Diana Wynne Jones, Charmed Life (Greenwillow, 1977) The first book you read by a favorite author has a special quality. Even if there are other books by the same author that you realize are more worthy of recognition, the joy of discovery lends your “first” a lingering glow. Sometimes, the particular circumstances of finding the … Continue reading My First Diana Wynne Jones: Charmed Life
I’ve seen some comments around the blogosphere from people who say they categorically dislike first-person narration. I find this puzzling, and a bit ironic considering how deeply this form is rooted in the history of fiction; many early novels were written in the first person as “letters” or “memoirs” so the authors could present them … Continue reading Do you dislike first-person narratives?
This is a list I came up with during the first two weeks of semi-quarantine, posting a book a day on my personal Facebook page. I found it an uplifting exercise, and I hope you enjoy it as well! Day #1: The Homeward Bounders by Diana Wynne Jones This is a small book full of … Continue reading Fourteen books about freedom
March 2020 was the month the world turned upside down for most of us. Reading helped me to stay afloat! I managed to keep up with most of my reading goals: some nonfiction, some books from around the world, and something from my own shelf, the results of which you can see below. An immersive … Continue reading Month in Review: March 2020
Well, I’m quite sure we could all use some cheering up right now, so it’s the perfect time to celebrate March Magics – thanks to Kristen from We Be Reading who has hosted the event (originally DWJ March) for umpteen years. As we hole up avoiding dangerous germs, and tear our hair about other dire … Continue reading Escapism is good for your health: March Magics
For a long time, I’ve been wishing that the Folio Society would publish something, anything, by Diana Wynne Jones. And this year, my wish finally came true! Howl’s Moving Castle was the title for the 2019 House of Illustration competition cosponsored by Folio, and the winning entry has duly been published just in time for … Continue reading A wish come true: Howl’s Moving Castle
Please head over to Calmgrove for the annual celebration of Witch Week, cohosted by Lizzie Ross. I’m so glad these blogging friends have taken up this event, which I initiated in my first year of blogging. so the fun can continue! The theme this year is “Villains,” and it makes me think of the line … Continue reading Witch Week: Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?
I haven’t done a tag for a long time, but this one caught my eye — borrowed from Calmgrove, who borrowed it from Re-enchantment of the World. Countering the seven deadly sins, what are the bookish virtues we can consider? Chastity Which author, book or series do you wish you’d never read Lord of the … Continue reading Seven Bookish Virtues Tag
I didn’t do much reading in April, and no actual reviews … just too busy. Now I’m back from vacation, I’ve moved into temporary housing till we leave for Switzerland, and things are settling into a new pattern. I’m still busy with lots of packing and sorting, and saying farewell; my energy for thinking in … Continue reading Month in Review: April 2019
This was my last month of trying only to read books I already have in the house, and I cheated a little bit. Kristen’s March Magics review made me curious to reread the one DWJ book I don’t own, so I got it from the library. And my son was pleading for more Freddy the … Continue reading Month in Review: March 2019
The Emerald City Book Review Archive 