Odds and Ends

I have been incredibly delinquent and haven't even really noticed. I suppose that means I've been keeping busy, but I'm not sure what I've been doing. Although in the last couple of days, I can say I've been enjoying the sunshine.

I have been reading, though. And listening to books. It seems like they have mostly been frivolous fantasy, nothing too serious. Definitely not anything that will rank among the classics. But among all that frivolity, there was one book that really stood out.

I read The Princess Curse, by Merrie Haskell. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail, because that would ruin it for you, but what I really enjoyed about this book was it's really unique plot twist. It starts out as the story of the 12 dancing princesses, and ends with a nice little Beauty and the Beast plot, tailored perfectly for a sequel (which I sincerely hope is in the works, because otherwise, I'll be a bit disappointed). I've read quite a few 12 dancing princesses stories, and Jessica Day George, for example, creates sequels that use the characters from her version to incorporate other fairy tales, but I think this one is unique in how it transitions from one to the other in the same story line, with the same characters. And, I feel a certain kinship with the author--we have a few things in common.

Currently, I am reading a book called The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Francis Collins. I was reading it while waiting for the bus the other day, and a girl who was also waiting commented on how much she had enjoyed it. I admit that sometimes, the science takes a minute for me to figure out, but I too am enjoying it. I find myself wanting to have a discussion with the author about the things I believe and how they tie in with his science, but I'm content to carry it on in my head. I'm only about halfway through, but it is very enlightening, and it fits.

So that is what I've been up to in terms of literary pursuits lately. And now, as I close, I leave you with a delightful little quote from Carpe Jugulum, by Terry Pratchett:

"She sang in harmony. Not, of course, with her reflection in the glass, because that kind of heroine will sooner or later end up singing a duet with Mr. Bluebird and other forest creatures and then there's nothing for it but a flamethrower."

Ciao!

Quotes

I was reading The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There, by Catherynne M. Valente, and I stumbled across a quote that I really liked:

"September expected that destinies, which is how she thought of professions, simply landed upon one like a crown, and ever after no one questioned or fretted over it, being sure of one's own use in the world. it was only that somehow her crown had not yet appeared. She did hope it would hurry up."

I don't know if that is how destinies work, but I sure wish that I knew. Maybe then I could get mine to come along. And lest you worry that this is a spoiler for the whole book, well, it isn't. But you should read the book. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, "How did the author come up with this? It is so original and clever!"

And I hope that Ms. (Mrs.?) Valente doesn't mind that I used a quote from her book.

What kind of magic do you believe in?

I apologize for the delay in posting. There was a sudden and abrupt, albeit temporary change in my situation. I have become the single, surrogate mother of 5 kids for a week, starting last Saturday. And the Friday before that, I went to see The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey right after work. So, it's been hectic. Anyway...

Last week I finished reading Far West by Patricia Wrede, and I thought this is an author I should highlight. I have read three of her series: Frontier Magic, Regency Magic, and the Enchanted Forest series. Now, as I read Far West, I was struck by the system of magic Wrede creates in the series. It's very unique, not necessarily in how magic works, or the actual nature of magic, but in how magic is controlled. And it isn't just one way, it's at least three, thus far int he series.

But not only did she develop three views of magic for this series, magic is very different in the Enchanted Forest, and even between characters in the Forest, in terms of how people use and control magic.

And finally, there is a very different style of magic in the Regency series. It involves objects a lot more than her other series, and is less and inherited ability. (And, I love this particular series for the way it was written. So clever!)

This author really impressed me. I mean, it is hard enough to develop one magical world. She has created three. Granted, a couple of them are set in alternate realities, so there is a kind of blueprint to work off of, but she still had to adapt to fit in magic. It is amazing. And, it gets you thinking about magic, and what it is and how we use it.

Which is a topic for another day, but in the meantime, Patricia Wrede is an author to read.

Finishing

It is really satisfying to finish books, especially ones that are on your to-read list. This week, I finished a few books, most of which were on my list, including:

Maphead, by Ken Jennings: Good read. Not a geography textbook, more a look at the history of geography, the uses of it, how it's changed, and the quirks of people into geography. Don't think you'll come away with a basic knowledge of the world map. Instead, you'll come away wanting that knowledge. Don't be intimidated. Jennings' style is light and entertaining.

Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis: First thing you think of when you hear C.S. Lewis? Narnia and books on Christianity. Science fiction? Not so much. But, he did author a sci-fi trilogy. I started reading it, then lost my copy (fortunately it was a 50 cent copy. Still, sad) and had to check out a copy from the library. I think having read it over so much time made it a bit harder to follow, but at the end, I really wanted to know what happens next. So, looks like at some point, I'll be picking up the next book. True to his style in The Chronicles of Narnia, there are religious overtones. It's interesting to read sci-fi from so early (mid 1900's), and to try to imagine what Lewis envisioned as he wrote. Also interesting, because he's writing about a man who visits Mars (hope that's not too much of a spoiler), which probably seemed impossible then, but we've got stuff on Mars now. There are lots of dimensions to explore here.

Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer Holm: This is one of those books that just tells a story. There's no overt moral or theme or lesson. It is just a story about life in Florida during the Depression. Written for the upper grade school age (by my estimate), it is an enjoyable read. Good style, the characters are real and believable. Now, as far as plot goes--don't expect a plot. This book is like life. It just unfolds. I like books like that, and this one is a good one.

Princess Ben, Catherine Gilbert Murdock: I don't know why I'm so into fairy tales rewritten lately, but it seems like I am. Think retelling of Sleeping Beauty crossed with an element of Snow White and a tower factor (Rapunzel, anyone?), with references to a lot of other fairy tales. Young adult girls will definitely like it. Not all retellings are equal, but this is on the high end of the scale.

Don't think I wasted any time filling up my list, though. I've been investigating the Hamish MacBeth books by MC Beaton, I'm enjoying some Terry Pratchett, and I've got Mao's Last Dancer on the list.
 Fingers crossed, soon I'll have less time for so much reading because I'll have a job, but in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy things.

Hope I haven't bored you too much--I'll come up with something really exciting for next week!

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.

What is it about the Brits?

I have often wondered why it is that some of the most well-known fantasy books are written by Brits: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia. And many more of my favorites are written by members of the commonwealth, or however it is called: Jonathan Stroud and the Bartimaeus Trilogy, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, Robin McKinley's books. Admittedly, they probably aren't the end all and be all of great fantasy, but the British have something when it comes to fantasy. And I have been wondering why.

I think there are multiple factors, of course. First of all, I imagine that part of it is just publicity, and because it is literature from across the pond, it gets more press when it is successful over here. And I think we tend to look at things that are homegrown with less excitement. So there is that.

But today, I came across this article Why are fantasy accents British?, which really seemed to give a good explanation. I think one reason why British fantasy has such a strong presence is because of their history--they had witches and magic and lore to base their fantasy on. And the mythological history of America is different, and since I am not a native of that culture, it isn't a mythology I relate to. My roots are in England, so that has somehow shaped my idea of fantasy. It is interesting to consider. It also makes one think about American fantasy. I think, for one thing, I need to read more of it, but it seems like it has a very European flavor. But how much of that is the mindset I bring to the book?

Anyway, it is interesting to think about. I'd be interested to know what your experience has been with fantasy.