September Days: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Spinning Silver Cover (c) Naomi Novik, Del Rey Publishing

Happy September everyone!

I just finished Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik. I have to say, it was worth the wait! A tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, Spinning Silver has many voices that share their perspective of the events that unfold. We have Miryem, daughter of a moneylender, who is a strong and determined young woman. When her father cannot bring himself to collect on the funds he lends out, Miryem takes it upon herself to do the job. You could say she turns silver into gold! There is also Wanda, daughter of an abusive man who does not take care of his children, and her brothers Sergey and Stepon. Although minor characters at first, they end up helping Miryem and her family in unexpected ways. Another strong female lead is Irina, daughter of a duke, who is to be bargained with as a tool, by marriage, for a stronger connection with the tsar. You will also meet the leading men of the story, one of whom is an ice king, a winter being called a Stayrk, who thrives in cold weather and looks to bring an eternal winter, as well as a fire demon, who uses dark power and bargains to feed upon those around him.

I had read Uprooted before, also by Naomi Novik, and highly enjoyed the twists and turns on fairy tales. Spinning Silver is done in a similar vein. You will see a little bit of familiar tales woven into the main story line, one based on Rumpelstiltskin. The women in this story made me laugh, made me worried, made me want to go out and do something, because even though they were not dealt the best hands, they made the best of it and overcame what came their respective ways. A long book, but a book worth the journey. Perfect for those cooler days where you can bundle up with a book and a hot cup of coffee or tea and read away!

Are you guys excited for any book being released this fall? Let me know in the comments!

Beauty and the Beast

A tale as old as time. Disney's latest live-action princess movie features our beloved bookworm heroine, Belle, as she meets the Beast and finds the adventure she was looking for. There are many versions of the story, of course, beginning with the timeless tale from Ms. Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villenue.

I, myself, cannot stop repeating the soundtrack from the new movie, so I bought the deluxe edition to listen on repeat! The score is pretty fun to listen to while reading. :)

If you would like more of the story and are into alternate versions, here are some modern rewrites that may interest you:

1. Cupid and Psyche
1. Greek mythology--that doesn't have a tragic ending!
2. Beastly by Alex Flinn
1. There is also a movie out based on this book. It is equally as good as the book, I recommend reading the book and then watching the film!
3. Belle by Cameron Dokey
1. This Belle has a magic talent that helps her to help the Beast break his curse. This is a quick one day read.
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
1. I prefer the sequel, but that is because it is more Hades/Persephone than Beauty and the Beast.
5. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge 
6. East by Edith Pattou
1. A bit Beauty and the Beast, a bit Snow Queen, yet equally pleasing and a fun read. I read the European published version, I am not sure how different it is from the U.S. published version. I do like the difference in book covers, though. :)
7.  Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
1. I love Jessica Day George! She has the cutest stories. This book is similar to East, but more for young adults than children. 
8. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
1. Of course this needs to be mentioned, especially with the Beast's new song "Evermore," giving him a bit of a "Phantom" moment!

 Is there a book that you think should be added to the list? Let me know, I would love to read another fairy tale retelling!