Getting What We Want

I have been haunted by a theme that runs through the Chronicle of Narnia series: that in the end we get what we want. Over and over through the series the characters are confronted with the end result of what they desire.
The self-centered and gutless uncle in The Magician’s Nephew got what he wanted…himself. [...]

Movie Review: Heidi (2005)

I have a strict rule in my house. No one can watch a book-turned-movie until the book has been read, and better yet, read recently.
Reading and listening to books is a wonderful opportunity to exercise your brain’s creativity…where and how else can you be director, casting agent, costume designer, and prop/scene artist all at [...]

Treasure hunting

I love books. Especially ones that you find “buried” somewhere like hidden treasure.
I recently scooped up a complete 1954 set of Compton’s Pictured Encyclopedias at an estate sale. Thinking I found a treasure chest of rare gems, I inquired wistfully about the price. “Five dollars.” What? SOLD! The lady [...]

Classics…and “Classics” re-created

Tonight, we are one chapter away from finishing Heidi. I cannot believe that in all of my childhood, I never read or was never read to from the original Heidi. I thought that I had read Heidi, but now realize it was just a cheap imitation. In fact, a few years ago [...]