Tribe: On Homecoming & Belonging
By Sebastian Junger
-Summary-
Combining history, psychology, and anthropology, Tribe explores what we can learn from tribal societies about loyalty, belonging, and the eternal human quest for meaning. It explains the irony that-for many veterans as well as civilians-war feels better than peace, adversity can turn out to be a blessing, and disasters are sometimes remembered more fondly than weddings or tropical vacations.
-Rating-
8/10, for young adults
-Themes-
Community, Unity, Suffering, Hardship, Initiation, Manhood
A Time to Kill
By John Grisham
-Summary-
Carl Lee Hailey is a heartbroken black father who avenges his daughter's rape by shooting the men responsible for the crime as they are on their way to trial. He turns to attorney Jake Brigance to defend him. Given Hailey's race and the deliberate nature of his crimes, Brigance is uncertain that he can win. A graphic and touching story of justice in and out of the court room.
-Rating-
9.5/10, for adult readers
-Movie-
A Time to Kill (featuring Samuel L. Jackson & Matthew McConaughey). Rated (R).
The Great Divorce
By C.S. Lewis
-Summary-
In The Great Divorce, the narrator finds himself in Hell boarding a bus bound for Heaven. The amazing opportunity is that anyone who wants to stay in Heaven, can, but many choose not to. This is a starting point for a meditation upon good and evil, grace and judgment.
-Rating-
10/10, for readers of any age
-Themes-
Judgement, Death, Afterlife, Good & Evil, Morality, Free Will, Lust, Justice
The Scarlet Pimpernel
By Baroness Orczy
-Summary-
The Scarlet Pimpernel is Baroness Orczy's classic adventure novel about Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy Englishman who has a secret identity as a daring rescuer of aristocrats from the French Revolution. Orczy's thrilling tale of heroism and romance is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for over a century.
-Rating-
10/10, for young adult readers
-Movie-
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982) - A wonderful adaptation!
BONUS: Surprised by Oxford
A tribute to Oxford, higher ed, faith, and C.S. Lewis.