So, for this first post in my book selection, I want to choose the very first book I have ever read and actually enjoyed. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. Illustrated by Pauline Baynes.

When I was in the fourth grade, I had a speech problem. So, to “help” with that problem, my teacher wanted me to read out loud, to the book of her choice. Needless to say, I dreaded third period when it was a “free” period for everybody else, while I had to go to speech class. She made me read, “The Babysitters Club,” From the 90’s, by Ann M. Martin.

Now there is nothing wrong with the book series, but it just isn’t my sort of book to read. With a twist of fate, that changed my course to reading, that particular teacher fell ill to a rather bad flu. Causing her to not be at school for two weeks. I have to say I would never wish ill to anyone, but I am glad that she did.

The substitute teacher that had taken her place, was really good at her job and I felt that she was genuine in wanting to help me. She noticed straight away that I was not into the book at all. She then told me to follow her to the library. There she told me to pick out five books that intrigued me. After picking out the five she had me sprawl them out and pick one for me to read to her and the others for home, bus, my room and free time in class.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe was what I read to her, and I had read it fluently. Not one word had a stutter or a word mis-pronounced. It had taken a full week, and I was able to read out loud and not feel embarrassed for when we read out loud in class.

I had a connection to Lucy, with her sense of wonder and her being brave to go through the wardrobe and then brought along her brothers and sister. Getting to know Aslan the lion and Mr. Tumnus the Faun and of course the White Witch, all introduced me to a whole different world of what was different. Which to me, being different is a huge acceptance in my life. I love all things that are different or unique.

In this book there is betrayal between the siblings but it’s the process of forgiveness that which brings them back together. There is of course good versus evil and the many tests and challenges to overcome the evil to become good, not only for oneself but for, in this case, the kingdom. For that kingdom they all had to learn a lesson to stay true to themselves.

They all had a characteristic about themselves and like all of us, they are all different. For instance, Lucy, my favorite, she was known valiant or the faithful one. She never gave up on Edmund and she always kept wanting to go and save him.

Susan was known for her gentleness. C.S Lewis described it a bit in the beginning of her character. During this time, they were in the middle of a war, so you can understand her reasoning of not liking to fight but rather find a peaceful solution to any situation. Being the Eldest daughter also meant her taking a role as a mother figure for her younger and older siblings.

Peter was known for being the magnificent, to me was not my favorite character in the book but I still kept reading. He saved his sisters, several times, he did end up fighting in the war with the white witch and he did eventually own up to his mistakes for when he was wrong. That was probably why I didn’t like him cause in the beginning, he did no wrong and he was right about everything. Though I digress….

Then there is Edmund, known for the just. Reasoning so is because of his ordeal with the White Witch. He has now gone through the worst part to which it changes his perspective on situations. Making him a great asset to judgement and counseling when ruling beside his siblings. During the book he was nasty and cruel to his siblings but when he realized what was going on he slowly turned into the good guy.

Don’t let me tell you the story. You’re going to have to read it yourself. Maybe you’ll get a different outlook on the book. You would probably connect to the other characters like I connected to Lucy. And no cheating, on watching the movie, Books will always win when it comes knowing the inside scoop.

Let me know down below as to which character you connected or liked the best and why?