Another giveaway! I can't help myself. (The giveaway is closed.)
Last time on the Library Project I talked about Michael Ward's amazing book, Planet Narnia. A lot of you mentioned in the comments that you'd be interested in reading it. So I contacted Michael and asked him if he'd be interested in giving away a copy.
Not only was he excited, but he further graciously offered to give away a copy of The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens, which is a shorter version of Planet Narnia and designed to offer a study guide for older students of the books.
Now, I am encouraging you to read and enjoy great books without rushing to dissect them, especially if the dissection is going to be done with a blunt instrument. That operation is only likely to crush the subject!
But there's nothing wrong with having a great discussion about a book you love. If the discussion takes place with interesting, informed people, then it's a joy. That is the effect of reading Planet Narnia, which is a densely packed and scholarly book that offers a close reading of the Chronicles of Narnia as well as some of Lewis' other works, most notably That Hideous Strength, another dear favorite of mine.
If you think your older children would benefit from an introduction to such a discussion, having already enjoyed the books on their own, or you yourself would prefer not to tackle the more detailed book right now, then maybe The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens is a good choice.
I think interested 8th graders could read The Narnia Code with no difficulty. They will be introduced to philosophical ideas and approaches to reality that differ from today's merely scientific one that they might not encounter otherwise.
Bridget, who just turned 17, found literary inspiration as well as a door to the world of medieval cosmology when she read Planet Narnia in the fall.
So leave a comment and let me know which of the two you'd like a chance to win! I will choose two winners at random (but I'll make sure you each get the book you want). We'll do the choosing next week — I think on Monday or Tuesday — I'll let you know on Facebook and Twitter.
Do visit other posts in the Library Project.
Amada Beatriz says
What fun! As a 22 year-old I’m just now reading Narnia and I am captivated by CS Lewis’ work! Slowly but surely I am building my future children’s library and I think that Planet Narnia would be a great addition. Thank you so muh for offering this! I love this community and have learned so much from you.
Jen says
Please include me in the Planet Narnia giveaway. Thanks!
Robin says
Ooooh, oooooh! Planet Narnia, please! Thank you!
Amelia says
I would love to receive Planet Narnia.
Jessica says
Oooooooo! Really, really want to win! Thank you for doing this!
Sharon Perts says
I’d love to win the Narnia Code. That would be a good read for my teens. Thanks for doing another giveaway!
corina says
I am so excited when you reccomend something related to Lewis! I have read “That Hideous Strength”, at your reccomendation, and it had a big impact on me. Also “The Abolition of Man”. I have practically redescovered Lewis through these two books that I have missed when I was younger. I’d like a chance to win “Planet Narnia”, it’s already in my Amazon wish list, as you have recommended it once before. Thank you for this opportunity!
Salome Ellen says
Oooh, Planet Narnia, please! Lewis has shaped my husband and me so very much. (And our older son’s middle name is Ransom, our youngest daughter is Tirienne after King Tirian.)
Lindsey says
Ooh, how exciting! I would love a chance to win Planet Narnia!
Kristi says
I have wanted to read Planet Narnia since hearing about it! Thank you for doing another delectable giveaway! (If it looks like you have a lot more requests for PN than Code, please put me in the latter group.)
Mel says
(waves hand wildly) Pick me! Pick me! I would love either one.
Rachelle says
Thank you very much for this giveaway Leila! C.S. Lewis is my favorite author; but, this is the first time I’ve heard of Michael Ward. I’m most interested in Planet Narnia–but am very intrigued by the Narnia Code as well.
Laura says
Please enter me for Planet Narnia! Thank you !
Kylie says
You can’t go wrong with anything Narnia related! Planet Narnia would be a great book to add to my family’s library! *Planet Narnia for me*
Cassandra Brungardt says
Our home school would love this!
Laura Dilanji says
I would love to win Planet Narnia! Thanks!
Ali says
I have always enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia. It would be fun to have an “in depth” look.
Mama Rachael says
How exciting! Yes, I’d love to have Planet Narnia around. Little Man is not quite old enough to read the books to (not enough pictures, though we are getting close!), but I try to be ready ahead of time. And it seems so right to read out-loud something a tad above their heads. And, of course, I love Narnia, so I will very much enjoy it!
Kathy@9peas says
If I don’t win, I will still be buying both. The Planet Narnia for the win, but I’ll purchase the other one as soon as I’m able!
Leila, I love the advice of “Now, I am encouraging you to read and enjoy great books without rushing to dissect them, especially if the dissection is going to be done with a blunt instrument. That operation is only likely to crush the subject!” – thank you!
Kelsey says
Planet Narnia! Please!
Kiera says
My family would really enjoy Planet Narnia. Thank you!
Betsy M says
My family would love to read the Narnia Code!
Ali Federwitz says
you mean i have to choose just one? Ok, The Narnia Code. 🙂
Monica says
I would like Planet Narnia!
Heather says
I’ve been wanting to read Planet Narnia for years! What a delight it would be to win.
Amanda says
I’d love to win Planet Narnia! And thank you for all your book suggestions. The ones we’ve tried (that we didn’t already have) have been a great hit!
Claudia Daniel says
Fun! Please sign me up for Planet Narnia. I teach art to plenty of kids, and have grandkids, so the book will get circulated mightily. Thank you for all the great topics you delve into!
Mary says
Oooh! Narnia code looks awesome!
Liz Lockhart says
Being in the U.K I can’t join in! But I’m going to go and look those up for my son whose just finished the Narnia books. I think Secrets of the seven heavens would be perfect. Thank you again for thought provoking posts!
Amanda says
I’d love to win Planet Narnia. Thanks!
Angela says
I’d like Planet Narnia, please!
Debbie says
Put me down for Planet Narnia, please!
Thanks.
priest's wife (@byzcathwife) says
Planet Narnia looks like a book that we would read again and again- and also that my two oldest would fight over….
Carly says
Planet Narnia sounds interesting. I’d like to have a go at it. Thank you, Leila:).
Sarah P. says
I would love to read this book.
Elizabeth says
I would love the chance to read Planet Narnia. With a new baby immanently due (#5!), I think the less dense option is probably best for me at this point. Thanks so much for offering this.
Gwenny says
I think I would rather have Narnia Code… my children are still quite a ways away from Narnia on their own. 🙂 You should do more giveaways – they are so much more interesting than most!
Beth says
Ooh! My oldest daughter LOVES the Chronicles of Narnia 🙂
Moira says
Planet Narnia if you please! Thank you for thinking of all of us!!
Melissa D says
I’d love the Planet Narnia book! What a fun giveaway. 🙂
Pam Newton says
How generous! Our tribe loves all things Narnia!! God bless.
cmerie says
I would love to win Planet Narnia.
Emily says
I’d love to win Planet Narnia as that’s been on my to-read list for ages!
Cary S. says
Lewis has such a special place in my heart. I would love Planet Narnia! I will be adding these to the Christmas gift list for my adult children. Thank you, I love the Library Project.
Cristina says
You always have the best book recommendations! I would love to win Planet Narnia as well!
Sarah C says
Wow, thanks for the chance to win a great book. I’d love to read Planet Narnia! Blessings to you!
Caitlin says
Please enter me in the Planet Narnia giveaway!
Kristen says
Ooooo. Narnia Code. Please!
As much as my brain craves a weightier book – this season of my life will not stand for it. Must squeeze books into the crack of time between naps, laundr
sibyl says
We’d love Planet Narnia! Thanks for this chance!
Sonya says
I ordered Planet Narnia last week, based on your recommendation. I would love to get the Narnia Code for my eldest daughter.
Sonya
Tori says
Very interested in Planet Narnia! I even put it on my “wish list” when you mentioned it before. Thanks for the opportunity!
Susan says
I love, love, love CS Lewis and quote him all the time–mangling it half the time, no doubt. Just last week was back to thinking about “equality is not the greatest thing” which you, Leila, quoted quite a while back, which led me to read his trilogy…Would love to win Planet Narnia!
Cristina says
Thank you for bringing another wonderful giveaway to us. I’d love to win the Narnia Code.
Kristy says
This is great! How exciting! It is a hard decision, but I think I would prefer Planet Narnia.
Faith says
Planet Narnia sounds like a most excellent piece of reading material! Thank you for the giveaway. (:
Jennifer says
The Narnia Code is the one striking my fancy!
Thank you for this chance!
Theresa Anne says
When my oldest (now 23) read the Narnia books she refused to read the Last Battle because she did not want the series to end and so it went with my next 2…still have not read the Last Battle. My youngest son (8th grade now) decided he unlike his older siblings was going to read the Last Battle. They hid the book from him and gave him a hard time but he did read it and just recently started the series over again. We always have a book on tape going in the car and we are currently listening to the Focus on the Family audiobook of the series. The Narnia Code sounds like it would be a great discussion starter for us. Thank you for the book give away and special thanks to Mr Ward for sharing a copy of the book.
Serena says
I have loved the Narnia books since my Dad read them to me as a child! My daughter is about ready for that experience as well, and I’d love to read the Narnia Code to help me appreciate my next read through (out loud this time!).
Laura says
What a wonderful giveaway! I would love a copy of The Narnia Code. My younger sister would really benefit from this book.
Annie says
Oh, the Narnia Code sounds just right for my eighth grader! Thank you.
Kati Dziowgo says
I came to check a book you recommended before and I found this giveaway! Yea! I would love Planet Narnia. Thanks for the chance.
Tabitha says
I would love Planet Narnia (or the Narnia Code). I LOVE literary discussions with my children and having help like one of these books, would be amazing!
Jessica says
Would love to win the Narnia Code. CS Lewis is such an inspirational writer.
Becca A says
Thanks for the giveaway! I think I’d prefer Planet Narnia. Thanks also for the recommendations.
RCG says
Planet Narnia, Please. Side note – my son deployed on the 8th and they are now in Spain. Do not know the final destination. Please pray.
RCG
Katie says
Narnia code please!!
Kari says
Oooh ahhh! I’ve always loved Lewis. I started reading Narnia of course, but then my boyfriend, now my husband of 10 years introduced me to the space trilogy. So fascinating! It really got me interested in linguistics. Ok, so I have to just choose 1? I guess I’d have to say planet Narnia, but either would be good. My hubby and I will both enjoy, I’m sure!
monica says
Thanks for this opportunity!
Narnia Code, please.
Tina says
I’d love a chance to win Plant Narnia! I LOVE the series of books, I’ve read them many times since I was a kid. And my kids are not quite at the age to appreciate the other one, so I’d like the one for me. 🙂
Libbi says
As a Lewis enthusiast who was never exposed to the chronicles as a child (and only discovered them in college and during marriage) I would love Planet Narnia! I have listened to all the chronicles on audiobook and am working through reading each of them. I have read all his theological writings (have yet to make my way through his science fiction) and am anxiously anticipating our upcoming move to Cambridge UK so that I can attempt to sit in on some of Sir Rowan Williams’ lectures on Lewis. My life’s dream is doing a PhD under his advisement on Lewis & the chronicles.
Christina says
I’d love to win Planet Narnia!
Vi says
I love C.S. Lewis :). I’d love to read Planet Narnia!
betsy says
Planet Narnia, please! I promise to share the book. Blessings! B.
Kristiana says
I’d love to win a copy of The Narnia Code for my eldest.
Jody says
I would be thrilled to win either book, Planet Narnia for the big kids or Narnia Code for the littles.
Lucy says
Please include me in the give away! I am an enormous C. S. Lewis lover, and have been interested in these books for a while 🙂
Rebekah says
I would love to have a copy of Planet Narnia! I actually took a class with Dr. Ward in college and heard him speak several times on Lewis… but somehow I never ended up with his book. 🙂
Karen in SC says
I’d love to win the Narnia Code!
Kim says
I would love to win a copy of the Narnia Code!
Erica says
Planet Narnia, please!
Mary Keane says
I gave “Planet Narnia” to my dad for Christmas years ago and he loved it. He always read Narnia to us growing up. I know of some middle school boys who would really like the Narnia Code, so if you pick me I’d like that, please! Thanks for another great giveaway.
Martina says
I love the Library Project — and your blog! My children and I are reading through the Narnia books, and I would be interested in sharing the ideas of The Narnia Code with them. Thanks!
Heather says
I would love to be entered in the planet Narnia Giveaway! Thank you!
Mary Ann S says
I would love a chance at Planet Narnia! Thanks to you and the author!
Jessica says
Planet Narnia Please! So lovely to have this chance to win!
Mona says
Hi Leila. Planet Narnia please. I love C S Lewis. Thank you.
Julie says
OOOh! I would love the planet Narnia book. I have read most of his fiction and have enjoyed every paragraph. And then there is Mere Christianity which took me a while to digest, but it turned out to be a gratifying meal. My husband uses his essays in his classes. Thanks for your great blog, it has kept me sane as a wife and momma.
Alaina Furlong says
I would love a copy of Planet Narnia!
Mary says
I would dearly love Planet Narnia. Thank you for your beautiful blog! -Mary
Dawn Ogden says
I have been wanting to read Planet Narnia since Michael Ward visited my college several years ago. His talk was fascinating and made me want to know more!
Tiffany says
This is so exciting! I am leaning towards Planet Narnia, however, if you happen to pick me and the other person has chosen Planet Narnia, I would be happy to have The Narnia Code instead.
While I’m here, I’d like to mention that I noticed the adorable “quilty” circles that appear as pictures for those without profile pictures. I LOVE them! It’s a great touch!
Jennifer says
I’d love to win either–the way my brain feels at the moment (baby #7 was born 2 weeks ago, and was severely tongue tied and is just now figuring out nursing–but she’s such a darling!) the YA one is probably more my speed, but my husband would love the grown-up one.
Jamie P. says
I would love to win Planet Narnia!!!! Thank you!
Susan says
I spent many hours of my childhood on Planet Narnia — so I’d love to have the book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Michal says
Sign me up! I’d love to read Planet Narnia!
Alea says
I think the Narnia Code would be great for us. I have almost-teens who have read all the Narnia books and one deep-thinker in particular who would love to learn more! Thanks!
Julie says
We’d like either one….so fun!
Mary Jane says
I would be very interested in a copy of Planet Narnia. I love C. S. Lewis’ work and was intrigued by your previous post on Michael Ward’s analysis of Narnia. Thank you for the chance to win a copy, but most especially, thank you for this wonderful blog. I have never commented before, but I’ve been a reader for quite some time and am grateful for all of your efforts to maintain the collective memory, as you say. Your explanations and advice are tremendously helpful and so valuable today. Most appreciated!
Jen says
Narnia was my childhood! My boys love Narnia too and I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough for these treasures. Narnia Code would be my first choice. Thank you!
Sue says
Narnia Code please!
Erin says
Since the littles are still too little for the Chronicles, please count me in on Narnia Code. 🙂 Thanks so much!
Sarah says
I think The Narnia Code would be right for our family. Sounds like a great read! Oh, how I love Narnia!
Molly says
Planet Narnia, please! I’ve been meaning to,see if our library has it since you wrote about it
Nancy says
Although retired from 30 years of teaching…. I volunteer with a parochial school that I taught in and present special units in literature/writing. This spring I am taking over a class for a few weeks for the science teacher…and this book has given me a few ideas.
Kim F. says
I tried reading the Space Trilogy and barely made it through book two. Now I find out that That Hideous Strength is the best of the three and I gave up too soon. Maybe Planet Narnia would help give me a better appreciation before I tackle THS again? So, Planet Narnia please!
Donna L. says
Hello Auntie Leila,
I feel like I am smarter just by reading your blog! Bless your heart!
I would love the Code or Planet Narnia–having just learned about them!
Tara M says
Narnia Code, please! They both sound very interesting!
Kirsten says
Count me in!! Planet Narnia, please…and what a terrific giveaway!
Amy G. says
My husband and daughter would love either one of these books. Thank you!
Bridget Green says
Planet Narnia! I would love a copy of that book. (That and a functioning H key on my keyboard as it took me six tries to get “that” and not “tat”.) 🙂
Robin says
Would love for my 8th grader (and myself) to read Planet Narnia!
Jenn says
I would read “Planet Narnia” in a heartbeat. C.S. Lewis is also responsible for (the better parts of) my own interior life. I, with many others, owe him a debt of gratitude for ushering me into my faith. Have you read “The Narnian?”
http://www.amazon.com/Narnian-Plus-Alan-Jacobs-ebook/dp/B000FCKH7O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1393511379&sr=8-4&keywords=jacobs+c.s.+lewis
It was written by one of Wheaton’s (my alma mater) dear professors and given to me as a gift for my 24th birthday. I highly recommend!
Andi says
I would love “Planet Narnia!” I studied C.S. Lewis in college, but I feel like I only touched the tip of the ice berg.
Linda Cozzi says
Just found your blog after reading about you at this coming weekends conference. Very excited to hear you speak. I think that my older son who is 14 would enjoy this now and the rest as they get older. We have enjoyed these CS Lewis over the years. I did not know about these books, very interested. I would like The Narnia Code.
Looking forward to reading more on your blog.
Thank you
Kate says
I loved Planet Narnia! It really expanded my understanding of the Lewisian universe, and piqued my interest in medieval theology. Heartily recommend! (And would love a copy 🙂
kathy says
I’d love to win Planet Narnia for my husband.
Great blog!
Heidi says
Since my oldest is in eighth grade, I think a The Narnia Code would be a better fit for us. Thanks for the chance to win!
Phyllis says
Either one! Is that fair? I haven’t read either, but I’d like to read both someday.
Kate says
We were talking about Narnia the other day at our dinner table. My eldest commented that Tolkien’s Middle Earth is much more thought out than Lewis’ Narnia. Then we started bringing up examples of questions we had that were not answered in Narnia. Like where did they get their bacon and eggs? It seems that Narnians should be vegans or at least vegetarians, given the talking animals aspect. And what if Susan had actually married one of her foreign suitors? Would a subsequent baby disappear when they returned to this world?Silly questions perhaps. The younger kids still enjoy Narnia and tend not to over-think it, but as they get older they leave it behind and enjoy Lewis’ Space Trilogy and especially his “Til We Have Faces” much more. But we still enjoy reading Narnia to the littles.
Kathrina says
I would love either one. I’m looking forward to the day my daughter is ready for Narnia.
Cindy says
A couple of years back your blog inspired me to read the Out of the Silent Planet series – and I’m so glad it did (That Hideous Strength was by far my favorite as well). I would love to read Planet Narnia.
Tamara says
Thanks for the chance to win! I’ll go with Narnia Code please! 🙂
dawn says
I’d love to win Planet Narnia! We’re doing a year in Narnia in our homeschool, just finishing LWW. All aids for the teacher are appreciated 🙂
Julie says
i’ll make it easy to pick me – they both look like great reads. thanks for the giveaway!
Caitlin says
I’d love to win Planet Narnia!!
megpaulette says
Oh! This sounds like a fantastic read! Y’all are wonderful – this blog is such a comfort!
Christine Hebert says
I would love to win Planet Narnia. Thank you for the opportunity!
Nancy Findley says
I’m the mom of a large family and my last two, Rosie and Ruthie, are next up to experience the wonder of Narnia!
Renee says
I know I have a few children that would love these books!
joanne says
We would love to win — finally found books that my 10 year old son enjoys to read. Thanks!
Alya P. says
Thanks for the giveaway! Please enter me to win Planet Narnia. I read the Chronicles of Narnia as a kid and just got them to re-read as an adult and am really looking forward to it!
Arlie Crabtree says
Planet Narnia would be a great read, I am sure. Thank you for your always timely instruction blog. Off to work on getting good at folding my laundry.
Beth says
Please include me in the drawing.
Rebecca says
I am new to your blog and love all the insightful posts. Love C.S. Lewis.
Jane S says
Please include me in your drawing! Thank you. Have a blessed Lent!
Rachel says
Just started reading “The Magician’s Nephew.” I’d love to read another C.S. Lewis book!
Cathey says
I am so happy I have you to help me grow in my faith. Love every post I read. Thank you ! Happy Lent.
Cathey
britt says
Yes please!
Elizabeth says
Planet Narnia would be great! (Although I’d have to read it during the summer I think…I’m teaching now and the list of books to be read is growing longer.) Thanks for the chance to win!
Denise says
Planet Narnia would be my choice. I’m so glad for this post as I hadn’t heard of it.
donna marie says
My family would love to fight over Planet Narnia! We have a whole house of Narnia fans here!
shyla says
would love planet narnia! well either actually! thanks for the giveaway and la blog 🙂
Lisa says
I am a big fan of Jack. Please include me in the giveaway for Planet Narnia! Thanks!
Lillian Bielinski says
Hi! I just read your Lenten post, and I’m grateful for your ideas! I’m determined to tackle the dishes as never before, and to put away this late night iPad habit for awhile, perhaps beyond Lent too? It just makes sense… Many thanks.
In case it’s not too late, I think I’d enjoy the Planet Naria.
Candice says
Love C.S. Lewis, Narnia, and you!