March Magics Wrapup

And just like that! March is over - almost like magic.........(heh.)

If you recall, I had BIG plans for my March reading, and in typical fashion, they mostly fell through. In my defense, my lack of following the plan was not due to me reading other things - I just struggled to find the time to read anything at all! The month was busier than I expected, and the kiddos couldn't seem to stay healthy, and the reading just didn't happen.

That said, I DID accomplish SOMETHING -

I read my first Terry Pratchett novel! And OOOOH was it good! I love this world, I love these characters - I am only mad that I have waited THIS LONG to dip my toes into Discworld!

I think part of the reason I'd held back is because, for me, when a book (or movie or tv show or whatever) is sold to me as "funny", it often falls flat. The things authors or creators find funny are frequently not the same things I find funny, so things that are supposed to make me laugh often.....don't. So I think I was worried that I just wouldn't get the humor, and so wouldn't enjoy the series as much as everyone else in the world.

Well, shouldn't have worried in this case. Pratchett is just charming, and his humor was evident and extremely successful. I loved the way he used this book to poke a little bit at the idea of "men's work" vs "women's work" - a serious subject, but without the harsh edges because of Pratchett's light touch.

I'm so happy I decided to dive into Discworld. I will definitely be reading more in this expansive universe.

I am also NEARLY done with Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones. It took me a while to get into the flow - the beginning seemed like it jumped all over a bit, so I had a hard time really sinking my teeth into the story. I'm now just over 3/4 done, though, and really loving it. The family relationships are great, and all the weird animals are so much fun. This is definitely reminding me why I found DWJ so enchanting, and prodding me to read more in her extensive library.












So there you have it - not stellar, but not a bust. As always, I enjoyed my time in the March Magics universe, and am thankful to Kristen for hosting again.

March Magics - day 7

Today's prompt -

Favorite Bad Covers
Fantasy book covers can sometimes be, well, interesting. Share your favorite bad DWJ or Pratchett covers!

So I'm gonna be honest - I got started looking for bad covers, and found some that I really liked instead. So I'm changing this to be my actual, favorite covers - ones that I would LOVE to find on my own shelves.

These HarperCollins covers from 2008 are gorgeous -

And these covers from Gollancz publishing - wow. Simply beautiful. Sadly, they were apparently not ever available in North America, so getting my hands on one of these would probably break the book buying budget!

So, my apologies for changing the question, but I couldn't help but showcase these beauties. I can't wait to see what bad covers the rest of you have found!!

March Magics - day 6

Today's prompt -

Favorite Quotes
This one might be tough to narrow down but also a lot of fun!

So, I'm just going to be honest and say I visited the GoodReads Quotes page - but I found some great ones!

“Being a hero means ignoring how silly you feel.”
~ Fire and Hemlock

“Only thin, weak thinkers despise fairy stories. Each one has a true, strange fact hidden in it, you know, which you can find if you look.”
~ Fire and Hemlock

“But I do think that when people say 'a learning curve,' they make a mistake. Learning to me always seems to go in a straight, ignorant line and then, every so often, takes a jump straight upward.”
~Enchanted Glass

“She's not stupid. She just never lets her mind out.”

~House of Many Ways

I could have gone on for pages, but really this just makes me get excited to read more of these great books! Do you have a favorite quote from one of these authors? Share it in the comments!

March Magics! Day 2

Today's blog prompt -

Favorite Character
There are A LOT of characters to choose from but is there one that stands out as a favorite?

Well. I have a feeling these questions are going to be easier for me than anyone, since I'm so new to these authors. My answer is clearly Cat Chant, from Charmed Life. I'm very much looking forward to reading more books in the series, though, and finding out if my opinion changes.

Diana Wynne Jones fans, help me out! Who are some of the best characters - which books should I read next? Any suggestions from the Terry Pratchett crowd? 

March Magics!

One of the things that drew me back into the world of blogging was the fun events that I love to participate in. Kristen's events are always some of my favorites (Poe Fridays, anyone??), and two years ago I participated in her Diana Wynne Jones March event and fell in love with an author I'd never tried before. Last year I wasn't blogging, but this year I'm back and ready for her NEW event - March Magics, celebrating the work of Diana Wynne Jones AND Terry Pratchett.

Kristen has lots of fun planned for the month, including two read-a-longs that I hope to participate in. She has also given us lots of blog prompts, and today's is -

 Share your books!
Show us your own DWJ/Pratchett books and/or the books that you are planning on reading this month.

Since I tend to fail at planning ahead, I do not technically HAVE any of the books I plan to read in my hands as I write this post. However, I DO have big plans, and I'm excited to share them with you. 

Kristen has read-a-longs planned for Dark Lord of Derkholm, and Equal Rites. I am hoping to be able to participate in both.

Since I've never read ANY Pratchett before, I plan to start the month reading the first two books in the Discworld series, to be ready for the Equal Rites read-a-long.

When I participated in DWJ March two years ago, Kristen told me to start with Charmed Life, which is part of the Chrestomanci series. I loved it, and would love to continue/finish that series, so I'm hoping to read some of these -

Loft goals for sure, but these books are quick reads, so I anticipate I'll make it through quite a few! I'm excited to get started!!