It’s always hard to decide what book to review, since there are so many wonderful stories out there. However, today I decided to talk about one of my favorite stories of all time. C.S. Lewis was such an amazing author, and his fascinating tales that circle around the land of Narnia are some of the best books you could ever read. They are special to me, because when I was in college, I had the honor of studying his work in Oxford, England.
All of the books in the Narnia collection are incredible, and even though Lewis did not write them in the order we know today, I recommend reading each of them in that order. The first book, The Magician’s Nephew, will give you a backstory on the land of Narnia and how it was created. One you read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, you will understand how important this world is and why Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are so vital to its survival.
These stories offer so much to the reader–hope, love, redemption–while also showing the ultimate purpose for every human being. We were created for another place. As Aslan says:
“It isn’t Narnia, you know,” sobbed Lucy. “It’s you. We shan’t meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?”
“But you shall meet me, dear one,” said Aslan.
“Are -are you there too, Sir?” said Edmund.
“I am,” said Aslan. “But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”
―
I love these books so much! These are the stories that will fill your heart with warmth, because of knowing the One who created everything–they translate so well to real life.
Yes, there is also pain, sadness, and difficult days throughout the pages of this text, but even those moments have their place, and these scenes teach the reader so much. They remind the reader of where help truly comes from. It does come from the places Edmund first found, it comes from something greater than all of us. Our security can only come from one place–the Lord Jesus Christ–and it so wonderful to see how Lewis penned these truths in a way that children could better understand them.
I whole-heartedly recommend reading this book and the entire collection of Narnia–it would make the perfect gift too. Please tell me about some of your favorite books in the comments below. Happy reading friends!
P.S. One of the best things about my trip and studying literature in college was seeing the journey my roommate took. My roommate in England, and now best friend, was influenced by Lewis’ work–she accepted Christ as her Savior as a result of studying abroad in England. Nothing could compare to this amazing day! Now you know why I get so emotional–It happens each and every time I think of Narnia. 🙂
About the Book
Four adventurous siblings–Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie–step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis’s classic fantasy series, which has been drawing readers of all ages into a magical land with unforgettable characters for over sixty years. This is a stand-alone read, but if you would like to explore more of the Narnian realm, pick up The Horse and His Boy, the third book in The Chronicles of Narnia.
Available Here
AMAZON
About the Author
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year.
His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
I loved this series of books. Great reads.
I’m so glad you love these books! Happy reading Lucy!