Playing Catch Up on my Spring Reading – Books #18-22

August 15, 2015Mere Leave a comment

After last month’s lengthy and much needed blog post, I realized I needed to play catch up in other regards as well. I would like to spend more time on the creative, personal, as well as fun, but I cannot do that if I let these older reviews I put off clog my blog space. Not to short change any of them, mind you, but after so much time, I cannot do them much justice in their own lengthy posts anyway. So, here are some short rundown’s on 5 of the books from my Spring Reading.

Really, all I need to say here is that I have yet another example of a book that just really isn’t quite up my alley. Tananarive Due’s The Good House is not a bad book, but it isn’t really my style. In short: Angela Toussaint hopes that returning to her Grandma Marie’s house, the house of her youth, will bring her some peace, but tragedy follows. Five years later, she returns, hoping to face the demons of her son’s death and let them go. But ghosts and real demons follow, and Angela is left to puzzle out the pieces and solve the mystery her son’s death.

A haunting tale, with horror and mystery, you would think I’d embrace it. But truthfully, I didn’t connect to the characters or story as much as I thought I would. I know this is more me than the quality of the writing or the story itself. It is an interesting tale, but it is a little predictable with too nice of a bow on top. It reads more as ghost-story written for the NON-ghost crowd rather than them being the primary audience.

Next up we switch to a very different genre, young adult fantasy. Stolen Songbird, by Danielle L. Jensen is a bit of a misleading title. On the eve of leaving her home town to study music with her mother, Cecile is kidnapped and forced to marry the Prince of the Trolls. Trapped under the mountain, where a powerful witch has cursed them, the trolls hope the marriage between human and troll will lift their 500 year old curse. When it doesn’t, Cecile is thrust into a confusing world of politics, betrayal, and unexpected love.

With such a summary, it is no wonder I picked it up: fantasy, music, politics…wooo! However, it is also still a young adult novel…I should have kept that in mind. Music, or singing, has VERY little to do with the novel, and the annoying romance tropes of “pretending to hate each other” play out here. But, the politics and intrigue are interesting. The world is interesting, if a little flat, and while I want to see where she takes her version of “trolls,” I’m not necessarily sure I like it. I might read the rest of the series eventually, but I’m not in a rush.

The next book, #20, was a bit of a surprise for me. Rysa Walker’s Timebound was one of those free E-books I picked up on a whim. It took me about a year to actually decide to read it, and I didn’t expect much. However, I was incredibly impressed. Is it great literature? Definitely not. But, it does embrace originality. Kate is given a strange glowing medallion and told that she has inherited the ability to travel through time. She doesn’t believe it for a second until her world is turned upside down with time shift. Kate must then travel to 1893 to prevent a murder that threatens her entire future without altering it further.

Overall, it’s a quick, fun read that doesn’t over complicate (or over simplify) time travel and it’s theoretical problems. Plus, through in a little YA romance, historical fiction, and good old adventure/mystery, and you can’t go wrong.

I know I said I’d NEVER read Jim Butcher, but I gave in since one of my very best friends kept recommending it. So for #21, I gave in and tried Storm Front, book #1 of the Dresden Files. Harry Dresden is a Wizard for hire, a Paranormal Investigator. The Chicago PD comes to him for help with a dark double murder where black magic is involved, and it’s up to Harry to stop him

Honestly, with my preconceived notions of this series, it wasn’t quite as bad as I thought it would. However, I’m still not a huge fan. I’ve been told it gets better, but Dresden is a bit misogynistic, having a thing for the damsel in distress. I’ll give Butcher some credit though, his women aren’t necessarily weak and the world is intriguing. I’d like to understand more of his method of urban fantasy. Still, the story is fairly flat and not really my thing. Eventually, I’ll probably try some more (see Cort…I keep my promises eventually)!

I picked up this book basically because it was an Audible Daily Deal, but I am SOOOOOO happy I did. Chris Taylor’s How Star Wars Conquered the Universe: The Past, Present, and Future of a Multibillion Dollar Franchise, is not only incredibly informative, it’s a well written analysis of our popular culture. Essentially, it’s a biography of the Star Wars franchise, not just one person but the entire dream, development, cultural obsessions, fandoms, etc. It embraces all aspects and doesn’t shy from questioning the creative vision when needed. Really, it’s a lovely balance of fact, fun, and analysis. If you like Star Wars at all, I HIGHLY recommend it.

More coming soon….I promise!

Top Ten Books From my Childhood Currently Still on my Shelf

May 19, 2015Mere 5 Comments

Another week, another list from The Broke and the Bookish! This week was a freebie, so I had to think it through a little bit. So, my freebie list is a little bit lengthy in description, mostly because it’s difficult me for me to make up my mind on these things!

For this week, I looked on my shelf of young adult/children’s books, one’s I actually read sometime between the ages of 8 and 14 (or somewhere around there), which I still regularly return to. Knowing where my reading interests are now, it might be surprising how very little fantasy sits on those shelves (or made it to this list). Instead, it’s filled mainly with historical fiction, with a smattering of others mixed in!

1. Jacob Have I Loved, by Katherine Paterson, has been around since 1980, and it won the Newberry Medal in 1981. More importantly, it is an amazing story! A classic book, I fell in love with it at a pretty young age. I reread it regularly, and I cannot recommend it enough.

2. One More River, by Lynne Reid Banks introduced me to conflict in the Middle East at a fairly young age. I was obsessed with World War II and all the different aspects around it. This followed naturally into the founding of Israel and the formation of kibbutzs. Lynne Reid Bank really gets the point of view of a young adult while giving some striking perspective on life in Israel and the war with Jordan.

3. Afternoon of the Elves, by Janet Taylor Lisle will long remain one of my favorite books. It is about imagination, friendship, and the importance of seeing through to what people need and where they are hurting.

4. Sarah Bishop, by Scott O’Dell. So, I know this “historical fiction” is really just fiction. However, the strong independent woman living in the woods fighting off the witch accusations certainly captured my imagination. O’Dell always excels survivalist stories!

5. The Giver, by Lois Lowry. What can I say about this book that hasn’t been said already? A classic, well loved by many, it certainly has had an impact on young adult literature and probably the life of many a child, including me. I admit, I haven’t read the rest of the series, partly because the first one means so much to me.

6. In My Father’s House, by Ann Rinaldi. Okay, so there are actually a LOT of areas in history I loved as a kid…this one is the Civil War. No wonder I now work at a historic site…this is all starting to make sense

7. The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare. So, I obviously also had an obsession with the witch trials. Hell, I still do. Maybe I should do a list just on those books…Anyway, this is fairly light fair even for the subject matter, but it is still gripping.

8. I am Regina, Sally M. Keehn. Okay, okay…the pattern continues…now we’re onto stories of Indian Captives. This one is supposed to be based on fact, but I know much of it is pretty much just imagination. Still, the themes for my younger self are here as well.

9. Horror at the Haunted House, by Peg Kehret. Finally we break the cycle! A piece of fluff sitting on my shelf! Simple, short, mystery (with a hint at the ghostly). Perfect little popcorn tale, then and now.

10. Ozma of Oz, by L. Frank Baum. Alright, so I have only read a random few of the massive series that is Baum’s Oz. I love this one the most, and that is in large part due to the AMAZING film Return to Oz. I love the 1985 film. I even have a chicken ornament named Billina. Yes, this is my life and I’m proud of it! I really do recommend the book (not just the movie).

**Bonus, because not currently on my shelf for some odd reason…

The Big Lie: A True Story, by Isabella Leitner. The list made me rethink this missing book in my library. This was my first book on the Holocaust, which I read in Second Grade. I can’t find my copy! What happened!!! While I have many, and I do mean MANY, books on the Holocaust (I did mention my WWII obsession), this one was definitive largely because it was the first, and it was perfectly written for a young audience.

Top Ten All Time Favorite Books (from the past 3 years)

March 3, 2015Mere 2 Comments

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, with a new list prompt each week. What a wonderful way to try to get back in the writing rhythm.

This one will be quick, since I didn’t know about the weekly list until today! In no particular order, here are the top ten books I’ve read in the last 3 years (some may actually be a little outside of that time frame, but it’s all relative anyhow).

1. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is one of my more recent reads. I can’t believe it took me this long to get to this feminist classic. I’ll be reviewing it more in detail soon.

2. The Feminine Mystique, by Betty Friedan. Keeping up with my constant focus on gender studies and persisting stereotypes of domesticity, it is of course fitting that I’ve read Friedan. She is a must if you are interested at all in the feminist movement or gender studies in general.

3. The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery. I read this probably closer to 5 years ago, but it resonates with me still. Few novels have such beautiful language and bring out such sincere emotions.

4. The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson. Few people can create complex new worlds like Sanderson. Here, he is in his element, setting up a world and an epic fantasy series that promises to be more than divine!

5 & 6. The Name of the Wind & The Wise Man’s Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss. For now I lump them together, since Rothfuss is still writing the series. Talk about true character development and depth!

7. Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer. This book about Everest is a little outside my norm. Recommended by a friend, I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Krakauer really brings to life the longing for conquering Mt. Everest while displaying the complexities of increased commercial climbs and the horror of one of the deadliest days on the mountain.

8. The Art of Asking, by Amanda Palmer. I’ve reviewed this book already just back in January. I still love it. I still maintain that the message is valuable for all of us.

9. The Diviners, by Libba Bray. 1920s supernatural horror. Really. What isn’t to like?! Bray sets up a supernatural-historical-world blend like only she knows how. I couldn’t see all the twists (yeah!), and I cannot wait for Book #2. Please hurry!

10. Kushiel’s Dart, by Jacqueline Carey. Really, I recommend the entire trilogy (Phedre’s Trilogy). For some, the first book starts slow. However, I love the complex political building Carey does here. The series only get’s stronger.

11. Fire, by Kristin Cashore. Again, I could go on forever about the entire trilogy (Graceling Realm), but instead I’ll just mention my favorite of the three. All of them are great, but this one is perhaps the most consistent.

Book #7–The Walls Around Us, by Nova Ren Suma (due out March 24, 2015)

February 5, 2015Mere Leave a comment

As you may or may not know, I had the privilege to attend the American Library Association’s Midwinter Conference last week (more on that whole trip soon). During this wonderful train-snow-book-filled adventure, I acquired a whopping 47 books. Of course, most of them were free Advanced Reading Copies, and of course, I couldn’t wait to dig into them! And honestly, I cannot recommend you pre-order this book enough:

The Walls Around Us is a fast paced tale about two girls: one on the outside and one on the inside. Violet is a ballerina preparing to leave for Julliard who will let nothing get in the way of the future she has planned. Amber has spent the last 3 years inside a girl’s detention center, just trying to survive each day. A third girl, Orianna, holds the keys to unlocking mysteries for all of them. You see, as the story begins, she’s already dead.

The prose flits between place and time deftly. Employing first person narration, Suma creates distinct voices and experiences, allowing the reader to make the switches easily. Violet, ever independent and strong willed, speaks in first person, as an “I” never a we. Amber, on the other hand, does not distinguish herself from the rest of the prisoners. Suma gives her a third person narration, a “we” an “us” mentality. Right from the start, these girls are set to be apart, and yet, as you must know, they are neither what they seem.

The smoothness of the text also pulls you into the story and creates an easy way to read between the lines without using jarring neon lights. As always, I’m a sucker for language, and though it isn’t the lilting, descriptive tone I usually wilt over, The Walls Around Us employs a lively prose which fits the tense, mysterious and slightly supernatural tone of the book and ropes you right in.

Overall, The Walls Around Us is about more than ghosts or prisons or ballerinas. It’s about decisions, motivations, friendship, fear of facing reality, and about finally facing who and what you really are on the inside.

The walls are what we make of them.

Now, I leave you with the lovely view of where I finished the book…cuddled up with my oh so graceful sleeping greyhound, Prince.

Books #5 & #6: “Kitty & the Midnight Hour” and “Kitty Goes to Washington,” by Carrie Vaughn

February 4, 2015Mere Leave a comment

We’ve finally stumbled onto one of my guilty reading pleasures. Usually, I’m not a big on urban fantasy or werewolves, but Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty Norville series caught my attention a few years ago. I must admit, I was hooked quickly. I’ve never finished the series, but I have the first four as audiobooks, and I’ve listened to each multiple times. In fact, #5 & #6 on my list for 2015 are the first 2 of the series and my third time through each.

Carrie Vaughn’s series follows Kitty Norville, a radio talk show host who also happens to be a werewolf. The Midnight Hour traces the rise of her show, the public outing of her werewolf-ness (though most don’t believe it) and the the power struggle with her Alpha and her pack. Kitty Goes to Washington takes her to a Senate committee hearing in DC where she encounters a different way to live as a werewolf, a good vampire ally, and the political and religious trappings of it all.

The series is not particularly complex, but it is one of those “candy” series, as I call it. Addicting, quick, and heartpumping stories (especially as audiobooks). They make for something lighthearted to read when you don’t want to think too much. I picked these up for their third read because after finishing Rothfuss, I didn’t want to quite get his world out of my brain right away.

Kitty is a fairly independent character, and Vaughn paints her struggle for independence and self value very realistically. I think that is part of what draws me back to the stories. Kitty isn’t a superhuman hero or weak, sexually hungry animal. Instead, she’s clever with a sharp tongue and a calm demeanor (when she’s focusing). She’s a great listener, thus the radio show success, and she works to build a tight knit group around herself for support. Of course, there is some ass kicking, a little bit of sex, and a lot of wolfishness, but Vaughn doesn’t really overdo the wolf nature of her characters. The two bleed together cohesively. The action, however, can be a bit unbelievable. I mean really, just how many problems can one person encounter? However, I guess I can say the same thing about Buffy or Angel or Supernatural. When you’re in the limelight or at the center of some larger mythological plot, the trouble often looks for you.

Like many of these long series, the Kitty Norville series does run the risk of getting repetitive, which is the reason I’ve never gone past book 4. I can tell the action and the relationships may start to struggle. I still want to know more, see where it leads, one day. For now though, it’s time once again to move onto other books.

If you want something lighthearted, quick, and just plain fun, pick up Vaughn’s books.

Book #4 Locke and Key Vol. 1, by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

January 31, 2015Mere Leave a comment

Alright, I’m getting backlogged on my book entries… I’m already on book 6 of the year, but I’ve only written about 3. And, after tonight’s exhibit opening, in going to be doing a lot of reading! So, I’m taking a short break from ALA to do a short write up on my first reread of 2015.

I finished this reread well before I completed The Wise Man’s Fear, but I couldn’t bring myself to write about anything formally until I wrote about Rothfuss. Joe Hill’s graphic novel is just stellar, and Rodriguez’s artwork compliments the story. You feel like you’re experiencing the world of these children/teens who have just lost their father in a very distressing way. Now, they face new dangers and horrors in Key House, their father’s childhood home, on the isle of Lovecraft. And in keeping with they title, one of the biggest mysteries has to do with doors…and keys.

As with a large portion of my books, this one comes Annie approved (she’s my personal librarian!). The story melds mystical, horror, and reality seamlessly in this collection of the first few issues of the comic, a prefect recipe for my type of tale. I already have the next two volumes, and I’m certain there will be much more to say as I work my way through the series!

Book #3-The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

January 28, 2015Mere 1 Comment

It should be stated somewhere that you can tell how much a book has gripped you by how fast you power through the audiobook version. 42 freaking hours!!!! Yes, that is the length of the audiobook version of my third book for 2015. Usually, listening is reserved to drive time (about 1 hour/day) and sometimes cooking. So, a 42 hour book should take me over a month to complete…obviously, this is NOT the case here. I started it after Christmas and could not stop listening which lead me to finish it in about 3 weeks! This phenomenal book is, of course, Patrick Rothfuss’ The Wise Man’s Fear.

The Wise Man’s Fear is Day Two of The Kingkiller Chronicles, the first in the series being The Name of the Wind which I finished back in November. I’ll try to limit the spoilers in the following review.

The series follows the the story of Kvothe (pronounced quothe with one syllable). As an adult, he is hiding as Kote, a simple innkeeper, but his life is legendary. Chronicler, a scribe, uncovers who he is and requests to hear the entire true story. Kvothe obliges, promising to tell his story over the course of three days. Each book is therefore set as ONE day of the story, and occasionally shuffles back and forth between the past (narrated by Kvothe) and the present period in the “quiet” inn.

The Name of the Wind follows Kvothe’s boyhood as one of the Edema Rue (troupers that perform plays and music) into his turbulent youth after the slaughter of his family and his eventual admittance into The University a couple of years later, where he studies arcane magics, science, letters, etc. His talent and quick wit are as great at getting him into trouble as they are at getting him out of it. The story is one of an impatient and clever boy making his way in a world where he normally would have little access.

While book one is very much a coming of age story, The Wise Man’s Fear steps into the realm of adult problems (even if he still is only a teenager throughout). Kvothe continues studying at The University, only to have problems cause him to leave. He adventures into Vintas, another nation, to work for Maer Alveron, the man who is richer than the King of Vint. What follows are several adventures: chasing bandits, entering the Faen Realm, learning the secret art of the Adem mercenaries, and his eventual return to The University.

My vague and stilted summary aside, this series not only contains magic, it is magic. Rothfuss creates a world that is comprehensive, alive, and teaming with possibility. Kvothe is believable both in his likeability as well as in his obvious faults. The author does not shy away from making his hero real and imperfect. After all, he is still just a boy, a young man, and we know from the start that there must be a truth behind the legends.

I’ll admit that in Book One, I struggled with the lack of a strong female character. For as long as I can remember, I’ve focused in on the female-centric stories (I blame my mother…and Jane Yolen). So, I started to assume Rothfuss was the stereotypical fantasy author focusing on a male hero. Book Two proved to me why I should not be so gender specific in my literary choice. Though Kvothe is the central character, Rothfuss supports him with a wide cast, and many of his teachers, leaders, mentors, and friends are women. For me, I enjoy seeing such believable characters, treated primarily as people, not just as gender specific stereotypes. We don’t need an “Amazonian Princess” to have strong women and we don’t need a “Hercules” to have strong men (yes, I’m simplifying things here, but you get the point). Rothfuss’ world is the way I wish most people created characters (especially on TV and in Film): As primarily, verily, HUMAN.

Besides this incredible character creation and vibrant world, Rothfuss spoke to my heart with one other aspect: music. Kvothe’s deepest love is song. He plays the lute like it is his very soul, and the tender detail in which Rothfuss describes the feel of the music, the joy and pain in playing, shows that the author is a musician himself, or has immersed himself in music enough to understand.

I’m a sucker for language, and it is this experiential phrasing that has me hooked on Rothfuss. Now, like the rest of his fans, I have to wait for Day Three and whatever remains beyond.

Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt

January 24, 2015Mere 1 Comment

I couldn’t help myself, the Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt I saw over on bluchickenninja looked like too much fun, so here it goes!

Find an author’s name or title with the letter Z:

Of course it had to be World War Z by Max Brooks. Wonderful commentary on humanity through the use of zombies and a smart example of oral history (even if it is fictional).

Find a classic:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Yes, the book sculpture is a copy of Jane Eyre! Next to it is my old beat up edition. I have 2 other versions of this book. It will always be an important one for me.

Find a Book with a Key on it:

This one felt like cheating since I have 1-3 of Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez’s Locke & Key. I’m currently rereading book one, so I may finally tackle the other two. Aren’t you proud Annie?

Find something on your bookshelf that is not a book:

I have several things that aren’t books, but I will always love this picture of me and my mom, the music box from my Babushka, and a simple tea cup from Cortney’s bridal shower.

Find the oldest book on your shelf:

So I went with the physically oldest book I own. This edition of Fruit Gathering by Rabindranath Tagore is from 1916. It was a gift for my graduation from Graduate School from one of my professors, Dr. Delmonico, who continues to be one of my closest and greatest mentors.

Find a book with a girl on the cover:

I fell in love with The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi back in 5th grade. It remains one of my favorite stories, and yes, I also have multiple copies of this one (since the cover is falling off of the original).

Find a book with a boy on the cover:

The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories by Tim Burton. Dark, short, and sweet!

Find a book with an animal in it:

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn should be required reading. It is narrated by a gorilla, and it is DEEP.

Find a book with a male protagonist:

American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Not my favorite Gaiman text, but still great!

Find a book with only words on the cover:

Ariel a book of poems by Sylvia Plath. I didn’t think I’d find a book with only words on the cover, but I actually found THREE!

Find a book with illustrations in it:

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, a 1946 edition with original illustrations. I LOVE the creepiness of the long-necked Alice!

Find a book with Gold Lettering:

My THIRD copy of Huckleberry Finn.

Find a diary (true or fictional):

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath. I may have a slight obsession with Plath.

A Book written by someone with a common name (like Smith):

James is fairly common! Plus, I get the joy of sharing this beautiful title: Assholes: A Theory.

Find a book that has a close up of an object on it:

Graceling by Kristine Cashore is a great first book in a beautiful trilogy. I HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you want strong female characters and an uncommon take on the normal terms of YA romance.

Find a book on the shelf that takes place in the earliest time period:

I scoured my shelves, with several set in Roman times, unspecified religious historical periods etc. However, Gilgamesh pretty much trumps all.

Find a hardcover book without a jacket:

Can’t go wrong with Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen!

Find a teal/turquoise coloured book:

Do these count? This was difficult! Lots of blues, but few I’d count as teal/turquoise.

Find a book with stars on it:

Might be difficult to tell, but there is a galaxy scattered across the cover of Jane Yolen’s Sister Emily’s Lightship. A wonderful collection from one of my favorite authors!

Find a non-YA book:

Another one of my favorites, and definitely not YA. Possession: A Romance by A.S. Byatt is a beautiful literary homage.

Find the longest book you own:

I went with two options here. First is The Norton Anthology of Western Literature topping out at 2660 pages. But, I thought it only fair to find my longest continual story (not an anthology or text book), so I’ve included Stephen King’s The Stand which has 1141 pages!

Find the shortest book you own:

The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey. I’m not sure if it truly is the shortest, but it is certainly one of them.

Find a book with multiple POVs:

Another tough one to decipher. Does it need to be in multiple voices? Can it be just focused on multiple characters? I went with one that has a shared narrator but focuses independently on two separate characters. It also has some of the most beautiful language. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.

Find a shiny book:

Really, I could have picked several, but I went with Neil Gaiman’s The Absolute Death, a collection of all the Death stories from Sandman.

Find a book with flowers on it:

Easy. Briar Rose by Jane Yolen.

I find myself wanting to add more to the hunt. Perhaps I’ll create another one sometime, just because I can!

How to Prevent the Kitteh Revolution Through the Power of Books!

January 23, 2015Mere Leave a comment

We all know the Kitteh Revolution is inevitable. However, there are many steps we can take, as pet owners and book lovers, to deter the uprising for as long as possible. Use these simple steps to help make your home a revolution free home!

When arranging one’s library, provide your kitties with access to their own books. Low shelves stacked with several “cat-appropriate” materials are best. Mysteries and classics are safe choices. Korben has a preference for Twain.

“Yes, Huckleberry Finn is a good choice.”

Avoid books with dogs/wolves or really any “non-cat” animals and romances. Tales about revolution are best kept on the high shelves (wouldn’t want them to get any ideas).

Low, deep shelves are also important to provide comfortable ~~reading~~ napping spaces. If you find books on the floor by the low shelves, leave them. Replacing the “secret entrance” to said ~~reading~~ space will only outrage your cat, creating library chaos and leading us closer to the revolution.

“That part on the river just got really…really…slow…” *yawn*

If you have a blanket, or three, leave them scattered in the library. Even if you don’t own any, go buy some! We want to keep kitties happy to prevent destroyed books as well as our future well being. Fuzzy blankets are a great tool at keeping your fluffy companion docile. An open book on or near the blanket is a even better option for a feline pillow.

“Ah, a comfy choice. Yes human, you shall be spared when the uprising begins”

If your kitteh decides to use any book you may have open, and I do mean ANY, recognize the action for what it is:

A formal threat, gauging your reaction in order to decide your eventual fate.

“What are you going read now, Human?”

Your choices are:

Leave book and cat for as long as he/she desires. No use in trying to read around a fat furry blob.
1. The neutral option.
Submit to cat’s requests for attention via petting, belly rubs (only the allotted magical 3 rubs), or clawing time.
1. This will earn you positive feedback and help insure your survival.
Pull the book away or shove the cat off your precious reading material.
1. Hint: DON’T CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!

If you want to go out of your way to provide a happy, revolution free space for your cats while utilizing your books to their ultimate ability, you can create the Literati-Kitty’s dream playground through various piles, towers, nap spots, etc.

“King.Of.Everything.”

Remember, a happy cat who thinks he’s in charge is one less who will join up when the rebels come calling! So my friends, use the power of literature to keep your kittens content! Only we together have the power to prevent the Kitteh Revolution!!

Book # 2 -The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

January 21, 2015Mere Leave a comment

Seems like once the pattern of reading is finally set, it takes a strong force to make it end. I’m in one of those book devouring phases (partly due to winter), and I have a feeling not much else will be accomplished in the next few weeks! However, I have still managed to tackle creating my first batch of French Onion soup, registering for the ALA Midwinter conference, and hiking 4 miles with my best friend (as well as doing some sort of work every day at that thing called a job). Meanwhile, I moved on from Amanda Palmer to lighter fair, the 1968 fantasy novel, The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle.

Look at this magnificent 1980 paperback cover! Isn’t it glorious?! Don’t you just revel in it’s dated-ness?

Back cover with one of the strangest images of a harpy I’ve ever seen.

If you’re a child of the 80s or 90s, you’re familiar with the 1982 animated classic featuring the voices of Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, and Mia Farrow. I’ve loved this film for a long time, but I am ashamed to say I never read Beagle’s beautiful text…until now. I’ve owned the book for a few years, picked up at the local library’s annual book sale. Back in middle school, my mom gifted me with another of Beagle’s texts, The Unicorn Sonata.

The Unicorn Sonata with art by Robert Rodriguez.

A gorgeous book, it had everything middle-school-me desired: unicorns, detailed paintings, music, and flutes (I loved playing my flute and piccolo at that time, and my mom knew me well). Still, it has been a long time since I’ve experience Beagle’s world, and I was not prepared for the elegant simplicity of his language in The Last Unicorn. I am a true sucker for lovely, tongue-tripping language.

Beagle’s story is a simple one. The Unicorn hears men talking in her forest and knows she may now be the last of her kind. She decides to travel the world to find the truth and hopefully discover the rest of the unicorns somewhere at the edges of the earth. What follows is her journey through a strange and changed world, one that does not recognize her for what she is, except by those who are part of the magic, part of the seeing. She befriends Schmendrick the Magician and Molly Grue, battles King Haggard and the Red Bull, and learns about humanity, love, and all the dangers and joys of mortality.

The simple tale allows the morality of the various encounters to shine. It also allows Beagle to have fun through random character quirks, witty asides, and references to literary and popular culture. He includes an obvious jibe at the tale of Robin Hood while smartly referencing Frances James Child and his ballad collecting. At another turn, a butterfly flits between old and “modern” music. Meanwhile Shmendrick himself seems to be a humble, if somewhat clutzy, version of Tolkein’s Gandalf (though really he is so much more–human at his core with an ancient wisdom beneath his often fumbling power). All of this makes Beagle’s text dance across the page and through the reader’s imagination. I laughed and smiled, and I mourned the turning of the page more than once. Beagle seems to delight in his exceedingly charming cleverness, and really we should excuse him for what he rightfully deserves.

Lastly, it is difficult to describe the language without giving away too much of the tale. It is not the descriptive dreamy language of some, or the poignant metaphorical tome of others. Instead The Last Unicorn contains a childlike flowing nature, simple at its core. Yet rarely will a description of “the dry sound of a spider weeping” make me sigh with sadness. And, how will I ever forget the pain and sorrow of Prince Lir and the Lady Amalthea? The magic exists in Beagle’s ability to make these pieces stand out, imprinted on the memory and heart of the reader. It was hard to return to the real world, carrying these images and words with me, but I am better for it.

Merely Creative

Learning. Creating. Growing.

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