So, here you go, Buzz Blog readers... I finally have a digital camera! (Just in time for the Buzz outing to conference!)
So, here is the "book corner" in my apartment. It's a little cluttered at the moment, becacuase my walls in the apartment are plaster, so I can't hang stuff on them without the wire hanger thingees... so, on the shelves it all goes.
A lot of the books on the main shelf and to the right belong to my rooommate... the book shelf on the left (with the miniscule TV) is all me. And look at the little hand weight! Makes me seem all sporty, huh? You'll notice the blue monkey in the middle (given to me by Dad in 1981) -- he's sporting a scarf knitted by a fifth grade student in one of my classes a year or so ago. Also, the angels and the three graces -- who stand guard over my wishes...
Okay, anyway... on to the important stuff...
One of the books that most affected me as a young reader was... BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA by Katherine Patterson.
Contrary to what Disney would like you to believe -- this is not about the freaking "kingdom" that comes to life in the woods. There are no special effects in the book. Ms. Patterson herself was upset about the marketing campagin of the movie version, because it made it seem like some kind of LORD OF THE RINGS thing.
This is a book about growing up. About choices you make. About the hereafter. The book actually asks the question if you don't believe in God, do you go to Heaven when you die? The book has Jess, the hero, choose to attend an exhibit in the city with his hot art teacher over spending time with his best girl who's a friend.
It's a deep book, people. There are not talking trees or other crap like that. It's about the opportunities you make for yourself and unlikely friendships. If you haven't read it, please do.
In fact, I read this book aloud to a group at school when I was teaching, and the students were so into it. I love this book. I think it's one of the ones that made me want to become a writer. I love the idea of escaping to your own private world. As a writer, I do that daily. And as destiny would have it... TERABITHIA is published by HarperCollins Childrens, just like my book will be! I'm just a little excited about that...
After reading in the NY Times about Ms. Patterson's disappointment with the movie version, I decided not to see the film. I would rather spend time in Terabithia in my mind and in my memories...
Did anyone else read the book or go to the movie?
Happy Writing!
Heather
Heather Davis is the author of
Never Cry Werewolf
coming in 2008 from HaperCollins
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6 comments:
It took me years after buying it to read it, but I'm glad I did eventually. Loved the book - very touching near the end! Good pick!
I had never read this book but when I saw the previews for the movie, I knew I wouldn't be interested. Now that I know the movie isn't anything like the book, I'll pick it up!
Love the shelves, especially the sock monkey!
Heather,
Isn't it awe-inspired to know you're going to be published under the same imprint as a favorite book? (Like with me and The Westing Game.) I've heard great things about it, so I should probably read it... [glances at threatening pile of TO BE READ books] someday. =)
Hugs,
TLC
Heather, it's interesting that she was disappointed with the movie, because her son was one of the screenwriters. It makes you wonder what the other writers did to the script that changed the original story.
Good! You guys should read the book... :) And Elizabeth, I did not know about her son being one of the screenwriters. That is fascinating. It's really a quiet, deep book -- and more about the relationships than the kingdom to me.
Hugs!
Heather
I've read the book and the movie and I really think your missing out! The previews of the movie made it seem like the Kindgom(castle and all)were involved in the movie when really they only showed it at the end.The movie had me in tears just like the book did! :]
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