When I Was a Child I Read Books: Thought-Provoking Essays on Childhood, Reading & Life Lessons | Perfect for Book Lovers & Literary Enthusiasts

I have become a huge fan of Marilynne Robinson, especially her non-fiction essays, though her novels, Gilead and Home, were deeply moving even though I rarely read fiction. The present book of essays are food for the soul that may be sagging under the weight of the political idiocy, uncaring ideology, and religion that is devoid of any sense of mystery that is abroad in the land. The extent of commentary on the general content of these essays is so extensive in the reviews that have been written that it would be superfluous for me to add anything about the topics. I share just my personal sense of the impact of these essays.Robinson's prose is always dense and full of lengthy complex sentences. But oh, the elegance and the intellectual and emotional impact those words make as she builds her arguments on the various topics that have grabbed her attention. Throughout, she is imparting the importance of the religious imagination for the understanding of human nature and human behavior as it is being played out on the political stage of 2012 America. Always, there is the literary history that she has delved into that brilliantly illuminates your thinking and understanding of the human problems she is addressing. At the core is the Bible and the theology of Calvin from the protestant reformation. She makes you think, oh does she make you think. If that isn't your taste, you can take a pass on this book. Otherwise, be ready for much to get under your skin in a salvific way.