Snow, and the first book of '11
Damn snow was knee deep this morning. The bus stop was literally buried, so I stood in the street. But nothing really could save me from the unavoidable trek across the very un-shoveled and un-plowed park, and my current snow boots were not quite up to the task.
January reading is getting off to a good start as I wrap up the second half of the first of the Twelve Kingdoms novels, 月の影、影の海, (Shadow of the Moon, Sea of Shadow).
I really enjoyed the book, and I've gone ahead and ordered the next in the series. I believe they are also available in English now? I'm not sure how good the translation is, but I can certainly recommend the book.
Youko doesn't go back to our world at the end. I liked that. It was a heartbreaking choice for her and, in some respects, really no choice at all. As a reader, I felt a bit of empathetic dissatisfaction with the fact that she couldn't return. Not it seems, even for a bit. But I like authors who are willing to do that, because it feels somewhat unexpected that everything won't get wrapped up neat and perfect and happy for everyone, or almost everyone. Youko's parents will probably spend the rest of their life grieving their disappeared daughter, unsure of her fate, but likely thinking her dead. And that's sad and it sucks, but it's the best ending story wise. The alternative really would have been contrived.
January reading is getting off to a good start as I wrap up the second half of the first of the Twelve Kingdoms novels, 月の影、影の海, (Shadow of the Moon, Sea of Shadow).
I really enjoyed the book, and I've gone ahead and ordered the next in the series. I believe they are also available in English now? I'm not sure how good the translation is, but I can certainly recommend the book.
Youko doesn't go back to our world at the end. I liked that. It was a heartbreaking choice for her and, in some respects, really no choice at all. As a reader, I felt a bit of empathetic dissatisfaction with the fact that she couldn't return. Not it seems, even for a bit. But I like authors who are willing to do that, because it feels somewhat unexpected that everything won't get wrapped up neat and perfect and happy for everyone, or almost everyone. Youko's parents will probably spend the rest of their life grieving their disappeared daughter, unsure of her fate, but likely thinking her dead. And that's sad and it sucks, but it's the best ending story wise. The alternative really would have been contrived.