The Wide Awake Princess

Ok, so my first post is going to deal with a fairy tale, which has always been one of my favorite story genres because it tends to combine both magic and adventure and a little bit of fantasy. Even with that combination, there is one thing more that I tend to look for: a self-rescuing heroine (who may or may not be a princess).

In this case, the heroine is a princess, but that doesn't stop her from being brainy or brave. Just as her sister, Gwendolyn (aka Sleeping Beauty) activates her curse, Annie is the one who must spring into action and save the kingdom. Annie's one magical gift is that she is totally resistant to magic, which means, no magically enhanced charm, good looks, or poetic abilities, but also means that Annie is unaffected by Gwendolyn's curse.

What I love about this book is that Annie is clever enough to think up a plan, and brave enough to set off on her own to execute it. E.D. Baker, who also composed my much-loved "Frog Princess" novels, is a fan of the can-do heroine. She uses Annie's lack of magical abilities to highlight all of the gifts that Annie earned on her own, and shows that Annie doesn't need artificial beauty to shine.

This is a great satisfying read from beginning to end - I'm definitely hoping that we haven't seen the last of Annie!

Also, if you'd like a fun game to play while reading - see how many fairy tale stories and characters you can spot in the text - treat yourself to a chocolate for every one - that'll make it a doubly sweet read :)

Hello and Welcome!

I officially declare this blog to be off and on its way! The plan is to create a space to talk about the wonderful books in my life, both old and new. The way I see it, books are like friends; you carry the ones that matter in your heart always. There is nothing like the feeling of opening a book and finding yourself in another place, in another life altogether.

I've always loved Emily Dickinson's description of books as being a frigate to take you to places worlds away. They transport you to so many places, and create windows that look at the many facets of the human experience.

This reading list will no doubt be eclectic as I tend to read what suits my fancy at any given moment, and sometimes several books all at once. So, no promises on there being much rhyme or reason to the books posted. If the spirit moves me, I'll write about it.

So, in short, welcome! I hope that you'll join me in sharing my favorite books and share some of your own as well.