Coriolanus by William Shakespeare. From the first scene, it is difficult not to make comparisons to today’s political climate. This play, if you are interested in the historical alignment for your children’s school studies, takes place in Rome’s days of the republic. If you are interested in it morally, it is a play about what happens when overweening pride leads the way. If you are interested in enjoying a play with plot and vivid characters, here it is. But, you could just read it to get to know Shakespeare’s style and language and enjoy it. Incidentally, this was T. S. Eliot’s favorite.
Quentin Durward by Sir Walter Scott. This historical novel takes place in the fifteenth century days of King Louis XI of France and is full of dangerous adventure and political intrigue. The main character is a displaced Scotsman who has been cruelly burnt out of his home and orphaned and has come to France to make his way in the world as part of Louis’s Scots guard. You could not find a character with more integrity, charm, intelligence, and courage in literature. Louis uses him in a plot to overthrow his rival, but in true chivalric style, Durward gets his reward for noble conduct and wins the girl. For, of course there is a romance that ends up just right for the interested parties.
True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer. This is a classic Christian book by pastor, theologian, apologist, and founder of L’Abri. I remember my parents reading it, but just read it for the first time in the past few months with my husband. Schaeffer sets out to describe what the Christian life is like beyond making a profession of faith. In other words, how does our daily life, friendships, psychological make-up, marriage, and social life fit in with our newfound commitment to Christ, Or more precisely, how does Christ enter into us and make us more ourselves than we knew possible?
The Lost Umbrella of Kim Chu by Eleanor Estes. I had a great revel in a childhood favorite author in this thoroughly enjoyable novel for school children, which shows the nature of Estes writing. See my recent post all about it.
Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I agree with the general assessment that her poetry is exquisite. The collection of superb sonnets portray all the emotions and power of love and call me back for many more re-readings. These gems could be poured over for a lifetime.
Let the Trumpet Sound: The Life of Martin Luther King by Stephen B. Oates. The events of Martin Luther King’s life were part of the background news jumble of my childhood, and I know I read a children’s biography of him decades ago, but have never read a thorough account. I still remember the day my best friend called to tell me he had been shot and my running to tell my mother, who didn’t believe me, and fell apart sobbing—much to my alarm. I had no idea as a little girl what ugly things were going on and what a hero was giving his life to change that world. I appreciated this author’s lucid account, vivid description of King as a man, and am grateful for a thorough narrative of an extraordinary man–a gift from God to our nation.
The Tower by the Sea by Meindert DeJong. One of my favorite children’s authors wrote a book I hadn’t read before. I had to, of course. Read my upcoming post for more details. Excellent for your fantasy fiction loving children.
For the joy of reading,
Liz