Topic: The Chronicles of Narnia

What did Stephen Colbert super PAC spend its money on?

The Stephen Colbert super PAC, 'Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow,' has reported raising more than $1 million, quite a lot for satire, and shelling out more than $150,000.

Reader recommendation: The Magician's Book

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

Discovery Channel to air full 'Frozen Planet' series despite controversy

Discovery Channel announced its plans to air all seven episodes of their new documentary series 'Frozen Planet.'  Before the announcement, rumors were circulating that the last episode would not be aired because it was about climate change.

3 late-summer novels too good to miss

Our final fiction roundup of the summer features an eclectic lineup: One is a fantasy epic, the second is a quirky first novel about an avant-garde family, and the third is a somber look at the kidnapping of a political dissident. All, however, are really good.

Not measuring up?

A Christian Science perspective: A lesson in identity from the Narnia film "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."

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.

Roast chicken with artichoke-lemon pan sauce

A roast chicken will fill your kitchen with warmth as the winter winds howl.

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.

Parents are essential in a child's upbringing. But they can't do it all.

Parents can be forgiven -- and should be applauded -- for wanting the best for their kids. But a key part of parenting is getting out of the way.

'Harry Potter' real-world appeal: quidditch leagues and rock cake recipes

The parallel universe of the Harry Potter books has launched real-life offshoots: A quidditch league is among the most visible, but the books' values are inspiring many others.

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.

'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.

Harry Potter No. 8? This fan isn't sure she's on board.

Reading Harry Potter was magic. But the last page has already been written.

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.

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.

Dogtown

The strange history of an abandoned colonial settlement-turned-wilderness.

When bills go to conference committee, what happens?

The usual rules don’t apply in conference committee, where House and Senate bills – including upcoming health reform legislation – go to be reconciled.

Guest blog: Narnia, Harry Potter, and other true classics

Six Picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

Wallace & Gromit track down a 'cereal killer,' 'Cosby Show' marks 25 years, Lev Grossman's latest novel is like 'Narnia' for adults, and more.

Guest blog: Narnia, Harry Potter, and other true classics

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

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

Horizon highlights: Geek-nightlife edition

Asta in the Wings

A 7-year-old narrator with an unforgettable voice carries this debut novel.

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.