Into the Forest discussion

Melanti wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I liked that the plot wasn't told as a linear story-line, like most holocaust narratives, but as a constant looping between times. ..."

I don't mind the non-linear story line, but..."

Haha, probably! But I actually see your point. It could have been even more non-linear!:) Have you ever read The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen? It's one of my favorite YA holocaust novels.

No, I haven't read it yet... I'll put it on my list of books to check out!

Margaret wrote: Haha, probably! But I actually see your point. It could have been even more non-linear!:) Have you ever read The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen? It's one of my favorite YA holocaust novels. "

I just checked that one out and it looks interesting! I have only read 2 books by Jane Yolen and both were 3 stars for me. I liked them, but not that much.
In particular Snow in Summer started off amazing but was disappointing in the end. Maybe Yolen is the type of writer who is better at historical fiction?

She's fantastic at WWII fiction, perhaps partly due to her family's history.

I am currently reading two very different books. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood which is a graphic novel about a young girls life during the Islamic revolution in Iran and The Ghost Bride which part historical fiction and part ghost story. They are both excellent and I would highly recommend both, although the Ghost Bride is more of a comfort read. Persepolis is cultural and due to the subject matter, not always fun to read about.

I loved Persepolis, and The Ghost Bride looks good!

I'm reading She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth, which is a really entertaining, well-written history of biographies of pre-Elizabeth I British female royalty. I'm enjoying it thus far.

I'm also finally reading Beauty! I'm enjoying it. I'm loving the sisters' relationship.

Margaret wrote: "I loved Persepolis, and The Ghost Bride looks good!

I'm reading She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth, which is a really entertaining, well-written history of bio..."

Glad you are enjoying Beauty!

Ghost Bride is turning to be more Romance than what I usually like. However the fairy tale atmosphere and lush descriptions of the Malay-Chinese culture make up for it.

I have She-Wolves on my TBR shelf. There was also a tv series of that.

I'm currently reading Strata by Terry Pratchett.

Actually I take back my words from before! Ghost Bride is not romancey!
There are lots of fantastical elements lots of a Chinese and Malay folklore and Mythology.

The Golem and the Jinni finally! Hope it lives up to all the hype. :)

Back in December, I discovered at Amazon the complete works of Andrew Lang for $2.99 - I've been reading it ever since. Heavens, he was prolific. There are not only his complete books of fairy tales, but some Arabian Nights tales, several books of True Stories - I've been working steadily on this kindle book since early December, and I'm only at 42%. Some of his stories I just skim over, like his fishing tales, but I'm really enjoying the rest of them.

Becca wrote: "Back in December, I discovered at Amazon the complete works of Andrew Lang for $2.99 - I've been reading it ever since. Heavens, he was prolific. There are not only his complete books of fairy tale..."

Becca, I only read the first one, The Blue Fairy Book for the group read we had here a few years ago. I was familiar with many of the Tales, but not read Andrew Lang's compilation. I enjoyed it so much that I would like to read all of them.

Becca wrote: "Back in December, I discovered at Amazon the complete works of Andrew Lang for $2.99 - I've been reading it ever since. Heavens, he was prolific. There are not only his complete books of fairy tale..."

He certainly did publish a lot, didn't he?!
Though he really didn't write most of what he published. He (or his wife) re-translated some of it, others he took 2 or 3 different versions of a tale and sort of combined them. But his Fairy books aren't JUST fairy tales. There's some mythology, some Arabian Nights (as you discovered) Chris pointed out that there's even one story that's actually an excerpt from Gulliver's Travels!

Thank you Becca! What a treat to have downloaded this gem on a dull January day. I see that I will have my reading cut out for me for a while!

The Andrew Lang books are in the public domain, and available for free (yes, even formatted for your Kindle). Here's the link to the Andrew Lang page on Project Gutenberg.

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/searc...

I wish now that I had put one of Andrew Lang's books in the 2014 Challenge!
I plan on reading more of them.
I am reading The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter.

I am currently reading the iron fey series. I wouldn't say that it is exactly a fairy tale but it does have references and stuff like that. I am on the third on already.

I just finished The Book Thief (Thankfully!) so now I can concentrate on a couple of group reads -- The Moon's Wife (meh, it's alright) and The Golem and the Jinni (really great so far!)

I've just reread Looking for Alaska, which wasn't for me, this weekend. Before that it was another book that didn't send me: An Empty Room, but I can cross 'x' off my A - Z list for the year.

So for something different, I'm reading Doctor Who: Apollo 23, about the 11th Doctor.

I'm reading Engine Summer, and if anyone is a fan of utopia/dystopias, this is one of the best I've ever read. It reminds me most of Always Coming Home because it has a definite anthropological perspective. I highly recommend it.

I also started The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights for the buddy reads. For some reason, I have two copies each with various collections of the tales. I figure I'll follow along with my books when I can, and find the tales on the internet when the buddy read tales aren't in my editions. I'm amazed by how funny the tales are!

Still reading She-wolves, and enjoying it. It will take me a bit to finish it, it's my morning before work read, but it covers some of my favorite queens of England. Wish you could stream the documentary based on it!

I am currently reading the iron fey series. I am not really reading any fairy tale books so if anyone wants to give me recommendations that would be great.

Marybeth wrote: "I am currently reading the iron fey series. I am not really reading any fairy tale books so if anyone wants to give me recommendations that would be great."

Hi Marybeth, where could I begin? There is so much good literature out there! Have a look around our group! We have a group book shelf and lots of discussions. This year alone we read some fantastic books in our group reads; The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood, The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey, and The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker immediately come to mind.

I've recently started The Brides of Rollrock Island which I believe is about mermaids. It's a bit odd so far but I am still intrigued by the story and what will happpen.

I am reading Fitcher's Brides and liking it,but not loving it. Am very much in the mood to read more Bluebeard stories after The Bloody Chamber (which was good, but left me kind of grossed out)

Lucinda wrote: "I've recently started The Brides of Rollrock Island which I believe is about mermaids. It's a bit odd so far but I am still intrigued by the story and what will happpen."

I got The Brides of Rollrock Island for Christmas. I've been meaning to pick up Margo Lanagan as she's on all the contemporary fairy tale writers lists.

Margaret wrote: "I'm reading Engine Summer, and if anyone is a fan of utopia/dystopias, this is one of the best I've ever read.

I read this long ago- probably when it first came out- and concur that it was a great read. Have to revisit it one of these days.

I have both The Moon's Wife and Daughter of the Forest from the library. I started Moon's Wife, but honestly, it seems a little silly thus far. Melanti, does it get better?
I might just read Daughter of the Forest first. As far as I am concerned I can never go wrong with Juliet Marillier!

Thanks. I will look into it when I go to the library next week

Jalilah wrote: I started Moon's Wife, but honestly, it seems a little silly thus far. Melanti, does it get better?..."
It definitely made me think of that Elizabeth Hand interview where she talked about the empty-headed goddess worshiping going on in the early 90's! It does get a bit better when they get to the mental institution and you meet Daniel and some of the ambiguity creeps in... But it never really worked well for me. It rated just 3 stars out of me... Not even 3.5.

I started in on the other group read first since it's a library book and I own Daughter of the Forest so there's no time limit with that one. Iron Hearted Violet It's cute so far. I'd say more middle grade than young adult, (though that's rather evident from the cover) and sort of a chatty narration style, but it's got a good story going. I'm liking it MUCH better than the other "ugly princess" book Fairest which made me really angry.

I am reading The Night Circus right now, which is quite fun. I think it might have been over sold to me though. So many people told me it was absolutely my kind of book, and they loved it, that I went into reading it thinking it was going to be life-changing. Instead, it's a really fun book about a cool circus. Which is good too, though not life altering:)

I'll start Iron Hearted Violet next. I met Kelly Barnhill at the Southern Festival of Books two years ago, and I really enjoyed her panel (which also included Catherynne Valente, which is why I was there). That's the main reason I nominated this book, because, even though I've had it for 2 yrs, enjoyed listening to her speak, I still haven't read it!

I love !! Definitely one of my favorites! It's been a while since I've read it! It might be time for a re-read :)

Margaret wrote: "I am reading The Night Circus right now, which is quite fun. I think it might have been over sold to me though. So many people told me it was absolutely my kind of book, and they lov..."

I always get that one mixed up with Nights at the Circus! Both are on my to read list!
I decided to go for Daughter of the Forest and I am so glad I did! I am enjoying it so much! It's a real treat!

Jalilah wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I am reading The Night Circus right now, which is quite fun. I think it might have been over sold to me though. So many people told me it was absolutely my kind of b..."

I have read any of Juliet Marillier books but I really really really want too! Definitely the Sevenwaters Series and ! I found the the Sevenwaters books at my local library but was bummed to see that they didn't have Wildwood Dancing :(

Jalilah wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I am reading The Night Circus right now, which is quite fun. I think it might have been over sold to me though. So many people told me it was absolutely my kind of b..."

I keep doing that too, and I have Nights at the Circus, just haven't read it yet! I think I'll wait for a little before I do. Might be too many circuses all at once.

I have read Daughter of the Forest but it's been a decade. I remember really enjoying it, but I can't remember the details. I thought I would start it in a couple weeks, and if I suddenly remember everything I'll probably skip it, but if I'm as swept away in it as I recall from the 1st time, then I'm going to re-read it. And I've never picked up any more in that series, so it might be a good time to do so...:)

I liked The Night Circus. Nothing earth shaking, no, but I really enjoyed the wonderful descriptions and Morgenstern's wild imagination!

I'm currently reading Penhallow, which is supposedly a murder mystery, but I'm 58% of the way through and no one is dead yet.

After this, though, I suppose I ought to catch up on group reads -- not that I've been completely caught up in months!

But I do a lot of my reading outside and between the wild weather (we've had sleet twice in the last week, can you believe it?! It normally only ices over once every 5-10 years!) and it getting dark so early, e-books are much easier for me to manage at the moment, so they're getting read first. All my paper reading is getting crammed into my days off.

(Fitcher's Brides, The Arabian Nights, and Daughter of the Forest are all on my physical book stack...)

I think Nights at the Circus should be the Endicott group read sometime late this year. September, if I'm counting correctly? I wish Odette would set up the calendar... I might read it before then if I get in the mood. February's book should be A Fine and Private Place.

Melanti wrote: "I liked The Night Circus. Nothing earth shaking, no, but I really enjoyed the wonderful descriptions and Morgenstern's wild imagination!

I'm currently reading Penhallow, which is ..."

I looked at that today. I like Peter S. Beagle, so I'll probably try to find it to read.

The weather definitely has me off my schedule too; it's not supposed to be in the single digits in the south! It's making me sleepy. I think I'm trying to go into hibernation, and I'm not reading at quite the pace I normally do.

I'd love to read his book

Michelle {Book Hangovers} wrote: "I'd love to read his book "

I read it as a child, then again as an adult, and loved it both times. It's different from the movie, though both are wonderful.

I just finished the "Ghost Bride." It was an interesting read especially the trips to the afterlife. The ending was surprising, but I think it fits with the theme of a woman having to find freedom outside her normal world which is so constrictive.

Michelle {Book Hangovers} wrote: "I'd love to read his book "

It is one of my favorites too. I just re-read it recently and saw the movie again.

Candice wrote: "I just finished the "Ghost Bride." It was an interesting read especially the trips to the afterlife. The ending was surprising, but I think it fits with the theme of a woman having to find freedom ..."

I found the Chinese beliefs in afterlife very interesting. I like the way the author used them as well as her own made up versions of the mythology.

I'm currently reading City of Ashesby Cassandra Clare. I'm new here so am not sure if this series can count in the challege

I'm reading and it is AWESOME!
I can not put it down. Started yesterday and I'm half way done (which is fast for me lol)

I just finished Jo Walton's "Among Othes" it had the same effect on me as Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane - How dare I even think of myself as a writer? '

It's a fabulous book, and deserves every award it's ever gotten.

We're talking about it in our book club this weekend, and I wonder whether it will have the same effect on our members who are not SF readers.

I stopped reading the Collected Works of Andrew Lang (I"m about 52% of the way thorough it) to read Among Others I'm going back to it now, as a way of cleansing my palate.

I've also picked up From the Beast to the Blonde: on fairy tales and their tellers, by Marina Warner. I forget where I heard about this book, but I'm sure it will make a change from all the Jack Zipes I've been reading.

I am currently reading Premeditated and it is pretty good so far. I will then read Paper Towns John Green.

Michelle {Book Hangovers} wrote: "I'm reading and it is AWESOME!
I can not put it down. Started yesterday and I'm half way done (which is fast for me lol)"

You are so lucky Michelle because you will be able to read book 2 Days of Blood & Starlight straight away and not have to wait in agony for a year like it did! ;)
The third book should be coming out soon. It is a very original series!

Becca wrote: "I just finished Jo Walton's "Among Othes" it had the same effect on me as Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane - How dare I even think of myself as a writer? '..."

Now I'm even more excited to read Among Others. I've had it in my library TBR stack for about a month. Looks like it'll get bumped up to fourth place; first three are held by Group reads.

I loved Among Others, but I feel obligated to point out that it deals greatly with 70's sci-fi and fantasy history. You don't necessarily have to know the books/authors, but IMO, the more you're familiar with them, the more you'll enjoy the book.

I'm in the middle of five different books at the moment, and every single one of them is either a group or buddy read. As much fun as it is to read books with people, I really want more 'me' time for books...

The audio version of Smoke and Bone is on sale at 4.95.

Becca wrote: "I just finished Jo Walton's "Among Othes" it had the same effect on me as Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane - How dare I even think of myself as a writer? '

It's a fabulous book, and des..."

Becca, I absolutely loved Among Others. I gave it five stars because it could not stop thinking about it afterwards.

Leah, I'll be interested to know your impressions of it!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is my favourite Gaiman book to date. I also really enjoyed it.

I sometimes don't read original Fairy tale collections straight through either, especially when I am in the mood to immerse myself in a novel. I discontinued The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories to read Daughter of the Forest for that reason.