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Written by Josh More
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Wednesday, 06 February 2008 10:32 |
There are stories, and there are Stories. The former are idle pleasantries, constructed to amuse, entertain, teach, or otherwise create an effect. The latter, ah the latter, are not constructed but rather, are born. They exist for no other purpose other than it is entirely right and proper that they do, and (I suspect) are written for no other reason than that they must be. In the last few weeks, I have been lucky enough to encounter, not one, but TWO volumes of the latter.
They come to me on two very different paths, yet two that are entirely appropriate.
Portable Childhoods by Ellen Klages, arrived very directly. At Minicon, last year, I asked Charles de Lint what I should read next, since I had run out of Nina Kirki Hoffman books, He recommended The Green Glass Sea, which Dreamhaven was kind enough to let me purchase. So, I was looking for her next one, and Amazon.com notified me when it came out. I just finished reading it.
Interestingly enough, "Basement Magic" and "In the House of the Seven Librarians" bookend in similarly to Courting Disasters, with the latter ending the book with hope. The former is quite difficult to read, but the latter is joy from the beginning to the end. I don't want to spoil anything in it, but if you like books, you MUST read "In the House of the Seven Librarians".
- "Intelligent Design" has a very interesting take on the creation of the universe. I've seen similar, but nothing quite like this -- a perfect example of inspiration from a quote.
- "Triangle" is horrible and will make you cry. Of course, it's excellently written too. Many will appreciate it, but it may not be a pleasant read.
- "Flying Over Water" is about when you're not exactly a child anymore and not yet an adolescent. For those of us who had difficulty with this transition (all of us?), it's hard to read... and it's sad.
- "Mobius, Stripped of a Muse" and "Be Prepared" are experimental fiction.
- "Time Gypsy" is about physics and time travel. I loved it, others likely wouldn't care a whole lot.
- "Travel Agency" is about the lands within books.
- "Ringing Up Baby" is a wonderful story with a wonderful twist. Anyone who interacts with young children will like it.
- "Guys Day Out" is one of the most touching stories that I've read in a long time. It's about a boy with Down Syndrome. It's painful to read. Be warned.
- "Portable Childhoods" is an amazing story about a single mother raising a child. Unlike absolutely everything else on this list, there are no fantastic elements, no magic, no gimmicks. It's just a collection of thoughts and observations and is amazing in it's shear honesty. If you have kids or are planning to, it's a must read.
Everyone should read this book. It's Just That Good.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 06 February 2008 10:39 )
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