The Ten Tomes of March & April

A collection of blissful and challenging spring reads

In these first two months of spring, I read twelve excellent books: a biography, several histories and cultural commentaries, and a delightful number of fictional masterpieces. It has been a pleasure reading my way into spring. I have chosen to withhold two of the nonfiction books I read from this list due to their highly sensitive nature, but perhaps I will share them one day when I am better able to articulate my reasons for reading (and loving) them. Without further ado, here are the ten tomes that I would like to share with you today!

The Literary Lives of the Inklings by Philip and Carol Zaleski

This is a monumental biography of some of the greatest figures in twentieth century literature: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and Owen Barfield. This book follows the four writers from birth to death, with particular attention to the development of their literary aspirations and achievements, particularly as they interacted with one another at Oxford in their exclusive literary circle, aptly named “The Inklings.” As all four core members of The Inklings were Christians, this is a spiritual biography as well as a literary one. It's profoundly real, critical, and beautiful. I highly recommend this work to fans (of Lewis and Tolkien in particular) and to aspiring writers and academics who are ravenous for insights into the private world of Oxford Christianity in the early decades of the twentieth century.

Arabian Nights and Days: by Naguib Mahfouz

This was a reread for me. I just love The Arabian Night, and this author’s refashioning of those classic tales in this spell-binding, magical narrative is quite delightful. Beloved characters like Sinbad the sailor and Aladdin make their appearance, but the story actually centres around dozens of citizens in a small Arabian town. The narrative is somewhat hard to follow, as each chapter focuses on a new character (generally), but because each character is introduced in the first few chapters, it is possible to piece the web together, and its fascinating how interrelated each character’s story is to the others. Arabian Nights and Days is a lot of fun, but also contains some profound insights into the universal human condition. I highly recommend this book to a mature audience. 

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

The most beloved tale of my child and adulthood, hands down (though Anne of Green Gables is not far behind). Reading Peter Pan as an adult is enlightening in the sense that you realise that Peter wasn’t actually a very nice boy and that Barrie’s message, while certainly highlighting some of the joys and beauties of childhood, is actually about the value of growing up. My husband and I read this together and we had very mixed emotions at the end of the story. I won’t say more, but please, do go read it for yourself. You won’t regret it.

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity by Carl Trueman

This book was not an easy read, by any means, but I think it is a critical read for evangelical Protestants. Trueman analyses how ancient creeds and confessions - from the Apostles Creed to the Westminster Catechism - protect and promote biblical Christianity in a culture of expressive individualism. While many modern evangelicals reject these historic creeds and proclaim their commitment to ‘no creed but the Bible,’ Trueman argues that the ancient liturgical tradition is essential, as it promotes humility, moral structure, and a godly view of personhood, helping believers maintain a strong foundation amid a culture in crisis. This was a powerful book calling all Christians to unity and orthodoxy in the twenty-first century.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

This tale of journey and adventure was a delightful spring read. Bilbo Baggins leaves the safety of the Shire where he’s been tucked away (as if in winter) for the big, wide world and all the pain and glory it offers. The Hobbit is filled with themes of wonder and discovery as Bilbo encounters the strange creatures and places of Middle Earth, and of spiritual and emotional growth as Bilbo develops uncharacteristic courage and passion. There is also the element of homecoming and rebirth; Bilbo returns to the Shire a changed man, and though he is able to enjoy life in the Shire again, there is the sense that the springtime of his life is now past - and it’s a good thing. I have a deep affection for Tolkien’s characters and world, and it is always lovely to return to them.

Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, and Anne of the Island  by L.M. Montgomery

The first three novels of the beloved Anne of Green Gables series are astounding. I grew up knowing Anne’s story and character vaguely; she is one of the most well-known figures in Canadian literature, after all. However, reading this series as an adult has been an unexpectedly inspiring and delightful experience. Montgomery writes some of the most lovable and compelling characters I’ve encountered in classic literature, and her descriptions of daily life on beautiful Prince Edward Island are subliminal. The beauty of this series is that you fall in love with Anne and her homeland in the first book, and then get to see her life play out beyond her wildest dreams in the next books. The series gets better as it moves on; Anne of the Island, the third novel, is my favourite so far. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next five Anne books; it will be a lovely spring indeed if I am able to follow her all the way to the end. 

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

I listened to this short book on Spotify Audiobooks and it was narrated to perfection. The simple stories of Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Euyore, Owl, Christopher Robin and the gang are just so wholesome and nostalgic. I can still picture the Pooh books I used to read as a little girl, and the Pooh chair I used to sit in. There’s not much else to say about these children’s stories other than they’re just sweet and perfect for a light springtime read.

The Complete Adventures and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

This collection of short stories about the great detective Sherlock Holmes was just fabulous. Written by Dr. Watson, this collection chronicles twenty-three nail-biting cases, all of which are written in Doyle’s crisp, British, masculine tone. I listened to this book on Spotify Audiobooks and the narrator, Ralph Cosham, sounded just like I expected Watson to sound - and he changes his tone appropriately to speak for Sherlock. I tell you, this is an easy book to get through because by the time you finish one story you’re so enamoured with Sherlock’s brilliance that you must read the next one.