If C.S. Lewis were to publish his books today, there would be such an outcry from most Christians in America that it would rival rants about witchcraft in Harry Potter. Yet, he is (nearly) canonized by Christians across denominations. His Chronicles of Narnia books have remained in print since they were written and three of them have been made into movies. His Space Trilogy are respected works of science fiction. His autobiography Surprised by Joy is touching and full of unexpected moments. Mere Christianity should be standard reading (at least the first half) for new Christians.
His popularity within Christian circles can produce Lewis-burnout, but we should not mistake distaste for people who over-quote Lewis with distaste for Lewis' writings. For I wonder if many of the people who quote him, fully understand how often un-orthodox his views sometimes were.
He is one of my role models, not because he is the best writer in the world (Roald Dahl, in his book Matilda summarizes it well when Matilda says, "There are no funny parts.") but because he writes non-fiction and fiction, faith and imagination, serious philosophy and serious children's stories. What kind of writer is he? He is every kind of writer that C.S. Lewis could be, and that is both honorable and enviable.
If you have only read his fiction, I suggest getting a copy of Reflections on the Psalms. If you have only read his philosophical works, get a copy of A Horse and His Boy. And if you haven't ready it, read his autobiography Surprised by Joy. It will be worth your while.
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