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Called: My Journey to C. S. Lewis's House and Back Again
Called is the heart-breaking, humorous, and refreshingly honest account of one twenty-something's adventure of learning what it means to be called by God-an adventure that took him to England, C. S. Lewis's house, and back again--and why it was only in the reality of his worst nightmare that he learned what it means to be called.
What is it like to be ''called'' by God for a particular purpose? What can you learn for your own life of faith from such a calling?
Through a series of personal anecdotes, illuminating conversations, and candid reflections, Called brings you face-to-face not only with the world of C. S. Lewis, but also with the very real peaks and valleys of pursuing a calling. Seeking to reclaim the uniquely Christian sense of calling, Pemberton shows that God's call cannot be reduced to one's dreams, skills, or passions, vividly and powerfully illustrating how Christ turns ideas of failure and success on their head. Called will encourage you to realize God has entered into your story, calling out to you anew each day with the words, ''Follow me,'' leaving you to ask, Will I be obedient to the calling set before me?
What is it like to be ''called'' by God for a particular purpose? What can you learn for your own life of faith from such a calling?
Through a series of personal anecdotes, illuminating conversations, and candid reflections, Called brings you face-to-face not only with the world of C. S. Lewis, but also with the very real peaks and valleys of pursuing a calling. Seeking to reclaim the uniquely Christian sense of calling, Pemberton shows that God's call cannot be reduced to one's dreams, skills, or passions, vividly and powerfully illustrating how Christ turns ideas of failure and success on their head. Called will encourage you to realize God has entered into your story, calling out to you anew each day with the words, ''Follow me,'' leaving you to ask, Will I be obedient to the calling set before me?
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2015
3 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Ryan J. Pemberton
5 books13 followersI tell stories. Like the one about the time I left the Pacific NW & PR for Oxford & Theology and lived in C. S. Lewis's house. "Called," now available.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 13, 2015
Winsome. Engaging. Poignant. Ryan Pemberton's CALLED is all this and more.
I have to be honest. Part of the reason I picked up CALLED, Ryan's brilliantly and personably penned memoir about his time at Oxford, was pure nostalgia. I studied and interned in England ten years ago and have returned several times since. I was pretty sure the book would feed my nostalgia.
And it did. Little details--mentions of Sainsbury's, digestives (tea biscuits with the best/worst name ever), cozy pubs--took me back to what was definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life. Even if you've never been to England, Ryan's vivid storytelling will make you feel as if you have.
But by the end of the first chapter, I knew this book was going to be more than a "hey, I saw that landmark, too!" experience. By the end of the second chapter, I was in tears. And by the end of the last chapter, I felt churned up...in a good, good way.
The thing with Ryan's story is...it's not just his story. It's his journey, yes, of letting go of a comfortable career in the U.S. to instead study at Oxford and pursue a writing dream that perhaps hadn't even fully formed when he started out. But as much as CALLED is Ryan's story, as I read I couldn't stop thinking, this can be my story. This journey of abandon and dependence and trust and deepening faith even in the face of questions or doubts, loneliness or hardship...it's not just for Oxford students or writers or artists.
It's for all of us. If we want it to be.
The experience Ryan describes of reading Lewis's Mere Christianity and discovering his own passion and purpose became my experience as I read Ryan's words. Which is why I didn't just finish this book challenged and inspired...but grateful. Incredibly, incredibly grateful.
CALLED is an experience in lyrical writing and thoughtful narrative. It has a wonderful pace about it, along with a heart and sincerity that constantly kept me turning pages. It's hopeful, and I love that. CALLED is for fans of C.S. Lewis, yes, and those who enjoy memoirs. But I hope its audience expands far beyond those boundaries, because its takeaway is the game-changing kind.
I have to be honest. Part of the reason I picked up CALLED, Ryan's brilliantly and personably penned memoir about his time at Oxford, was pure nostalgia. I studied and interned in England ten years ago and have returned several times since. I was pretty sure the book would feed my nostalgia.
And it did. Little details--mentions of Sainsbury's, digestives (tea biscuits with the best/worst name ever), cozy pubs--took me back to what was definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life. Even if you've never been to England, Ryan's vivid storytelling will make you feel as if you have.
But by the end of the first chapter, I knew this book was going to be more than a "hey, I saw that landmark, too!" experience. By the end of the second chapter, I was in tears. And by the end of the last chapter, I felt churned up...in a good, good way.
The thing with Ryan's story is...it's not just his story. It's his journey, yes, of letting go of a comfortable career in the U.S. to instead study at Oxford and pursue a writing dream that perhaps hadn't even fully formed when he started out. But as much as CALLED is Ryan's story, as I read I couldn't stop thinking, this can be my story. This journey of abandon and dependence and trust and deepening faith even in the face of questions or doubts, loneliness or hardship...it's not just for Oxford students or writers or artists.
It's for all of us. If we want it to be.
The experience Ryan describes of reading Lewis's Mere Christianity and discovering his own passion and purpose became my experience as I read Ryan's words. Which is why I didn't just finish this book challenged and inspired...but grateful. Incredibly, incredibly grateful.
CALLED is an experience in lyrical writing and thoughtful narrative. It has a wonderful pace about it, along with a heart and sincerity that constantly kept me turning pages. It's hopeful, and I love that. CALLED is for fans of C.S. Lewis, yes, and those who enjoy memoirs. But I hope its audience expands far beyond those boundaries, because its takeaway is the game-changing kind.
June 5, 2018
Called, My Journey to C.S.Lewis’s House and Back Aagain, by Ryan Pemberton, is an honest account of how Ryan left the safety of a secure job in the states, and moved with his family to Oxford, England to pursue his dream of writing and theology. This major life decision to him seemed irresponsible at times(maybe even madness) and during his time in Oxford, living at C.S.Lewis’ home The Kilns, Ryan really questioned himself. Yet, by taking this risk, Ryan learned what it actually does mean to be called by The Creator, and how pain, doubt, failure, and honest questions strengthens faith. While he was in Oxford, Ryan become the president of the Oxford C.S.Lewis society, met Lewis’ former secretary Walter Hooper, Michael Ward, author of Planet Narnia, and fellow of Black Friars, Lewis’ step-son Douglas Gresham, fell in love with the city of Oxford, excelled academically, and grew in his faith. Parts of this book were funny, painful, challenging, inspiring, and spiritually nourishing-I underlined many parts to re-read and reflect upon. Reading through Ryan Pemberton’s incredible book reminded me of a ten day Oxford C.S.Lewis trip I went on back in March that changed my life, why C.S.Lewis is my favorite writer, and has encouraged me in the writing of my own book Surprised by Agape, which will be published soon through Clarendon House Publications. I highly recommend Ryan’s book.
April 19, 2015
Ryan Pemberton's story of calling, embracing failure, and discovering a new imagination for how to live out of his God-given identity is powerful. This book was a delightful read. Pemberton's style is easy to interact with and it felt like we were sitting in a corner of Eagle & Child pub, listening to him tell the story first hand.
The question of calling weighs on many of us. It seems we live in a time where we have either lost the tools to discern our way forward or we have lost a sense of who we are and are struggling to find it again. Pemberton writes openly about his own struggles with the nature of calling with a rare, refreshing honesty. There is something unique about his story, something that hits deeper than questions of "what's next?" and "how do I decide what to do with my career?" You can feel the emotion in his words, the pain of the fight to be true to the trajectory set before him by God, but also what it means to walk blindly in a fog, not sure where each next step is going to lead.
This book is a gift. If only for the fact that it drew me back into my love of C.S. Lewis and into recalling my own joyful discovery of his works like "Mere Christianity", "The Screwtape Letters", and "The Great Divorce". The comparisons between Lewis' and Pemberton's styles and purpose are spot-on! Add to this the truth that Ryan is able to speak to regarding calling and following the still small voice of God...Wow!
The question of calling weighs on many of us. It seems we live in a time where we have either lost the tools to discern our way forward or we have lost a sense of who we are and are struggling to find it again. Pemberton writes openly about his own struggles with the nature of calling with a rare, refreshing honesty. There is something unique about his story, something that hits deeper than questions of "what's next?" and "how do I decide what to do with my career?" You can feel the emotion in his words, the pain of the fight to be true to the trajectory set before him by God, but also what it means to walk blindly in a fog, not sure where each next step is going to lead.
This book is a gift. If only for the fact that it drew me back into my love of C.S. Lewis and into recalling my own joyful discovery of his works like "Mere Christianity", "The Screwtape Letters", and "The Great Divorce". The comparisons between Lewis' and Pemberton's styles and purpose are spot-on! Add to this the truth that Ryan is able to speak to regarding calling and following the still small voice of God...Wow!
April 13, 2015
A beautiful tale of the pain, triumph and ultimate fulfillment involved in answering God's call. In Pemberton's writing debut, he shows he is a gifted storyteller, weaving together his personal journey to the magical Oxford, England, and the home of the man who most inspired him, C.S. Lewis, with the trials of casting down his proverbial net and following Jesus' call. Ryan illustrates that although Jesus never said it would be easy to follow Him, He did promise it would be amazing beyond our comprehension. And His promises are true.
May 16, 2024
It didn’t take much to persuade me to love this book. It is, after all, a story with one of my favorite writers at its heart. A story about story. And about calling, faith, doubt, fear, heartache, and–ultimately–understanding and triumph.
Ryan Pemberton’s voice is authentic and deeply personal. After reading his story, you will most likely feel as if–were you fortunate enough to meet him at a party–you could dispense with the small talk and jump immediately into issues that really matter.
Reading Ryan’s book I encountered so many aha moments, I cannot begin to enumerate them here. I was quite tempted, in fact, index this book in the manner C.S. Lewis once did his. There were multiple points of resonance worth noting and remembering, including ideas of beauty, the intent of true theology, the meaning and purpose of story–as well as what may happen when we lose our stories. Ryan’s thoughts are fresh, yet timeless. Truly, he is gifted at articulating that which is so hard to put into words. Clearly, he is dedicated not only to the craft but to the art of writing. And though (egads!) he hold degrees from both Oxford and Duke Divinity, Ryan is so real, so candid, and he makes his journey and his faith so relevant, that you’d never guess he is an academic.
Called will find a forever spot on my shelves. It’s a book I look forward to returning to years from now, one that I will time and again want to place in another’s hands, say, “Here. Read this.”
Thanks to the author for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
Ryan Pemberton’s voice is authentic and deeply personal. After reading his story, you will most likely feel as if–were you fortunate enough to meet him at a party–you could dispense with the small talk and jump immediately into issues that really matter.
Reading Ryan’s book I encountered so many aha moments, I cannot begin to enumerate them here. I was quite tempted, in fact, index this book in the manner C.S. Lewis once did his. There were multiple points of resonance worth noting and remembering, including ideas of beauty, the intent of true theology, the meaning and purpose of story–as well as what may happen when we lose our stories. Ryan’s thoughts are fresh, yet timeless. Truly, he is gifted at articulating that which is so hard to put into words. Clearly, he is dedicated not only to the craft but to the art of writing. And though (egads!) he hold degrees from both Oxford and Duke Divinity, Ryan is so real, so candid, and he makes his journey and his faith so relevant, that you’d never guess he is an academic.
Called will find a forever spot on my shelves. It’s a book I look forward to returning to years from now, one that I will time and again want to place in another’s hands, say, “Here. Read this.”
Thanks to the author for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
April 27, 2015
I've been in a season of reading memoirs and Called is one of my favorite picks. Because I love C.S. Lewis I suspected that Ryan's book would be engaging. It was more than that. I learned about C.S. Lewis, about Ryan and his family, about Oxford, and about my own calling that God is awakening me to embrace. Ryan's from the heart writing drew my own heart closer to God. It's not often I write down sentences from a book so I won't forget the treasures I've found--but Called is one of these books. I look forward to reading his future works. Called is a keeper for my personal library.
June 13, 2022
This is an interesting one to review.
It didn’t hit me like a punch to the gut like some of the other Christian books I’ve read. Rather it was slower, with sentences to ponder over a longer period of time. I felt like I was walking alongside the author on his journey.
As an aspiring Christian writer myself, it was especially impactful to hear about the author’s experiences- the peaks and valleys with hope and rejection. Also, the number of golden nuggets sprinkled throughout forced me to pause several times to think.
And yes, the writing could have been a little more organized and eloquent. Or there might have been too many names mentioned for me to fully keep track of. But it was REAL. It was raw. It was life!
Overall, I had an interesting journey with this book and will probably need to refer to my highlights every so often!
It didn’t hit me like a punch to the gut like some of the other Christian books I’ve read. Rather it was slower, with sentences to ponder over a longer period of time. I felt like I was walking alongside the author on his journey.
As an aspiring Christian writer myself, it was especially impactful to hear about the author’s experiences- the peaks and valleys with hope and rejection. Also, the number of golden nuggets sprinkled throughout forced me to pause several times to think.
And yes, the writing could have been a little more organized and eloquent. Or there might have been too many names mentioned for me to fully keep track of. But it was REAL. It was raw. It was life!
Overall, I had an interesting journey with this book and will probably need to refer to my highlights every so often!
May 16, 2021
This book is beautiful. If I’d been highlighting as I read (perhaps on my next go-round), I think more would have been highlighted than not. The last couple chapters, in particular, hit me right in the eyes in the best way.
Utterly fantastic read, whether you’re a Lewis fan or haven’t read him yet (and really, what are you waiting for? Lol!). I have been changed for the better through the read.
Utterly fantastic read, whether you’re a Lewis fan or haven’t read him yet (and really, what are you waiting for? Lol!). I have been changed for the better through the read.
January 10, 2018
I couldn't put this book down! A very honest view of what the emotions of giving your life completely to serve God.
January 16, 2018
I most enjoyed the little tidbits I learned about C.S. Lewis’s life and the Oxford experience. Pemberton’s is an engaging tale. I look forward to his next book.
August 5, 2019
I read it for a church group about calling. It did not move me much. Felt it was all over the place, hit and miss.
October 13, 2019
sounded like it would be a good book, but......snoooooore.....I barely got thru it.
July 17, 2020
If you're craving good conversation with a dear friend, someone passionate about purposeful living, this book fits the bill.
March 29, 2018
Fast paced, thought provoking, entertaining, and scattered throughout with great nuggets. Pemberton is a great storyteller, and a very likable protagonist. You have the feeling he and his wife would make great friends. There are plenty of Lewis stories for Narnia lovers, publishing misadventures for aspiring authors, and reflections on discerning God's will for anyone. One to keep on the shelf and refer back to (or re-read) in the future, whenever the idea of following God in crazy directions is daunting and the way forward is unclear.
February 19, 2021
I loved this book because I read my story in Pemberton's story. I have found myself in many of the same positions, spiritually speaking. His story speaks right to my heart because I fully understand the difficulty of leaving all to follow Christ. I have been where he was, ready to throw in the towel. Yet, hearing a story similar to mine, from someone who is walking the same journey reminds me that I'm not alone. It beckons me to stop and be reminded that God did not call me to serve Him, He called me to trust Him. For the first time, while reading this book, that truth made the journey from my head to my heart. My life may not end up how I envisioned, but all that matters is that my name is written in heave and in that I rejoice.
Continue reading here: https://readingfortheglory.wordpress....
September 4, 2016
This book just might be a game changer for me. In saying that, I don't want to lead anyone astray. There is nothing new or sensational in what Ryan Pemberton includes in this book. But what IS sensational is Ryan's transparency about what he writes about. The book is less about certainty than it is about insecurity, something I found quite refreshing in a book written by an academic. It is about following Christ even when the pathway is obscured. And since I spent the summer of 2014 at Oxford, it returned me to a magical land beyond the sea, if only in my dreams.
August 30, 2024
As someone whose pursuing a similar path, I found Ryan Pemberton's story to be encouraging and thought-provoking. While the story does involve C.S. Lewis, the book is really about Pemberton's journey through Oxford with his wife Jen. Though I believe there are some missteps in how Pemberton views and understands God's "will" for his life (as well as some other theological nuances), the book is wonderfully written and very interesting.
August 26, 2015
Not what I expected. Story a little repetitive and contained details I felt were not necessary to the narrative. However the last few chapters had a different voice that really express the author's struggle with his actions, and his ultimate understanding of choices. It certainly poses hard questions on following a spiritual life. Worth the read.
November 21, 2016
"Called" tells of Ryan Pemberton's journey to Oxford for an undergraduate degree in theology. He heads to Oxford because of his love for C. S. Lewis. While there he is able to live in Lewis's old house and serve as a tour guide. "Called" is fun read but not particularly insightful. I suspect it will appeal most appears to those who admire both C. S. Lewis's and Oxford.
September 30, 2015
A beautifully written book containing beautiful truths learned by the author. I felt like I was right there with him at Oxford, and he does a great job of connecting the reader with his story as well as connecting what he learned to other's lives. I will be looking for more by this author.
June 4, 2015
via his article in Bible Study Mag (March 2015)
March 12, 2015
Outstanding! I did not want to put this down. One thing I really enjoyed was learning more about Oxford itself.
August 4, 2015
I loved this book. It was such a charming story about following a dream and that dream turning out to be a life changer. Sometimes you just need to read something uplifting. This is it.
June 22, 2015
I was expecting more of a historical feel rather than a memoir. Still, it was an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews