C.S. Lewis; The Space Trilogy

Did you know Lewis published three novels in the mid 1940's based on space travel and the spiritual battles that exist on every heavenly body that God created? This SciFi trilogy includes the books, "Out of this Silent Planet," "Perelandria,"and "This Hideous Strength."

The first book includes a linguist named Ransom, who is kidnapped by new age scientists who travel to Mars to confront the ancient beings living there. As it turns out, the planet is heavily under the influence of angelic beings who easily accept God's plan for their lives, and mourn for Earth, the silent planet under the influence of a darker being. The next books includes the creation of a human-like race on Venus, with a green, but equally beautiful "Eve." The final book deals with the battle between good and evil one earth, and includes the reawakening of Merlin from the King Arthur's tale.

I read all three novels and loved them, but I have to say that the content may be above the heads of most junior high and some high school students. There's a lot of philosophy in all three stories that they won't be able to appreciate. It WAS interesting to compare Lewis' fiction to space travel two decades later, and I really enjoyed the Merlin's character in the final book and how he was woven into the story.

All in all, if you're looking for a good read to share as a family, these books could be considered. Expect a lot of discussion, but enjoy a glimpse into Lewis' earlier works as a younger author.

Books with cuddly pink covers may not be as innocent as they seem. When my 11 year-old came home from the bookstore with a book titled “Thirteen” by Lauren Myracle, I immediately checked on Amazon and found a few less than favorable reviews including one that claimed the book contained a scene where the main character contemplates intimate acts between her parents. (Yes, THAT intimate act.)

I read further reviews on the author and found multiple comments by both parents and teens that claim her books introduce readers to sexual language and behavior, as well as drugs and unhealthy relationships with adults and teens. These reviews are most specific to the novels written in “text language” but also apply to most of the author’s very popular books.

I find it frustrating that I cannot set my children loose in their section of the library and trust that the books they find there are written with their well-being, rather than profit, in mind. The idea to write a series that follows characters through their formative years, as well as novels written in coded text language, are genius and I wish that Myracle was concerned enough about her readers to encourage positive thinking and include character enriching content in her novels, rather than selling the creepy detritus found within her paperback covers.

I can only stress how important it is for caregivers to read and discuss the literature their children read and weigh the consequences of exposure to the content. 

Mother's Day is Not Far Away

Want to read a sentimental tear jerker? Remember this book:






Enough said.

Don't Forget the Poetry of Shel Silverstein

As my oldest son prepares to graduate from high school and leave for college, I find myself a bit nostalgic about his childhood and the stories we read together when he was small. The Giving Tree was one of our favorites and we read it at least a hundred of times. I think I liked it so much because as a mother I identify with the tree who sacrifices everything she has for the child she loves. She desires only that he is happy and though she misses the boy during his numerous absences, his happiness brings her joy. In the end, though she feels she has little left to offer her loved one, he still needs her. (Sigh and happy thoughts.)

Of course, Mr. Silverstein also authored several additional books for children including his humorous poetry volumes full of prose that children love to read. These poems are not only funny, but touching in a way that children actually get. I'm telling you, when Shel passed away several years ago, the world lost some light. One of my favorites is "The Little Boy and the Old Man," a poem that illustrates how adults can sometimes overlook the elderly and the innocent. Here's a link to a site that displays the poem.

http://www.americanpoems.com/poets/Shel-Silverstein/13486

Where the Sidewalk Ends 30th Anniversary Edition: Poems and Drawings
A Light in the Attic
Where the Sidewalk Ends 30th Anniversary Edition: Poems and Drawings

THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL RICHARD PECK

THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL by RICHARD PECK

I love Richard Peck. His books are always charming and funny, a combination we adore here at the Taylor home. Set in the early 1900's, Peck weaves this nostalgic story with core values including hard work, family loyalty, and creative academics. When a small town's teacher dies in her home, the town must find a replacement while the students hope they escape life without a formal education. I recommend reading this on your next family camping trip by the fire. In that setting, your family will especially enjoy the chapter in which the main character's older sister sneaks up on her brother and his friend as a ghost.

Peck has authored several books that are a joy to read including "A Long Way From Chicago," (another humorous historical fiction book) and "The Ghost Belonged to Me," which is just scary enough to interest tweens.

Enjoy!

Jonathan Rogers. The Bark of the Bog Owl. Broadman & Holman Fiction, 2004. 240 pp. ISBN: 978-0805431315

I love it when authors recreate biblical events into fictional stories. These gems retell the stories I love with a fun twist. The Bark of the Bog Owl is the first book in a series of three by Jonathan Rogers, and it develops the young life of King David in terms our boys and girls can appreciate and enjoy. There is an appealing element of fantasy to the story and let me just say it is laugh out loud funny! My kids and I had not doubled over since reading Soup by Robert Newton Peck. (To be featured at a later date if you haven’t read this oldie, but goodie yet.) There’s nothing better than the sound of pure laughter from unruly boys on an otherwise dreary night.

This one is a no miss.

The Bark Of The Bog Owl (The Wilderking Trilogy)

AMAZON BOOK REVIEWS

I am blessed to have children who love to read. This is partly owing to the fact that we limit the time the T.V. blares in through our living room, but also largely due to my children's VIVID imaginations. Some of the books that they bring home I am already familiar with, and we are able to talk about the content of the stories they choose and their minds and hearts will be affected by reading them. Other times, I am totally in the dark, and also in doubt. It is then that I explore my options.

1. I read the book myself and discuss what I find with them.

2. I ask around, but many people I know don't favor books for adolescents like I do.

3. I check Plugged In online. (VERY helpful for movies, but their literature library is lacking.)

4. I check the reviews on AMAZON.COM.

Really. I think customer reviews are the best thing since sliced bread. (um.. make that Peanut Butter M&M's.) I check reviews on everything I buy online, and the insight of my internet neighbors has saved me a lot of time, money and trouble.

As far as books go, reviews I've read provide detailed information I can use and the authors range from grandparents down to early readers. What a great tool for literary analysis and written expression for students and for moms too!

SEE WHAT I MEAN. Here's a link to a novel my son (a high-school senior), was required to read last fall. Scroll down and explore the detailed reviews to this modern, controversial classic.