The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North (FICTION)
Harry August is a man who, when he dies, is reborn at the same time and place of his original birth. He discovers other people like him. Some of them are doing things that are accelerating the destruction of the world. He is trying to stop them, one life at a time. I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting, thoughtful, and suspenseful. I recommend it.
Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards
I am a fan of Vanessa Van Edwards and her observations and tips on body language. I read her other book, Cues, have watched several of her YouTube videos, and interviews on other podcasts (with Diary of a CEO episode #1 and episode #2, with Craig Groeschel episode #1 and episode #2), and subscribe to her newsletter. I skimmed most of this book because I am already familiar with her stuff. It’s good, though.
The Bullet That Missed / Thursday Murder Club Book #3 by Richard Osman (FICTION)
I continue to enjoy this series. In fact, I enjoy each successive book more because of the development of the characters. I haven’t watched the Netflix series, and might not, but I am interested to see how the actors have portrayed the characters. Of course, I am also scared how they might be different than I imagined, and what other story changes were made.
The Space Trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength by CS Lewis (FICTION)
This is one of my favorite series of all time, along with The Chronicles of Narnia (also by Lewis), The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. All of the others I have read through four or five times over the course of my life, but this was only my second time through the Space Trilogy. It is very different from The Chronicles of Narnia. That is probably why it isn’t as popular.
In Out of the Silent Planet, the main character, Ransom, travels to Mars. In Perelandra, Ransom travels to Venus. In That Hideous Strength, all the action takes place on earth. The series is about the spiritual battle taking place on Earth, how it spills out onto the other planets, and, ultimately, unfolds on Earth.
One of my favorite conversations takes place in the second book, Perelandra. Ransom is talking to the unnamed woman (an Eve-like character on Venus) about why she and the unnamed man (an Adam-like character) are forbidden to sleep on the fixed land (as opposed to the numerous, small, floating islands they live on). She doesn’t know. Another character who followed Ransom from Earth (bad guy) is trying to sow doubt in the woman’s mind about why it would be forbidden. Perhaps, since there seems to be no good reason for it to be forbidden, it really isn’t forbidden or, at least, not forbidden in the same way other things are.
Ransom counters that obedience is most clearly displayed when it is done out of love. Much of our obedience is done from self-interest. We can see how it would be harmful to us to do/not do something we should not/should do. But when we obey when we don’t understand, when there is no evident self-interest, then we are obeying out of love. I find that a powerful and helpful insight in thinking about raising kids and my own obedience to God.
How to Suck as a Leader by Travis Dalrymple
This was a short, helpful book. I believe that most books could be better if they were shorter. This book is a positive example of one that is easy to read and gets to the point. Dalrymple takes a creative approach by looking at the negative. Leaders can be better leaders if they avoid common mistakes. Each chapter begins with a sarcastic quote highlighting a common mistake leaders make. None of the chapters are profound or novel. They are the basic reminders that we all need as leaders.
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I have always loved Lewis’ Space Trilogy, and though “Perelandra” has long been my favorite of the three, in recent years my imagination has been captured by the third book, “That Hideous Strength”. It is very different than the other two in mood and setting, but very compelling.
Maybe I just like bears as supporting characters (think North Polar Bear in Tolkien’s “Father Christmas Letters”), but it is hard to top Mr. Bultitude for comic relief and narrative texture. The diabolical forces in “Hideous” are all the more frightening for being active in an otherwise innocuous English country college town.
In the end, though, you see the missteps and overreach of the sinister players, and how the outmaneuvered Enemy tosses them aside like broken tools. I think that is an authentic insight into the nature of the Dark Side, and a hint as to how it will one day falter and be swept away. Even in “Perelandra”, we’re told that the devil may appear intelligent as long as it suits his purposes, but at his core is an empty, spiteful malice. He is not invincible. He will lose.
The Eldila of all three installments are fascinating as creative renderings of the angelic order. Feel them entering a room: faintly visible, and oddly askew. The room suddenly feels as if it is a-kilter, because in truth it is the Eldila that are oriented properly, and our world is the one that is at the wrong angle. Narrative genius.
Good insights, Frank! I, also, enjoyed Lewis’ Eldila. Although “That Hideous Strength” isn’t my favorite, I give Lewis extra credit for bringing Merlin into the story!