BOOK REVIEW: The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis

 

This follows the adventures of a boy named Digory and his friend Polly as they become the victims of the experiments of Digory's unscrupulous uncle with some magic rings. They find themselves in a world brought to the brink of death by a beautiful but evil woman, and a series of events results in their unwittingly bringing this horrible being to the newly created world of Narnia. It is then their responsibility to right the wrong they have done by finding a way to save Narnia from the darkness that has entered it.

The sixth book of the Narnia to have been published, this is actually the first in the chronological history of the Land of Narnia. Written by a man considering by many to be one of the greatest Christian authors in history, this has many connotations and allusions to Christian theology. However, even if the reader has no knowledge of Christian belief, this is a great novel for young people, with main characters that the young can relate to. A fun read.

MOVIE REVIEW: War Horse

 

Set during World War I, this tells of the bond between a horse and the young man who raises him. Starting with the birth of the thoroughbred horse, which is later named Joey, he is sold to a family of farmers that actually cannot afford him. However, a trust develops between the animal and the farmer’s son, Albert. When Joey is later sold to a young military captain to aid the war effort, Albert is heartbroken, but is reassured by the soldier that he will return the horse when the war is over. The film then follows Joey’s experiences in the war, which takes him many places, even behind enemy lines.

This is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, and the stage play that was adapted from the book. The stage performance became famous for its use of mechanical horses in the action, but this film uses real, excellently trained, animals. The movie shows the deplorable conditions that the horses and their riders had to endure during the conflict of WWI, when engine technology had not caught up with artillery ingenuity, and horses were actually worked until they died to haul the huge war machines where they needed to be. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this has been produced in collaboration with Disney studios, but there is quite a bit more live action violence and dead bodies than in the usual Disney movie, so parents may want to take that into consideration before deciding to watch this on family night. However, this is an exquisite film, and deserves every award it was nominated for and won.

BOOK REVIEW: The Six Miracles of Calvary by William R. Nicholson

 

This small book takes the reader through the six miracles associated with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. From the darkness that descended when Jesus died to the revival of the dead saints in the Jerusalem graveyard after he resurrected, this follows these events and looks at the meaning and inspiration that they can give to us in the present day. Originally written in 1927, this has been updated to today’s language by Dan Schaeffer, making it easier for the common layman to understand. While it tends to drone a little, it is an informative read and an enjoyable experience.

MOVIE REVIEW: Dredd

 

In a futuristic metropolis, an elite group of law enforcement officers called Judges are engaged to be judge, jury, and executioner to the criminals they are sent to apprehend. The best of them, named Dredd, is assigned a rookie, who also happens to be an extremely powerful psychic, on her first day. The two end up locked inside the largest housing building in the city, targets of the most dangerous and vicious drug dealer in business, a former prostitute called Ma-ma. Can they use their mixture of abilities and experience to survive?

This is a 2012 production based on a comic strip, starring Karl Urban (Lord of the Rings and Star Trek) as the main character. Though you never get to see his face (he wears an armored helmet), and he delivers his lines in a rough, grating tone of voice, the performance is stellar. Olivia Thirby (The Darkest Hour) plays the rookie, Anderson, who uses her mental gifts to confuse and control the small army sent to kill her and her partner. Full of action and suspense, this is a great effort by all concerned. Due to intense violence, including some involving children, and a great deal of strong language, this is not recommended for young viewers. 

BOOK REVIEW: Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

 

This is a story of the immigrant west, when the wagon trains were bringing white settlers by the thousands to join the gold miners in California and what would become the adjacent western states. One family of immigrants is the May family, which includes Naomi, their only and recently widowed daughter. One of the travelers in the same wagon train they have joined is John Lowry, a half-breed Pawnee driving a pack of mules to be sold to one of the forts along the way. Coming from very different backgrounds, these two find love in each other, only to have that love tested in unimaginable ways by the rigors and dangers of the journey they are on.

A product of love and research by its author, this book tells in real detail how hard life really was on the romanticized trek west for the people looking for a new life in the unconquered lands there. It also tells a little about the Native Americans that originally held the land, and their various responses to the influx of unwelcome strangers into their home. Told from the points of view of both Naomi and John, it is a tale of strength in the face of grief, resilience in adversity, and how love can provide both. Exceptional read.

MOVIE REVIEW: All the Old Knives

 

A CIA officer, Henry Pelham, is given the assignment of reopening the investigation of an eight-year-old case that involved a hijacked airliner that ended tragically when all the passengers and terrorists were killed. The mastermind of this act has been apprehended, and has indicated that the terrorists were being fed information from inside the CIA itself. So, Pelham finds himself forced to reunite with his old cronies from his station in Vienna, including the woman agent that he fell in love with. Who was the leak, and can Pelham trust himself to do what is right, even if it breaks his heart?

This is told in a series of flashbacks to the time of the hijacking and the sequence of events surrounding it. A thriller with many twists and turns, it is relentlessly intriguing and extremely entertaining. It keeps the interest with an almost hypnotic intensity, and should definitely be on the short list of all spy movie enthusiasts. Stars Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton.

BOOK REVIEW: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

 

On a hot week in August, young Winnie Foster decides to run away from her rigid, sheltered life in the small town of Treegap. On the same day, a woman named Mae Tuck sets out to meet her sons, and a stranger comes to town. All seem very innocuous, but they are all intrinsically linked by a wood next to the Foster home, and the mysterious spring in the center of it. The meeting of these people will have effects that will reverberate through time, and maybe even decide the destiny of everyone on Earth.

This is a book for young adults that takes place in the 19^th century. The Tucks are one of the most unique families ever to grace the pages of literature. They and their experiences will be remembered as long as books exist, and perhaps even longer. For they are the first ones that truly asked, What would it be like to live forever? And they are perhaps the first ones that truly come up with an answer.