The "Dr. Who Files Lost Potter" Library

I really liked Magic for Beginners mostly because of what seemed like clear references to many famous sci-fi/fantasy shows on television in connection to "The Library". The conversation at the beginning of the story about why would Fox let Prince Wing kill her even though Fox was so much stronger reminds me of the endless debate about why Dumbledore would allow Snape to kill him. The idea that the actor playing Fox was normally a revolving stable of actors reminded me a lot of Dr. Who and how there have been multiple actors who've played the time lord. I was also reminded heavily of Doctor Who when they were talking about how The Library wasn't really a set network television show. It just came on whenever it came on. As an American I have no clue when BBC airs Dr. Who and I just catch it on random cable channels whenever a marathon or some random episode might be on. It also reminds me of how LOST was in the earlier seasons when they were constantly on hiatus and it would be an extremely long wait between episodes(sometimes months at a time). I'm not sure what this adds to the overall conversation and topic of Magic For Beginners but it was something that stuck in my mind throughout reading the story.

Simple

So my favorite line from "Pretty Monsters" was, "Not good," Bad says.

So simple. So concise.

Crazy endings

I don't know about what you all think, but these endings sure do leave me confused. I have many questions when each story ends, plus I never suspect the ending to be anything like it is. She just throws me off every time. Does this happen to y'all too?

Twins in the Fantastic

Has anyone noticed that alot of these stories seem to have mentions of twins in them? I thought this was kind of interesting seeing as twins has always been considered mystical or good/bad luck in folklore. they definitely made an appearance in Monster, Specialist's Hat and Wizards of Perfil. Which kind of makes me interested in this as a paper topic . . . hmmm.

This has been by far my favorite reading assignment we've had. The whole book, and especially Wizards of Perfil reminds me a lot of the writing style in Wicked. Did anyone else get that vibe?

I Gotta Feeling

I noticed a theme in "The Wizards of Perfil" that was also in "Stone Animals." The characters feel the supernatural qualities of objects. The characters in "Stone Animals" frequently state that objects feel haunted. In "The Wizards of Perfil," "Some things felt more magic-soaked than other things" (44).

The Specialist Hat

Oh, Kelly Link...

I actually liked this story of hers because I felt like I could finish the story without her help. It reminded me a great deal of "The Others" with Nicole Kidman.

I found another blog that was focusing on this story if anyone's interested: http://acurioussingularity.blogspot.com/

I looked up "The One Who is Watching Me Through the Window," but it is not a real book, unfortunately. And, as far as I can tell, Eight Chimneys is not a real place, either. Although, that would have added a lot to the story, at least for me.

Throughout Link's stories, it seems that's easier for her to not end the stories. This is purely my opinion, but I want someone who forms the plot and spells it out. But maybe you like the freedom of forming your own stories and conclusions.

Space Case

This week my dad reminded me of the first book I ever bought on my own. I was also the first science fiction book I ever read. The title was Space Case. I remember the opening lines were, " It came from outer space to have a look around, and to meet the natives who were not especially friendly." I loved this book so much that my dad and I memorized the lines and would recite them to each other. If you have a little brother or sister who is interested in science fiction I would highly recommend reading them this book.