this life for rent

Thanks to Custard Kisses for leading me to this challenge.

Up until about fifteen minutes I had no idea there was a Jane Austen mystery novel, let alone a steady series that has been going strong since 1996.

Over at Austen Prose there is a reading challenge for 2011. Simple enough premise. Read the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series.

I am entering this challenge full on, pledging to read as an Aficionada, the following eleven novels:

Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor;
Jane and the Man of the Cloth;
Jane and the Wandering Eye;
Jane and the Genius of the Place;
Jane and the Stillroom Maid;
Jane and the Prisoner of the Wool House;
Jane and the Ghosts of Netley;
Jane and His Lordship's Legacy;
Jane and the Barque of Frailty;
Jane and the Madness of  Lord Byron; and
Jane and the Canterbury Tale.

Once I have finished a novel, I will post a review.

I have until December 31, 2011 to read and review all eleven novels I have pledged to read. I am confident I can do this.

I finished reading "The Books of Magic" by Neil Gaiman.

http://www.amazon.com/Books-Magic-Neil-Gaiman/dp/1563890828/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223247506&sr=1-1

As always with Gaiman, a great work, definitely read if you get the chance.


But upon finishing it, I wondered if J.K. Rowling was a comic book fan. Because the story is pretty darn similar.





"Tea Time with Gaiman and Rowling."

Setting: Interior of Gaiman's house, the kitchen.


Rowling: So Neil, I have this great idea for a story.

Gaiman: Oh?

Rowling: It will be about an ordinary British boy who is approached by mysterious and other worldly characters and told he is special and has the potential for greatness.

Gaiman: Um, Joanne. I hate to break this to you, but that is the plot for my comic book "The Books of Magic" available at fine comic book shops worldwide.

(Gaiman tosses a copy to Rowling. Rowling flips through a bit of it.)

Rowling: Did I mention there will be magic?

Gaiman: Focus, Joanne. What is the title of my comic?

Rowling: The Books of Magic. (beat) Dammit!

Gaiman: More tea?

Rowling: Did I mention he will have an owl? With a cute name?

Gaiman: You mean like an owl named Yo-Yo?

(Rowling flips further through.)

Rowling: Dammit.

Gaiman: More scones?

A Note to those who plan on reading Eragon by Christopher Paolini:


Have you seen Star Wars Episode IV?

If you answered yes, than you already know the plot to Eragon by Christopher Paolini.


------------------------------

I have a pretty high tolerance for getting through unbearable books, but Eragon by Christopher Paolini is on it's way to making my Top Five list of "Books that Stole Hours of My Life Away That I Will Never Get Back".


Yes, I know he was only 15 when he wrote this book.

Yes, I know his parents' published it.

Yes, I know the only reason mainstream book readers are aware of this book is because Carl Hiassen's stepson really dug this book and Carl decided to push it be purchased and reprinted by a larger company.

Still, This book is awful. There are moments when I get my hopes up and find myself thinking "Hey, this is getting better".

And then I read the next chapter and find myself wondering why it sounds so familiar, only to realise that I have seen this movie, it's called Star Wars:Episode IV.

And then I read the next chapter and wonder why it sounds so familiar only to realize that it is an orgy of every fantasy cliche ever known.

And do not get me started on the "Ancient Language" that the author attempts to create.

I had my friend, Shaun, the lingiust look over the Ancient Language glossary and he had a mild stroke.

-----------------------

Final Word:

See the movie if you wish, but be forewarned, it is going to be a fantasy cliche orgy.

Don't even bother checking this book out from the library



----------------

One Final Note:

A note to those who wish to read the second book, Eldest by Christopher Paolini.

Have you seen Star Wars episode V?

If you answered yes, than you already know the plot to Eldest by Christopher Paolini.