A beginner’s guide to C.S. Lewis

 Reading the works of mid-20th century writers can be daunting to those who are yet to discover them fully. One of these writers is C.S. Lewis whose oeuvre of more than 30 books covers fiction, non-fiction, and sometimes poetry. But, apart from his literature, C.S. Lewis in his capacity as a lay theologian is also known for his Christian writings. This article hopes to serve as a guide to readers who are beginning to take interest in the works of this influential British author. John Eilerman St. Louis

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Personal life

Born in Belfast, Ireland on 29 November 1898, Clive Staples Lewis was the son of Albert James Lewis and Florence Augusta Lewis. As a boy, he was influenced by reading the stories of Beatrix Potter. He was baptized in the Church of Ireland but fell away from the Church at the age of 15. He returned to Anglicanism at the age of 32, upon the influence of his friends which included J.R.R. Tolkien. He married Joy Davidman, an American writer, in 1956. He died on 22 November 1963. John Eilerman St. Louis

Fiction

As a writer, C.S. Lewis is best known for his fiction which includes The Space Trilogy, a series of science fiction novels, The Screwtape Letters, and The Great Divorce. His most recognizable work was The Chronicles of Narnia - a series of seven fantasy novels of children’s literature. It was adapted into a film trilogy which were released beginning in 2005. John Eilerman St. Louis

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Non-fiction

More than the body of work that C.S. Lewis wrote for fiction, it was his non-fiction writings that has become a massive influence to his readers. Foremost among these is Mere Christianity, which is an insightful work on the Christian belief. Other famous non-fiction works include An Experiment in Criticism, and A Grief Observed. John Eilerman St. Louis

Superpowers that tipped the scales of the Second World War

 

It’s not a mystery that the Second World War showed us military prowess never seen before in previous wars. From the Axis Powers to the Alliance, some alliances even had super countries which could single-handedly end the war by themselves. Here are 3 of these countries that held more power than most of the countries combined, John F Eilermann shares.

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United Kingdom

Although not a single country, the United Kingdom consisted of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These 4 countries gathered forces and technology that protected them from Germany’s invasion for so long. Being involved from the very beginning of the war, the United Kingdom participated in stopping Hitler’s advances by being in major battles such as the Battle of France, Operation: Overlord, and, most notably, the Battle of the Bulge. All these battles were won with help from another superpower, with tech and air support coming in to help, John F Eilermann notes. Overall, the United Kingdom held enough power to stop the Axis’ advance through Europe.

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Germany

It’s no mystery that Germany held so much power during the Second World War during Hitler’s reign. Almost like a hive mindset, they followed the orders of their Führer up to the very end. From technology like U-boats to torturous prison camps, their brutish and mercilessness in the battlefield grants them a seat on this list. Even without advanced technology like the US or tons of infantry like the UK, Germany managed, with strategy, to take over half of Europe, even before the Axis Powers were formed. With all these achievements and more, Germany deserves to be called a superpower, John F Eilermann notes.

United States of America

Ever since the US bared their fangs during the Second World War, everyone feared their military prowess. With the help of tech more advanced than anything the battlefield had seen, the USA proved to be the largest superpower of WWII. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the USA had more of an active role in the war rather than just providing support by equipment. They strategized and not long after, through the use of atomic bombing, reduced the Axis Powers military strength by more than half. John F Eilermann shares that this makes the USA a military to be feared and respected.

Basic figures of speech every aspiring writer should know

 

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Any veteran writer knows the importance of having a firm grasp on the basic figures of speech. Even when writing academic papers, the use of creativity in writing is very much welcome, and it adds a dimension that cuts through the monotonous structure of formal writing. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

On that note, here are some examples of figures of speech for aspiring writers to help get them started on their writing journey. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

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Simile

As one of the most basic yet most creative forms of figures of speech, a simile is often described as comparing one subject to another. Examples range from as bright as the sun, as dark as night, as cold as ice, and more. Veteran writers make things more creative by changing it up a bit. Instead of saying as dark as night, they say as dark as the infinite abyss. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Metaphor

Metaphors are a basic figure of speech that uses an object or a description to depict a different object but not literally. A heart of gold, the strength of a bear, the kiss of death, and more are examples of metaphors. However, using metaphors needs to be practiced to be delivered effectively and clearly. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Pele, the greatest soccer player of all-time

 

Perhaps no other person in the rich and colorful history of world football is as revered and universally loved as Pele. 

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Born in 1940, Pele like so many other Brazilians, grew up poor. Pele’s father was a professional soccer player, and quite a good one at that. However, a tragic leg injury shortened his career. John Eilermann. 

Pele picked up where his father left off by showing skill and talent at an exceptionally young age. His father, although injured, still took the time to train the young Pele. Because of a severe lack of funds, Pele used a grapefruit as a ball and a sock filled with newspaper as footwear during practice. John Eilermann.

However, Pele would not let poverty get in his way. He continued to practice, and he performed magically in local minor leagues as a forward. Pele’s coach, Waldemar de Brito, who was a famous player of Brazil, brought the youngster to the professional club Santos FC when he was 15 years old. John Eilermann.

Two years later, at only 17, Pele would be instrumental in leading Brazil to capturing the World Cup.

Pele would go on to weave his magic on football pitches everywhere in the world. To put things in perspective, and to perfectly encapsulate what Pele meant to football and the world, two countries at war even held a ceasefire because Pele was playing a game in the region. John Eilermann.

Children’s books to get your little ones into reading

 

Being parents, we always want to get the best for our kids. Be it the best home, the best happiness, or the best education, we strive to take care of them and ready them for the future. We teach them various mannerisms, cultures and literature. If you really want to teach your kids literature, then having them read is the best way possible, notes John F Eilermann. Here are some books to get them into reading! John Eilermann St. Louis . 

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This children’s classic follows the story of a young boy named Charlie who gets lucky and lands himself a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The tour also gives all the participants a chance to inherit Wonka’s massive wealth. With its fun descriptions, amazing artwork, and even an accompanying movie classic, this kids’ book will be a game changer in your child’s life. John F Eilermann notes that it appeals to all ages as well, with its underlying tones of capitalism, politics and corruption in the form of wealthy, spoiled kids for you to interpret and enjoy. John Eilermann St. Louis . 

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Another classic from C.S. Lewis, this book follows a group of teenagers who accidently find a wardrobe which transports them to Narnia, a fantasy land with talking lions, evil witches and many more. John Eilermann St. Louis. As they travel the lands they encounter a wise lion that guides them through their adventures. This book has more creativity put into it while symbolism is still apparent for the parents to enjoy. If you’re kid is into fantasy, then this book is definitely for him! John Eilermann St. Louis .

Seven exercises baseball players swear by

 

Countries are either extending lockdown periods or restricting residents from leaving their homes once more due to the present threat of COVID-19. While many gyms have reopened, some athletes still prefer to train privately. The global health crisis has proven to be an extended off season for many sports, making at-home workouts an integral part of training. John F. Eilermann Jr. 

 

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Backward lunge with a twist improves strength and stability while increasing a player’s range of motion. Rotational strength is huge in baseball and this exercise helps reduce lower back injury while enhancing the hip flexors. Leg cradles open up the hips and glutes. These muscles are incredibly important in fielding, batting, and throwing. Using a foam roller or physio ball do the reach, roll, and lift exercise to stretch the shoulders and upper back. Baseball players are prone to upper back and shoulder injuries, which makes this exercise a key technique to master. John F. Eilermann Jr. 

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A popular and easy-to-do bodyweight exercise, split squats improve stability and strengthens the leg and hip muscles. Goblet squats boost lower body strength and improves power delivery. Weighted Bulgarian squats develops power from the core and legs, strengthening the lower body and the abdominal muscles. John F. Eilermann Jr.

Medicine ball rotational throws builds a baseball player’s capacity to keep and release power from the hips, a movement critical when throwing a ball or swinging a bat. Athletes need to remember that form is crucial to effective training. Form and technique can only improve through correct practice and proper coaching. John F. Eilermann Jr.

Fantasy novels everyone should read

 

Fiction has always been the escape people go to as a hobby. Through novels, readers can become different personalities, embody various desires, and discover something new about the characters they read and themselves in the process. While there are several genres in fiction, no other genre sends the reader to wild adventures more than fantasy does. Fantasy novels introduce readers to new worlds, unique characters, and plots that are often symbolic of real-world strife. If you haven’t had the chance to read fantasy before, here is a quick guide to fantasy novels everyone should read. John Eilerman St. Louis. 

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The Lord of the Rings series by J. R.R. Tolkien Considered as the greatest fantasy masterpiece ever written, The Lord of the Rings series is a masterful collection of fantasy novels set in Middle Earth. Its cast of characters consists of fantasy staples such as humans, dwarves, elves, hobbits, as well as supernatural elements like orcs, ents, ogres, goblins, ghosts, and a plethora of monsters. The main story revolves around Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy a magical ring. John Eilerman St. Louis. 

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling One of the most successful modern fantasy novels, the Harry Potter series tells the tale of a young boy who discovers his magical capabilities. It chronicles his education at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft as well as the trials he faces as a murderous wizard seeks revenge. What makes the Harry Potter series especially endearing to its audiences is that it also a coming-of-age story. John Eilerman St. Louis. 

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The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis An epic fantasy series that emphasizes child-like imagination, The Chronicles of Narnia tells the story of siblings escaping World War 1 and finding themselves in the middle of another war in a fantasy world behind a cabinet in their home. The Chronicles of Narnia is also known to be filled with Christian symbolisms embedded into the narrative. John Eilerman St. Louis