The Magicians: Book Review

Reading is such a wonderful escape. A good book can transport you to new worlds, teach you new things, and generally broaden your world view in the most entertaining way. But who has time to read? 

My friend Jessica is the most voracious reader I know. Whether from paper, e-reader, or audio, Jess can consumer multiple books in any given week. She puts me to shame. Cassandra has taken to listening to audio books while she's doing her graphic design so she can get through a lot more "reading" than I do. Writers can't really listen to other words while trying to construct words that make sense. :) Regardless, I still love to read and try to carve out time for at least one book a month - which covers my book club selections if nothing else.

So, when I go on vacation I use that time to hunker down and read a lot. For some reason, television doesn't hold the same interest when I'm away - probably because I don't have TiVo - so I take my escapism elsewhere. This trip I read a book called The Magicians by Lev Grossman.

It's an interesting thing when an author borrows so heavily from other, well-known works. The Magicians (and the sequel, The Magician King) have been rightly called Harry Potter for grown-ups. But I'd throw in a giant dollop of Narnia on top of that.

The basic premise is this, Quentin Coldwater is a geeky, out-of-place high-school senior who is mysteriously whisked away to Brakebills College (a magical college, of course) to take an entrance exam. Upon being accepted, Quentin's world opens up and he begins his life away from home - including all the drinking, sex, and experimentation that most college students experience. This is why it's NOT a book for your kids. :) There are, as you'd expect, the requisite oddball teachers, friends and enemies and frienemies

In addition to the on-campus, magical adventures, there are also the trips home to the "straight" world and lots of musings in Quentin's head that sound like the musings of any 18-21 year old who's trying to find himself. There are spells to be learned and tasks to be undertaken. There are crushes and heartbreaks and friendships that will last a lifetime. And, on top of all this, there's the constant reference to a set of children's books that are about a place called Fillory (read: Narnia). The correlations between Fillory and Narnia are sort of ridiculously obvious - way more so than the correlations between Brakebills and Hogwarts. But the books play an important part in the development of these kids and ultimately in their post-college future. 

The Amazon.com reviews are very mixed. I noticed that a lot of people got annoyed with Quentin, which I found amusing. To me, he was no different than my son at that age - the setting was just different. He's full of angst and unrest. He's completely unsure of his future and often frustrated, angry, or just stupid in his decision making. I think a lot of people weren't crazy about how similar it was to Harry Potter and/or Narnia but, frankly, that didn't bother me much. The fact that the kids were older made the entire tone more adult. And it's probably important to note that, unlike Potter, there's little time spent on how the magic actually works except in the vaguest sort of way. The story is more about the characters and their growth.

Regardless of the "faults" in the story, the story-telling is solid. Grossman paints a vivid picture of Brakebills, the magic, and the adventures. He's captured truth in Quentin and the rest of the characters. And, despite the length of the book, it's a fast(ish) and engrossing read. 

I've got about 20 pages left in the book but the big twist at the end has just been revealed and it was interesting. I'm already looking forward to reading the sequel and will post a review when I'm done with it. 

Happy reading!

- Alex 

Book Review: Monster Academy: I Will Not Eat People

Matt Forbeck is a prolific writer. Now, I know that a lot of writers can (and have) been described this way but Mr Forbeck is some kind of special prolific. In 2012, he ran a Kickstarter called "12 for 12" in which he pledged to write 12 books in 12 months. While the effort wasn't perfect (he finished book 12 in the 13th month) it was, in my opinion, Herculean and insanely wonderful - mainly because he not only wrote his 12 pledged books but he also wrote commissioned work that still needed to be completed (including a "tie-in" book for the TV series Leverage) and threw in some game design work, you know...just because he could.

Oh... And did I mention he does all this while raising five kids (four of whom are quadruplets!)?

The thing is, it would be easy to dismiss all this if Forbeck's books weren't so much fun. My experiences so far have proven his writing to be quick, thoughtful, occasionally formulaic (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), and rollicking good fun.

Forbeck's most recent publication, MONSTER ACADEMY: I WILL NOT EAT PEOPLE is the first book in a trilogy that follows the adventures of Ruddy, an orphaned young dragon who often takes the form of a skinny teen with blazing red hair. Rescued from the keep of adventurers illegally raising him as their flying mount, Ruddy winds up remanded to the Monster Academy, where he is told that he has one last chance to become a valuable citizen of the kingdom — or face death.

There's a definite Harry Potter vibe - what with the school full of magical, mystical things, a band of misfit misfits, and an array of oddball authority figures (my favorite being Mr Mortis, the headmaster who's is literally nothing but bones). About midway through the book, the story turns into a cracking whodunit and, throughout the book, the themes are presented without "dumbing them down" for the younger audience. It is a book for anyone who wants a little escapism for the weekend, regardless of age. But, for parents of young adults who want to stretch their kids' thinking, this is a must-read. The main character, Ruddy, is inquisitive and asks tough questions about life, death, and the nature of hate and  virtue. He is a frightening fire-breathing dragon with a heart too big for his magical human form and, at a time when most of our heroes are very flawed, it is lovely to have a hero who is innocent, true, and courageous. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to following the continuing adventures of the monsters at the Royal Academy for Creature Habilitation.

If you're interested in the book, it's just been released and is available for download, for a limited time, for just $2.99. 

Finally, my favorite Forbeck book is CARPATHIA, an alternate history story of the sinking of the Titanic and the ship that responded to its distress calls - with vampires! Like all of Forbeck's books, it's fun read from an amazingly creative overachiever. :)

- Alex

Summer Reading

In the heat of the summer, is there anything better than lying on the sofa under a slowly turning ceiling fan with a good book? Or even a not so great book... The act of being still and reading is such a languid, hot-weather indulgence. Invariably, a nap sneaks its way into the afternoon - with book open on chest.

Some of us even enjoy this same activity outside while lying in the sun.

I say indulgence because, when you live in a place that has nine months of winter, every summer day is precious. There's a need to fill every glorious moment of sun with outdoor activity and reading is so quiet and passive that it, generally, doesn't work into the goings-on. Personally, I love to make time for lying still - especially if the day is very, very hot.

So, in that spirit, I'd like to share some recent personal favorite reads with you. Most of these are going to fall into the geeky realm as I'm not a fan of heavy drama or "chick lit". I tend to sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery novels. All of these are perfect for summer - no great commitment, easy to read, and fun. Hopefully, you'll find something in here that piques your interest. :)

- Alex

(Amazon and GoodReads work on a 5 star scale)

1. Super Sad True Love Story: A Novel: 3.5 stars Amazon; 3.5 stars GoodReads

"In the near future, America is crushed by a financial crisis and our patient Chinese creditors may just be ready to foreclose on the whole mess. Then Lenny Abramov, son of an Russian immigrant janitor and ardent fan of “printed, bound media artifacts” (aka books), meets Eunice Park, an impossibly cute Korean American woman with a major in Images and a minor in Assertiveness. Could falling in love redeem a planet falling apart?"

This is a "love it or hate it" book. I loved it for the hilarious and probably accurate look at our near future. It's a great commentary on where technology is taking us and one man's attempt to hold on to something real.

2. Ready Player One: 4.5 stars Amazon; 4.3 stars GoodReads

"It’s the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place.

Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets.

And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune—and remarkable power—to whoever can unlock them.  

At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, Ready Player One is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut—part quest novel, part love story, and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed."

My favorite book of last year - bar none.

For anyone who lived through (and was plugged in to pop culture) in the 80's this is a must-read book.

3. Crystal Eyes: 5 stars Amazon; 4.75 stars GoodReads

"It's beem over two hundred years since the solar system was left devastated by a huge pulse of energy from the sun, the survivors of the human race eke out a fragile existence on an earth where life has been twisted by radiation and where the Solanists - a dark and brutal religious cult - hold sway.

In this savage, ignorant world, one family tries to protect their mutated daughter, a demon in the eyes of the Solanists. Their only chance lies with the enigmatic and dangerous gunslinger known as Crystal Eyes, the deadliest demon to ever travel the badlands. Only with her help will they evade the Solanist preachers who hunt for them. But Crystal Eyes has her own hunter - the greatest preacher of them all on a quest for revenge."

Basically, this is a post-apocalyptic Western. It is rolliking good fun - worthy of being made into a movie - and left me wanting a sequel (which I understand the author is in the process of writing. Squee!)

4. Carpathia: 3.7 stars on Amazon; 3.13 stars on GoodReads

"When the survivors of the Titanic are picked up by the passenger steamship Carpathia, they thought their problems were over.

But something's sleeping in the darkest recesses of the ship. Something old. Something hungry."

This is a "revised history" - so, fact wrapped in fiction. It is a heart-pounding, scary, fun exercise in imagination.

5. Enders Game: 4.6 stars on Amazon; 4.3 stars on GoodReads

Soon to be a major motion picture!

"In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training.

Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister. Is Ender the general that Earth needs to survive?

Ender's Game is the winner of the 1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel."

The brilliance of this book (and what I'm afraid will get lost in the movie) is the subtle commentary on the psychology of war and children, family dynamics, politics and more. It's a stunningly good book that is the first in a long series. I haven't read any of the others but really enjoyed this first one.

6. Wool (Omnibus): 4.7 stars on Amazon; 4.4 stars on GoodReads

"This Omnibus Edition collects the five Wool books into a single volume.

This is the story of mankind clawing for survival, of mankind on the edge. The world outside is uninhabitable, the view of it is limited, talk of it is forbidden. But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the residents who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they profess to want: They are allowed outside."

This is a great treatise on how an isolated society behaves - even when given a strong set of rules to follow. It's a fascinating read and compelled me to move on to the next set of books (a prequel) in the series.

Travelogue

As Alex shared with you last week, I had a cabin adventure in up north Wisconsin. Aside from the oppressive heat we are enduring in our state these days, the trip was wonderful. My littles got to experience boating, beach fun, campfires, rural attractions, and special time with family. A couple snapshots of the inspiring up north atmosphere...

Paddleboating

Amazing historic steam train

But my own personal vacation, the one where I make something or escape into a book. Always snuck in during the down times. Some of it at the cabin and some of it in my few days home before starting back to work at Company X. Well, it looks more like this...

Fox is coming to life

Super-secret knitting

Crocus sweater in progress

6x10 quilt blocks...tutorial to come

Really enjoying this book (and iced tea)

Some projects were touched more than others. An there is always the regrets of projects left undone (ie. the hand lotion bars I was hoping to make). If only vacation time could just move a little slower than regular time.

–Cassandra

Friday Finds: Little Free Library

Most crafters are readers - at least in my experience - and, generally, supportive of bookish things. Cassandra and I both use our library cards a lot. There are books (on shelves and off shelves) in every room of my house. And, while I own and love my Kindle, sometimes you just need that paper in your hands.


One of my favorite finds of all time is an organization started by a couple of guys here in Madison. When I met them three years ago, they were just getting the idea off the ground. Now, a dear friend of mine is working for them and the concept has gone nation-wide.


Behold, the Little Free Library!

So, the idea is that you make (or buy) one of these, put it in your front yard, populate it with some books, and people can take or leave books at their leisure. Some folks put reading benches next to their Little Free Library. Some have mostly childrens' books. Some have only non-fiction. Your Little Free Library is as individual as you are. It's an amazingly lovely way to promote reading and build a sense of community in your neighborhood.


The organization has been featured on NBC Nightly News and NPR and they estimate that there are Little Free Libraries in 30 states and 20 countries!


Join the literacy bandwagon and put a cute little library in your front yard. :)

- Alex

It was a dark and stormy night...

Hi everyone! It's time for another October Friday post where we share some spooky fun! Today I'd like to focus on something we really love over here at Ooo! Shiny!... books about things that go bump in the night. I've included some that have literary merit...and some are just a rollicking good time. There is a place for both in my heart.

As I mentioned before, Alex and I really, really love to read. Unfortunately, these days my "me time" is limited. With two toddlers in the house I have to spend my down-time wisely. I used to spend a lot of time in a comfy chair curled up with a good book and a cup of tea, and now I listen to books more than read them. This is a great option. I can have my cake and eat it too—hands free to craft and still enjoying a good book. I am aware that, before I know it, I will be the mother of older kids and will have plenty of time to spend with proper books once again.

Here are a few of my all-time fave's in no particular order:


Rosemary's Baby
This story just rocks. I am a HUGE fan of this movie and an even bigger fan of the book. It is brilliantly written and gives such wonderful insight into the subtleties of Rosemary and Guy's relationship. Having been written as a "contemporary" novel, the story references lots of things that are particular to the time, like Broadway plays and certain brands of products - making it an interesting time capsule. As is the case with most books that become movies, a lot of chapters are not included in the movie due to time constraints. These chapters are especially wonderful because they are like finding hidden treasure. Also, there is a contemporary audiobook recording done by Mia Farrow that is amazing and I highly suggest checking it out.

The Uninvited
This is a recent discovery of mine. One of my favorite podcasts, Forgotten Classics (FC), introduced me to this book in audio version. It's a ghost story set in 1940's England. I don't want to give too much away. Julie at FC did a wonderful job reading this and positing her thoughts and research before and after each chapter. The author is Dorothy MacArdle and I haven't been able to find too many of her works in print these days. Such a shame, she spins a very spooky yarn!

Extra Large Medium
I actually read this book in paper form a couple years ago. Alex had picked it up and enjoyed it... passed it along to me, and I really liked it too. Another British author, Helen Slavin, tells a very fun, contemporary story about a girl named Annie who has inherited mediumistic abilities. It's just the tale of an average girl, living her life, who happens to be shadowed by the dead who are trying to get her to to listen to what they have to say. I wasn't able to find an audio version of this book.

Seeking Spirits
This is the 2nd nonfiction book written by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson from the TV show Ghost Hunters. In this book they recount some of their early experiences when they first started out investigating the paranormal. They didn't have fancy equipment...they were just a couple curious guys at this time. In my opinion, there is not much better than REAL ghost stories. Especially told by people who are credible and are skeptical believers. Great book to generate some goosebumps! This one doesn't seem to have an audio version either.

Now, this is just a few of the spooky books that I love. Other books I'd like to mention would be my favorite Stephen King book, The Shining (actually had to put it down a few times when I was reading it because I punked out!), another non-fiction book by Christine Wicker called Lilydale, and anything really by Edgar Allen Poe. Luckily, Poe's works are in the public domain and are available for free download on Librivox. I'm not sure if it would be considered scary, but The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is definitely creepy.

I hope this gives you some ideas for books you might want to pick up or download to get you going for Halloween. If you have any you'd like to share...please put them in the comments, we'd love to hear about them!

- Cassandra