Ahira's Hangar

I came home tonight and found my 13 year old son's latest English class assignment sitting next to the computer. He loves his English class this year. His teacher lets the kids pick out books that they want to read and do their projects on those books.

Since Mr. Sunshine is a chip off the old Mommy block in many ways, so far he has chosen either a science fiction or fantasy book for each of his projects.

I was really surprised to see that the little beloved scamp had liberated my copy of The Tombs of Atuan for the project due for tomorrow. He had not asked to borrow the book, or said anything to me about having read it, or made any comments on it (we usually talk about what he reads, since our tastes are very similar - for that matter, we usually talk about what I read for the same reason).

Anyway, the project was to make four diary entries from one of the major characters of the book. Of course, he chose Arha.

Reading his report brought the story back to me, and how darned good this book really is. Anything that can captivate both a 13 year old boy and a 41 year old woman is pretty good by definition.

Now I will have to make sure he has read the first book. I know he will love the dragons!

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Our lives are the songs that sing the universe into existence.~David Zindell
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My initial reaction was, "How can you start on the 2nd book of a series?!" But after a minute, I realized you could read this one on its own. So much is about this character and culture that we didn't see in the first book. And I guess we don't need to know Ged's history to appreciate and enjoy what he does. (In fact, I believe the true definition of trilogy says the books can be read individually, each able to stand alone. Could The Farthest Shore be read without reading the first two? Hmm, I think it could.)

Very interesting for him to have done this with a female character. I certainly hope he continues the series!!, but I wonder if he'll be disappointed that Arha isn't in the books that surround Tombs. That would be ironic. ____________
Highdrake's mastery of spells and sorcery was not much greater than his pupil's, but he had clear in his mind the idea of something very much greater, the wholeness of knowledge. And that made him a mage.<i></i>

The last line of the last of his four diary entries summed it up so well:
Quote:
Death is on my mind. All that I learned is useless now. Starting a new life will be difficult.

I know he will love the dragons and Ged in WOE, and the young King in TFS. Yet I think he will miss Arha. Reading the diary entries he made from her perspective, he really did get into the spirit of her thoughts... ******************************************************

Our lives are the songs that sing the universe into existence.~David Zindell
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Yeah, that sounds about right! ____________
Highdrake's mastery of spells and sorcery was not much greater than his pupil's, but he had clear in his mind the idea of something very much greater, the wholeness of knowledge. And that made him a mage.<i></i>

I found Wizard of Earthsea for him. He is now devouring it.

Looks like we've made another convert, Highdrake. ******************************************************

Our lives are the songs that sing the universe into existence.~David Zindell
<i></i>

Go Ursula!
Go Ursula!
Go Ursula! ____________
Highdrake's mastery of spells and sorcery was not much greater than his pupil's, but he had clear in his mind the idea of something very much greater, the wholeness of knowledge. And that made him a mage.<i></i>

*****
Before, you are wise; after, you are wise. In between you are otherwise.
Fravashi saying (from the formularies of Osho the Fool) <i></i>

Well, the rest of us only had hints of his legend for decades. But since you're only starting the series now, you'll be able to read about E-A in Tales of Earthsea, after you're done with the rest of the books. (That is, after books 1-4, Dragonfly from Tales, and The Other Wind. Then read all the other stories in Tales.)

What possible reason is there for Beorn to not participate in the group read?




Beorn,

What possible reason is there for you to not participate in the group read?