This strikes me as very YA. That classic theme of wanting acknowledgement and attention is such a teenage vibe, and Fire is definitely acting like a pThis strikes me as very YA. That classic theme of wanting acknowledgement and attention is such a teenage vibe, and Fire is definitely acting like a petulant child.
It's an okay story about getting out from under the shadow of your heroes and is probably a great starter for younger ones looking to get into comics but not sure what to start with.
Wasn't for me, though. Bit immature and tired themes.
I'm going through and correcting the editions of the books I have, and with the classics its becoming quite interesting to discover how many incarnatiI'm going through and correcting the editions of the books I have, and with the classics its becoming quite interesting to discover how many incarnations there are!
For example, this particular edition contains several stories (only three of which I actually read, including the titular story) whereas I've had it sitting on my shelf as just the single story.
I read this one a fair while ago, and was surprised that it was only a short story! It ended up being a little disappointing - I've seen so many wonderfully exciting interpretations of the story (my fave is his appearance in Van Helsing) that this original story was a bit underwhelming.
It actually really dragged for me and rather than an exciting mad-scientist type novel it was more subtle and I think I kind of got a bit lost in the language.
I'd like to go back and re-read it at some stage, as I have a much more philosophical mindset these days so I'm far more likely to appreciate the theme of duality. However at the time I must say that pop culture built it up too much for me so that it was generally underwhelming.
Still, an easy classic to tick off the list....more
Nothing beats old school horror, and James was a master of it. I read this collection years ago and I still get goosebumps thinking of some of his ambNothing beats old school horror, and James was a master of it. I read this collection years ago and I still get goosebumps thinking of some of his ambiguous horrors that were mostly created by imagination after his written prompts.
These stories rely heavily on suspense and unanswered questions, and are more about subtle shivers than full-on nightmare creations. A fantastic collection and one I'll return to for sure....more
The most famous detective in literature, and an absolute delight to read about. The stories themselves are always fun, trying to solve the mysteries, The most famous detective in literature, and an absolute delight to read about. The stories themselves are always fun, trying to solve the mysteries, but just exploring how this man's mind works is so much fun.
I love the short stories because they're easy to read at any time, and they stand alone easily.
This is a great collection because it really does include most of the more popular stories, and it's an easy win if you're looking for a quick reminder of why you love these stories so much.
If you haven't read a single one by now, you really ought to get on it....more
How can you not give 5 stars to the story that introduced one of literature's most famous detectives?
This story introduces DA Study in Scarlet5 Stars
How can you not give 5 stars to the story that introduced one of literature's most famous detectives?
This story introduces Dr Watson to the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes, and us along with him. From there, we follow along on the mystery of a murder that takes an interesting turn.
I really love the way this one evolves, and adds more depth to the mystery. The latter characters are easy to like, and I enjoy the way it twists the original story into a different form.
The cleverness of this story is minimal compared to other adventures, but it is a lot of fun meeting these characters for the first time.
The Sign of the Four RTC another time! I'll come back to this when I don't have so much new stuff to get through!...more
Not the greatest of the Sherlock Holmes compilations, but it's still got some great stories in here. Even though it was years ago that I read it, therNot the greatest of the Sherlock Holmes compilations, but it's still got some great stories in here. Even though it was years ago that I read it, there are still stories that stand out in my memory. I suppose reading about Holmes in his later years lost a little of its charm, but I also feel that perhaps Doyle didn't have quite the vigor in writing these ones. Still great though, and your reading of Holmes is not complete if you've skipped this book....more
A nice, tidy collection of 58 of the Grimm brothers' more iconic tales. This edition includes well known stories such as Snow White, Rapunzel, The StrA nice, tidy collection of 58 of the Grimm brothers' more iconic tales. This edition includes well known stories such as Snow White, Rapunzel, The Straw, the Coal and the Bean, Rumpelstiltskin, Tom Thumb and Little Red Riding Hood, as well as some lesser-known but equally brilliant stories.
This is essential reading for anyone with an interest in classic fairy tales, mythology, symbolism etc. There are timeless morals within the stories, and some fascinating characters.
Each story is fairly short, so read it through as a novel or pick one here and there at your leisure. This is a conveniently small edition that makes it perfect for travel.
It's also got some super cute pictures, so that's a nice bonus....more
*My edition did NOT include Through the Looking Glass, despite having the same ISBN.
Is this possibly one of the first 'it was all a dream' pieces *My edition did NOT include Through the Looking Glass, despite having the same ISBN.
Is this possibly one of the first 'it was all a dream' pieces of literature ever written?
Despite the device being used plenty to this day, this book makes excellent use of it, and this story is entirely as bizarre as a dream that hops about nonsensically. Nothing makes sense, but it's a lot of fun in its strangeness, and there are some fascinating ideas on identity and social constructs.
Alice is a little snot, but since she's only a kid and this is her dream, you kind of just accept it. Plus, most of the other characters are just as horrible, and completely unhelpful. It raises so many questions about the characters' lives, but the answer to all is their lack of existence before the precise moment they enter Alice's adventure. Which is pretty unsatisfying but it does allow the imagination to run wild, and what is this book about if not that?
I LOVED THE WORDPLAY. Puns are the best kind of joke so I enjoyed the word banter immensely, but it's also very clever in the way it uses the multiple meanings and ambiguity of words to create conflict. I can understand Alice's frustration! Brilliantly written, though, in its contemplation of every single word. I really appreciated that.
This is fun, quirky story, even if you miss the greater symbolism. Alice is no hero, but her adventure is famous, and the book of course delivers more than any visual incarnation could.
On my part, I really must get around to TTLG....more
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