Finally I've read a good book to stop the pattern of poor entertainment. A book of a thousand days by Shannon Hale is great. Its no classic but it is very entertaining and it may be my favorite book by her. It tells the story of Maid Maleen. Its a Grimm's fairytale that not too many have read but it very interesting all the same. A princess is locked in a tower for 7 years because she refuses to marry the evil suitor her father has chosen for her. However, as she waits in the tower, her kingdom is destroyed. Eventually she pushes herself from her dungeon and back into the world.
It's really good.
I recommend reading the original tale.
But there really is nothing like reading a good book to inspire you to read again. This book reminded me why I love fairy tales as much as I do.
They are perfect and happy, and for a moment you can relax into the tale and know that despite all the conflicts everything will fit together in the end. Some could call this cliche or predictable; I find it comforting. Too many things go awry in the world for me to crave stressful books.
I'm not saying I don't read other genres. I love me some vastly different books :3.
But there is something very charming and challenging in fairy tales.
The author can read a predictable story and know the coutures of the plot, but then they have to be truly creative and deliver a dish that is completely knew to its devourer.
Some interpretations will be breathtaking.
Others will be stale.
But that's the adventure of it; and I'd love to take part in it.
For all that people say it's cliche and unrealistic, I agree that it's comforting to have those tales that you know will end well. I think people should read at least three such stories each year.
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