The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

I know that I am behind on the times here but I just finished reading The Screwtape Letters for the first time. Why did I wait so long to read it? It is such an amazing book and I can't stop thinking about it. The satire is incredible and every page gave me more and more to think about. It made me consider how I was handling my life and whether or not I was letting Satan have power over me. Lewis sheds light on how the little things are how we are brought down.

One of my favorite parts of the book is a commentary by C.S. Lewis at the end of the book. C.S. Lewis says, "Though I had never written anything more easily, I never wrote with less enjoyment...But though it was easy to twist one's mind into the diabolical attitude, it was not fun, or not for long. The strain produced a sort of spiritual cramp. The world into which I had to project myself while I spoke through Screwtape was all dust, grit, thirst and itch. Every trace of beauty, freshness, and geniality had to be excluded. It almost smothered me before I was done. It would have smothered my readers if I had prolonged it."

The entire book was fascinating and I loved it! If you are someone that hasn't read it, I suggest you do.

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

Every time that someone asked me lately what I was reading and I told them I was reading The Postmistress, they gave me a questioning look. No, this book is not about a mistress. Read this review and then read the book, it is a great World War II era book.

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake is a remarkable novel about three women whose lives are loosely intertwined during World War II. The war is ravaging in Europe but America is not yet involved.
Iris James is a single woman who arrives in Franklin, Massachusetts to take the position of postmistress (a woman in charge of a post office, aka postmaster). Iris prides herself in the order and reason of her post office. She is at the center of Franklin society and knows almost everything about everyone but keeps things in confidence. Emma Fitch is the new bride of the young town doctor who has just arrived in Franklin. Emma has dreamed for years to find the feeling of home after her parents died when she was young. She feels lost and empty when her new husband leaves to volunteer in war torn London, promising to return in six months. Frankie Bard is an American journalist reporting from London, delivering powerful and heart-wrenching stories. Frankie is reporting on the blitz in London hoping to wake up Americans and make them see what the war is doing to Europe.

Each woman questions how the stories of life are written and whether or not they have a say. Do things just happen or do we have control? Are there things that are better left unsaid or is it our obligation to share our experiences and share things with the world? What is our role in life?

It was a book that has left me thinking long after I finished the last page. I really enjoyed it!