The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Title: The Screwtape Letters

Author: C.S. Lewis

First Published: 1942

No. of Pages: 117

Synopsis (from B&N): "In this humorous and perceptive exchange between two devils, C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good vs. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Through this wonderful tale, the reader emerges with a better understanding of what it means to live a faithful life."

Fiction or Nonfiction: Fiction

Comments and Critique: I found this an inspired way to present important life lessons and commentary on the human condition. The tale is told through a series of letters sent from one devil, Screwtape, to his nephew and fellow devil, Wormwood (they are devils in the sense of agents of the Devil, kind of the flip side of angels). In the letters, Screwtape gives Wormwood advice on how to turn his "patient," a middle-aged English gentleman, against God, so that his soul will ultimately belong to the Devil. In doing so, Screwtape presents evidence of God's intent with regards to humans and the things that humans do (often at the prompting of the anti-angels) to thwart God's plans for us.

Every single page is full of useful information, often of the kind that is uncomfortable to apply to ourselves, but nevertheless must be looked at if we want to grow spiritually. There are so many lessons to be learned here; I would love to include them in this post but it would end up being as long as the book. Instead, I will just recommend that you read the book for yourself. It was absolutely wonderful.

Challenges: 999 ("C.S. Lewis")