A Life Observed: A Spiritual Biography of C. S. Lewis

I ordered this book on my Kindle last night and finished it today. I was both pleased with and annoyed by it. Of course, anything about C.S. Lewis is good...with subject matter like that, a book can't help but be good. I also enjoyed the fact that his basic biography was meticulously fleshed out with insights into Lewis's inner thoughts and spiritual development. I learned a few new things about him, but especially, just enjoyed the chance to have his mind and spirit, in a sense, biographied and organized into a cohesive and flowing spiritual journey. I appreciated the extensive quoting of Lewis directly, both from his published writings and from his diaries and letters. The quotes were honestly the best part of the book. I saw some old favorites and got to read some new ones, and of course anything Lewis pens is astonishingly brilliant, insightful, and beautifully concise. I suppose that was the frustrating part of the biography...chronicling writing like C.S. Lewis's, the author's own style didn't have a chance! His writing seemed amateurish and at times, cliche. He would quote Lewis's profound thoughts and then repeat them in an italicized sentence, I suppose to let them sink more deeply into our consciousness. It was incredibly annoying. At least twice he took issue with another of Lewis's biographers in a stilted, contrived, and third-person paragraph in which he stated that "some" biographies might portray Lewis in this or that way, but "this is not one of those biographies." He would occasionally quote Lewis and then imply that Lewis's thoughts were not understandable to the average reader, himself included. Once he even wrote "whatever that means." In my opinion, someone who dares to sift through and chronicle Lewis's deepest thoughts might want to spend a little more time trying to understand them. It was annoying to be lumped in with the author's casual dismissal of some of Lewis's writing as too inscrutable for us to understand. The author frequently would speak of some thought or reaction Lewis had, and add that the modern reader would find it hard to imagine (for example) how a certain bit of poetry could have moved Lewis's soul, but that perhaps we could relate to Mr. Beaver from Narnia as he expresses a similar thought. He also several times jumped ahead in his narrative, and then pompously wrote, "But we get ahead of ourselves," and I was like, "Um, who's 'we'? I'm just trying to read here, you're the one writing." In short, both the subject of the book and its frequent quotes by Lewis were a glorious and fascinating piece of art, when I could get past the wooden scaffolding that was the author's own style of writing. It was worth the 1.99 but I am not sure I'll want to re-read it!

I have read many of C.S. Lewis' books through the years, but other than the movie 'Shadowlands', nothing I have ever read ABOUT Mr. Lewis has enlightened me significantly--until I read this book! I feel like I have literally journeyed through his life from 1898 to 1963--learning about what made him become to me the greatest writer of all time. Dr. Brown magnificently, specifically and candidly allows the flow of this book to take us on an awesome experience of strengthening our own faith, being entertained, being challenged, and LEARNING. I feel like I KNOW C.S. Lewis from reading this book! Whether you are an avid Lewis reader, or simply one to read his works occasionally , I would so highly recommend adding this to your book list to read! I feel a better person--challenged to live on a higher plane--from absorbing the truths of C.S. Lewis as he sought Christianity. Dr. Brown keeps us focused on that throughout the entire book--not deviating into speculation, but staying true to the purpose of exploring Mr. Lewis' SPIRITUAL journey. This is the best of the best on C.S. Lewis as far as I am concerned--a MUST READ!

Very thoroughly researched and written book that will encourage and challenge any readers faith!

I used this text as the focus for an undergraduate seminar focused on vocation. Brown captures Lewis' life in a clear and authentic way and was exceptional in helping understand Lewis' uncovering of his own calling through the historical and contextual realities that coalesced to produce the great writer that we all know. This biography does exactly what good biographies are meant to do--spur you on to read the subject(s) own writings.

I really enjoyed learning about Lewis' day- to- day life. In particular, I wondered about his conversion from atheism to Christian. I will continue to read other CS Lewis books. Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters put me on this quest. Surprised by Joy is next.

This was my first biography on C.S. Lewis. I thought it was very enjoyable to read and I feel my understanding of the man he was and the works he has written have been greatly increased. I was also very encouraged as a follower of Jesus by his conversion story.

This book is an excellent and engaging biography of C.S. Lewis focused on his spiritual journey from atheism to Christianity. The book is well-written and captivating, grabbing the reader's attention with vivid stories of Lewis's life. The author expertly weaves together his own words with quotes from Lewis and many Lewis scholars. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life and faith of C.S. Lewis; this book will not only open up Lewis's life to you, but it will also encourage your faith along the way. Well done, Dr. Devin Brown.

The author has a deep and rich knowledge of Lewis' body of work and does a wonderful job of drawing parallels with his spiritual life. His writing style is much like that of Lewis- clear, concise with great word pictures and the ability to not only entertain but enrich the reader. I highly recommend.

It’s my favourite biography of Jack Lewis. Has unique approach to the thinking of the great man.

Excellent biography, unique and insightful.