A beautiful volume loaded with wonderful illustrations, most in color. The design is elegant and appealing and Bill Bryson writes an engaging history of everything we know about Will Shakespeare, which is surprisingly little. We get a real flavor of the times he lived in, and the social environment, and the city in which he rose to fame.
I love this book.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Blue Girl
Charles de Lint is one of those authors I follow faithfully. I have almost his entire collection in paperback and some in hardcover. He creates worlds of fantasy entirely believable, rich and unique.He has a substantial young adult collection, which is where The Blue Girl technically belongs. But like all really good young adult stories it belongs to everyone.
It's a story of redemption. It's a classic story of outsiders, and loners hooking up to support each other against the hostile world. They help each other, confront wild magic, overcome their own weaknesses, and triumph against dark forces.
The female characters are strong and appealing. The protagonist Imogene has many facets, and displays her moods by changing her hair, displaying tatoos or not, and wearing thrift-store clothes that fit the current role she wants to play.
Maxine is Imogene's best friend. She and Imogene complement each other and help each other grow. Both girls are being raised by single parent mothers who are flawed but good supportive parents.
From this book I will remember Pell, Imogenes childhood imaginary friend who may represent her shadow-self. I will remember that fairies are not always friendly and helpful, that natural forces can kill as easily as they can nurture. And it's better to avoid trouble, but don't back down if it confronts you.
It's a story of redemption. It's a classic story of outsiders, and loners hooking up to support each other against the hostile world. They help each other, confront wild magic, overcome their own weaknesses, and triumph against dark forces.
The female characters are strong and appealing. The protagonist Imogene has many facets, and displays her moods by changing her hair, displaying tatoos or not, and wearing thrift-store clothes that fit the current role she wants to play.
Maxine is Imogene's best friend. She and Imogene complement each other and help each other grow. Both girls are being raised by single parent mothers who are flawed but good supportive parents.
From this book I will remember Pell, Imogenes childhood imaginary friend who may represent her shadow-self. I will remember that fairies are not always friendly and helpful, that natural forces can kill as easily as they can nurture. And it's better to avoid trouble, but don't back down if it confronts you.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Welcome to Book Report
I am a book fanatic with way too many books in the house, under the beds, beside the chairs, in the bathroom, etc. It's hard to get rid of books because I love to reread old favorites and classics. Here is where I will write about the books I read and create a record of all the experiences I have with books. This will be my reading journal. I hope you enjoy it and will share your experiences with great (or not so great) books as well.
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