Tag Archives: J.K. Rowling

Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi, Owen Barfield, Language, Childlike Faith, Joy, and the Inklings

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Brenton Dickieson

I have just begun reading Susanna Clarke’s weighty novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I mean “weighty” in the literal, physical sense: I am finding this 1,000-page wonder, a book I did not believe could be written in this century, … Continue reading →

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2020: My Year in Books: The Infographic

Posted on January 7, 2021 by Brenton Dickieson

Happy New Year everyone! I will have some fun putting together the data in an upcoming post, including some new charts. I love charts. Meanwhile, I wanted to share the Goodreads “My Year in Books” infographic. I’m pleased to say … Continue reading →

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Tolkien’s “I am in fact a Hobbit (in all but size)” in Context: A Note on Books and Their Authors (#hobbitday)

Posted on September 22, 2020 by Brenton Dickieson

I don’t know that there is any more famous J.R.R. Tolkien quote than his claim to, in fact, be a hobbit. It’s really quite a delightful statement and worth quoting more fully: I am in fact a Hobbit (in all … Continue reading →

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Harry Potter at Home and at the British Library Online

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Brenton Dickieson

Last week I talked about some Audible learning resources –including “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by Stephen Fry in English, but also in many other languages–and how J.K. Rowling opened up copyright restrictions for teachers and parents to help … Continue reading →

Posted in Fictional Worlds, News & Links | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

C.S. Lewis and Other Fantasy Books, Free Streaming in Audible

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Brenton Dickieson

These are unusual times, and there is evidence that people are thinking in creative ways about how to live big in small spaces. J.K. Rowling, for example, has waived any licensing concerns that might arise by teachers reading her books … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The 100 Best Fantasy Books by Steve Hayes

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Brenton Dickieson

Originally posted on Notes from underground:
I saw this list of best fantasy books from Reddit. Top 100 Best Fantasy books: This is a list of the best fantasy books. If you want to find good fantasy books to read,…

Posted in Fictional Worlds, Guest Blogs | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

How do you Solve a Problem like Susan Pevensie? Narnia Guest Post by Kat Coffin

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Brenton Dickieson

Every few years or so, I’ll get a PM on my Twitter or my Tumblr that asks what is essentially the same question.  These followers know my love of all things C.S. Lewis, particularly the Chronicles of Narnia, have heard … Continue reading →

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2018: A Year of Reading: The Nerd Bit

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Brenton Dickieson

“With such wishes for the New Year as still seem possible” ~ C.S. Lewis to his father from the trenches in France during WWI “Is there any point in wishing each other a happy New Year? Well, yes, I suppose … Continue reading →

Posted in Original Research, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” Roundtable Video (Feature Friday)

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Brenton Dickieson

I loved my experience with the Mythgard Movie Club panel last Thursday night. A couple of years ago we hosted a “One Fantastic Rogue Beast” panel to let two popular films clash in conversation: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them … Continue reading →

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“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” Roundtable Thursday

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Brenton Dickieson

I’m pleased to announce that I am part of a Mythgard Movie Club panel on Thursday night. A couple of years ago we hosted a “One Fantastic Rogue Beast” panel to let two popular films clash in conversation: Fantastic Beasts and … Continue reading →

Posted in News & Links | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments