

Don’t we all long for that eucatastrophe? The sudden and miraculous grace, to be saved by the eagles swooping in like Bilbo or Frodo and Sam; it sure would be helpful some days but it cannot be counted on. That is what makes it miraculous, it was beyond belief. Great stories should leave us pondering and longing for more, for the beauty of the story to continue. “Great myths allow us to slip through the clouds of everyday life and glimpse something divine.” Longing is a new idea for me, an idea that it is a righteous act, to long to see the goodness of God in my life and in the land. Longing teaches us patience and perseverance in the now; that one day God will fulfill his promises.

Reading Communally

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”

The story of The Mythmakers emphasizes the importance of community and friendship. Tolkien and Lewis shared remarkable talents but each had their own struggles and doubts, it was their friendship that helped fill in those holes. Lewis encouraged Tolkien in his work on The Lord of the Rings, it is said that we might never have had LOTR if it weren’t for Lewis. Their friendship was not all serious business but included other like-minded men that enjoyed “nonsense, dialectical jousting, and raucous arguments.” Gathering Christian friends does not have to be limited to Bible studies and church activities but can include nonsense and the simple act of reading fiction books together “for the simple pleasure of enjoying stories in community.”

Just this morning my lenten devotion was centered on the family of believers that “beneath the cross of Jesus, his family is my own.” We are knitted together as a family of believers waiting for our bride to come. Ephesians 2:19-22 words it as “being fitted together” into a holy temple for our Lord to indwell. What a beautiful image, the image of Christian friends gathering around a fire to discuss literature. 🙂

Final Thoughts

“Myths are traditional, often supernatural stories told by humankind. Stories that, within the telling, unfold something about a culture’s history or belief system.”

I absolutely loved this book, it was so fun to read. There was a lot to unpack and look at, Hendrix said himself that it was hard to curate and decide what to leave out but he did a great job of keeping the book focused and clear to follow. The artwork is phenomenal and easy to follow with so many little nuggets to discover. It is not only a great book for Tolkien/Lewis lovers but for anyone longing for true friendship and for our home in Christ.

Other Books:

4/5 stars

A formational book review by Megan

“Sometimes you have to do the work even if you don’t feel like it. Sometimes you have to put away your wants and do what needs to be done, which really means dying to self in order to find life.”

Adorning the Dark is all about community, calling and creating told through the life of Andrew Peterson. It is part biography, part spiritual growth, part handbook.

Reading as a Disciple

“Over the gateway of Self is a sign that says, “Abandon hope, all ye who enter.” It is a hellish, helpless place. Die to self. Live to God. Let your words and music be more beautiful by their death in the soil of worship, that the husk of your own imperfection might fall away and germinate into some bright, eternal song only God could have written.”

Dying to self is one of those Christian phrases that we hear often but are completely unsure how to live out. I like this quote because it gives some framework for that living out. I should desire that my “own imperfection might fall away and germinate into some bright, eternal song.” So much of dying to self, is being ok with our imperfections and letting God use our willingness to serve and obey despite what we see as weaknesses. Peterson gave many examples of doing things that were bigger than himself, it was not what was “advised” but what he felt God leading him to do and God was glorified.

Reading Communally

“You’ll be tempted to slow down, or take an easier route- but it is only by discipline that you’ll finish, and it is only in finishing that you’ll be able to offer up your humble work to those weary souls who may need it.”

I can say that discipline is not something I excel at. It takes a lot of effort to practice discipline. Even for something I enjoy like carving, I know I should practice more but there are days I’m tired or feel “uninspired.” Peterson urges the reader to practice perseverance in whatever craft you practice, not just for ourselves but also for the benefit of others. We are offering up beauty and truth to others and what people do with that is “[God’s] business and none of [ours],” a paraphrase of a Flannery O’Connor quote that Peterson mentions. Being in community can bring growth and refinement as others weigh in on our offerings but can also bring confusion and discouragement if we put too much weight on the opinions of others. It is a fine line to walk, between doing what we feel God has led us to do and listening to the outside voices, even those of people we respect. It is a tension to manage.

Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Adorning the Dark. It was masterfully done, it didn’t feel like a “teachy” book, it had plenty of stories from Andrew Peterson’s life but there was much to ponder and reflect over. It is for any artist but it is aimed more for singers and songwriters.

Other books:

Not only is Andrew Peterson a musician but he is the author of multiple other books that I would say are must reads including The Wingfeather Saga, which if you haven’t read, go read it now!

A formational book review by Megan

4.5/5 stars

“I had desired it [creating a being] with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished; the beauty of the dream vanished; and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.”

Many people through out the world know about Frankenstein, Hollywood has given much attention to this tale of terror but fewer people actually read the book and know that Frankenstein is actually the name of the scientist who creates the monster, not the other way around.

Lance and I both read this book along with two of our friends here in Port Townsend. We recently got together to discuss the book so this book review will not follow the usual format.

I read the 1818 Frankenstein version that includes notes and discussion questions from Karen Swallow Prior, a Christian professor of literature and author of multiple books, she even added in the book a section titled “Reading Frankenstein as a Christian Today.”

Background

Mary Shelley was born in 1797 England to two revolutionary authors who did not believe in marriage but only married after they were expecting Mary and knew that their daughter would be at a disadvantage if the did not marry. Mary grew up outside the typical family boundaries, she had multiple half siblings from her parent’s illegitimate relationships and because of this she followed their idea of “free love” and ran away with author Percy Shelley (who was already married) along with her half-sister. Sadly, Mary endured the deaths of four of her children through miscarriages or premature death along with the suicide of a sister and Percy’s wife and eventually her lover. She was surrounded by death.

Unofficial Thoughts from the Unofficial DB Book Club

“I don’t like Frankenstein,” says Rachel. She is referring to Victor Frankenstein and his obsession for glory and prestige.

Rachel interjected this opinion as we compared the visions of glory sought by Victor Frankenstein and Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul states that he will only boast of his weaknesses because through them Christ is glorified. Frankenstein set out to create his monster for his own glory, for the triumph of creating.

“A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.”

Compare that quote with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

We moved on to discuss the question, what truths does the novel convey about human beings as social creatures?

God created us for community, he desired to be with His creation while Frankenstein created for his own glory and once he created his monster, he wanted nothing to do with it. The monster continued to seek out fellowship and community, he desired relationship and acceptance which is what drove him to demand a mate from Frankenstein.

“but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid from its very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and detested.”

The monster was rejected by mankind and forced to live a solitary life and in his anguish he cultivated hatred and a desire for revenge. In the introduction, Prior discusses the importance of companionship and friendship and that perhaps the church today has replaced this idea with “mentors” or “accountability partners” instead of helping people find healthy “companionship in our lives and as well as the dangers of not having good friends.”

“I don’t like Frankenstein,” repeats Rachel.

Nature versus nurture is another great topic to discuss in view of the book. Was Frankenstein’s creature destined to be a monster in character or was that nurtured by the rejection of society and his Creator? Multiple times the monster begs his creator to take pity on him as his creation but his request falls on deaf ears. It can also be discussed that if we are created in the image of God, what was the monster created in the image of and does that bear on his character?

“Slave, I before reasoned with you, but you have proved yourself unworthy of my condescension. Remember that I have power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you. You are my creator, but I am your master;- obey!”

“Did I mention I don’t like Frankenstein?” asks Rachel.

Final Thoughts

“Living as we do in a culture that increasingly questions the goodness (or even the existence) of a God who created a world and to whom we are subject renders this two-hundred-year-old novel more timely than ever.”

Karen Swallow Prior

Read Frankenstein as soon as possible, there is much to unpack and contemplate.

Formational book review by Megan

4.5/5 stars

“People’s stories matter.”

The Lost Year follows Matthew, Helen, Mila and Nadiya and how their stories are intertwined. How the decisions of their parents changed their own stories and how their own decisions will irrevocably alter their story.

Reading as a Disciple

“I suddenly wished that Nadiya had never shown up at my door. I missed that Papa and I were united in a great struggle. Doubt was a much lonelier place.”

Doubt is a lonely place. It is no fun to be in a place of confusion and uncertainty. We all want to know what God’a plan is; where should I live, what career should I pursue? It is just easier if someone tells us instead of trying to decide ourselves and feel good about our decision. Doubt creeps in when someone questions our choices, mocks or laughs at our decision or when we are alone in our decision and it seems everyone is doing something else. In The Lost Year, Mila longs for the days where she was united with her father in a common goal, but now she is filled with doubt and is lonely. Choosing what is right when it appears that you are the only one doing so is incredibly hard, Mila is forced to decide whether her father is right or wrong and what should she do about it.

It is good to keep in mind that in the midst of doubt and confusion, God is there. While we may feel alone and uncertainty feels normal, God is constant and is with us. Mila may have been lied to, she may be forced to make difficult decisions that everyone will tell her is wrong but God was with her as he is with us in our times of doubt.

Reading Communally

“Stories were powerful, but even more powerful was the act of sharing them.”

Stories are powerful, that is why it is good to be in a community that can be open and share life stories. That’s why support groups are so helpful. We need to share and to listen to people’s stories. If I don’t know someone’s story, it is easier to assume the worst of someone and we are less likely to extend grace. Hearing someone’s story gives us, the community, a chance to enter into a person’s story, to see them differently or in a new light; we have the opportunity to insert respect and kindness in their story.

As Helen becomes friends with Ruth, they share stories they have heard from others concerned for family in Ukraine. Ruth declares that Helen is a leader, this shocks Helen, she never saw herself as one and it took another person, hearing her story to encourage her in this character trait. “A leader. No one had ever used this word to describe me. But maybe, just maybe, I could be one.”

It always amazes me how God made every single person in the world, past, present and future, to be so incredibly different. Not only physically but also in our personalities and character and therefore, our stories are so immensely different. It is such a joy to discover how God created someone, (I am that weird person on a plane that enjoys talking to strangers.) In the moments of meeting someone new, sharing in a moment of their story, I remember imago dei, that everyone is created in the image of God. What glimpse of God does this person carry?

Final Thoughts

Great story! What’s beautiful is that part of this book is based on the author’s family history, she is sharing part of her story with the reader. She has done a great job with research and language. I highly recommend it to help people understand Holodomor and what life was like in early Soviet era Ukraine.

Formational book review by Megan

3/5 stars

“…but the worst that could have happened was also already behind him; the thing not done, which could have been – which he would have had to live with for the rest of his life.”

Small Things Like These is about a man named Bill Furlong and what he does when confronted with injustice and his own experiences in his past. He is forced to make a decision that involves self-censorship and the town turning a blind eye that may rock the boat more than he wants.

**A few general spoilers are below.**

Reading as a Disciple

“What was it all for? Furlong wondered. The work and the constant worry. […] Lately, he had begun to wonder what mattered, apart from Eileen and the girls. He was touching forty but didn’t feel himself to be getting anywhere or making any kind of headway and could not but sometimes wonder what the days were for.”

Worry. It seeps into the mundane moments of the day, the busy, hectic times and in our sleep. It can disrupt and upend your day in a moment. I recently woke up actually feeling rested (rare as a mom of littles) and the morning was beautiful with the sun shining but after a simple chance comment on finances, the morning suddenly didn’t seem so bright. We all can spiral into gloom and despair if we don’t consciously choose to look to God for hope and joy.

This book showed how worry can invade otherwise joyful seasons and disrupt your life but it also showed that we often do have to make difficult choices, that our worry can be the stress of having to make a difficult decision. We can’t hide from those times and many times they are unavoidable but God promises to be with us and we do not have to make them alone. Furlong was alone in the book, it seemed even his own family wanted nothing to do with the decision he was faced with but God will be with us and will give us the wisdom needed. Keegan wanted to bring as much separation between God and Furlong as possible since the church was the antagonist in the story but what you are left with is loneliness and hopelessness.

Reading Communally

“…he found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another? Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what was there and yet call yourself a Christian, and face yourself in the mirror?”

We’ve got one life to live, one chance at life. You can sleep in the grave. God needs you to help save as many people as possible.

These are things I’ve heard or been told to bring an urgency to my Christian walk. I never liked this line of thought, as if it was our responsibility alone to “save” someone from the fires of hell. We are not the ones doing the saving first of all and furthermore, are not our days for bringing glory to our creator and simply pointing others to His glory? While there may be some level of urgency in sharing Christ with those around us, I don’t see evidence of a need for hurry in the Bible. Christ did not gallop from town to town sharing the Good News, he walked. While we might be tempted to think we have “one chance” to share Christ with someone, God is always working, with or without us.

While it is easy to take on an individualistic approach to the Great Commission, we must remember that we are part of a greater picture and that God is continually moving and working whether we join in His work or not. We are invited to join the greater body of Christ in His work to make all things new and to redeem what was lost.

Final Thoughts

“Before long, he caught a hold of himself and concluded that nothing ever did happen again; to each was given days and chances which wouldn’t come back around. And wasn’t it sweet to be where you were and let it remind you of the past for once, despite the upset, instead of always looking on into the mechanics of the days and the trouble ahead, which might never come.”

Overall, not my cup of tea. I would call it an “inspirational” depressing story. In the end, it’s all about “the thing not done,” to live with no regrets, but somehow, this story just left you feeling sad and depressed. I wasn’t quite into Keegan’s style of writing either. There was something lacking in this story and I think it came down to hope. Hope was placed in man; me, myself, and I, and it was only a faint glimmer anyways. You’re left wondering if there really was any hope. The problem is that our hope will fall flat if we look to man for saving, hope can only be found in Christ and Christ alone. This book was a great reminder of that. What is especially gloomy about this though, is that it is the church that was the source of pain and evil. So sad that this story is based on true events. We, as the church body, must do better.

Other books:

Claire Keegan has written several other books; you can look them up by her name, but I’m not sure I will be in a hurry to read any more of her books.