Yours, Jack

Yours, Jack: Spiritual Direction from C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
Harper One, c2008. 391 p. Biography

How would you like to receive a personal letter from an intellectual and theological giant...C. S. Lewis, anyone? Well, now you can. At a young age Lewis insisted on being called Jack (and wouldn't you with a name like Clive?) and the nickname stuck, thus the title. In addition to his teaching and writing career, Lewis was a prodigious letter writer and corresponded with a staggering number of people, from the likes of Tolkien to the humblest child. They came to him with requests for prayers, praise for his books but also an earnest searching for answers to their trickiest spiritual questions. And he wrote back, faithfully.

Lewis fans will love the latest collection of his letters -- one of the best, most condensed versions available. He performed his unsolicited role of oracle and counselor with an honesty and frankness and little bits of homey comfort that warm the soul. His advice deals with myriad spiritual topics: temptation, love, prayer, etc. His answer to one query in particular reveals his mischievous, unassuming side. When a woman wrote and asked if he were handsome he replied, "Not that I know of: but I'm the last person who would know."

You'll come to know more of Lewis's personality and his personal Christian philosophy. It's an intriguing, inspirational read and perhaps you'll find an answer to one of your own spiritual musings. And I promise, you'll come away feeling you've just received a personal letter from Jack.

DAP