Synopsis:
Opening with a quotation of Tom Shippey's assertion, "The dominant literary mode of the twentieth century has been the fantastic," Dickerson and O'Hara set out to answer the questions, "How should one read and understand a modern work of fantasy?" and "Can works of fantasy really have anything important to say to us?" They begin by exploring definitions of "myth" and "fairy story" and explaining how the understanding of these terms has changed drastically over the centuries of written literature. Distinctions of myth, faerie, science fiction, beast fables, folk tales, and fantasy are clarified, with some history of each genre and its applications, past and present. The ongoing cultural impact of a number of well-known stories is traced and examined, and finally several modern fantasy works and their attendant worldviews are analyzed.
Comments:
Early on, the authors articulate their belief that the Bible is the Grand Myth, in the sense of J.R.R. Tolkien's statement (in On Fairy Stories) that "The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories...But this story has entered History and the primary world...this story is supreme; and it is true; Art has been verified...Legend and History have met and fused." This understanding runs throughout the book as the foundation of a compelling argument that myth is indeed a vehicle for truth.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Book Review: The Quilt by Gary Paulsen
Synopsis:
This book tells of a time a young boy spends with his grandmother while his father is away fighting in World War II and his mother is working in a munitions factory. The Norwegian farming community in northern Minnesota is far removed in every way from Chicago - life is quieter here, not easier but simpler. It is a world virtually without men, peopled by hardy women more than adequate to the task of keeping the farms running while their husbands and sons are overseas. While there, the boy learns much about birth and death, about life going on, about his own heritage and the traditions that keep memory alive.
Comments:
Paulsen captures the mood of the story well, both in content and style. It's a simple story, simply told yet rich in detail, carrying a flavor of comfortable homeyness while avoiding overly sweet sentimentality.
This book tells of a time a young boy spends with his grandmother while his father is away fighting in World War II and his mother is working in a munitions factory. The Norwegian farming community in northern Minnesota is far removed in every way from Chicago - life is quieter here, not easier but simpler. It is a world virtually without men, peopled by hardy women more than adequate to the task of keeping the farms running while their husbands and sons are overseas. While there, the boy learns much about birth and death, about life going on, about his own heritage and the traditions that keep memory alive.
Comments:
Paulsen captures the mood of the story well, both in content and style. It's a simple story, simply told yet rich in detail, carrying a flavor of comfortable homeyness while avoiding overly sweet sentimentality.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Book Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
Synopsis:
The premise of this book is that Robert Louis Stevenson's classic, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was based on a true story, and that the current descendants of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde are teenagers living in a small Pennsylvania town. Through a series of unusual occurrences, Jill and Tristen are drawn - or thrust - together. The book chronicles their academic but also deeply personal quest to unravel the mysteries of their pasts and attempt to alter the ongoing consequences of their ancestors' choices, as well as their complex feelings toward each other.
Comments:
The plot is intriguing and fits well with the classic story, and the book presents a powerful depiction of the far-reaching effects of one man's actions, even through several generations. There are several elements which, although in my opinion consistent with the mood of the story, will be disturbing to some readers: violence, strong language, commission of crimes of varying degree, and sexual references.
The premise of this book is that Robert Louis Stevenson's classic, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was based on a true story, and that the current descendants of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde are teenagers living in a small Pennsylvania town. Through a series of unusual occurrences, Jill and Tristen are drawn - or thrust - together. The book chronicles their academic but also deeply personal quest to unravel the mysteries of their pasts and attempt to alter the ongoing consequences of their ancestors' choices, as well as their complex feelings toward each other.
Comments:
The plot is intriguing and fits well with the classic story, and the book presents a powerful depiction of the far-reaching effects of one man's actions, even through several generations. There are several elements which, although in my opinion consistent with the mood of the story, will be disturbing to some readers: violence, strong language, commission of crimes of varying degree, and sexual references.
Book Review: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Synopsis:
This classic work set in 19th century London centers on Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected physician who has grown estranged from his friends and colleagues and taken up a somewhat reclusive life, and his inexplicable connection to Edward Hyde, a malformed, violent man seemingly without a conscience, who carries out a number of increasingly hideous crimes.
Intrigued by the mysterious power Hyde holds over Jekyll, and deeply concerned for his friend and client, the lawyer Mr. Utterson begins to scrutinize the activities of both men, enlisting the aid and counsel of mutual friends of the doctor and himself. Only upon the death of both Jekyll and Hyde is the shocking truth of their entanglement fully discovered.
Comments:
Clearly, the primary theme of this tale is the raging conflict between good and evil, not only in the world at large but reaching even into the depths of a man's soul. A secondary, perhaps overlooked element is the fidelity of true friendship.
This classic work set in 19th century London centers on Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected physician who has grown estranged from his friends and colleagues and taken up a somewhat reclusive life, and his inexplicable connection to Edward Hyde, a malformed, violent man seemingly without a conscience, who carries out a number of increasingly hideous crimes.
Intrigued by the mysterious power Hyde holds over Jekyll, and deeply concerned for his friend and client, the lawyer Mr. Utterson begins to scrutinize the activities of both men, enlisting the aid and counsel of mutual friends of the doctor and himself. Only upon the death of both Jekyll and Hyde is the shocking truth of their entanglement fully discovered.
Comments:
Clearly, the primary theme of this tale is the raging conflict between good and evil, not only in the world at large but reaching even into the depths of a man's soul. A secondary, perhaps overlooked element is the fidelity of true friendship.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Book Review: Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis
Synopsis:
Lewis opens the introductory chapter of this book with the statement that it is not a work of scholarship; but simply "the thoughts…to which I found myself driven in reading the Psalms." He then gives a brief history and analysis of the Psalms, the main point of which is that they are poems and must be read as such in order to be understood, followed by an explanation of the primary poetic characteristic of the Psalms – parallelism.
The next eight chapters address recurrent ideas or phrases in the Psalms, the original meaning of which may not be readily comprehended by modern English readers – judgment, cursings, "sweeter than honey," praise, and others. Lewis examines the Hebraic thought behind these concepts and leads us to a better understanding of what they must have meant in the minds of the writers and early readers, as well as what application they may have for us today.
In the final three chapters, Lewis takes on what he considers the more difficult task of exploring the second or hidden meanings in the Psalms - those passages which may be interpreted, from the vantage point of many hundred years, as prophetic or allegorical. His position is that these occurrences are neither coincidence nor supernatural prevision; rather in these cases "the later truth (which the speaker did not know) is intimately related to the truth he did know; so that…he was in touch with that very same reality in which the fuller truth is rooted…we are not foisting on [his words] something alien…[but] prolonging his meaning in a direction congenial to it."
Comments:
One of the many things I love about Lewis is that he never claims to be – in fact takes great pains to insist that he is not – a theologian. His approach is that of a fellow-pupil "comparing notes, not presuming to instruct." And while he is widely known today as a great apologist, he points out that this particular book is not an apologetic work: "A man can't be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it."
Lewis opens the introductory chapter of this book with the statement that it is not a work of scholarship; but simply "the thoughts…to which I found myself driven in reading the Psalms." He then gives a brief history and analysis of the Psalms, the main point of which is that they are poems and must be read as such in order to be understood, followed by an explanation of the primary poetic characteristic of the Psalms – parallelism.
The next eight chapters address recurrent ideas or phrases in the Psalms, the original meaning of which may not be readily comprehended by modern English readers – judgment, cursings, "sweeter than honey," praise, and others. Lewis examines the Hebraic thought behind these concepts and leads us to a better understanding of what they must have meant in the minds of the writers and early readers, as well as what application they may have for us today.
In the final three chapters, Lewis takes on what he considers the more difficult task of exploring the second or hidden meanings in the Psalms - those passages which may be interpreted, from the vantage point of many hundred years, as prophetic or allegorical. His position is that these occurrences are neither coincidence nor supernatural prevision; rather in these cases "the later truth (which the speaker did not know) is intimately related to the truth he did know; so that…he was in touch with that very same reality in which the fuller truth is rooted…we are not foisting on [his words] something alien…[but] prolonging his meaning in a direction congenial to it."
Comments:
One of the many things I love about Lewis is that he never claims to be – in fact takes great pains to insist that he is not – a theologian. His approach is that of a fellow-pupil "comparing notes, not presuming to instruct." And while he is widely known today as a great apologist, he points out that this particular book is not an apologetic work: "A man can't be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it."
Monday, January 24, 2011
Book Review: The Depression Helpbook by Wayne Katon, M.D., et al
Synopsis:
This book, written by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care physicians, is directed to people with chronic or recurrent depression. It is divided into three sections: the first presents information to foster a better understanding of what depression is, how it may be treated, and what factors may contribute to it; the second offers insights into lifestyle changes and practices that may be helpful for those suffering from depression; and the third provides practical advice and sample plans for managing depression and maintaining a healthy outlook to prevent relapse. The chapters are brief and straightforward without being overly simplistic; the writing style accessible and easily understood without being condescending.
Comments:
As someone for whom recurrent depression is a personal issue, I feel that I can offer a qualified opinion that this book is, indeed, a helpful guide to the self-care that is necessary for emotional well-being, as well as a resource that may help family and friends better understand how best to relate to a loved one suffering a depressive episode.
This book, written by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care physicians, is directed to people with chronic or recurrent depression. It is divided into three sections: the first presents information to foster a better understanding of what depression is, how it may be treated, and what factors may contribute to it; the second offers insights into lifestyle changes and practices that may be helpful for those suffering from depression; and the third provides practical advice and sample plans for managing depression and maintaining a healthy outlook to prevent relapse. The chapters are brief and straightforward without being overly simplistic; the writing style accessible and easily understood without being condescending.
Comments:
As someone for whom recurrent depression is a personal issue, I feel that I can offer a qualified opinion that this book is, indeed, a helpful guide to the self-care that is necessary for emotional well-being, as well as a resource that may help family and friends better understand how best to relate to a loved one suffering a depressive episode.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Book Review: Godsight by Lael Arrington
Synopsis
Taking her cue from C. S. Lewis, Mrs. Arrington posits that “our failure of desire for God and his kingdom naturally flows from a failure of imagination of the splendor and beauty of our rewards, our promised kingdom, and the God who gives them and himself to us as gifts.” Part memoir, part meditation, part exhortation, Godsight examines the possible reasons for our lack of imagination and desire, explores avenues for renewing the eyes of our hearts, and encourages us to seek a new, true vision of the kingdom life, beginning in the here and now and culminating at that time when we shall know fully even as we are fully known.
Comments
This is one of those rare books that is both visually appealing in its physical form and substantive in its content. It acknowledges and affirms our most secret longings, and challenges us to allow God to develop and channel those longings into the perfect plan He has for us, beyond all that we can yet ask or imagine.
Taking her cue from C. S. Lewis, Mrs. Arrington posits that “our failure of desire for God and his kingdom naturally flows from a failure of imagination of the splendor and beauty of our rewards, our promised kingdom, and the God who gives them and himself to us as gifts.” Part memoir, part meditation, part exhortation, Godsight examines the possible reasons for our lack of imagination and desire, explores avenues for renewing the eyes of our hearts, and encourages us to seek a new, true vision of the kingdom life, beginning in the here and now and culminating at that time when we shall know fully even as we are fully known.
Comments
This is one of those rare books that is both visually appealing in its physical form and substantive in its content. It acknowledges and affirms our most secret longings, and challenges us to allow God to develop and channel those longings into the perfect plan He has for us, beyond all that we can yet ask or imagine.
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