Once again, I was the last one in my family to read The Goose Girl. And I'm the one that's supposedly studying English Literature at the University of Utah... Apparently it's not yet part of the literary canon. Ironically, my Dad worked with Shannon Hale at Allen Communication once upon a time. He'd have to clarify what exactly her job title was. I've listened to many family conversations about the book, but I'd never taken a gander for myself. Well, now I'll have something to say tomorrow night at Sunday dinner!
I enjoyed the book. It was a little slow getting started, but once it got going, it had enough momentum to keep me interested. The plot is somewhat predictable. From the onset, the Cinderella formula is apparent. If you go in for the plot, you'll be disappointed. By then end of the book, I was almost hoping that something would go wrong. It just seems that all the books I've read lately tie up all the loose ends in a nice pretty bow. Is this not the case with the majority of books out there? Why do so many of them end that way? Is it because authors don't believe that their books will sell if it they don't include a happy-ever-after ending? Why then do literature classes insist of teaching all of the books out there in which everyone dies? Do we indeed place more value on the "depressing" books, even though we enjoy the happy-ever-after stories more? Do we all just wish we could live out or lives in a fantasy world? I welcome any insights or discussion regarding these questions.
There are three elements of the book that I believe special attention and praise. The first is the poetic language that Shannon employs. This book makes for a fantastic bedtime story. The gentle sway of her words have a tendency to lull the reader into a pleasurable state of relaxation. The second is her treatment of magic, important but not overbearing. Her treatment of animal speaking, people speaking, and interacting with the wind was quite intriguing. And of course, number three, let's not forget the chickflickgoodness...
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When we read books we have a goal in mind. To gain further knowledge, to open our minds to new ideas, or a myriad of other reasons. I think one of the reasons that we read novels, is a form of escape or entertainment. It is a way for us, at least for a small amount of time, to leave our sometimes harried lives and jump into something new. Personally, when I want to escape from my own world and jump into something else, I want a guarantee that everything will work out. Why? Because normally my life doesn't work that way and it's nice sometimes for everything to be all wrapped up in a happy little package of predictability. Granted if everything in life went the way of many happily ever after novels, it might get a bit boring, but I like the occasional escape into a world where I know the ending. It's less work :) and sometimes we all need a break from reality.
You like chickflickgoodness, do you? Amazing.
So what makes these predictable stories enjoyable? Because if you were Cinderella, given your current situation you would never imagine a dream-come-true ending for yourself. The impossible dream becoming reality is the fun part to watch.
Shannon,
You bring up an interesting point. You read as an escape from the mundane world. I wonder if there is a difference in reading preferences (happy endings vs. unhappy endings) between the rich who have money to buy adventures and the poor college students like us that spend our lives looking forward to the future... Thoughts?
Well, except for that empanada adventure. They were absolutely fantastic. You should fly down to Argentina and teach some enrichment night cooking classes... :)
Alecia,
Chickflickgoodness? Absolutely. My reasoning goes as follows.
1 - Girl love chickflickgoodness.
2 - Girls watch these movies so much that they come to expect similar stories to take place in their own lives.
3 - Guys typically are not exposed to chickflickgoodness situations in daily life.
4 - Guys must therefore compensate by watching chickflickgoodness in order to understand the chickflickgoodness trade.
5 - Girls prefer a guy that can provide them with chickflickgoodness experiences.
I watch them in small doses, but I do watch them.
A few pensamientos (it just sounds better :) whenever life is “boring” it is my own fault. Life is what we make of it and if we are not enjoying it, then we need to change something. If I insinuated that the world is boring, it was not intended. I only hope that I will be able to continuously seek the different and novel in order to further expand my horizons and understanding of this world. There are so many new things and people always awaiting discovery.
I think the idea of class distinction is interesting. While at first glance it may appear as though “the rich” can have more opportunities for adventure, I must beg to differ. Adventure can be found in any location or time, especially if you dig a little. We may not have the ease to travel without lots of planning and saving, but it can be done. One thing that I have had drilled into my head during this time of my life is that there is no time like the present. Make the most of what you have and go grab life by the throat. Go out on a limb. You may fall off, but you also might have the chance to see something incredible, life-changing, and beautiful. However, with this adventuresome spirit and falling off branches, sometimes we get hurt and disappointed. So in these moments of life, I like to have a few hours of time to remind me that things do work out sometimes, and to help encourage me to take another step into the dark to see what might be waiting. As for Argentina? Find me a plane ticket and I’m on my way. Let’s just say that “planning and saving” are still in the process. :)
I finally read this!! And loved it. Definitely agree with your 4 of 5. I might have gone for 4 of 5 traitorous wenches, but...yeah.
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