The Problem of Pain 162 pages
Why must humanity suffer? In this elegant and thoughtful work, C. S. Lewis questions the pain and suffering that occur everyday and how this contrasts with the notion of a God that is both omnipotent and good. An answer to this critical theological problem is found within these pages.
Two-Month Option
James Bryan Smith
Room of Marvels 192 pagesWritten as a fable or allegory, much in the same vein as "The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis.- Although a work of fiction, the story mirrors the author's own journey through grief after the loss of his friend Rich Mullins, his mother Wanda, and his daughter Madeline.
Christian writer Tim Hudson usually turns easy answers into bestsellers. But when his best friend is killed---followed closely by Tim's mother and his daughter---his faith wavers. So he withdraws to a spiritual retreat center, where God offers him insight into his loved ones' experience of heaven---but will Tim believe it?
C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce 133 pagesWhat if anyone in Hell could take a bus trip to Heaven and stay there forever if they wanted to?
In The Great Divorce C. S. Lewis again employs his formidable talent for fable and allegory. The writer finds himself in Hell boarding a bus bound for Heaven. The amazing opportunity is that anyone who wants to stay in Heaven, can. This is the starting point for an extraordinary meditation upon good and evil, grace and judgment. Lewis's revolutionary idea is the discovery that the gates of Hell are locked from the inside. In Lewis's own words, "If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell."
Three-Month Option
Lois LowryUtopian Trilogy consisting of: The Giver; Gathering Blue; Messenger
The Giver 208 pages
Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.
Gathering Blue 240 pages
Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She fears for her future until she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians. Kira is a gifted weaver and is given a task that no other community member can do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world and see what places exist beyond. Messenger 176 pages
For the past six years, Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man, known for his special sight. Village was a place that welcomed newcomers, but something sinister has seeped into Village and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. Matty has been invaluable as a messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous forest with his only weapon, a power he unexpectedly discovers within himself.
