What I'm Reading Now
I've scoured several sites where recommendations are given to Harry Potter fans looking for something new, but similar to read. As one who had not read much fantasy previous to the Potter books, I found these lists quite useful. After reading several such lists, I went to Amazon to read plot descriptions and made a list of the ones that seemed most promising.
One newer series that sounded interesting involves modern day Americans who are "half bloods"; the children of Greek gods and mortals. While the books are intended for teen readers, what I read of the plot descriptions indicate they might be worth reading for adults, as the Potter books were. I ordered the first in that series at the bookstore and if it proves to be as interesting as it looks, I'll read the other two currently available.
I also took the list I'd made to the used bookstore, and found a copy of "Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell" by Susanna Clarke in new condition. This is a one-off novel for adults about two wizards at the beginning of the 19th century. It's a thick book with small print, so it should keep me busy for awhile. If anyone has read this one, I'd be curious to hear what you think.
On the non-fiction front, I was reading an essay at Alternet that was an interview with Mike Jones, the male escort who outed the antigay evangelist Ted Haggard. Jones mentioned his new book, "I Had to Say Something", which tells about his relationship with Haggard and why he outed him. It sounds interesting, so I'll see if my library has it the next time I'm up there. To read the Jones Alternet interview, click here.
Later this month, I'm going to attend the "Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale", which is an annual mega book sale of used books of all types, put on by a group that promotes adult literacy in order to raise money for its efforts. I'd first heard about it last summer after the fact and made plans then not to miss it this year. The sale is held in a closed-down mall and will have over a hundred thousand books available at yard sale prices. I intend to make a list of books to look for so I can stock up on books properly.
I'm not much of a bookworm, am I?
If you have any book recommendations, feel free to list them in the comment section.
Diana Wynne Jones has several books out of a similar feel as Harry Potter,
but predates Harry Potter by at most 20 years. One of her stand alone
novels Howl's Moving Castle has been animated by the Japanese Studio
Ghibli, but pales in comparison to the more mature themes in the book. She
also has a trilogy called the 'Chrestomaci' series. I've read 2 of the 3
(you can buy all three in one volume), and I have really enjoyed them.
Wynne Jones is a far superior writer than Rowling (but in my opinion is a
pop culture diva, her universe well constructed, and her actual writing a
bit lacking).
Hi there - what are the names of the books about the half-bloods - would
love to check them out. Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.
The one I ordered is called "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan. It's a
YA book, but the plot sounded interesting enough that I just went ahead and
ordered. If you look it up on Amazon, it should provide the other titles,
too.
Otfried Preussler's "Krabat" (the English version is known as "The Satanic
Mill") is an amazing, beautiful book about a boy wizard growing up while
studying the craft. it takes place in the early 17th century, in the
south-east end of present-day Germany. it's somewhat gloomier and more
artistic than Potter though.
