471: Vice & Virtue — Gluttony

Wendell Berry's Mad Farmer Poems are a collection of poems that explore themes of agrarianism, environmentalism, and community. The poems advocate for a return to traditional farming practices and a more sustainable way of life. Berry's work emphasizes the importance of place-based knowledge and the interconnectedness of humans and nature. His poems often feature a blend of philosophical reflection and practical observations of rural life. Berry's writing has had a significant influence on the environmental and agricultural movements.

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a beloved collection of poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein. The book takes readers on a whimsical journey through imaginative scenarios, from a boy who turns into a TV set to a girl who eats a whale. It addresses common childhood concerns and presents fanciful stories, encouraging readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. The poems are known for their clever wordplay, delightful illustrations, and moral lessons, making it a treasure trove for young readers and a favorite among adults as well.

In *Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC*, Frederick Buechner reexamines the language of God, the universe, and the human spirit. Inspired by his time as a teacher and chaplain at the Phillips Exeter Academy, the book aims to clarify and redefine religious words that had been distorted or misunderstood by his students. It explores themes such as the mysterious nature of faith, the justifiability of doubt, and the presence of God in everyday life. The book is part of Buechner’s lexical trilogy, which also includes *Peculiar Treasures* and *Whistling in the Dark*.

The Screwtape Letters is a Christian apologetic novel written in a satirical, epistolary style. It consists of 31 letters from Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to 'Our Father Below' (the Devil), to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon tasked with securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The letters provide advice on various methods of undermining God's influence and promoting abandonment of God, while offering insights into human nature and the Bible. The book is a profound and striking narrative on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil, highlighting the subtle forms of sin such as vanity, pride, and distraction that can lead humans away from God.