What I am reading/Listening toI find myself often delighted reading through [Dietrich von Hildebrand’s “Beauty in the Light of the Redemption]beauty.” I like his distinction between material beauty and metaphysical beauty. So much to reflect upon that I am using this partly as devotional reading for Adoration. The chapter I read tonight discussing extra-artistic attitudes is excellent, even as I find myself guilty of some of what he describes. I need to read more than the few books of his I have. Although I don’t begrudge my multiple readings of “Transformation in Christ.”
I have also been participating in the 100 Days of Dante, and I have found it super helpful going through a schedule of reading each Canto and then watching the video afterward. I am using Anthony Esolen’s translation and will use the study he did via Catholic Courses Institute published by Saint Benedict Press. I have “read” the Divine Comedy before, but I am actually starting to read it this time.
Lastly, Pat Flynn, via his podcast, inspired me to read Plato’s republic based on their discussion of Book 1. My reading is so scattershot, and so much has fallen through the cracks. So I am grateful and finding much enjoyment in reading this. I am alternating between an audiobook and Reeve’s translation, one book at a time. The audiobook prepares me by helping me pronounce names and see the overall view of the arguments. Reading through the text afterward makes it a bit clearer to me.
Lastly, I am listening to Andy Serkis’ narration of “The Hobbit.” This version is a must-have for fans. His narration of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was also just released. I had it on pre-order, and so I am looking forward to listening to this.
