Screwtape, an undersecretary in the Lowerarchy of Hell, has undertaken the guidance and tutelage of his nephew Wormwood, who has been assigned a human patient to secure for eternity. In a series of letters, Screwtape guides the young demon through the finer points of temptation, the weaknesses and foibles of human beings, and the disaster of his patient becoming a Christian. Though this certainly complicates things, the two infernal beings won’t let it stop them.

From this very skewed perspective, C. S. Lewis digs into the human nature, revealing some interesting, and sometimes embarrassing, tendencies. Touching on everything from sleeplessness to the “absurdity” of God’s love for humanity, Screwtape imparts his wicked wisdom to Wormwood. Though the mirror he holds up to humanity is warped and cracked, it is still painfully revealing. Wit and parody mask a very serious analysis of what makes humans tick; and though it may make readers smile, it will also make us squirm as Screwtape picks at the cracks in our façades.

Other titles by C. S. Lewis:
Narnia Series:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (middle school)
The Magician's Nephew (middle school)
Prince Caspian (middle school)

Space Trilogy:
Out of the Silent Planet (highschool)
Perelandra (highschool)
That Hideous Strength (highschool– book only available)

The Screwtape Letters (highschool)
 

Additional Resources:
Chronicles of Narnia: Boxed Book Set
Chronicles of Narnia: Audio CD Set (unabridged)