Abhorsen

Posted: July 15, 2011 | Author: Mika | Filed under: Book of Sand | 1 Comment

by Garth Nix

{ 2003 | HarperCollins | 518 pgs }

One of my fascinations with fantasy literature is the variety of interpretations of how magic works.

— Time out. That was maybe one of the nerdiest sentences I have ever written.

Anyway, at the risk of sounding ridiculous, I do think it’s interesting how different authors conceptualize the existence and use of magic. And Nix has a very unique approach (at least among the fantasy books I’ve read). Abhorsen is the third in a trilogy, the first two books being Sabriel and Lirael. It’s been a while since I read either, and I don’t think Nix did an adequate job of getting the reader up to speed. True, some of that may be my fault, for not remembering the plot in much detail. But I do feel that the author should give his readers a little something to go on.

I do remember that I loved Lirael. I thought it was phenomenal. Abhorsen, in my opinion, is inferior. Much like the Hunger Games trilogy, the second book builds on the first beautifully, but the third leaves something to be desired. Of course, Abhorsen completes the story, so if you’re interested in tying up the loose ends of Lirael, then you’ll definitely need to read the entire trilogy – but for now, I’d suggest you enjoy the first two books.

Buy Abhorsen on Amazon

P.S. After I read Sabriel, I suddenly realized that an old friend had recommended the series to me (as simply “the Abhorsen trilogy”) many years ago. I really do appreciate the recommendation.

Crafty

Posted: July 14, 2011 | Author: Mika | Filed under: Bridge to Terabithia | 3 Comments

To begin with, I’m not entirely convinced that we can use “crafty” to mean “proficient at creating crafts.” I still think of it as, you know, sneaky.

That being said, it has been largely appropriated as a term denoting creativity. Which is why I feel like it’s excusable to use it in that sense. I want to show you a few more projects I might do, if I’m ever in a crafty mood.

Honeycomb storage shelves. I don’t think we actually have anywhere to put these, or enough decorative Things to fill the shelves up. But I love love Love hexagons right now.

Recovering a car seat. No, I don’t have a sewing machine. No, I don’t really know anything about sewing.

Suminagashi for kids. Have you ever tried paper marbling? I do remember doing it in my 11th grade art class, but we did an end-paper style – I like the modern shapes here.

Painting with leaves. Um, is it rude if I think I could make a way cooler painting than this?

Birds pillow cover. Technically, this is for sale on Etsy for $55.50. I can probably sew a square pillow cover, and I can definitely cut out some cute little birds and stitch them on. The Romgi is a big fan of this project.

Stamped springerle cookies. (Image 12 of 14) Unfortunately, this requires a bigger oven than I have. Anyone want to make cookies?

Fabric scrap placemats. Truth be told, I have something against placemats. Nothing against colorful geometric patterns, though. But, once again, this project calls for the use of a sewing machine…

Heirloom cut chenille baby blanket. Another sewing project. So clever, though – you put layers of flannel backing, trim between the stitching, and then toss it in the wash. It frays the fabric, making a faux chenille. Imagine all the color combinations and fun fabrics you could use.

Which crafty project would you want to do?