Why, on the 30th of December, am I publishing a post on Christmas literary recommendations? Firstly because, in the words of Bob Cratchit, I was making rather merry—and still am! Hence the short post, as well. Secondly because (and this is for another post), Christmas has not ended! In the Church (outside of which ChristmasContinue reading “Christmas Reading List”
Tag Archives: Writing
Clay & Steel: Differences between Children’s Stories, Young Adult, & Adult
A while back I was trying to determine what distinguishes children’s books—specifically for older children, say age 10 on average—from young adult, and young adult from adult novels. I think it may consist partly in the following. The protagonists in children’s books are generally not on a path of self-discovery, but rather have a practicalContinue reading “Clay & Steel: Differences between Children’s Stories, Young Adult, & Adult”
Lloyd Alexander’s Gypsy Rizka: A Delightful Read!
I nearly missed this book! I was at The Dusty Bookshelf looking for The Prydain Chronicles, and almost walked away without seeing that Lloyd Alexander’s books occupied another shelf! I had previously seen Gypsy Rizka listed among his works on Audible and it sounded interesting. I had no idea it would be so good! ItsContinue reading “Lloyd Alexander’s Gypsy Rizka: A Delightful Read!”
Book Review & Analysis of Children’s Stories: The Mysterious Benedict Society
A delightful read, which exemplifies two or three characteristics especially important in children’s books. The first of these is a catalyst right at the start (or nearly so). If we look at some other well-done (or at least popular) children’s stories, all or nearly all of the following have the inciting incident occurring within theContinue reading “Book Review & Analysis of Children’s Stories: The Mysterious Benedict Society”
The Purpose of Art & My Struggle to Write: A Reflexion on J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Leaf by Niggle’
Last Sunday I was getting ready to head home from Mass, which takes a little under an hour, and was wondering whether I might listen to an audiobook or pray a Rosary on the way home when a wonderful and providential thought came into my head. I had just finished J. R. R. Tolkien’s TheContinue reading “The Purpose of Art & My Struggle to Write: A Reflexion on J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Leaf by Niggle’”
The Curious Critic 