If I had to sum up Yann Martel’s new novel in one word, it would be “grim,” which is not to deter readers but to prepare them. In scope, if not in length, Beatrice and Virgil rivals Martel’s previous novel, Life of Pi, with its necessary and answerless questions and its cast of bizarre characters.
Henry [...]
Today marks the third Sunday of Advent, and I have to admit that waiting for the Christ Child is a bit overshadowed by waiting to take possession of our house. We closed two weeks ago on our first house—after 15 years of renting near grad schools and temporary teaching assignments—and hope to begin moving next week (yes, best Christmas present ever)! In the meantime (and in addition to packing), Brandon and I have been marking the season by reading aloud each evening from Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas. This is our third year of observing Advent in the company of this book. Each day features a selection from a great poet, theologian, or church father or mother, including Madeleine L’Engle, Thomas Merton, C.S. Lewis, Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Annie Dillard, Sylvia Plath, Bernard of Clairvaux, and John Donne. As in all collections, some of the selections are more striking or original than others, and we enjoy noting the thematic and stylistic elements that characterize each selection’s author. On the whole, we have found this useful for quieting and focusing our thoughts and sparking a bit of conversation as we unwind from the day.
Do you have any Advent traditions? Any favorite books you return to in this season?
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December 17th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I was just looking at this book, wondering how good it was. Last year we went through God With Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas, and we intended to use it again this year, but we haven’t been very successful, unfortunately. I think we were both a little worried that using the same book in consecutive years would not have the same level of impact.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Hi there, I’m very happy to find your blog. I recently finished reading “Peril and Peace” to my 9 year old daughter, and we both loved it! We’ve started now on “Monks and Mystics.” It’s a great compliment to our study of history (we are homeschooling). I haven’t found anything else out there for kids that teaches church history so thoroughly. And I love that it’s in story form.
Also, I noticed in another post that you are a fan of Paul Willis’s work. I’m the poetry editor for WordFarm, and I edited “Rosing from the Dead.” Thanks for mentioning the book!
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:42 pm
So glad for your comment, Marci! Thanks for the kind words about my books, and how cool that you edited Paul! I haven’t read Rosing yet but plan to one of these days. He is such a genuinely nice person and a lovely writer. I’ll be checking out your website!