In my defense, I have been offline pulling together and practicing my presentation tomorrow at the Writing and Illustrating For Young Readers Workshop tomorrow. I just realized I completely forgot to post my Friday Reads suggestion on Friday. Oh, well, better late than never, right?
On another note, I have had the privilege of getting to know Elizabeth a little on a message board I frequent. It was there that I first heard about this book.
A Curse Dark as Goldby Elizabeth C. Bunce
For: Ages 12-18
Genre: Fantasy, Fairytale retelling
Published: 2008
Description: Charlotte Miller has always scoffed at talk of a curse on her family's woolen mill, which holds her beloved small town together. But after her father's death, the bad luck piles up: departing workers, impossible debts, an overbearing uncle. Then a stranger named Jack Spinner offers a tempting proposition: He can turn straw into gold thread, for the small price of her mother's ring. As Charlotte is drawn deeper into her bargains with Spinner-and a romance with the local banker-she must unravel the truth of the curse on the mill and save the community she's always called home.
Why I liked it: This book has romance, suspense, and some spookiness, too. And I loved seeing deeper into the characters lives behind the already familiar story. As usual, I was drawn to the characters, but more than anything I do love that it ended on a more uplifting note than the original fairy tale.
The writing is so good that I felt like stuffing it in my mouth and eating it when I first read it! (I was in Germany, and very word-starved.) I agree, it's great!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Rose! It was good enough to eat!
DeleteElizabeth Bunce is a beautiful writer. I like her prose very much. Have you read her next two books, Star Crossed and Liar's Moon? If you liked 'A Curse...,' I think you have a couple more treats coming.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the other two yet, but they are on my list. I'm glad to hear they are just as good (better, even?) than this one was.
DeleteI've heard of this book and that it's good. I love the title. and of course I love fairytale retellings. I need to read this one. Good luck with your presentation. I'm sure you'll do great. Wish I could be there.
ReplyDeleteYou should read it, Al. For research purposes, of course...(like you need an excuse to read a good book lol). And thanks for the luck. The presentation went well (I hope). And it's over, which is the best news. ;)
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