Ice

...So I haven't vanished from the face of the earth. I'm just in university. And I went to the bookstore yesterday! Yay me! So I picked up Ice by Sarah Beth Durst, and The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Planning on reading the latter after I've finished my English term paper on Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. I'm actually excited about this paper. Shocked? Here's why:
One of the topics centers on how the play is kind of like a dramatic fairy tale. What? I get to discuss fairy tales... for my term paper? Sign me up!
So basically I'm quite excited for that paper, especially since in our lecture today, the prof talked about elements of a fairy tale, and I got a new book that I need to read. It's called When Dreams Came True: Classical Fairy Tales and their Tradition.
And now on to the book on my left. Yes, that one with the pretty cover.
Ice is based off of the classic fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon. I know, I've already read (and possibly reviewed) a few of these books. Like Belle of Beauty and the Beast, "it's my favourite!" Sorry, had to put in a reference there. Anyway. Ice is set in modern times, and involves a very practical heroine. Her mother was promised to the Polar Bear King, but things got complicated. Sarah Beth Durst gives a refreshing take on this story. It's completely different from any of the other retelling I've read, and I loved that. This story was compelling and interesting. I did predict in a way the ending, but I didn't mind that. I think the fact that I finished in one day shows how good a book this was. 4.5 stars!

I think I'm going to add something new to my blog in an attempt to have something to actually write about. After all, my lack of posts doesn't stem from a lack of ideas but from a lack of books to read. (and time to read them) So in the future there will be a new style of post. I'm hoping those of you who read my blog before haven't abandoned me. Come back, please! I'd love to hear your comments on this book, or, if you've read it, The Winter's Tale.

-Your time-management challenged friend,
Clairedelune

The Cellist of Sarajevo

This was such an incredible book. It is set during the siege of Sarajevo, an event that occurred from April 5, 1992, to February 29, 1996. The story revolves around the people of the city, who simply try to survive as they watch their city die around them. One day, while waiting to buy bread, 22 people are killed by a mortar attack. This causes the cellist to decide to play his cello every day at 4 for 22 days, for every person killed. This actually happened. The book is an eloquent portrayal of 3 residents of Sarajevo. It is shocking, moving, and strangely beautiful. I highly recommend this book.

...And I got to meet the author! He came to my university since he lives in the area and he gave a lecture on the book. It was so interesting and was really cool to meet the author. And he signed my book. That made my day.

Ah, university life. Stressful, fun, exciting, new! I have a quiz tomorrow and a midterm Monday for math, and an in-class essay for English. I haven't even been here for a month and I love it. I've had so much fun so far, and I've met some really cool people. And it's exciting living away from home. And my birthday is in 10 days! I really recommend that you read The Cellist of Sarajevo. It is a great piece of Canadian writing, and I loved it.