The Silver Chair, by C.S. Lewis

We read The Silver Chair at the insistent and repeated request of Bookworm1 (age 7). It should be noted that his motivation for reading this story was being able to play with our Narnia Toys which they are only allowed to touch when we're reading these particular books. (The rest of the time, the toys reside in our wardrobe and belong to mommy. Heh.) All of the kids were very excited the day we were able to begin another trek into Narnia but not wanting them to tired of the toys, after about 2 days of play I switched us over to 'taking tea' while we read. That practice never got old because along with our tea we each had a piece of Turkish Delight while I read and Turkish Delight is a very exciting thing. I want these books to stick in my kids' memories. So far my plan is working. (Bwwahahahahaha!!!)

Personally, I always feel a bit sad when beginning The Silver Chair because there are no Pevensies. I never fail to miss their presence in the story. This year the presence of Mr. Beaver was missed most vocally by Bookworm3 (age 2!) who remembers our read from last year and remembers who he is. She played with our Mr. Beaver but never heard his name in the story and wondered a bit about that.

Due to the popularity of this series, I'm not going to launch into a description of what this book is about. (Here's a past synopsis for you if you have a need to know.) Instead I'll keep to sharing our experiences during this particular reading. This would be the kids' first time to hear this story and my third. (Or fourth?) As I say, this one always makes me feel a bit nostalgic for the Pevensies but my emotions are satisfied with Eustace who serves as my link to the past.

As is the usual case, I can't read Narnia without crying out loud. I know the books well enough to brace myself, but the tears come no matter what. Honestly though, I don't mind. I'd rather cry as soon as not, no matter how confused this makes my children. (It adds to the memorable reading experience. Turkish Delight and mommy sobbing on the sideline. Ha.) In this book, my tears are usually the "fault" of Puddleglum who is, without a doubt, one of the most honorable characters in the entire series. He's a bit of what you might call a "fuddy duddy" but when pressed he is the first to stand up for what he believes is right. I love that.

The most memorable chapter is when Puddleglum, Eustace, Jill and Prince Rillian are being woo-ed by the Queen of the Underworld. She is working hard to convince them that there is no such thing as Aslan or the sun either for that matter. She sways them with enchanted music, soothing words, and a magic smoke from her fire meant to get their guard down. Puddleglum is having a hard time holding to the truth as he smells the enchanted smoke and listens to her music, but he understands that the these are the very things that are causing the group of Narnians to drowsily cave in to the witch's arguments. He realizes that he needs to literally put a fire out with his feet in order that their heads would be cleared of the smoke and magic so that they can think for themselves again.

"But Puddleglum, desperately gathering all his strength, walked over to the fire. Then he did a very brave thing. He knew it wouldn't hurt him quite as much as a human; for his feet (which were bare) were webbed and hard and cold-blooded like a duck's. But he knew it would hurt him badly enough; and so it did. With his bare foot he stamped on the fire, grinding a large part of it into ashes on the flat hearth." (The Queen of the Underland)

Puddleglum is a character to be admired. He screws up the courage and does what needs to be done, even though he knows that standing for truth and doing what is right is going to hurt him. And it does hurt him because standing up for what is right usually has a hefty price tag attached to it. In this case, Puddleglum paid for truth with his foot. But the picture of his sacrifice had a deep impact on me.

Maybe it doesn't always seem like it, but I think most times I would much rather follow the crowd than stand apart from it, daring to be different. I feel like I'm always losing some game when I step out and say that I either a.) care deeply about something and/or b.) hear a lie and want to actively expose it. It is not a pleasant sensation and it never is easy for me. Yet I don't feel like I'm allowed to just sit back passively and let the lies settle in and take over me and my surroundings. Which is why I appreciate Puddleglum's following statement:

But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That's why I'm going to stand by the play world. I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can, even if there isn't any Narnia.
- Puddleglum, to the Queen of Underland

Even if I'm just playing a game and if, let's say, God does not exist, I'm still going to live as if He does. I am going believe in His existence until the last breath leaves my body. Because I think my "play world" licks the "real world" hollow.

I feel very blessed and encouraged by reading this book again. It was good for me to read of Puddleglum and keep company with him a third or fourth time. I suspect a six, ninth or thirteenth time might be necessary.

• Bookworm1's favorite character was Aslan but his favorite scene was when the Queen of the Underworld turned into a snake and the others fought her to the death. You could have heard a pin drop in the room during the reading of that chapter.
• Bookworm2's favorite character was also Aslan but he laughed every single time Jill called someone a "pig." It's a hilarious insult. Especially when you are five.
• Bookworm3's favorite character was the Turkish Delight.

It feels like I've had to wait forever and a day to enjoy Narnia with my own kids. Fewer books give me greater delight to share with them. I love it!!!

I will be linking this post up to Amy's Read Aloud Thursday at the end of the month.