Topic: C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis: A Life

On the 50th anniversary of his death, this new C.S. Lewis biography succeeds in deepening the appeal of his works.

C. S. Lewis: 10 quotes on his birthday

Here are 10 quotes to mark the birthday of C.S. Lewis, author of the beloved children's series "The Chronicles of Narnia."

Reader recommendation: The C.S. Lewis Encyclopedia

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

The 10 greatest villains in literature

A list of the 10 greatest villains in all of literature – the most memorable bad-guys of the fictive world . 

Chapter & Verse Festival of Faith and Writing: the conference that brought John Updike, Salman Rushdie to western Michigan

This year's Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin College included Jonathan Safran Foer, Marilynne Robinson, Chimimanda Ngoze Adichie, Luis Alberto Urrea, and Leila Aboulela.

Reader recommendation: Branches to Heaven

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The Circle Bastiat What C.S. Lewis can teach us about US politics

In recent years, electoral politics has turned into an even more intense mud-pit of attacks and finger pointing about every conceivable issue. In "The Screwtape Letters," C.S. Lewis almost perfectly describes the state of US politics.

Reader recommendation: The Magician's Book

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

Debt, deficits, and American morals

Behind the impasse in Washington over debt and deficits lies a moral, even religious, problem. How should a Christian respond to the economic debate?

Harry Potter is just like ... what? Five leading templates for comparison.

Harry Potter fans just know they love the record-breaking series of books. But everyone from academics to mythologists, classicists to historians, and literary critics to, well, geeks have a special “template” they perceive at the heart of the tale. From positing Albus Dumbledore as the infamous Richard III to taking us aloft the scaly back of St. George’s dragon, here are five of our top takes on what’s going on behind the scenes in the Harry Potter narratives.

The best movies to watch this summer with your family.

For some quality bonding time with your family this summer, pop in one of these family classics from the last decade that are sure to delight toddlers, teens, and parents alike.

Bad Dog: A Love Story

A recovering alcoholic tries to win his wife back by taming their out-of-control dog.

J.R.R. Tolkien as fictional character – fair use or a step too far?

The Tolkien estate hopes to block the publication of “Mirkwood," a novel somewhat critical of J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: movie review

Michael Apted's direction of 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,' Part 3 of the Narnia franchise, brings an elegance to the production.

Christine O'Donnell and Tolkien: the strange place where politics meets literature

Christine O'Donnell's praise for Tolkien subjects her to scorn from Maureen Dowd.

Alexander McCall Smith: the incredible productivity of a writer

Alexander McCall Smith has four books coming out in 2010 – the equivalent of "War and Peace" and then some.

'Twilight: Eclipse' taps magical powers of youth tradition

'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' strips away the otherworldliness of vampires and werewolves, appealing to the imaginations of the young.

J.K. Rowling faces another plagiarism suit

Once again, Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling faces charges of borrowing too generously from another writer's work.

Our Times: The Age of Elizabeth II

The country Elizabeth II once knew exists no more, says a historian.

36 Arguments for the Existence of God

This clever novel manages to blend existential ponderings with humor and sharp writing.

Why is Vatican paper reviewing Avatar, the Simpsons?

L’Osservatore Romano, the famously staid semi-official mouthpiece of the Catholic Church, has been seeking to remake its image, panning the blockbuster 'Avatar' but praising Homer Simpson and forgiving John Lennon for his 'more popular than Jesus' comment.

Review: 'An Education'

A coming-of-age story about a precocious schoolgirl whose new older boyfriend turns out not to be all that he seems.

Classic book review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

There's still every reason to be wild about Harry.

Narnia lives on

The Magician's Book

A reader struggles to reconcile her childhood passion for the Chronicles of Narnia with her more critical adult nature.