I love everything about this challenge. The name, the theme, the quests, the no pressure attitude. You can read the full details at Carl's blog Stainless Steel Droppings.
To complete quest 2 I'll have to read at least 4 books in 4 categories: fantasy, mythology, fairy tales and folklore.
I've had some issues distinguishing folklore and fairy tales, but I think I came up with a nice list, which most importantly is still committed to the number one rule: you will not join challenges with books you don't already own!
and indeed I didn't.
My List
Fantasy:
Tales from Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin
War for the oaks by Emma Bull
Fairy tale:
Book of a thousand days by Shannon Hale
Mythology:
Dream Aengus by Alexander McCall Smith
Percy Jackson and the lightning thief by Rick Riordan
Folklore: Irish Folklore by Brid Mahon
added: Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones (thanks Nymeth!)
For this last category I'm open to suggestions. I don't think I actually own anything more substantial, at least not here in Ireland, so I'm willing to borrow something (no buying!).
A few of these will fit nicely in my ever-changing Young Adult list so it's all good:-)
wish me happy reading!
Thursday, 20 March 2008
"Once upon the time" Challenge
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6 comments:
The distinction between folk and fairy tales can be tricky indeed, especially because most fairy tales started out as folk tales anyway, before certain versions were cemented by literary authors.
I do have a few suggestions, though: one of my favourite books EVER, "Fire and Hemlock" by Diana Wynne Jones, is based on the Scottish ballads Tam Lim and Thomas the Rhymer, and I think traditional ballads count as folklore. Other great novel versions of those very same ballads are "Tam Lim" by Pamela Dean and "Thomas the Rhymer" by Ellen Kushner.
Also, Neil Gaiman's "Anansi Boys" draws extensively from Caribbean folk tales, and it's a great book. I hope you can find something suitable at the library!
Anyway, that is a great list. I loved "Tales from Earthsea" and "Dream Angus". I hope you do too!
Irish folklore. I bet that would be interesting. So glad you're joining in. Great suggestions there by Nymeth. If you ever get a chance to listen to Anansi Boys on audio I highly recommend it. The reader is fantastic.
Thanks for your suggestions Nymeth!!
I might go with Diana wynne jones because I haven't read anything by her yet and this could be a good excuse.
Carl, you know I've never listened to an audio book? if the library has it I'll definitely give it a go!
It looks like a lot of people have picked a Shannon Hale novel for this challenge. I will be reading The Goose Girl myself. Happy reading!
I have the same rule - I must choose books from my overflowing stacks! :)
I've not read any of these books although I have read quite a few from Alexander McCall Smith - I quite like the Mma Ramotswe series. I look forward to your reviews!
stephanie, yes Shannon Hale seems to be the perfect choice, but to be honest,I would have read it anyway soon, I just needed an excuse:P
iliana, it's hard sometimes isn't it? but it will be worth it in the end...who needs more books??(well, you can never have too many really)
I've never read Alexander McCall Smith and I'm looking forward to it, especially after Nymeth's review!
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