Real Life Quidditch Skydive

Nobody will ever convince me that skydiving is a good idea, but these fellows seem to be having fun.

Bookish Links du Jour 3/1/15

Here's one way to enjoy the snowy weather...

Is that a #Hogwarts snow sculpture we see?! MT @PeteKotsonis: Lumos! #harrypotter pic.twitter.com/vGSUlTqY0o
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) February 25, 2015

There's a new Dr. Seuss book is coming out this summer. What Pet Should I Get? is a continuation of One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and makes for the seventh posthumously published Seuss book (not counting the 40 plus Cat in the Hat adaptations put out by Tish Rabe and Bonnie Worth.)

Grinches are looking to shut down Little Free Libraries, usually citing building codes and permits. What a shame. The basic idea behind Little Free Libraries is so charming and beautiful - to share favorite books with the community and foster neighborliness. If I had one argument with Little Free Libraries, it's that sadly, I see too many people treat them as "dumping grounds" for books of questionable quality. I've seen far too many moldy books, tattered newspapers, outdated appliance manuals and the like stashed in LFL's around town. C'mon, people! Use them in the spirit that they're intended and the world will be a better place.

People are talking about Pattern Recognition's blog post about shamefully low library director salaries in the rural U.S. Check out the comments for some interesting opinions.

Harry Potter news

Harry Potter news: new art has been revealed! I like how the characters don't look movie star perfect in these illustrations.


What?? This lady apparently has a beef with Harry Potter fans in her rant against this wonderful Golden Snitch engagement ring. I'm astonished! First, even if you don't know what it is, it's a lovely looking ring. Second, for folks who grew up with Harry Potter, there's so much positive symbolism there. As a huge nerd myself, I am all for book-inspired jewelry.

J.K. Rowling gives some writing advice on twitter.

New Harry Potter artwork

Mary GrandPre, the artist for the American editions of Harry Potter has released some rarely seen full-color artwork depicting additional scenes from the series. Check out the complete set over at Buzzfeed.

New Harry Potter covers

I'm so excited to hear that Kazu Kibuishi has been selected to create all new covers for the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter. I love seeing different artists interpret the series in different way. This new cover may even rival my favorite version so far, the Signature covers, featuring J.K. Rowling's signature and a simple image on a cream background. Seeing the 10th anniversary edition cover, with Harry gazing into the Mirror of Erised by Mary GrandPré, the same artist who did the covers for all the American editions, was also a special treat, but I have to say, I'm even more thrilled with the Kibuishi design. I like this moment - when Harry and Hagrid go shopping for school supplies on Diagon Alley. Hedwig's wings, spread behind Harry make him look particularly angelic. I'm glad they kept the iconic Harry Potter jagged lightning font. And those bored wizards milling around in the background totally complete the scene! I'm really looking forward to seeing the rest of the Kibuishi covers.

Crave review

Crave
by Melissa Darnell
HarlequinTeen
October 2011

First line: The last day I was fully human started out like any other April Monday in East Texas.

Savannah Colbert is a total outcast in her small Texas town. Her grandmother is a stereotypical "iron fist in a velvet glove" Southern lady, and her mother is mentally and emotionally checked out as she focuses on her work at home business. Savannah's town seems full of secrets. Rumor has it that the influential and wealthy members of town are all part of a "Clann" with magical abilities: including her longtime childhood crush, Tristan.

I was a bit confused by the emotional highs and lows of the main character: she hates her dance classes, because she's so clumsy, even as she longs to impress her distant and aloof divorced father. But then, she loves dance, because it's her passion and the only thing she feels like she's good at. That part kind of didn't flow for me.

Savannah struggles with her mysterious physical symptoms and fears about what will happen as she struggles to integrate her vampire and magical heritage. Naturally, her new powers bring perfect physical coordination (which she must hide, lest she be discovered) and irresistible charm for most human males. In the meantime, Tristan works on mastering his magical powers, and his worries of letting his family down with his forbidden romance.

This book clocks in at a lengthy 416 pages, but despite the relatively slow moving plot, it still moved quickly for me, because of the intense relationship between Savannah and Tristan. I'll put this in the hands of paranormal romance fans who are sick of triangles.

Compare to:
Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz
The Mephisto Covenant - Trinity Fagan
Misfit - Jon Skovan

Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Rejected Voldemort names

Thinking up a flashy stage name isn't easy. Here's some evidence of possibilities that Volde... ahem, "He Who Must Not Be Named" rejected.

Huffepuff video

"I'm a Hufflepuff!" This video made me lol.

Harry Potter pencils

This is cool! Here's a shop on etsy, where the seller creates Harry Potter pencils. The only quibble I have is that you can't really choose what quotes you'll get. (Although they try to take requests.) There's lots of others there too, Hunger Games pencils, Percy Jackson, Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare. Neat!

Keep Calm Harry Potter

This is possibly, the best variation on "Keep Calm and Carry On" that I've seen yet. Harry Potter inspired, of course. It's put out by Witty Tees - I found it on RedBubble.

Harry Potter Travel Posters

 

 

Check out these awesome travel posters. Designer Caroline Hadilkasono says, "What if muggles get to enter the wizarding world? It’s completely plausible... One day it might just be possible that the divide between the magical and the non-magical world would be lifted." They're available as prints or as a postcard set.

Unwanteds book trailer

Check out this amazing book trailer for The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann. As if I wasn't excited enough about this new book. The trailer looks awesome!

Hopping around

The Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.

This week's question is:

Many of us primarily read one genre of books, with others sprinkled in. If authors stopped writing that genre, what genre would you start reading? Or would you give up reading completely if you couldn’t read that genre anymore?


I'm sure it's no secret that fantasy is my favorite genre. I feel lucky that it's probably the most popular genre right now, and has been for at least a decade. I'm tempted to cheat and say if fantasy were no more, I'd read science-fiction, but honestly, the two are lumped together so often, and indeed, sometimes even intermingle in a single book, they're practically extensions of each other. Or non-identical twins, let's say. If I was going to read something really different, I think I'd go with mysteries, especially historical mysteries like Anne Perry's William Monk and Thomas Pitt series. I like cozy mysteries, since the focus is solving the puzzle, without too many gory details on how the murder crime happened. I also like missing treasure mysteries, where no one dies, but the hunt is on for a fantastic hidden treasure, or a lost or stolen artifact.

Parajunkee's View has an interesting question for Follow Friday this week. I can't claim to be properly participating, since I'm pretty selective about who I follow, but she asks: 

Have you ever wanted a villain to win at the end of a story? If so, which one??

Yes, naturally, I root for Snape to win at the end of Harry Potter! Spoilers ahead... Dumbledore was so very old anyway, what if he had just died of natural causes, leaving Snape's reputation (relatively) unsullied. Then Snape could become Headmaster at Hogwarts, freeing him up to harass generations of Potter kids! Rowling has said in interviews that she thinks Snape only gets so much sympathy because Alan Rickman is a brilliant actor, but that's not true! Snape is such a well-rounded character, with an interesting backstory. And sure, Harry has been treated badly by the Dursleys his whole life, but once he gets to Hogwarts, he kind of becomes Wonder Boy, and it's good to see at least one adult prepared to give him a hard time about bending or breaking so many rules.

You know that I'm not too villainous... it's not like I'm rooting for Voldemort, after all!

This is Not Harry Potter

It's been around for a while, but I've just discovered this video by Hank Green (brother of John Green) of Nerdfighteria and VLog Brothers fame. I dunno. I'm kind of in a reading rut lately, and this perfectly describes my mood.

Harry Potter anime

This is an amazing intrepretation of what Harry Potter would look like if it were anime. I think I can tell who nearly everyone is. I wish I knew who the artist was! Does anyone know? Check out this site for the full banner, in all its embiggened glory.

Harry Potter Inspired

Lots of Harry Potter inspired stuff on the interwebs this week.

If you haven't already, check out Hark: A Vagrant's Tiny Hermione series.

Emmy Cicierega has a series of Snape-inspired cartoons, including this one, of Harry Potter's son, Albus Severus Potter.

Finally, don't miss out on Lucy Knisley's interpretation of the Harry Potter series in comic book form.

Internets are awesome

I've been running across so much awesome stuff on the internet this week, I've just gotta share!

I had no idea that Maurice Sendak almost illustrated The Hobbit.

Here's a funny spoof of The Animorphs.

Check out the snarky goodness at Better Book Titles.

I'm sure I'm the last person in the world to discover this, but famed YA author John Green's YouTube channel is made of win. He and his brother Hank are hilarious. Go Nerdfighters! Also, while you're there, check out Jackson Pearce's YouTube channel: bonus points for being smart and funny and photogenic.

Hurrah, it's a mash-up of two of my favorite things: Jane Austen and Harry Potter. While you're at it, check out this amazing HP-themed marriage proposal.

I may be deliriously unmusical, but I still appreciate this: What if your favorite album was a book? Purple Rain is my favorite!

This video almost makes me wish I lived in New York.

Dream of books in this cozy book bed.

Nom, nom, nom. Book cupcake.

Amazing embroidered book covers!

The Aurors video

April Fool's may be over, but here's one prank that I wish were real. A trailer for a "TV series" based on the continuing adventures of Harry Potter as a crime-fighter on The Aurors.  Enjoy!

False Princess review

The False Princess

by Eilis O'Neal

Egmont USA

January 2011 

I loved this book, which turns the traditional story of a simple girl who discovers that she's secretly a princess on its head. Nalia, princess of the kingdom of Thorvaldor, finds her life turned upside down when just after her 16th birthday she is summoned before the King and Queen who deliver the shocking news that she is not their daughter. Because of a frightening prophecy that the princess would be killed before her 16th birthday, the monarchs decided to swap their daughter for a decoy, raising the real princess in obscurity and safety. With the help of wizard advisors to the court, they have been casting spells on Nalia her whole life, unbeknownst to her, to strengthen the disguise. Hastily removed from the only life she's ever known, Nalia, now called by her birth name of Sinda, is forced to rely on the mercy of her only living relative, a distant aunt, who is none too pleased at the intrusion in her life.

While Sinda is devastated at losing her best friend, Kiernan, and the comforts of court, she isn't as hurt on one might expect by her adoptive parents rejection of her, which made sense, as they are busy with affairs of state and have mostly left her upbringing to tutors and nannies. She even reasons that it's understandable that they would give her so little to live on after leaving the royal palace, since they may fear she would attempt some kind of revenge after their poor treatment of her. 

Living with her aunt Varil proves to be a disaster right from the start. When her aunt asks her what sort of useful skills she has, Sinda replies that she can speak several languages, knows the history of Thorvald and its neighboring kingdoms going centuries back, is familiar with courtly dancing and fine embroidery, her aunt rolls her eyes in disgust that the girl can't even handle simple cooking and cleaning. Sinda's simplest dresses brought from court are considered too fine for everyday wear in the hardscrabble peasant village she finds herself in. For me, the story really gets going when Sinda discovers that as the dampening effects of the wizard's spells on her die off, she has a wild, untamed magic of her own, something that she must quickly learn to control, lest she endanger others with her runaway magic. It was satisfying, if a bit unbelievable, when she confronts her aunt, who offers an apology and explanation for her gruff behavior, before parting company.

Returning to the city, Sinda hopes to gain admission to the wizard's college, and is shocked when she learns that places at the school are reserved for the wealthy upperclasses only, despite the dangers of having magically gifted peasantry around. Eventually, Sinda secures employment as a scribe with unconventional female wizard, Philantha, who agrees to tutor her on the sly. The final third of the book races to a breakneck conclusion, as Sinda and Kiernan uncover a vast conspiracy involving the prophets, the wizards and the royal family. Sinda's hurt pride is apparent as she attempts to redeem herself and prove that she has more value than just as a decoy. Her rude introduction to how the other half lives is something which may open the royal family's eyes to many social injustices in the land.

The ending of this book was a little convoluted, but Sinda is eventually able to wade through all the court politics to a satisfying conclusion. I only felt sorry that the ending does not obviously seem to invite the possibility for a sequel! The False Princess has got to be one of the best fantasy novels I've read in a while, full of magic, intrigue, and just the barest hint of romance. I highly recommend it.

I borrowed this book from the library.
I read this book for the 2011 Debut Author Challenge.

Hogwarts visit

Last weekend I went to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando. I went on a few rides, explored Hogsmeade and sampled the butterbeer. What a fantastic mini-vacation. The park really did a phenomenal job of bringing the whole world to life. It was awesome!

Upon first entering the park, attendants take your fingerprint, which seemed a little creepy... but the reason become clear, when I found that the free lockers (for storing your bag and other items when going on turbulent rides) are opened and closed using your fingerprint scan. The scan also prevents park tickets from being stolen or transferred. The park was broken into several different themed "Islands" of which Harry Potter was one. Entering that section, the first thing you encounter is the Hogwarts Express with signs for Platform 9 ¾. 

It was surreal to look around in the muggy Florida heat and see snow-covered rooftops. It was very crowded, as you can see. (Note the butterbeer wagon in the distance.)

The whole street was laid out with plenty of attention to detail. You can even mail a postcard from the park, and they'll postmark it, "Hogsmeade" 

The Harry Potter portion of the park was actually quite small... just three rides, plus the street for shopping. Obviously, I wanted to see the main attraction first... I headed straight up to wait in line for the Forbidden Journey ride at Hogwarts Castle. 

We're all familiar with this sign: You must be this tall to ride. 

But, I found another sign throughout the park, a sad testament to America's weight problem. The full text reads, "Notice from the Department of Magical Transportation. Test This Seat Before Riding. The attraction's seat restraints may not accommodate guests with certain body dimensions. Please use this test seat to ensure your ability to ride." I guess this is to spare overweight park-goers the embarrassment of being asked to leave without riding if they prove too fat to fit in the seat. 

The line for the Harry Potter ride reminded me of the Indiana Jones or Star Wars lines at Disney, in that they've attempted to make waiting in line as fun as possible. Mercifully, most of the time spent waiting was in the shady covered greenhouse just outside the castle. Once inside, you pass through several rooms, with a few special effects. The Portraits Hall, including the Fat Lady who guards the entrance to Gryffindor's section, Dumbledore's office (his pensieve is close enough to touch), and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom are probably the most memorable. As you enter, the Sorting Hat gives some instructions. The actual ride is a motion generator which combines animatronics with full screen flying experiences. The first portion of the ride, I really enjoyed... you are flying to meet up at a Quidditch match, soaring over the towers of Hogwarts, when you are attacked by a dragon. An animatronic dragon roars hotly at you, causing you to fly into the Forbidden Forest which is full of spiders. This was the part where I was ready for the ride to end. I was so afraid that they might dangle string or somesuch to simulate a crawling sensation, I shrank into my seat in fear for the rest of the ride. Unfortunately, there was a lot more flying, swooping, falling and whatnot before the ride was over. When the ride finally ended, I stepped off into the giftshop where they'll post pictures of you on the ride. My companions were all smiling, "thumbs-up" and clearly enjoying themselves. I, on the other hand, had the most ridiculously terrified expression that one can imagine. Words fail me. I can't express how miserably craven I looked. I kind of wish that I had bought a copy of the picture, because it's so over-the-top. But, I wasn't willing to pay $29.95 or however much it was for such a thoroughly unflattering photo of myself. Ah well, perhaps it's for the best. 

After that, I decided to steady my nerves with some butterbeer. It was quite good! I had been expecting something a little more exotic... more alien, and British tasting i.e, not incredibly delicious. It was a very, very sweet, non-alchoholic beverage. Basically, if you took a cream soda and added just a drop of butterscotch flavoring, I think you'd have it. 

Next, I tried the much tamer Flight of the Hippogriff, a kiddie coaster, decorated in a wicker motif, with a few drops and sharp turns, but no upside down movement. Just outside the ride is Hagrid's shack, where you can hear mysterious growling noises, and a bemused Hagrid trying to calm the creature. 

There's a third ride, The Dragon's Challenge, a more intense roller coaster, which after my spectacular show of cowardice on the Forbidden Journey ride, I decided to skip. So, then it was on to do some shopping! As I mentioned before, not a single detail was overlooked on the entire street, and by this point the crowds were really in full force. There were lines to get into the stores. But, when you see how amazing they looked, perhaps you'll understand why. The longest line was for Ollivander's Wand Shop. They had all these beautiful boxes of wands, many of them reproductions from the movies, but many original ones as well. They even had a wall of animatronic owls and "overstock" of wands piled to the ceiling. 

 

Here's a picture of me, in front of Hogwarts during a less panicked moment. The whole experience was really neat! I would definitely go again.