In a Glass Grimmly

In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
Publication Date: September 27, 2012

Childrens'/Tween, Ages 10+

ARC copy used for review.

Personal Ranking 3.5 out of 5


 

"Step lively, dear reader...
happily ever after isn't cutting it anymore."

We all know the familiar tale of Jack and Jill and their journey up the hill. We have been told about the Emperor and his new clothes.  But there is so much more to the stories. First the frog, whose name is Frog, loses a leg to a spoiled princess. Then Jill runs away from home and rescues Frog on her way to meet up with Jack. Journey with the trio as they grow beanstalks, escape giants, meet mermaids and outwit goblins, all during a quest to find the Seeing Glass. In a Glass Grimmly weaves together familiar fairy tales with original work to make a new tale that is not for the faint of heart. Enter the fairy tale world with Jack and Jill and Frog, if you dare.

It is rare for me to review children's books, but when this ARC crossed my desk, I just knew that I had too. I am a fan of fractured fairy tales and other ways of looking at the familiar in a new way or seeing the other side of the story. Of course, the first thing I did was check out the first book, A Tale Dark and Grimm. I loved them both. What is fun about Adam Gidwitz is his narrative of the stories. He has taken traditional stories, and tried to go back to the true tale, all the while weaving together tales that we are familiar with to tell a new cohesive story. In a Glass Grimmly he has intertwined the Frog Prince, the Emperor’s New Clothes and Jack and the Beanstalk; and that is just the beginning. A Tale Dark and Grimm was based on the Brothers Grimm. For In a Glass Grimmly he has branched out to include the works of Hans Christian Anderson, Mother Goose and Christina Rossetti, just to name a few.

Even those these are tales, there is still a great lesson for us all to learn. This time, Jack and Jill are on a quest to find the Seeing Glass. When they run into the three ravens, the ravens try to convince them that they are not confused, but in fact are con-fused. They leave them with three pieces of wisdom. First "when you do what you want, not what you wish," second "when you no longer seek your reflection in other's eyes," and lastly "when you see yourselves face to face," these three lessons will get them what they seek. At first Jack and Jill are even more con-fused and continue on their quest, but then when it is all over they finally figure out what the ravens meant. Only by finally coming to peace with themselves and seeing themselves for who they truly are will they find happiness.

Since In a Glass Grimmly is a companion to A Tale Dark and Grimm, it doesn't matter in what order you read them. But read them both. Meet Jack & Jill and Hansel & Gretel. Gidwitz is a wonderful storyteller, who often made me laugh  even when talking us to Hell with the devil himself. I can only anticipate what story Gidwitz will tell us next.

The Raven Boys



The Raven Boys, Book 1 of The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

Publication Date: September 18, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 13+

ARC copy used for review.

Personal Ranking 4 out of 5


 
 

"This is a story about becoming a man"

Blue Sargent has grown up among the world of the supernatural. Her mother, her mother's friends and housemates are all psychics. But not Blue. She functions as sort of an energy enhancer, making other's talents stronger and more certain. The only other certain thing in her life, as foretold when she was a young girl, Blue will kill her first love. But Blue, has no interest in boys, especially the ones from the exclusive prep school in town. "The raven boys," as she calls them. But, then on St. Mark's Eve she sees her first spirit, a young boy who calls himself Gansey. Then, almost by fate, she meets Gansey and his friends, Adam, Noah and Ronan. Even though her mother has expressly forbidden Blue to have anything to do with him, she finds herself unable to stay away from the group. Caught up in their dangerous quest, Blue begins to question her previous notions and gets is exposed to supernatural things she never thought possible.

First let me just go on record and state that I do like Maggie Stiefvater. I love the Werewolves of Mercy Falls (I just finally got my hands on The Scorpio Races the same day this ARC landed on my desk) and I really enjoy listening to her speak in person. Good storytellers are just that, whether they put pen to paper or just say it out loud. But this story just blew me away. I read so much and watch so much, that sometimes you can just figure out what is going to happen. That did not happen with The Raven Boys, at all. I don't even really want to say to much for fear of spoiling one of the incredible plot twists. Just know that I loved it! 

 

I wanted to finish it last night, but against my better judgement I let my husband talk me into coming to bed. Well, an hour later after tossing and turning, I gave up and took the book back downstairs with me. I couldn't put it down! I am so glad that there is more to follow, but now its time to put patience to the test and wait for the next one.

 

If you love the supernatural and all those things that just can't be explained and are tired of the vampire/zombie craze, introduce yourself to Maggie Steifvater. You won't be disappointed.

 

The Other Normals

 The Other Normals by Ned Vizzini

Expected Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 13+

ARC copy used for review.

Personal Ranking 3.5 out of 5


 

 

 

"This is a story about becoming a man"

Perry Eckert is just like any other fifteen year-old boy. Well, one whose parents are divorced and now dating their divorce attorneys and a brother who is in desperate need of rehab. Perry has found an escape from reality in the form of the role-playing game, Creatures & Caverns. In fact, if C&C is all Perry ever does again it would be just fine with him. Convinced his parents aren't paying attention, he starts skipping classes to play with a boy named Sam, a friend from a neighboring school. But, his parents concerned about his recent behavior and his lack of social skills decide to ship him off to summer camp at Camp Washiska Lake. But Perry is in for more than just the dull summer he bargained for when he stumbles into the world of the Other Normals. Turns out the world of C&C actually exists, and with the princess captured, Perry is in a unique position to help rescue her! But first, he has to face his real life and learn how to connect with other people. Only then can he help the Other Normals save their world.

What a fun adventure! Overall, I just really enjoyed this fun ride. I have spent a lot of time with teenage boys during my life, and have even observed them playing games like the one Creatures and Caverns was inspired from. Even if they aren't into role-playing games, this is a great book for boys of all ages who like a little bit of fantasy mixed in with their reality. Which is good, because the reality keeps changing in Perry's actual world as a result of his Other World adventures. It is hard enough to be a teenager as it is, but when you feel like you don't fit into to your world it is easy to become obsessed with with another. Then to find out that your "dreamland" actually exists? Its like Christmas! to Perry discovering the world of the Other Normals is the best thing that has ever happened to him. This is a world were he knows what to do and how to act. For the first time in his life he feels brave and confident. Its not hard to be the hero here. He also starts to fall for Ada, which makes it that much harder for him to complete his mission back at home.

It is not hard for me to see this book becoming a movie, in fact I hope it does. Even though octopus/human hybrids are not new, I loved the description of the way they moved around on land and would love to see it on a big movie screen. It also doesn't hurt that they are some of the bad guys.

But now that there is unrest and a possible revolution brewing in the world of the Other Normals, will there be a sequel? I hope so!