Prince Caspian
Some readers turn to chick-lit, mysteries, or YA novels when they are feeling mentally tired and not up to reading denser fare. Allegedly this is what summer reading is all about. I have never experienced a difference in my reading patterns from season to season but I do sometimes feel the need to take a little break and read a restful book. Instead of picking up a waste-of-time book, I turn to old favorites for my relaxing reading. This is why I have reread many books dozens of times. Jane Eyre still tops my list as most reread but The Chronicles of Narnia are up there along with Lewis’ Space Trilogy and Till We Have Faces. Other frequent rereads include: Ben Hur, Rebecca, & Treasure Island. I easily breezed through Prince Caspian yesterday and my enjoyment of the book confirmed my desire to never see the movie allegedly made from it. There are such rich ideas in it, including: the many-layered nature of proper authority, the nobility of self-sacrifice, honorable behavior in combat, joyous enjoyment of delightful food, and faithful obedience despite disagreement. Trumpkin and Reepicheep are two of the most English characters in literature and thoroughly enjoyable for it. I am refreshed.