Weekend READcap: John Connolly's The Book of Lost Things

Welcome to the

WEEKEND REadCAP, 

Please note that the set-up of these book discussions has changed slightly. 
I've always had the intention of doing more of a discussion than a review, 
but I also want to be as spoiler free as possible. 
As seen in my occasional TV reviews, my Weekend READcaps 
will take on a superlative style. Take a look...

Pick It Up If You Liked:
The Chronicles of Narnia, Pan's Labyrinth
Yes, these two stories are very different. This story meets somewhere in the middle - closer to the concepts of C.S. Lewis, but with mild spurts of violence/gore.



Favorite Quote:
"His realm may be falling to pieces around him, but he always has time to talk of tales."
First, I would like to say that this line reminds me of the great Jed Bartlett of The West Wing. Second, this idea speaks to the importance of stories not only within this novel, but also in life.





Favorite Concept Within the Novel:
The books talk! 
At all times, they're murmuring, interpreting things according to their story and David's the only one who can hear them. I only wish that this concept was more prominent in the overall story arc.
"Sometimes, when Dr. Moberly asked a question of which the books approved, they would all say 'Hmmmmm' in unison."


Favorite Aspect of Storytelling:
Mr. Connolly's handling of classic fairytales. 
He infused these well known tales into David's story, but gave them much different endings and realities than the ones we're used to. I'm aware that Grimm's fairy tales are much more dark and gory than the pop culture versions we grew up with - the fairytales in this story, however, are twisted in different ways. Think: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs.
"They said that every society, and every age, produced its own version of the same tales."

Favorite Exchange:

"Um what about 'happily ever after'?" asked David, a little uncertainly. "What does that mean?"

"Eaten quickly," said Brother Number One.

This exchange is silly on its own, but even better when you read it in context.

Favorite Extra Content:
The fairytale glossary in the appendix.
Mr. Connolly explains what classic stories (most fairytales, other poems) he used within his novel. He then goes on to detail what aspect of the story inspired him and how he enfolded it into his character's journey.


What To Look Out For:
An allegory.
This world is not only an escape for David, but also look at it as a larger comment on life and spiritualism.
"He was there when the first men came into the world, erupting into being along wih them. In a way, they gave him life and purpose, and in return he gave them stories to tell, for the Crooked Man remembered every tale."

If you're looking for a more in depth discussion of the book, leave your comment below. 

I also would like to suggest the thread on Goodreads' Nothing But Reading Challenges.

Happy reading!