The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander also was listed as a favorite book by the Fedor family Christmas letter (specifically Katherine). I read it on a weekend for an escape; it was fast and fun. I haven’t read many books in this genre, and (so perhaps naturally?) this one reminded me a bit of Lord of the Rings, although the Gollum figure in this novel is sweet not sinister, begging for crunchings and munchings. Also this novel is not as thick or as heavy, literally and metaphorically, as Tolkien. Cute characters, insightful dialogue, intense adventure – and lots of giggles. Perhaps I should pick up another one in Alexander’s series?!
“Why? ” Dallben interrupted. “In some cases,” he said, “we learn more by looking for the answer to the question and not finding it then we do from learning the answer itself. This is one of those cases….” page 9
“I have studied the race of men, ” Medwyn continued. “I have seen that alone you stand as week reeds by a lake. You must learn to help yourselves, that is true; but you must also learn to help one another. Are you not, all of you, lame ants?” p 121
“It’s silly,” Eilonwy added, “to worry because you can’t do something you simply can’t do. That’s worse than trying to make yourself taller by standing on your head.” p 150
5 responses so far ↓
1 Michael Hanscom // Feb 3, 2005 at 10:05 am
Ack! Months ago I intended to write up a post about the Prydain Chronicles, and it seems to have been one of the many projects of mine to fall through the cracks. Maybe this post will be the inspiration I need to actually follow through on that. 🙂
In brief, though, I’d highly recommend continuing through the series. I’ve got fond memories of reading those as a kid, and it was fun to re-read them a few months ago.
2 Anita Rowland // Feb 4, 2005 at 8:32 pm
I’m with Michael! I read these as a kid and liked them a lot. Maybe a read-aloud with your oldest girl?
3 Garrett Fitzgerald // Feb 5, 2005 at 11:29 am
Oh, yes, you definitely need to read the rest of them. Then, pick up Susan Cooper’s _Over Sea, Under Stone_ from The Dark Is Rising, which plays with some of the same Welsh mythological themes.
4 Kassi // Dec 13, 2005 at 6:41 pm
My favorite series of books like ever. I highly recomend them. I liked them so much I read all five twice. I also wish that Lloyd Alexander continue with the writings in The Chronicles of Prydain. These are the best books ever. If you haven’t read them. Go get them NOW and start right away.
5 Kassi // Dec 13, 2005 at 6:41 pm
My favorite series of books like ever. I highly recomend them. I liked them so much I read all five twice. I also wish that Lloyd Alexander continue with the writings in The Chronicles of Prydain. These are the best books ever. If you haven’t read them, Go get them NOW and start right away.
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