Inkspell

by Cornelia Funke

I got a copy of inkheart a year or two ago, and unintentionally stayed up all night reading it. so I was disappointed when I heard that inkspell was a much less interesting story. however, I’d like to put in my two bits’ worth and say that I’d place inkspell in my top 20 favorite books. (there really isn’t a list like that, but someday I may make one.) I bought it to read the week before we got married, and I’m glad I had such a fantastic book to keep me occupied. it may be that some people think the story is too predictable; the fact that I, who seldom gives a thought to the obvious foreshadowing in novels, was able to figure the story out does lend some credibility to the argument. but I felt that it was altogether so well-written (and, particularly, so well-translated) that it is quite definitely worth reading. as a general rule I shy away from trilogies or series, especially in juvenile literature; I like a book to be self-contained and not force me to hunger after a second, third, fourth book to understand the story as a whole. and I was actually quite surprised to find an obvious opening for a third ink novel as the ending of inkspell. pleased, though, because I very much enjoy cornelia funke’s writing. highly recommended to those who like juvenile fantasy.

book request

started reading ender’s shadow before bed last night, and continued steadily throughout the unusually slow workday.

now I remember why my copy of ender’s game has almost completely fallen apart. I’ve never ventured into any of orson scott card’s other series, for the same reason I stick with lloyd alexander’s prydain chronicles – what if the author’s other work is worse? or better? regardless, I’m now accepting recommendations for further orson scott card novels I might enjoy, as well as any random books that sound interesting. for ideas what I’ve read in the past, check out my yearly reading lists.

currently checked out from the provo library: ender’s shadow, crime & punishment, the omnivore’s dilemma, and freakonomics. about 15 books on hold, including dream of reason, the kite runner, the eyre affair, and the invention of hugo cabret.

efforts to help broaden my mind by suggesting books will be duly noted and maybe even appreciated.