There is a certain kind of pain that can change you. Even the strongest sword, when placed in a raging fire, will soften and bend and change its form...
Trust me on this one. I know this from personal experience. I hope that you never will, but, since you're a person, and therefore prone to making horrible, soul-splitting mistakes, you probably will one day know what this kind of guilt and shame feels like. And when that time comes, I hope you have the strength...to take advantage of the fire and reshape your own sword.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1592649/post

A Tale Dark & Grimm - Review

Review:

Once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome.

- Opening Sentence

 

 

I read this book because the author, Adam Gidwitz, is coming to visit our school in September and I wanted to be familiar with his works. I'm reading Star Wars: So You Want to be a Jedi also written by Gidwitz. 

 

I enjoyed this book. Be warned, he talks to the reader, often. So, if meta-fiction isn't your thing, then I would skip this one. He talks about how the next part is scary, and you should make young children leave the room, or about how the reader (supposedly children) might be scared and might want to stop reading. Are you sure you want to keep reading? Ok, don't say I didn't warn you...

 

It's cute actually, and I think the intended audience (children) will enjoy it. Also, it's a great opening to introducing the concept of meta-fiction and "breaking the fourth wall" to students.

 

The book doesn't shy away from the scarier parts of fairy tales. Gidwitz actually points out that he was inspired to write these books (this is the first in a trilogy) by a group of second graders. He says that the stories are awesome and "children can handle it." 

 

This book is based on Hansel and Gretel and includes different aspects of many Grimm fairy tales, including Gretel cutting off her finger (from The Seven Ravens) and Hansel going to Hell and tricking the Devil. I'm not sure which fairy tale that came from. It's a fast-paced story and a fairly quick read. I found myself worrying about Hansel and Gretel, even though I was pretty sure they would end up ok. I like Gidwitz's style and highly recommend this book, with a caveat to consider the specific reader and what they can handle.

 

I found myself wondering how this would play in a room full of second graders (or even third graders). I guess I will find out since our librarian will be promoting the books to our students.

 

Bottom Line:

If you are a fan of Grimm fairy tales or enjoy retellings, give this one a chance. :)

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1592646/a-tale-dark-grimm-review

Halloween Bingo Lists

Reblogged from: Murder by Death

For last year's (Inaugural) Halloween Bingo, many of the participants contributed to lists by square, as a resource for anyone struggling to find books that fit.

 

This year, several of the squares/categories are similar to last year's, so I thought I'd post them here again.

 

These lists can definitely be added to; just leave your suggestions in the list's comment section.

 

(Scary) Women Authors square - Same as this year's "Terrifying Women"

 

Classic Horror Square

 

Ghost Stories and Haunted Houses Square - this was a combined square last year, but hopefully the list is still useful (can a house be haunted without ghosts?).

 

Diverse Authors Square - same as "Diverse Voices"

 

Gothic Square

 

Locked Room Mystery Square

 

Magical Realism Square

 

Supernatural square

 

Witches Square

 

Mystery Square - there are books in this list that would work for "Cozy Mystery", "Amateur Sleuth", and "Murder Most Foul"

 

Vampires vs. Werewolves square - this was another combined square last year, but looking over the list briefly, most of them are marked whether they are vampires, werewolves or both.  The list also seems to be clear of shifter books.

 

If time permits, I'll try to create a few more lists for the new categories (zombies, demons, Romantic Suspense, etc.)  Please, if you have any suggestions, help a girl out and let me know.  :)

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1591039/halloween-bingo-lists

Reading progress update: I've listened 1200 out of 1690 minutes.

 

I'm at the point where I can't wait to see how it ends, but I also never want it to end...

 

Then I hear this:

 

[spoiler]

I'd have you see them very well... because now they are ka-tet for the last time. The story of their fellowship ends here on this make-believe street.

 

The rest of the tale will be short and brutal compared to all that's gone before...

 

I know what this means, and I dread it so much. I almost want to stop reading. I can't bear losing any of my gunslinger friends....

 

There will be tears, I'm certain.

[/spoiler]

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1590325/reading-progress-update-i-ve-listened-1200-out-of-1690-minutes

Artemis Fowl Graphic Novel

Review:

 

 

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan. I never read the original books, so I don't have any background knowledge. Maybe I would have liked the story better if I read it in the traditional format first.

 

As a first-time reader, I found Artemis to be cocky (although as a 12-year old genius, I guess he has the right to be) and irritating. All he cared about was money, it seemed. And his evil plan was to steal the money by kidnapping a fairy and holding him for ransom. I can see this story appealing to kids, with characters like Mulch Diggums, a dwarf criminal who digs tunnels by eating the dirt and then ejecting it from his rear end. And the technology Artemis and the fairy people use, like the time-stopper and the bio-bomb.

 

Cool elements, but I just didn't enjoy the story. And I couldn't root for Artemis - I thought he was a jerk. I don't think I'll be reading any more of this series, in graphic or traditional format...

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1590320/artemis-fowl-graphic-novel