Catholic Review of: The Screwtape Letters

     Screwtape Letters is probably the most amazing book I have ever read, and the book that got me hooked on reading.  Before I read it I was the regular school kid that doesn't like to read.  I was eventually forced to pick up this book, as it counted for half a quarters grade in English during 11th grade.  Well, I did pick it up and upon reading the first letter I couldn't put it down.   I ended up finishing half the quarter for English that year in two days, which is only possible for a homeschooler.  Unfortunately I forgot the rest of my classes during that time period.  The books format was unheard of, the reading wasn't above me, and something about the taste kept me reading.  I realized the author, Clive Staples Lewis,  was the same as the one of a book I had helped my littlest brother read early on in his education called "The Magicians Nephew," which also kept me hooked.  If it had not been for Screwtape Letters I would never have found an interest in reading, and probably would never have read books that helped me mature and grow in my faith.  For this, the book has a special place in my heart.  

      The Screwtape Letters is the first book of it's type, having a letter format.  The letters for the most part are from Uncle Screwtape to his "beloved" and arrogant nephew Wormwood.  Screwtape is the obvious master demon and uncle trying to train Wormwood to be a good tempter against his "patient."  But that's not all that makes the book special.  The letters explain almost perfectly the circumstances which we have all seen before.  It covers just about every temptation you would have ever received,  from love to despair.  You will find yourself blushing from how close at least one character of the book resembles you.  It will add humor while pointing out all your imperfections so you will never get bored.  Screwtape Letters is the perfect book to help anyone avoid temptations while keeping their attention with humor.      

      Anyone and everyone should add this book to their collection.  If you don't have it yet, you might want to get it.  If you've read it and don't like it, have it anyway.  If you haven't read it you should probably read it asap.  I wouldn't recommend reading it before the age of 15 because of the reading level.  But it shouldn't be too hard to understand if you go through it a couple of times.  You can find this book here.