The characters and locations Atlas is introduced to are one of the lasting hallmarks of Johnson’s story. Rich in personality and dripping with imagination, they offer Atlas a greater understanding of himself and the world, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the next piece of Atlas’ journey.

“I think there are so many reasons toward the end of pregnancy where we can begin to justify in our own minds a bitter and complaining spirit. We’re uncomfortable; we’re eager to get on with the next phase; we’re scared about labor and so forth. I just kept reminding myself that God’s praise—not a spirit of complaint—was to continually be on my lips.”

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I’ve heard parents say, “I sure wish that had been around when I was pregnant!” I could shout this sentiment from the mountaintops about this book.

Tolkien was well acquainted with war, having fought in the trenches at the Battle of the Somme in the First World War, and living through the Second, “watching” the atrocities from afar. These wars were demonstrably different from the “war on terrorism” we face today, but there were certainly elements of “terror” in them. …Professor Tolkien had no delusions about the realities of war and how the enemy should be treated.

Penny Hardaway starred at the University of Memphis and later for the Orlando Magic, but he was always a kid from Binghampton.

Ever wonder how a Mennonite can make you laugh? Ted Swartz reveals all.

Caldecott reminds us of Sam’s words in The Fellowship of the Ring: “I feel as if I was inside a song, if you take my meaning,” and that this is the etymology of the word “enchanted.” Tolkien’s original idea had been to share his mythology in the form of songs. We have been enchanted, entering the song, and coming back changed.

Read the story, prepare for the movie. Experience the phenomenon.

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Olsen: “It would seem that there are only two sensible reactions we can have to these long strings of wildly improbable events. We can either scoff at them and find the whole story rather absurd, or we can begin to suspect that Bilbo’s adventure is being orchestrated by some power beyond the wizardry of Gandalf the Grey or the wisdom of Elrond of Rivendell.”

Burnett and Downey have been very open about their love for the Bible, and it shows in their understanding and insight into various stories (some coming from experiences on the set of the production).

Are you ready for The Bible on the History Channel? Do you want something more? Then consider diving into the novelization of the miniseries by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, A Story of God and All of Us.

Yet one does not have to resort to wishful thinking to uncover a Catholic worldview in The Hobbit, and Pearce’s recent book, Bilbo’s Journey, does a fine job of showing how Tolkien’s faith is “hidden” within the story. As Gandalf says, the journey will be “very good for you—and profitable too….”

“Just as we valued Dove’s ‘Family Approved’ seal for our film, we wanted readers of the various books associated with COURAGEOUS to have the same level of confidence,” said Alex Kendrick, who co-wrote, directed and starred in the film and co-wrote the novelization.

Drawing from a variety of sources, including letters and memoirs of those who knew the Professor, Duriez’ biography should stand as the definitive source for this generation. The novice will find the book very readable and accessible, while the aficionado will benefit from a strong refresher, as well as a few new tidbits and ideas to chew on.

Every now and then I come across a book that refuses to be set aside. A book that has me thinking, “I can throw a TV dinner in the microwave for the family.” A book that I read while everyone else in the room is watching one of my favorite television shows. A book that lingers on the edge of my consciousness until I finish the last sentence. Cooper Moon: The Calling by Cheryl Shireman is just such a book.

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Mr Jackson, could I have a word in your ear? It’s about etiquette. I don’t know where your dwarves were brought up, but I would have thought the least they could have done when they arrived at Bilbo’s house in your film was to ask for their favorite food, as Professor Tolkien expected them to do.

For Corinna the journey of self-discovery entails too much risk. She has been hurt so many times she has deliberately chosen to hide. … By hiding from others, Corinna has missed out on the joy of being known. But when she develops the courage to deal honestly with others and with the world, she opens her heart to one of the most rewarding aspects of life—a relationship with another person.