This week's post is brought to you by some guests: my nieces and nephew. They are getting ready to go on a trip, and I got to play librarian and find some books on CD. When I told them I'd checked out Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, by Brandon Sanderson, they couldn't wait for their trip to start and listened to it last week. So, in their words, here is what they had to say about the book:
"This book is very entertaining. It has a clever plot, awesome characters, and epic talents. It gives you new insights into why authors write books. You should check it out because it's awesome and entertaining, especially to listen to. My favorite character is Bastille. She's a knight and knights are cool. " Belba*, age 12 (almost 13).
"My favorite part is when Alcatraz's grandpa and Blackburn duel with the lenses. Quentin is my favorite character. He can't say anything that makes sense and he predicts the future." Dudo, age 7.
"I really liked the dinosaurs. [This is one of my favorite parts, too, in case you care] I liked all the characters. This book is funny and entertaining." Ruby, age 10.
"My favorite part is when Sing trips when he is in danger. I like Alcatraz." Dimple, age 5.
So, there you have it. You don't have to trust me, or those dudes on the jacket. Trust the kids who read it, and check out Alcatraz!
*Note: These are not their real names. But they ARE real people. I promise.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Dragons, gods, and playing librarian
Today is a hodge podge of topics, but there you have it. I'm working on breaking from the whole trend of order and cohesiveness that has been ingrained in me since my formative years in high school, if not sooner.
Recently I was introduced to a fantastic picture book, You've Got Dragons, by Kathryn Cave. This book came along at just the right moment for me. At first, you read it and you think it's about a kid who wakes up to find there is a dragon in his life. But, as you keep reading, you discover it's not about a kid. It's about you. And I hope when you read it, you are dragon free, but if not, this will give you hope. Don't be fooled by the books appearance or location in the children's picture book section at the library. This is very much a book for everyone.
I also finished reading Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. This is a great book for thinking about religion and faith, and there are some very profound statements and ideas. Now, I'm very committed to my faith, which teaches me that truth can be found in many places. And there were some good truths in this book. I don't know what Pratchett's view on religion and faith and God is, but I do know mine. And, when I have the opportunity to see other people's views, it makes me reflect on my own. I have found that it doesn't change my view, but reinforces my belief and shows me how to not get caught up in meta-religion. I think that is a good term for what takes place in Small Gods. Pratchett doesn't describe it that way, but that is what it is. Meta-religion. A religion about the religion, if you will. (Don't worry, it will make sense if you read the book). I have enjoyed Pratchett's books, and while I haven't read an overwhelming amount of them, this one is now one of my favorites.
My sister is getting ready for a lengthy road trip with her family and I was recruited to help find some audiobooks for their trip. I've also been able to pick out a book for all of my nieces and nephews to read while they are camping for a week. I think I have found one--The Squire's Tale, by Gerald Morris. It's a terrific book--funny, characters you can appreciate, a bit of poking fun. Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing librarian and selecting books that would satisfy two adults and at least three kids, hopefully 4, ranging from ages 7-12 (and possibly age 5). Made me feel like I had a skill, or talent. Not that I think it is a special skill. I'm pretty sure anyone could do it, but I had a good time, and it was great to see the kids get excited. I guess that's part of the point of this blog--to get people excited about books and to spread the news about good ones. Well, at least good ones I've read. I like to give authors a boost--they work hard and deserve a plug.
Anyway, that's it for now, but I'll come up with something good for next week. In the meantime, grab a book and go outside and enjoy some sunshine.
Recently I was introduced to a fantastic picture book, You've Got Dragons, by Kathryn Cave. This book came along at just the right moment for me. At first, you read it and you think it's about a kid who wakes up to find there is a dragon in his life. But, as you keep reading, you discover it's not about a kid. It's about you. And I hope when you read it, you are dragon free, but if not, this will give you hope. Don't be fooled by the books appearance or location in the children's picture book section at the library. This is very much a book for everyone.
I also finished reading Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. This is a great book for thinking about religion and faith, and there are some very profound statements and ideas. Now, I'm very committed to my faith, which teaches me that truth can be found in many places. And there were some good truths in this book. I don't know what Pratchett's view on religion and faith and God is, but I do know mine. And, when I have the opportunity to see other people's views, it makes me reflect on my own. I have found that it doesn't change my view, but reinforces my belief and shows me how to not get caught up in meta-religion. I think that is a good term for what takes place in Small Gods. Pratchett doesn't describe it that way, but that is what it is. Meta-religion. A religion about the religion, if you will. (Don't worry, it will make sense if you read the book). I have enjoyed Pratchett's books, and while I haven't read an overwhelming amount of them, this one is now one of my favorites.
My sister is getting ready for a lengthy road trip with her family and I was recruited to help find some audiobooks for their trip. I've also been able to pick out a book for all of my nieces and nephews to read while they are camping for a week. I think I have found one--The Squire's Tale, by Gerald Morris. It's a terrific book--funny, characters you can appreciate, a bit of poking fun. Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing librarian and selecting books that would satisfy two adults and at least three kids, hopefully 4, ranging from ages 7-12 (and possibly age 5). Made me feel like I had a skill, or talent. Not that I think it is a special skill. I'm pretty sure anyone could do it, but I had a good time, and it was great to see the kids get excited. I guess that's part of the point of this blog--to get people excited about books and to spread the news about good ones. Well, at least good ones I've read. I like to give authors a boost--they work hard and deserve a plug.
Anyway, that's it for now, but I'll come up with something good for next week. In the meantime, grab a book and go outside and enjoy some sunshine.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Stories never told
Tonight, my nieces and I were trying to envision Harry Potter in 60 seconds. I'm not sure it can be done, but if anyone does manage it, let me know. I'd love to see it. Anywho [that is deliberate--a bit of colloquial Elise], we got off on this really odd tangent in which we discussed entertaining Harry Potter scenarios. For your enjoyment.
Snape's Shoulder Angels:
Angel-"Be nice to Harry. He's Lily's son."
Devil-"So what! He's James' son too. Give him a detention!"
Angel-"Don't kill Dumbledore! Killing is bad."
Devil-"Yeah, don't kill him. Let Malfoy do it. He doesn't know Dumbledore will die anyway."
Angel-"Wait! Ethical dilemma! Must...not..." Poof! Angel explodes.
Bellatrix needs a spa day:
Sirius to Bellatrix, at the ministry of magic (before he dies): "Bellatrix, cousin, you're looking a bit ratty. You know, you really should take some time for yourself. Here's a gift certificate. Treat yourself to a spa day. You deserve it."
It is quite possible that the real reason she killed Sirius is because of this comment. Bellatrix always dresses up for confrontations with the Order of the Phoenix. She had spent hours on her hair, and Sirius foolishly thought she'd woken up late and hadn't had time to shower. What he took for a bad case of bedhead may have lead to his demise.
Dumbledore on vacation:
Dumbledore at the beach, as a surfing star. Or Dumbledore in Paris, wooing the women. Or Dumbledore at a rodeo--bring on the bucking bronco. Dumbledore on Safari. On a magical safari. So much potential.
Voldemort with hair extensions. Enough said.
Voldemort at the psychiatrist's:
Psychiatrist: I believe you have an unhealthy fixation with that Potter boy. You can't stop talking about him.
Voldemort: Aveda Kedavra
What does McGonigal do when no one is around? Step Aerobics! "Come on ladies, get those arms up!" Tartan leotard, baby.
Clearly, there are numerous untold stories here. Also, very clearly, we were enjoying ourselves waaay too much. If you believe that sort of thing is possible.
Snape's Shoulder Angels:
Angel-"Be nice to Harry. He's Lily's son."
Devil-"So what! He's James' son too. Give him a detention!"
Angel-"Don't kill Dumbledore! Killing is bad."
Devil-"Yeah, don't kill him. Let Malfoy do it. He doesn't know Dumbledore will die anyway."
Angel-"Wait! Ethical dilemma! Must...not..." Poof! Angel explodes.
Bellatrix needs a spa day:
Sirius to Bellatrix, at the ministry of magic (before he dies): "Bellatrix, cousin, you're looking a bit ratty. You know, you really should take some time for yourself. Here's a gift certificate. Treat yourself to a spa day. You deserve it."
It is quite possible that the real reason she killed Sirius is because of this comment. Bellatrix always dresses up for confrontations with the Order of the Phoenix. She had spent hours on her hair, and Sirius foolishly thought she'd woken up late and hadn't had time to shower. What he took for a bad case of bedhead may have lead to his demise.
Dumbledore on vacation:
Dumbledore at the beach, as a surfing star. Or Dumbledore in Paris, wooing the women. Or Dumbledore at a rodeo--bring on the bucking bronco. Dumbledore on Safari. On a magical safari. So much potential.
Voldemort with hair extensions. Enough said.
Voldemort at the psychiatrist's:
Psychiatrist: I believe you have an unhealthy fixation with that Potter boy. You can't stop talking about him.
Voldemort: Aveda Kedavra
What does McGonigal do when no one is around? Step Aerobics! "Come on ladies, get those arms up!" Tartan leotard, baby.
Clearly, there are numerous untold stories here. Also, very clearly, we were enjoying ourselves waaay too much. If you believe that sort of thing is possible.
Friday, July 13, 2012
What makes a story
There is a game called Rory's Story Cubes, that my nieces and nephews have been playing lately. It's an interesting enough game, and I like the concept. Basically, you roll the dice, and make up a story using the pictures. So, what tends to happen is people create links between the items. "There was a mouse, and he found a key, and it opened the door, and then aliens took them to their pyramid on Mars." Something like that. It is connecting things, but a story is more than just taking elements and linking them together.
A story needs a plot. Things happen, there are reasons and results, people/characters change, they act, they do and say things. The 'elements'--pyramids, aliens, keys, mice--all become important because the story is affected by them. They become significant. The pyramid matters because of the reason we are there, and what we do there. Without the pyramid, the story becomes very different. When we are just linking objects together, that doesn't happen.
Of course, with the game, no one wants to sit around waiting for us to create a real story. That would probably take longer than we want. But a skilled story teller could create a story where even the most eclectic items become pivotal in the plot. It is magical.
A story needs a plot. Things happen, there are reasons and results, people/characters change, they act, they do and say things. The 'elements'--pyramids, aliens, keys, mice--all become important because the story is affected by them. They become significant. The pyramid matters because of the reason we are there, and what we do there. Without the pyramid, the story becomes very different. When we are just linking objects together, that doesn't happen.
Of course, with the game, no one wants to sit around waiting for us to create a real story. That would probably take longer than we want. But a skilled story teller could create a story where even the most eclectic items become pivotal in the plot. It is magical.
Friday, July 6, 2012
A Twist
This is an experimental post. My niece was recently "encouraged" to read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. And while she was reading, she entertained me with the chapter headings. So, I have NOT read Oliver Twist. I have no idea what it is about. (Shocking, I know, and criminal, but I have at least acquired a copy of it). But in reading through the chapter headings, we both decided it would be really funny to summarize Oliver Twist using only the chapter headings. So, here goes:
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Oliver. He had a childhood and grew up and got a job. He met some new acquaintances, but it turns out they weren't the best influences on him, which he learns the hard way. Then he met someone on his way to London, who was much better for him. Life was going pretty good, but some people were a little jealous. So they plotted, and Oliver got entangled in some not so good things, possibly including burglary. At this point, Oliver gets in with some good influences, and life is good, for a while. Then there is a new and unhappy adventure, and there are many more surprises. Death, unraveling of mysteries, marriage, the end.
So, there you have it. Oliver Twist in a nutshell. Full of plot twists, dynamic characters, and quality writing, I'm sure. If you read it before me, let me know what you think.
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Oliver. He had a childhood and grew up and got a job. He met some new acquaintances, but it turns out they weren't the best influences on him, which he learns the hard way. Then he met someone on his way to London, who was much better for him. Life was going pretty good, but some people were a little jealous. So they plotted, and Oliver got entangled in some not so good things, possibly including burglary. At this point, Oliver gets in with some good influences, and life is good, for a while. Then there is a new and unhappy adventure, and there are many more surprises. Death, unraveling of mysteries, marriage, the end.
So, there you have it. Oliver Twist in a nutshell. Full of plot twists, dynamic characters, and quality writing, I'm sure. If you read it before me, let me know what you think.
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