"Why I Re-Read The Chronicles of Narnia Every Year (And Why You Should Too)"
Books Worth Re-Reading Part 1
One question I ask myself frequently while reading is, “Is this book worth re-reading?” If the answer is no, I usually do not finish it. This one simple question has shaped how I read—helping me go deeper, think more clearly, and cherish books that are genuinely formative. I truly believe that if a book is not worth re-reading, it may not have been worth reading in the first place.
C. S. Lewis said it more eloquently:
“The sure mark of an unliterary man is that he considers ‘I’ve read it already’ to be a conclusive argument against reading a book.”
With that in mind, I want to begin a short series of reflections on the books (and series) I re-read almost every year.
To begin, I have read and re-read The Chronicles of Narnia every year for the past five years. If that sounds childish to you, let me offer Lewis’s own defense:
“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally—and often far more—worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.”
“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”
(From the dedication to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)
If you’re reading this, my hope is to convince you to return to Narnia—or visit for the first time—no matter your age. These stories are more than just delightful; they are full of deep truth, moral imagination, and echoes of the gospel that awaken the soul. In Lewis’s storytelling, you may find yourself drawn nearer to the God who inspired him.
Why It Is Worth It
1. They Are Christ-Saturated
From Aslan’s self-sacrifice to Edmund’s redemption, the heart of Narnia beats with the gospel. C.S. Lewis masterfully weaves biblical themes into every story, helping readers see Jesus more clearly through the eyes of wonder.
2. They Are Well Written
Lewis writes with clarity, charm, and imagination that captivates both children and adults. His prose is simple without being shallow, offering memorable characters and rich storytelling that stand the test of time.
3. They Help You Long for Heaven
Narnia awakens a holy ache for a world made right—where joy is full and sorrow is no more. By the end of the series, you are not just wishing for Narnia, but for the “real country” where our deepest hopes will be fulfilled.
One final note: Do not stop with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. While it’s a beloved and powerful introduction to Narnia, many readers—especially those who were assigned it in school—never moved beyond it. That’s a shame, because each book in the series adds new texture, wisdom, and wonder. In fact, some of the most profound theological moments in Narnia come not in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but in The Horse and His Boy, The Silver Chair, and The Last Battle.
So pick them up again. Read them aloud to your children. Read them quietly with a cup of tea. Read them with wonder and with worship. You may find, as I have, that these books grow richer with each return.