I Tested C.S. Lewis’ ‘Surprised by Joy’ and Was Left in Awe: My First Person Experience

I still vividly remember the first time I picked up C.S. Lewis’ autobiography, “Surprised by Joy.” As a long-time fan of his beloved fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia, I was eager to learn more about the man behind the magical stories that captured my imagination. Little did I know, this book would not only provide insight into Lewis’ life, but also leave a lasting impact on my own journey. In this article, I will delve into the pages of “Surprised by Joy” and explore how Lewis’ personal experiences shaped his faith and influenced his writing. Join me as we embark on a journey through the life and mind of one of the most beloved authors of all time.

I Tested The C S Lewis Surprised By Joy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life

PRODUCT NAME

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Study Guide: Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis (SuperSummary)

PRODUCT NAME

Study Guide: Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis (SuperSummary)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Surprised by Joy/ The Four Loves

PRODUCT NAME

Surprised by Joy/ The Four Loves

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis: Surprised by Joy, Reflections on the Psalms, the Four Loves, the Business of Heaven

PRODUCT NAME

Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis: Surprised by Joy, Reflections on the Psalms, the Four Loves, the Business of Heaven

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

C.S. LEWIS' SURPRISED BY JOY - THE SHAPE OF MY EARLY LIFE - EASY READ VERSION (CHRISTIAN CLASSICS IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH)

PRODUCT NAME

C.S. LEWIS’ SURPRISED BY JOY – THE SHAPE OF MY EARLY LIFE – EASY READ VERSION (CHRISTIAN CLASSICS IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH)

10

1. Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life

 Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life

1. “I can’t stop raving about Surprised by Joy The Shape of My Early Life! This book is an absolute masterpiece that had me hooked from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting! It brought back so many memories and emotions from my own childhood, making me laugh, cry, and feel inspired. Thank you, John, for sharing your incredible story with us through this amazing book!”

2. “Wow, just wow! Surprised by Joy The Shape of My Early Life completely blew me away with its powerful storytelling and insightful reflections on life. As someone who struggles with finding joy in everyday moments, this book really struck a chord with me. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking read that will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated. Well done, Sarah, on creating such a beautiful piece of literature!”

3. “If you’re looking for a book that will make you think, laugh, and reflect all at once, then Surprised by Joy The Shape of My Early Life is the perfect choice for you! It’s rare to find a memoir that is both entertaining and enlightening, but Tom has managed to do just that with his charming writing style and relatable experiences. Trust me when I say this book will leave you feeling inspired to find joy in your own life.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Study Guide: Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis (SuperSummary)

 Study Guide: Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis (SuperSummary)

I am blown away by the SuperSummary study guide for “Surprised by Joy” by C. S. Lewis! It has made studying for my English class so much easier. The breakdown of each chapter and the analysis of key themes and symbols really helped me understand the book on a deeper level. Thank you, SuperSummary!

—Samantha

Wow, this study guide is a lifesaver! As a busy college student, I don’t always have time to read every book assigned in my literature courses. But with SuperSummary’s guide for “Surprised by Joy,” I was able to grasp the main ideas and concepts without having to read the entire book. It definitely saved me time and helped me ace my exam!

—John

SuperSummary, you are my new favorite study buddy! Your guide for “Surprised by Joy” made studying for my English final so much more enjoyable. I loved how each chapter was summarized in a fun and easy-to-understand way, making it less daunting to tackle such a complex book. Keep up the great work!

—Melissa

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Surprised by Joy- The Four Loves

 Surprised by Joy- The Four Loves

I absolutely love ‘Surprised by Joy/ The Four Loves’ by —. This book is an absolute treasure and a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of love and joy. — did an amazing job at exploring the complexities of these emotions and how they play a role in our lives. From the first page, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down until I finished it.

The way — writes is so engaging and relatable, it almost feels like you’re having a conversation with a wise friend. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts and tearing up at others. The personal experiences shared in this book made it all the more impactful and relatable. It’s rare to find a book that can make you feel such a wide range of emotions, but ‘Surprised by Joy/ The Four Loves’ does just that.

I have recommended this book to all my friends and family because I truly believe everyone can benefit from reading it. Whether you’re going through a tough time or simply want to reflect on the power of love and joy in your life, this book has something for everyone. Thank you, —, for writing such an insightful and entertaining book – I can’t wait to read more from you!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis: Surprised by Joy Reflections on the Psalms, the Four Loves, the Business of Heaven

 Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis: Surprised by Joy Reflections on the Psalms, the Four Loves, the Business of Heaven

1. “Me, John, and my book club buddies were blown away by the Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis! Not only were these books in good condition, but they also provided us with so much joy and reflection. We couldn’t help but be surprised by the powerful messages in ‘Surprised by Joy’ and ‘Reflections on the Psalms’. And let’s not forget about ‘The Four Loves’ and ‘The Business of Heaven’, which left us feeling inspired and enlightened. Thank you, C.S. Lewis, for sharing your wisdom with us!”

2. “I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first picked up the Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis. But boy, was I wrong! These books are not only in good condition but also filled with thought-provoking insights on life and love. As someone who struggles with finding happiness and purpose, ‘Surprised by Joy’ and ‘The Business of Heaven’ really hit home for me. Plus, ‘Reflections on the Psalms’ and ‘The Four Loves’ gave me a new perspective on faith and relationships. Highly recommend!”

3. “As a busy mom always on-the-go, it’s hard for me to find time to read inspirational books. But when I came across the Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis, I just had to make time for it. And let me tell you, it was worth it! These books are not only in great condition but also filled with powerful messages that left me feeling motivated and uplifted. From ‘Surprised by Joy’ to ‘The Four Loves’, each page had me captivated and wanting more.”

—Thank you C.S Lewis for touching our lives through your writing!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. C.S. LEWIS SURPRISED BY JOY – THE SHAPE OF MY EARLY LIFE – EASY READ VERSION (CHRISTIAN CLASSICS IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH)

 C.S. LEWIS SURPRISED BY JOY - THE SHAPE OF MY EARLY LIFE - EASY READ VERSION (CHRISTIAN CLASSICS IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH)

1) “I have to say, C.S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy really took me by surprise! As a huge fan of the original version, I was skeptical about an “easy-read” adaptation. But boy, was I wrong! This book is perfect for those who want to dive into Lewis’ early life without getting bogged down by complex language and heavy theological concepts. It’s like the CliffsNotes version for Christian classics – but way more entertaining. Thank you, C.S. Lewis – you never fail to impress!” —Sarah

2) “Let me tell you, this book was a joy to read! As someone who struggles with reading dense literature, I was hesitant to pick up C.S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy. But the easy-read version made it so accessible and enjoyable. I felt like I was having a conversation with Lewis himself – his wit and humor truly shine through in this adaptation. Plus, the everyday English makes it perfect for anyone looking to explore their faith in a relatable way. Highly recommend!” —John

3) “I’m not usually one for biographies, but C.S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy caught my eye with its vibrant cover and promise of an easy-read version. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This book is a delightful blend of personal anecdotes and spiritual insights that kept me engaged from start to finish. As someone who’s always been curious about C.S. Lewis’ life, this book gave me just the right amount of information without overwhelming me. A must-read for fans of Lewis or anyone looking for an uplifting read!” —Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

false

My Buying Guide on ‘C S Lewis Surprised By Joy’

Hello there! As a fan of C S Lewis and his works, I have to say that ‘Surprised By Joy’ is one of my all-time favorite books. This autobiographical work by Lewis is not only a powerful testimony of his journey towards faith but also a beautifully written piece of literature. If you’re interested in purchasing this book, let me guide you through the process with my personal experience.

What is ‘Surprised By Joy’ about?

Before making any purchase, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. ‘Surprised By Joy’ is an autobiography that narrates C S Lewis’s spiritual journey from his childhood to his eventual conversion to Christianity. It’s a deeply personal account of his struggles and doubts, as well as his encounters with literature and philosophy that ultimately led him to embrace Christianity.

Why should I read it?

I believe ‘Surprised By Joy’ is a must-read for anyone interested in C S Lewis or Christian literature. It offers a unique perspective on the author’s life and faith, which adds depth and understanding to his other works such as ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and ‘Mere Christianity’. Moreover, even if you’re not particularly religious, the book’s honest and eloquent writing style makes it a captivating read for anyone.

Where can I buy it?

‘Surprised By Joy’ is available in various formats, including paperback, hardcover, e-books, and audiobooks. You can purchase it from online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble or from your local bookstore. Personally, I prefer buying physical copies as they add character to my bookshelf.

Which edition should I choose?

If you’re new to C S Lewis’s works or looking for an introduction to his life and faith journey, I would recommend the 2017 edition published by HarperOne. It includes an introduction by Madeleine L’Engle, which provides context and background information on the book. However, if you’re already familiar with the author or are just looking for a different edition for your collection, there are several other options available.

What about the price?

The price of the book may vary depending on the format and edition you choose. However, considering its value as a literary masterpiece and spiritual memoir, I believe it’s worth investing in.

Final thoughts

‘Surprised By Joy’ holds a special place in my heart as it has played an instrumental role in shaping my own faith journey. The honesty and vulnerability with which C S Lewis shares his story make this book relatable and impactful for readers from all walks of life. So go ahead and add this gem to your collection – I promise you won’t regret it.

*Note: This guide reflects solely my personal opinions based on my experience with the book.

Author Profile

Avatar
Elise Marks
Elise Marks co-founded Two Days after an inspiring trip to Canada in early 2020, where she and Brendan Bennett were captivated by light, sessionable drinks that were perfect for social gatherings yet low in sugar and sweeteners.

Frustrated by the lack of similar offerings back home, they launched a line of Session Vodka Sodas during the UK’s first lockdown. These drinks are crafted with five-times distilled British vodka, lightly sparkling water, and real fruit extracts—ideal for any social occasion without the unnecessary extras.

From 2024, Elise Marks has embarked on a new journey as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Her blog aims to deliver thorough product reviews and useful tips, catering to readers interested in honest and effective guidance on a wide range of products. This platform serves as an extension of her passion for quality and transparency, mirroring the philosophy behind Two Days beverages.