Dianne Wynne Jones: Howl's Moving Castle

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I bought this book. A lot of friends had been praising it and I became curious about it. While I was otherwise occupied reading other books, it sat on my shelf along with my many other TBR books (standing at 117 right now) where I soon forgot it. When I was visiting friends on my trip, a couple of them talked to me about this book. It soon got so I was very eager to read it once I got back. I felt tortured by all the time that had to pass before I would be able to get to it. Happily, I began reading it the day I got home, nevermind the huge events of that weekend.

I loved this book! It went with me everywhere. I was teased for carrying a book in my purse and had to remind people this is what I always do. I was so busy that I'd take it out for hardly a minute before I would have to put it aside, but soon enough I could read for long amounts of time and that's when I could really enjoy it.

There were a few things in this book I thought I saw coming though it also held surprises. From page one, it's let on to the reader as though the first born child in a family never stands a chance and that the chance at happiness and a successful life come strongest to the child who is the last born. I wasn't quite sure if this was simply Sophie's belief, or a general opinion where the book takes place. Either way, I was upset for Sophie, the first born of three daughters, for not seeing that she could have more. She seemed happy enough with her small life, however, and probably would have kept living that way. Except! I won't give spoilers, but clearly a book has to change. Joseph Campbell says there is always the call to adventure, be it forced or otherwise. I was very happy with the ending and would read this book again. I want to continue the series and am going to just as soon as I can manage to get copies of the other books. I can't wait to read them!

(No counter because I have six more books to write about that I've read since this one. I'm getting one entry done a day, though the next four will be grouped in one entry.)