My Name is Mina by David Almond

My Name is Mina by David Almond

Rating: G, 5 stars

Summary: Mina doesn't have any friends. For most children, this would be a terrible loss. But Mina has an incredible imagination, and she uses this to fill the pages of her journal, giving the reader a glimpse into the world as only a child can see it. Mina's journal recounts her journey to find a good education, after leaving the public school, her trip into an old mine shaft, and so much more. All of these are told deftly in Mina's unique voice.

Opinions: I didn't know this books was a prequel to Skellig until after I had finished it. And I'm ok with that. This book is lyrical, so transformative, that I didn't feel I was missing a single thing while reading it, except for maybe 100 additional pages of Almond's poetic prose. Seriously, I need to read Skellig now to figure out whether or not all of his books are this poetic.

I picked up this book because I was fascinated with the cover. I couldn't tell if the title was simply My Name is Mina, or if it was My Name is Mina and I love the Night, or what. That alone intrigued me. And then I opened the book. The opening passage was beautiful. I started this book half an hour before I had class, and I regretted it. If I'd had the time, I would have read all of it in one sitting. As it was, this was a book that snuck out during dinner, at breaks in class, right before bed, etc.

What makes this book succeed so much is the voice. The actual plot and the character would be good, but nothing spectacular, without Mina's voice. The way she sees the world is imperative to how well the book reads. My Name is Mina is filled with unique formatting and different font sizes that truly communicate Mina's voice. Almond created a narrator who simultaneously thinks like a child and speaks with a profoundness that many adults lack. The stereotype that “children's” is synonymous with simple is absolutely shattered in this book, and shattered only in the best way possible.

Basically, I loved this book. There were times that the sheer beauty of the prose nearly had me in tears. I think this is the type of book that anyone can and will enjoy. I think children will be drawn in by the surface simplicity, while adults will fall in love with prose and the beautiful undercurrents. This is a book that everyone should read.

A Dignity of Dragons by Jacqueline K. Ogburn

A Dignity of Dragons by Jacqueline K. Ogburn, illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli

Rating: G; 5 stars

Summary: You know that a group of lions is a pride, and a group of fish is a school. But did you know that a group of dragons is a dignity? This short book is filled with group names for both common and obscure fantasy creatures. There were many creatures that I hadn't even heard of (and I say that as an avid reader and writer of fantasy). The back of the book includes descriptions of each creature mentioned.

Opinions: Conceptually, this book is really cool. It's quirky and clever, and I feel like there's been a place for this book within fantasy for years. But what really drew me in were the stunning illustrations. They are absolutely gorgeous, and I can't wait to find some more books illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli. There are many books that can be boiled down to either writing/concept or illustrations, but I don't think that's the case with this book. Both work together seamlessly to create a picture book that is sure to be well-loved. At the risk of sounding like I'm gushing, let me make this clear: I don't read many picture books, at least, not when there aren't small children around me. I was nearly late to class in my rush to check this book out from the library. It was worth it. I enjoyed this so much. It took me maybe five minutes to read. Maybe. But the beauty of this book and the lasting impression is wonderful. The excellent concept was handled deftly, and that combined with the illustrations made this a wonderful book. It was such an excellent experience that I almost forgot it was indeed a book that I read. Silly me. So seriously, this is a good book.

And, since this is such a short review (sorry, I'm not used to reviewing such short books!), time for some housekeeping things. No, this blog is not dead. I'm back at school now, so I'm trying to catch up on actually reading books and writing reviews. I'm definitely doing at least one a month now. I'll try to do every other week and hopefully build up to every week again. I miss being able to update every week. I'm trying, guys. Please bear (bare?) with me.

Also, it's Banned Books Week! Yay! This is my favorite week of the year (although the fact that it's necessary is upsetting). I would have loved to do a detailed post on book banning, but again, I am back in school, and that means that ALL THE TIME is gone. So here's a substitute: read banned books. They are good for your character and are filled with fiber.

Again, I'll try to stay on top of things from now on. I love you all, my dear readers!