Mirkwood Reflections

4 more books in May - one a week seems like a good average, yes? The Eternal Argument: A framework for understanding Western Literature and Culture by R. Robin Finley - 5/16/2014  Good Non-fiction 286 Print Long time middle school English teacher Robin Finley traces the history of Western literature against the larger conflict between theism and humanism. I purchased this at the homeschool convention in 2013 and it sat on the shelf. But in April 2014, I heard the author speak at the homeschool convention in Cincinnati and remembered I had the book at home. Useful information to help understand Western literature. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis - 5/17/2014  Excellent Non-fiction 141 Print If God is omnipotent and good, how can we explain human pain and suffering? Lewis proposes reasonable answers. Finally decided to stop SAYING that I am going to read all of Lewis and get started on it. I decided to read just a short bit every day when I do my devotional reading. ...

Finished 4 books in April. Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare - 4/2/2014  Good - Classic 135 pages - Audio  3 hr 14 min The callow Troilus pines over the unfaithful Cressida against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Book club selection. We went to see the play. This is not considered one of Shakespeare's best plays, but the performance was entertaining.  Austenland by Shannon Hale - 4/9/2014  Good - Chick Lit  194 pages - Print 30-something Jane is given a trip to Austenland to roleplay with Darcy look-alikes, but will the experience match her fantasy? Another book club selection. LOVED the film. The book was amusing! There is a sequel now - Midnight in Austenland. My favorite Hale book is The Actor and the Housewife, though. Tempting Fate  by Jane Green - 4/15/2014  Good - Fiction 343 pages - Print Gabby has been happily married for 20 years but when she meets a younger man, she suddenly feels alive and desirable again. What wil...