The Only Life for Me

 C.S. Lewis -- where do I even begin? I was in the middle of reading Mere Christianity when this amazing publication of some of Lewis' articles and excerpts on, as the title describes, "the Reading Life," was released. It was gifted to me as a birthday present (as it came out on my actual birthday) and I decided to set aside Mere Christianity for just a while to delve into this treasure of a book. Lewis is truly a genius. His way with words is beyond explanation and praise, and I cannot say enough times how blown away I am by his intelligence. The man must have studied every subject to some extent! The various excerpts and articles that make up this work detail a variety of topics that warmed by book-loving heart. Some of them include "How to Know If You Are a True Reader," "Why Children's Stories Are Not Just for Children," "Literature as Time Travel," "Why Movies Sometimes Ruin Books," "The Achievements of J.R.R. Tolkien," and "Advice for Writing." These are honestly just a handful of the topics discussed in short prose. But, oh, length loses its meaning in light of Lewis' capability to pack these passages with profound insight. I just love to read his well-written explanations of his love for books, how he approaches reading, and how he discusses literature that has moved him and caused him to take on new perspectives. If these kinds of discussions sound interesting to you, then this book is right up your alley. And come on -- you can't go wrong with C.S. Lewis. You may have to read his sentences two, three (or even four) times to fully grasp what he is really saying, but it sure is worth it once you have gained that understanding.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book:

"If only one had time to read a little more: we either get shallow & broad or narrow and deep."

"For poetry too is a little incarnation, giving body to what had been before invisible and inaudible."

"We seek an enlargement of our being. We want to be more than ourselves."

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