Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen is a very large collection of the author’s stories, which include well-known works such as The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea, The Little Mermaid, and Thumbelina. While I enjoyed revisiting some of the familiar fairytales, the antiquated writing style made the stories rather tough to read (holy passive voice and non-restrictive clauses, Batman!). Continue reading
Category Archives: Classics
Audio Book Discussion: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, Narrated by Michael York
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is C. S. Lewis’s classic fantasy novel that spins the tale of four children who discover and explore the magical land of Narnia. It’s a story of the fight between good and evil, with good prevailing in an unexpected but very familiar way. Continue reading
Audio Book Discussion: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, Narrated by Spike McClure
The Outsiders is S. E. Hinton’s iconic coming of age story. Published in 1967, this young adult novel’s themes of friendship, humanity, class rivalry, and trying to succeed in the face of tough odds are still relevant today. Continue reading
Book Discussion: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in Tolkien’s beloved Lord of the Rings fantasy novel. First published in 1954, amazing storytelling, memorable characters, epic adventures, and fantastical worlds have rightfully given The Fellowship of the Ring staying power. Continue reading
Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 is Ray Bradbury’s classic warning about totalitarianism and the demise of the wisdom we gain from reading books. Is it still relevant today? Unfortunately, yes. Continue reading
Book Review: Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
Around the World in Eighty Days is Jules Verne’s classic adventure tale. I was thoroughly entertained as I read about Phileas Fogg and his servant, Passepartout, attempting to win a high stakes bet. Continue reading
Book Review: Watership Down by Richard Adams
Watership Down is an epic tale of a group of rabbits who encounter danger, treachery, and hope as they try to find a new home when theirs is leveled for a housing development. Although written for the author’s young daughters, Watership Down is one of those “children’s” books that adults will also find engaging. Continue reading
Book Review: Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
Mere Christianity is a classic Christian apologetic based on a series of talks C. S. Lewis gave on BBC radio from 1941-1944 while Great Britain was embroiled in World War II. Lewis uses logic and approachable language to convey theological concepts common to all Christian religions (rather than focusing on theological differences). Continue reading
Book Review: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Their Eyes Were Watching God, first published in 1937, is a story of a southern black woman seeking love and self-fulfillment in 1930’s Florida. It’s considered to be a standout among African American literature due to its affirmation and celebration of the culture as well as the fact that it has a strong female protagonist, which was unique for its time. Continue reading
Book Review: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
For Whom the Bell Tolls tells the tale of a band of communist guerrillas, led temporarily by American Robert Jordan, who have been tasked with blowing up a bridge during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. The writing style took some getting used to, but I ended up really liking it. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 