4.5/5 stars

A formational book review by Megan

“They weren’t just beholding rock formations; they were beholding handiwork. What he saw spoke to the nature of this world- a dangerous world, a world where we will have trouble. And it spoke to the nature of the one who made it- magnificent and dangerous, overwhelming and vast, beautiful and sublime.”

Russ Ramsey brings us a look into the lives of different artists and what was unique about their lives and what can be learned from their life and work. Perfect for those new to art appreciation as well as those experienced in art history. Ramsey is able to apply the lens of the Gospel and help the reader find hope through the stories of suffering and pain many artists experienced.

Reading as a Disciple

“Who I am to God is who I am. What comes out of this life is his business, but what I do will never be what makes me who I am. Because this is so, when suffering comes, it doesn’t have the power to unravel God’s design. Instead, the suffering becomes part of the fabric.”

Nothing is a surprise to God, no amount of trauma or difficulties are a shock to God but they can all be used by God. No amount of difficulties or even our reaction to difficulties will ever change how God sees us, we are his children and we are loved by God. So many of the stories have an element of suffering, hence the subtitle, What Art Teaches Us About the Wonder and Struggle of Being Alive, but it is beautiful to see how beauty continued in the suffering. Sometimes I think we like to have life be a nice packaged testimony, ‘life before Christ was hard and then I found Jesus and now I’m good.’ But in reality, Jesus did not promise an easy life, there will still be suffering but now we have hope to carry us through the suffering, hope that through redemption, there will be beauty.

Reading Communally

“To truly love someone is to move beyond first impressions into the heart of things; it is to take on the sacred work of stewarding another’s joys and sorrows. It is to show up for their celebrations and invite them to yours. It is to sit with them when they’re sick, nurse them until they are better, and lean on them when you’re the one who is hurting. Is there a more sacred calling? To really know a person is to know them by their sorrow. Our sorrows, failures, and afflictions are sacred, not shameful, because they tell the truth about our need for redeeming grace and mercy.”

What a beautiful idea, that those things in our life that we may see as shameful, should instead be seen as a reminder of our need for redeeming grace. And not only that but that other’s should be able to join us in this journey of faith. Ramsey calls it a sacred calling, to truly love people and be with them in their ups and downs. Earlier in the chapter he calls failures and limits sacred, they speak truth. Letting people see those sacred parts of our lives is scary but by allowing others to see the sacred parts of our lives, we can help them see God’s redeeming grace as well as let other’s remind us of God’s love and grace. It should be a mutual reminder, there is not simply one helping the other or teaching the other but suffering and failures points anyone toward God’s redemption.

Final Thoughts

Such a beautiful book full of inspiration. There were moments that I was in awe and challenged and other times simply inspired. So much beauty in art and so many reminders of God’s hand in our lives, weaving a complete and hope-filled story. Highly recommend it for everyone but I do think Rembrandt Is In the Wind is still my favorite of the two art books Ramsey has written.

Other books:

Rembrandt is in the Wind– personal favorite

There are other books Ramsey has written but you can look them up.

4.5/5 stars

A formational book review by Megan

“All of life is a battle against fear. We fight it on one front, and it sneaks around to our flank.” He paused, looked kindly at her. “Yes, Father. I understand.” “I regret many things I’ve done,” he said, “but most of all I regret those moments when I said to Fear, ‘You are my master.’”

The Green Ember follows Heather and Picket, simple rabbits, but their lives are turned upside down one day when they are suddenly thrown into a broader adventure. They must overcome prejudice, assumptions, fear, and hate. How will they navigate this uncertain time and will they be for the coming kingdom or against it?

Reading as a Disciple

“The king was asked during this time by a faithful subject, ‘What, Lord Jupiter, is the greatest joy in the peace you have won?’ He did not answer suddenly; that was not his way. He was a philosopher king, so he thought on it. Finally, after several moments in silence, he answered with a wide smile, ‘That I am my father’s true son.’”

Family background and history takes a prominent role in this story but we should all be aware of our own family history and backgrounds too. No matter our own family story, what is beautiful is that our story with God is simple and true, we are his children and are heirs in Christ. Heather and Picket must wrestle with their own family history and things they thought were true but perhaps are not. They face prejudice against them and deal with their own prejudice, both are difficult to overcome. Shame and doubt can make overcoming family history seem impossible but God continually pursues us.

Reading Communally

“Here we anticipate the Mended Wood, the Great Wood healed. Those painters are seeing what is not yet but we hope will be. They are really seeing, but it’s a different kind of sight. They anticipate the Mended Wood. So do all in this community, in our various ways. We sing about it. We paint it. We make crutches and soups and have gardens and weddings and babies. This is a place out of time. A window into the past and the future world. We are heralds, you see, my dear, saying what will surely come. And we prepare with all our might, to be ready when once again we are free.”

The Green Ember had a subtle theme of redemption woven throughout that reminded me of our desire to see God heal our broken world. This idea of being a herald is the same as being an image-bearer, we bear the image of God in us, though we are broken individually, together, in community, we gain a better picture of what is to come.

It was also lovely to see in the book the idea that everyone is preparing for the Mended Wood by doing a craft, learning a trade. Not everyone was a soldier, rabbits continued to chose a trade and by this they were still preparing for the Mended Wood. Nothing was considered unnecessary, all jobs were seen as important and as work toward the Mended Wood. Everyone was a herald and therefore their work was directed toward the hope of the wood being healed and made whole again. We should have the same attitude, that no matter what job we hold, we do it unto God knowing that it will bring glory to God now. All jobs can bring glory to God as we serve as a herald to point others to the hope to come.

Final Thoughts

A thoroughly enjoyable read, lots of action and suspense. I always appreciate kid stories that allow for great conversation and this one does not disappoint. Betrayal, loyalty, hope, friendship, legacy, truth, fear and gossip are all some of the topics that could be discussed. I look forward to finishing the series and seeing what will happen.

Other books by S.D. Smith:

The Green Ember series- I’ve read the second book as well and enjoyed it. Hopefully I’ll finish the third and fourth books sometime this year.

Mooses with Bazookas- Have not read

Jack Zulu series- Have not read

5/5 stars

A formational book review by Megan

“The notion of return, of “crossing a threshold,” is at the heart of the Narnia stories. It seems to be something that Tolkien missed in his critique. Lewis called these tales “good dreams”, the universal stories of restoration sent by God to every corner of humankind. Yes! Lewis believed the imagination offered each person their own door to a vision of the universe with true meaning.”

The Mythmakers is a unique telling of the friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The book chronicles their experiences growing up, through war, and the beginning of their writing journeys. Expertly researched and beautifully told through art and a story of its own.

Reading as a Disciple

“But we must not forget what he called the true gift- perhaps the most obvious attribute of the fairy tale… it is the hinge on which all fairy tales turn, the single unification of escape, consolation, and recovery. Tolkien created a beautiful word for this collision: The Eucatastrophe. All real fairy tales have it: the anti-catastrophe! You have probably felt it in your heart when you’ve read a story. That moment when all hope is lost but then, without warning, there is a “sudden and miraculous grace: never to be counted on to recur! Giving a fleeting glimpse of joy; joy beyond the walls of the world, as poignant as grief. The “happily ever after”! Even better! A longing to live forever in joy. It is the universal desire for the greatest of all escapes- an escape from death.”

Don’t we all long for that eucatastrophe? The sudden and miraculous grace, to be saved by the eagles swooping in like Bilbo or Frodo and Sam; it sure would be helpful some days but it cannot be counted on. That is what makes it miraculous, it was beyond belief. Great stories should leave us pondering and longing for more, for the beauty of the story to continue. “Great myths allow us to slip through the clouds of everyday life and glimpse something divine.” Longing is a new idea for me, an idea that it is a righteous act, to long to see the goodness of God in my life and in the land. Longing teaches us patience and perseverance in the now; that one day God will fulfill his promises.

Reading Communally

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”

The story of The Mythmakers emphasizes the importance of community and friendship. Tolkien and Lewis shared remarkable talents but each had their own struggles and doubts, it was their friendship that helped fill in those holes. Lewis encouraged Tolkien in his work on The Lord of the Rings, it is said that we might never have had LOTR if it weren’t for Lewis. Their friendship was not all serious business but included other like-minded men that enjoyed “nonsense, dialectical jousting, and raucous arguments.” Gathering Christian friends does not have to be limited to Bible studies and church activities but can include nonsense and the simple act of reading fiction books together “for the simple pleasure of enjoying stories in community.”

Just this morning my lenten devotion was centered on the family of believers that “beneath the cross of Jesus, his family is my own.” We are knitted together as a family of believers waiting for our bride to come. Ephesians 2:19-22 words it as “being fitted together” into a holy temple for our Lord to indwell. What a beautiful image, the image of Christian friends gathering around a fire to discuss literature. 🙂

Final Thoughts

“Myths are traditional, often supernatural stories told by humankind. Stories that, within the telling, unfold something about a culture’s history or belief system.”

I absolutely loved this book, it was so fun to read. There was a lot to unpack and look at, Hendrix said himself that it was hard to curate and decide what to leave out but he did a great job of keeping the book focused and clear to follow. The artwork is phenomenal and easy to follow with so many little nuggets to discover. It is not only a great book for Tolkien/Lewis lovers but for anyone longing for true friendship and for our home in Christ.

Other Books:

4/5 stars

A formational book review by Megan

“Sometimes you have to do the work even if you don’t feel like it. Sometimes you have to put away your wants and do what needs to be done, which really means dying to self in order to find life.”

Adorning the Dark is all about community, calling and creating told through the life of Andrew Peterson. It is part biography, part spiritual growth, part handbook.

Reading as a Disciple

“Over the gateway of Self is a sign that says, “Abandon hope, all ye who enter.” It is a hellish, helpless place. Die to self. Live to God. Let your words and music be more beautiful by their death in the soil of worship, that the husk of your own imperfection might fall away and germinate into some bright, eternal song only God could have written.”

Dying to self is one of those Christian phrases that we hear often but are completely unsure how to live out. I like this quote because it gives some framework for that living out. I should desire that my “own imperfection might fall away and germinate into some bright, eternal song.” So much of dying to self, is being ok with our imperfections and letting God use our willingness to serve and obey despite what we see as weaknesses. Peterson gave many examples of doing things that were bigger than himself, it was not what was “advised” but what he felt God leading him to do and God was glorified.

Reading Communally

“You’ll be tempted to slow down, or take an easier route- but it is only by discipline that you’ll finish, and it is only in finishing that you’ll be able to offer up your humble work to those weary souls who may need it.”

I can say that discipline is not something I excel at. It takes a lot of effort to practice discipline. Even for something I enjoy like carving, I know I should practice more but there are days I’m tired or feel “uninspired.” Peterson urges the reader to practice perseverance in whatever craft you practice, not just for ourselves but also for the benefit of others. We are offering up beauty and truth to others and what people do with that is “[God’s] business and none of [ours],” a paraphrase of a Flannery O’Connor quote that Peterson mentions. Being in community can bring growth and refinement as others weigh in on our offerings but can also bring confusion and discouragement if we put too much weight on the opinions of others. It is a fine line to walk, between doing what we feel God has led us to do and listening to the outside voices, even those of people we respect. It is a tension to manage.

Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Adorning the Dark. It was masterfully done, it didn’t feel like a “teachy” book, it had plenty of stories from Andrew Peterson’s life but there was much to ponder and reflect over. It is for any artist but it is aimed more for singers and songwriters.

Other books:

Not only is Andrew Peterson a musician but he is the author of multiple other books that I would say are must reads including The Wingfeather Saga, which if you haven’t read, go read it now!

A formational book review by Megan

4.5/5 stars

“I had desired it [creating a being] with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished; the beauty of the dream vanished; and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.”

Many people through out the world know about Frankenstein, Hollywood has given much attention to this tale of terror but fewer people actually read the book and know that Frankenstein is actually the name of the scientist who creates the monster, not the other way around.

Lance and I both read this book along with two of our friends here in Port Townsend. We recently got together to discuss the book so this book review will not follow the usual format.

I read the 1818 Frankenstein version that includes notes and discussion questions from Karen Swallow Prior, a Christian professor of literature and author of multiple books, she even added in the book a section titled “Reading Frankenstein as a Christian Today.”

Background

Mary Shelley was born in 1797 England to two revolutionary authors who did not believe in marriage but only married after they were expecting Mary and knew that their daughter would be at a disadvantage if the did not marry. Mary grew up outside the typical family boundaries, she had multiple half siblings from her parent’s illegitimate relationships and because of this she followed their idea of “free love” and ran away with author Percy Shelley (who was already married) along with her half-sister. Sadly, Mary endured the deaths of four of her children through miscarriages or premature death along with the suicide of a sister and Percy’s wife and eventually her lover. She was surrounded by death.

Unofficial Thoughts from the Unofficial DB Book Club

“I don’t like Frankenstein,” says Rachel. She is referring to Victor Frankenstein and his obsession for glory and prestige.

Rachel interjected this opinion as we compared the visions of glory sought by Victor Frankenstein and Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul states that he will only boast of his weaknesses because through them Christ is glorified. Frankenstein set out to create his monster for his own glory, for the triumph of creating.

“A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.”

Compare that quote with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

We moved on to discuss the question, what truths does the novel convey about human beings as social creatures?

God created us for community, he desired to be with His creation while Frankenstein created for his own glory and once he created his monster, he wanted nothing to do with it. The monster continued to seek out fellowship and community, he desired relationship and acceptance which is what drove him to demand a mate from Frankenstein.

“but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid from its very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and detested.”

The monster was rejected by mankind and forced to live a solitary life and in his anguish he cultivated hatred and a desire for revenge. In the introduction, Prior discusses the importance of companionship and friendship and that perhaps the church today has replaced this idea with “mentors” or “accountability partners” instead of helping people find healthy “companionship in our lives and as well as the dangers of not having good friends.”

“I don’t like Frankenstein,” repeats Rachel.

Nature versus nurture is another great topic to discuss in view of the book. Was Frankenstein’s creature destined to be a monster in character or was that nurtured by the rejection of society and his Creator? Multiple times the monster begs his creator to take pity on him as his creation but his request falls on deaf ears. It can also be discussed that if we are created in the image of God, what was the monster created in the image of and does that bear on his character?

“Slave, I before reasoned with you, but you have proved yourself unworthy of my condescension. Remember that I have power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you. You are my creator, but I am your master;- obey!”

“Did I mention I don’t like Frankenstein?” asks Rachel.

Final Thoughts

“Living as we do in a culture that increasingly questions the goodness (or even the existence) of a God who created a world and to whom we are subject renders this two-hundred-year-old novel more timely than ever.”

Karen Swallow Prior

Read Frankenstein as soon as possible, there is much to unpack and contemplate.