Certainly two of the most gifted writers in
recent history were C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Both authors
weren't just "writers", but were truly "thinkers" and their books reflect
the ability they had to challenge their readers to be "thinkers", too.
With the release of the Lord of the Rings to theater and it's incredible
success, interest in Tolkien has grown. I'm delighted to see this
and hope that people will not only be amazed with the quality that went
into producing these movies, but will be motivated to learn the message
behind these movies and the books that inspired them. As the Chronicles
of Narnia make their way to the big screen, I hope the same will be
true for them as well. I am pleased to see books available to help
us understand the symbolism both authors used in their writings and other
resources that build on these amazing books.
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A Family Guide to
Narnia
Author - Christian Ditchfield
Publisher - Crossway Books |
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Favorite Features -
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walks through each chapter in each book of the Chronicles of Narnia
to explain the symbolism and characters
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each chapter begins with an overview/explanation of each book in the series
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each explanation includes -
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Scripture verse
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Biblical parallels and principles
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questions to consider
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more Scripture
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includes a Scripture index
the Chronicles of Narnia are an incredible
series of books with deep meaning - sometimes we might be confused by the
symbolism and a book such as this can help us understand so we are able
to help our children make the connections Lewis intended in his incredible
series of books. Extremely well done Christian and Crossway Books!
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the Complete
Chronicles of Narnia
Author - C. S. Lewis
Illustrator - Pauline Baynes
Publisher - Zondervan |
 |
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Favorite Features -
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all seven books from the Chronicles of Narnia are included
in this hardcover, deluxe edition
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colorful illustrations throughout help bring the stories to life
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interesting characters that will pull the reader in and cause the reader
to care about the characters and what happens to them
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symbolism isn't real complicated to pick up on, but it does make you think
so you can understand the message behind the stories
This book is one every family should have in
their own library and read through together. The unique, creative
and imaginative presentation of Truth in these stories is one that will
be remembered, understood and loved by all. Tremendously well done
Clive, Pauline and Zondervan!
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A Year with
C. S. Lewis
Editor - Patricia Klein
Publisher - Zondervan |
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Favorite Features -
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365 daily devotions from C. S. Lewis' books and writings
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each reading is dated to take you through the year
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ribbon to mark your spot
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each reading is taken as an excerpt from one of Lewis' books
These daily readings will challenge, encourage
and definitely make you think. Extremely well done Patricia and Zondervan!
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The Weight of Glory
Author - C. S. Lewis
Publisher - Zondervan |
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Favorite Features -
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begins with a review of who Lewis was and his life
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complete manuscripts of nine of Lewis' sermons
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The Weight of Glory -shows how God has given believers "glory" -
His approval and our response should be pure delight! There are no
ordinary people - God has placed "glory" in each of us!
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Learning in War Time - was a speech by Lewis during the 2nd World
War - I like where he closes with how war forces us to think about our
mortality because 100 percent of use will die - just some of us, in war,
earlier than we otherwise may have.
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Why I Am Not a Pacifist - Lewis looks at right/wrong, reason/conscience,
facts/intuition, and authority and clearly and intelligently explains why
he is not a pacifist - excellent material for people today to read, consider
and understand.
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Transposition - Lewis looks at the question of tongues.
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Is Theology Poetry - gives us much to think about
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The Inner Ring - challenges us to not strive to be on the "inside",
but rather to work hard to do our best and in so doing we will come to
know others who do likewise and have friendships with them which is much
more valuable than shallow acquaintances with "insiders".
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Membership - Christianity should not be solitary or private, but
part of the body
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On Forgiveness - asking God for forgiveness is not asking Him to
accept our excuses
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A Slip of the Tongue - challenge us to develop morning prayers that
are truly thoughtful
This book includes an interesting collection
of Lewis' speeches. Thoughtful and though provoking collection has
much for us to consider and learn from. Extremely well done Clive
and Zondervan!
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Favorite Features -
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interesting characters that pull the reader in and cause the reader to
care about the characters and what happens to them
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exciting story line makes the reader want to read all the books in the
series
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symbolism is complicated, but makes you think and work to understand the
message behind the books
This series of books is one everyone who watches
the movies should make the time to read. Tolkien had a reason for
writing this series of stories - he wanted to use the symbolism to communicate
God's great love for us and plan to redeem us. Extremely well done
John and Del Rey/Ballantine Books!
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Frodo & Harry
Understanding Visual Media
and It's Impact on Our Lives
Authors - Ted Baehr & Tom Snyder
Publisher - Crossway Books |
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Favorite Features -
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reviews the movies - Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Harry Potter,
explaining the symbolism presented in each
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compares the two movies/books and shows clearly how Lord of the Rings
points to God and Harry Potter to evil/occult/witchcraft
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explains difference between a Christian worldview found in Lord of the
Rings and the occult worldview of Harry Potter
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provides questions to work through with your kids about the Lord of
the Rings and Harry Potter
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shows how the media has become a primary teacher of our children and what
we need to know and do about this problem
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walks through child development and how children are affected by media
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explains what a worldview is and looks at specific worldviews
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looks at the church's response to media and the questions to ask about
the
Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter as well as media in general
I really appreciated this book as it helped me
to better understand the symbolism and message in Lord of the Rings
as well as to be better able to understand and explain why books like Harry
Potter are better left unread. Every parent needs to read this
book. Tremendously well done Ted, Tom and Crossway!
I am so delighted to be able to include reviews
of a few Lord of the Rings games. I really like it when companies
produce resources that build on a tremendous book/movie as they have the
potential to encourage people to remember and think about the message in
the book/movie. Hasbro has teamed up with New Line Cinema and produced
some excellent games - I highly recommend them for teens and adults who
love the Lord of the Rings!
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Risk -
the Lord of the Rings
Trilogy Edition
Manufacturer - Hasbro/Parker Brothers
Ages - 9+
2 to 4 players and teams |
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Favorite Features -
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game includes -
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detailed game board with colorful map of Middle Earth, Gondor, Mordor and
Haradwaith territories
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territory and adventure cards
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complete rules with special Lord of the Rings options for alliance
or team play - standard game rules printed in blue ink in the rule book
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molded storage tray
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shaped playing pieces add to the fun
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encourages strategic thinking
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encourages playing by the rules
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encourages players to remember the story, Lord of the Rings, and
what it means
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includes a molded storage tray
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Monopoly -
the Lord of the Rings
Trilogy Edition
Manufacturer - Hasbro/Parker Brothers
Ages - 8+
2 to 6 players |
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Favorite Features -
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Game includes -
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complete rules and special Lord of the Rings game options
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colorful board with map of Middle Earth
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deed cards, plastic strongholds and fortresses, people and event cards,
power (money), special die with the Eye of Sauron, regular die, The One
Ring
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six pewter tokens - Aragorn, Frodo, Gimli, Galdariel, Gandalf and Legolas
- very detailed and well made
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encourages playing by the rules
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encourages counting/money(power) skills
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encourages strategic thinking
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encourages players to remember the story, Lord of the Rings and
what it means
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includes a molded storage tray
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Trivial Pursuit -
the Lord of the Rings
Trilogy Edition
Manufacturer - Hasbro/Parker Brothers
Ages - Adults
2 to 4 players or teams |
|
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Favorite Features -
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game includes -
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complete rules and special Lord of the Rings options
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classy game board reflects map of middle earth
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replica of The One Ring
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four pewter game pieces - Frodo, Galadriel, Gandalf & Aragorn
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colorful scoring wedges
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Ringwrath token
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1800 questions from all three movies/books
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encourages playing by the rules
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encourages players to remember the story, Lord of the Rings and
what it means
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includes a molded storage tray
I really like when familiar games are freshened
up and presented as a tie in to a movie/book series - it makes the old
familiar games, new, fun again and encourages families, friends, groups
of people to take time to interact together and build relationships while
having fun. All three games in the Lord of the Rings series
from Hasbro/Parker Brothers will do exactly this. Tremendously well
done Hasbro/Parker Brothers!
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