Book blogging (mostly)
Archive for April, 2010
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
Apr 26th
So I’ve done something for the first time since starting my book database – I’ve given up on a book. I started reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland over the weekend, put about 60 pages into it, and decided that was enough. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the book is terrible or anything, but I just couldn’t get into it. It was imaginative, bizarre, and absurd (in a good way), but it didn’t captivate me.
I realized I wasn’t having any fun, and a book like Alice seems like it should be all about fun, so I’ve decided to move on to one of the many other books I have on hand. What’s interesting is it’s definitely NOT the worst book I’ve read in the last two years. I guess I don’t think it’s fair to read this classic when I’m clearly not in the mood for it.
My question for you, though, is “What’s wrong with me?” Am I missing the innocent imagination of childhood required to become engrossed in Alice? Or is it just something about my current mood that makes the book unpalatable at the moment? I know there are some out there who must enjoy this book (and I can see why), so please educate me. It feels wrong to not get a classic like this. Oh well, hopefully I can find something on the bookshelf that fits my mood better….
The Well at the World’s End Volume I
Apr 23rd
We spent Easter weekend with some friends in Denton, TX. While there, I had the opportunity to go to the best used book store I’ve ever seen: Recycled Books. In addition to being clean, well-organized, and having the most amazing selection of books, they also had a wide array of collector’s items. As I was perusing the fantasy/sci-fi collector’s section, my attention was drawn to The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris. I glanced at it, saw that it claimed to be “the first fantasy novel ever written”, but decided to put it back and picked up The Well at the World’s End instead. I didn’t know anything about this book, but it fascinated me for some reason. Plus, the back had a quote by C.S. Lewis saying it was great. That, plus the $4 price tag, were enough to sell me.
All that said, I probably should have actually read some of the book to see if I would enjoy it, rather than buying it blindly. I was quite shocked when I opened it up and the first thing I read was “Long ago there was a little land, over which ruled a regulus or kinglet, who was called King Peter, though his kingdom was but little” (1). What? Why does a book written in 1896 (about the same time as James Joyce’s Dubliners, as a matter of fact) sound like it is from the 15th century? I was disappointed, frustrated, and by page 20, I was ready to quit. I pushed on, however, and I’m extremely glad I did.
The Well at the World’s End may utilize archaic language, but once you get used to it, you realize what a rich world the story contains. Ralph, the main character in search of the Well, is youthful, brave, and not afraid to love. While at first I found the language to be a hindrance, by the end I found it added to the sense of fantasy and antiquity that make the book so interesting.
It’s also interesting to consider Morris as an influence on Tolkien and all modern fantasy writers (a common claim I saw online when looking up information on Morris). In terms of tone and style there were definitely some similarities to The Lord of the Rings (perhaps I will detail these on a later blog post?). If you are at all interested in fantasy, and are willing to make the effort to get comfortable with the archaic writing, you will really enjoy The Well at the World’s End. It surprises me to say this given my early dislike of the book, but in the end I was enthralled with the tale and can’t wait to find out what happens in Volume II.
“Maybe thou art seeking for what is not. Or maybe thou shalt seek and shalt find, and there may be naught in what thou findest, whereof to give thee such gifts as are meet for they faithfulness and valiancy. But in thine home shouldst thou have all gifts which thou mayest desire” (257).
Full database entry on The Well at the World’s End Volume I. Beware Spoilers.
A Personal Matter
Apr 16th
There is no doubt in my mind that A Personal Matter is a skilfully executed piece of literature. And I hated reading it. The main character, Bird, is a 27 year old who dreams of going to Africa. When his son is born with a brain hernia, he is faced with deciding between surgery for his son (which may or may not allow him to develop normally) and preventing the surgery and allowing the baby to die.
Maybe it’s because I’m a young father myself, but the very idea that Bird would even consider allowing his baby to die disgusted me. Reading this book was a disturbing, and unpleasant experience. At the same, the mere fact that Oe was able to illicit these feelings in me as strongly as he has shows that he is good at what he does. Unfortunately, what he did here is create a character so selfish and depraved that I actively hated him while reading.
With all that said, this brings up an interesting question: do I recommend a book that I hated reading, one full of characters I found offensive and deplorable if it was all intentional? How do you handle situations like this? Do you still recommend the book even though you hated it in terms of content, because it’s an example of good writing? Or do you choose from myriad other books that are contain good writing, but are not despicable? I would certainly never recommend this book outright, but I have to admit, if you want something that deals with difficult problems in a vicious manner this book is perfect for you.
“But it seems that reality compels you to live properly when you live in the real world” (164).
Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary
Apr 7th
First of all, I apologize for the recent lack of updates. Between traveling, Easter, and being sick I’ve been reading a lot, but not writing much. I have a nice little backlog of finished books, though, so hopefully I’ll be able to catch up and post some more over the next few weeks.
Now onto Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary. I don’t actually know what else I can say about the Fablehaven books that I haven’t said previously. They are fun, creative, exciting books that are perfect when you want something that is well executed, but does not requiring extensive emotional investment.
I guess the most important thing I can share with you at this point is as of the 4th (and penultimate) volume in the series, they are still very enjoyable. I didn’t find myself captivated quite as quickly with this book as I have with the first 3, but I ended up there eventually. So, if you are a fan of fun juvenile fiction that mixes magic and realistically developed characters, give the Fablehaven series a shot. And if you have been reading the series, send me an email so we can make up wild theories about how the series will end.
“’What am I supposed to do with this?’ Kendra asked, pulling the knife out.
‘Stab’, Seth suggested.”
Full Database entry on Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary. Beware Spoilers