The Last Unicorn

What a strange book.

This book puzzled me exceedingly on every level. At times, I couldn't decide if it was a children's book or an adult book. And I still don't know what the message or "moral of the story" was. Also, I had a really hard time placing it in a specific era because the language ranged everywhere from Medieval to Modern slang. Peter S. Beagle really wrote something strange here.

But somehow, I liked it.

The story follows a unicorn on her journey to discover if she is the last unicorn in the world. She meets a magician named Schmendrick and a nice lady named Molly who help her. Eventually she gets turned into a human and falls in love. The story does manage to have a climactic ending. At times, the book just does not seem like it could possibly have a "happy ending," yet somehow, it ends on an "upbeat."

Like I said, I'm not quite sure what the moral of the story was, except that all of the characters had moments of self-realization. There is a great display of the typical fantasy story- magic, witches, heroes who slay dragons, unicorns.... It was fun, in that respect. It didn't end like a normal fantasy story though.

Reading this book was very strange because it was boring and interesting at the same time. I always wanted to not sit down and read it, but once I did, I usually couldn't put it down. I don't know why.

As a side note, as a kid, I saw the animated movie of this book which I remember being extremely strange. Now, going back and re-watching the movie, I realized that somehow, they managed to capture the emotion of this book. I was impressed considering it was animation. I wouldn't suggest watching the movie before reading the book though. Read the book and enjoy it for what it is, and then watch the movie. It isn't a hard read at all.

I hope someone else reads this because it would be great to have another opinion!

Thanks,

Tony



Recommended 3/5

Booklist

Here is the booklist again so that everyone can read up!! I should be posting on "Fairy Tales Re-told" later today or possibly tomorrow. Enjoy! -T

Hello All,

I'm so sorry that it has been so long. But I promise to make a valiant attempt to keep this blog going strong.

Now, I mentioned in a previous post that we are going to try a new method in order to fit our busy lifestyles. Here, I will post a list of books that I will be reviewing- in the order of the list. So, as followers, you will know what's coming up! As time and schedules permit, our other contributors will post on something of their own choice, for some variety.

Lately, I've been really into the fantasy, "this isn't really happening" style of book. So, I think that sort of reflects on the list. :)

Here's the list, and I hope to be posting on the first one within the next week:

-The Last Unicorn, Peter Beagle
-The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien (finally, right?)
-The Fairy Tales Retold Series, Regina Doman
-Animal Farm, George Orwell
-Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
-Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
-Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond Rostand
-All Creatures Bright and Beautiful, James Harriot
-Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes
-Come Rack, Come Rope, Robert Hugh Benson
-Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi
-North to Freedom, Anne Holm

Well, that's probably good for now. Happy reading!!

~Tony

Acting in Shakespeare

by Robert Cohen

This is a book about how to play Shakespeare. It is just fascinating. It covers so much from how to deal with the text (scansion, which is pivotal to reading and acting Shakespeare well, how to tell the story, why Shakespeare used the words he did, and more) to body language and what to do with your voice.

If you do not act Shakespeare or act at all, but you love Shakespeare, you will love this book. It is enthralling to find out all the things Shakespeare was thinking about as he wrote his works and how much actors have to think about it too.

If you are a Shakespeare player, you will really love this book. It is a terrific book to have on hand, as it has so many tips!

I read the "Revised and Expanded Edition." You can't get it at the library, but you can buy it on Amazon!

Recommended #3
Recommended #5 if you are a Shakespeare player!

Always,
Lady A

Re-construction and New Ideas

Hello all,

So, I'm thinking that DC needs an energy boost.

To start, I think everyone should suggest some books they would like to see us review on here. Not that we can do all and everything, but it's worth a shot to maybe gain more interest.

Second, I think we will have a new system where you will know what is coming up to be reviewed by me. Besides the scheduled reviews, Lady A., the Dodge, and Tini will post on whatever, randomly. It's different, but I think we should try it for a while. I think it will be good to have some organization.

Lastly, pass this blog on! Facebook us, email, post it on a website, tell your friends!! We need some vibrant interest and I swear on my honor to keep a tight schedule so there is new stuff often.

Thanks for your time!

Tony and co~

Hey there :)

Yeah...I know. We forgot about the Bronze Bow discussion :/ But before I explain that, I need you to do me a favor.
It's nothing taxing. Fear not.

Simply comment on this post telling me honestly how often you check this blog. I just want to see something.

Please take a sec to do this for me. Many thanks!

Fare you well, fellow geeks.

Always,
Lady Arwen

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre. Ahhhh yes. I shall tell you directly, when I began this book, I did not expect to enjoy it. I wasn't really in the mood for a dark and mysterious read. But I read it, because I thought it was about time I read something from the DC book list. Well, it didn't take long for me to become enraptured in the story! I found almost the entire book to be very compelling and wonderfully written. I can only remember two parts I thought were somewhat slow. The rest of the book was delightful. I was under the impression it would be exceedingly difficult to read, but I found it to be easy to understand, yet not in the LEAST unintelligently (Is that a word? It's telling me it isn't...) written. I really enjoyed it- a great deal more than I thought I would.

Jane tells the story. She begins by telling about her miserable childhood. She then moves on to tell about her stay at the Rochester mansion, where most of the story takes place. I won't say anything else. I wouldn't be doing the story justice, and I don't want to give anything away.

I recommend this for ages 13 and up. (I just think older kids would get much more out of it.)

Recommended #5
Most girls consider this a book they should probably read at some point in their lives, and I agree with that.

I've seen two movie movie versions, one of which I really liked, one of which I did not. But look, if you enjoyed the book, don't bother seeing any movie. They will never make a Jane Eyre movie that's as good as the book.

Reminder- The Bronze Bow discussion starts July 24th! Read it! And join us.

Always,
Lady A

Woodward Shakespeare Festival

Greetings again...I just thought of something I should post about again, so when you are finished reading this, you may go back and read the poem I just posted!

For those of you who live in Fresno...

The Woodward Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit company that puts on FREE Shakespeare at Woodward Park! This year, the plays they are performing are The Merchant of Venice and King Lear. I have seen The Merchant of Venice, and it was great! I have heard great things about King Lear coming up as well.

Woodward Shakes has always put on awesome plays. They are an amazing company. PLEASE go enjoy a night under the starts, watching Shakespeare's great works--they are FREE, after all!

Like everyone, they are having serious financial issues. On top of that, right before the opening of The Merchant of Venice, someone stole $3000 worth of cables. AHH!!! This means for the first week or two, the cast of Merchant could not have microphones or enough lighting. They did a great job with dealing with it, but they are in the process of fixing the problem with money they don't have.
It is up to YOU to give donations if you enjoyed the show and want more of them! Even if you cannot give money, if you show up, the more people they count in the audience, the more grants they get, which is good.

@ the 13 Acre area in Woodward Park.
Show starts at 8:00.
$5 to get into the park. (Well, the park isn't free, but the Shakespeare is!)



I have always been a fan of these peeps. This season is looking fantastic! I encourage all of you to get out there and enjoy it!

Always~~
Arwen