All I've ever read by Anthony Esolen (mostly articles in Touchstone Magazine) has been thought provoking and interesting. Although much of his thinking in this book was familiar to me, there were also many new things to be chewed on. Unfortunately, the people who need this book the most will never read it. sigh....
This is one of those books that I tried to start several times, but just was too busy or reading something else to really get into it. When I did (on a plane ride), I read it straight through. It features the famous Ukridge. Not had the pleasure? Well, here's a little quote by way of introduction: I knew what manner of man Ukridge was when he relaxed and became chummy. Friendships of years' standing had failed to survive the test.
This collection of short stories features several different characters. It's a very fun smattering of Wodehouse's humour. Several of these gems are used in Jeeves & Wooster (highly recommended!).
It's a little daunting for me to write any kind of description of a book like this. The book is just what the title states it is, yet it is so much more. I realize that the title can even sound a bit "health and wealth" and "power of positive thinking" for Americans living in this time, but there is a true version of these things and this humble man is the one to tell you about it. Here are some of his own words to give you a better idea of the book,
Our life depends on the kind of thoughts we nurture. If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek, and kind, then that is what our life is like. If our attention is turned to the circumstances in which we live, we are drawn into a whirlpool of thoughts and can have neither peace nor tranquility.
It is of great significance if there is a person who truly prays in a family. Prayer attracts God's Grace and all the members of the family feel it, even those whose hearts have grown cold. Pray always.
We must bear everything patiently and forgive all. If we have good thoughts and desires, these thoughts will give us peace and joy in this life and even more so in eternity. Then we will see that there is no death, that the Lord has vanquished death, and that He has given us eternal life.
Be sure and read the introduction which tells about his life. (He lived in Serbia, through both World Wars, imprisonment by the Nazis, and the 1999 NATO bombings.)
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