Audiobook / Banned Book / TBR Pile: The Screwtape Letters

I love everything I've ever read that was written by C.S. Lewis. I'd really be hard-pressed to find something of his that I didn't enjoy. And so, let me introduce The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. It's a bit of an unconventional piece of literature. Screwtape, a higher-level administrative demon, is writing a series of letters to his nephew, Wormwood, a lower-level tempter. The main focus of the letters is the best way to tempt one man toward "our father below," the Devil, and away from "the enemy," God. Lewis uses his best forum--the written word--to create a humorous, creepy, and fearlessly honest Devil's Advocate.

There are many covers for this book. Mine actually had a picture of C.S. Lewis on the front, but I couldn't find a link for that picture, so I'll just share a couple of the covers that I like.

(all pictures on this post taken from Goodreads)

Conclusion: What a unique and witty way of Lewis to present his ideas! I was laughing much of the time and nodding my head at Lewis' intended points in each letter. I found it interesting to learn after listening to this book that Lewis hated writing it, although it makes sense. Visiting and lingering for too long in a world where sin is a joke and something the main character vehemently supports cannot be good for the soul, at least from a Christian perspective. The version I listened to also included "Screwtape Proposes a Toast," which is a follow-up piece to The Screwtape Letters. It is somewhat religious, obviously, but Lewis also sneaks some political viewpoints into that one, so I found myself a little more torn on some of his points. But the best part of Screwtape's letters (in my opinion) was the demon's complete inability to understand love. How perfect to explain his shortsightedness in understanding the motivations of God and humans! The little nuances of balance in the practice of temptation were also brilliant. I just really enjoyed this, and it made me think seriously at the same time.

Recommendation: I would recommend this to any Christian or anyone who wishes to read this viewpoint in a form both humorous and serious at the same time.

The Screwtape Letters is my fourth read for the 2015 Banned Book Challenge, my third read for the 2015 Audiobook Challenge, and my eighth read for the 2015 TBR Pile Challenge. A lot of crossover this time!

Side note: If I owe any of you mail, I am so sorry for the delay. I've been pretty swamped lately, but hopefully I will catch up soon. Know that you are in my mind and I'm doing my best.