Two Words, One Answer.
Magic Mirror
 Magic Mirror $15.95 This one was very strange, very different. It's subtitled "a fable for adults." Without the illustrations, this book would have been lost. Neat idea though. The story is about a queen, a king, and their son and daughter. The queen feels alone and turns to her magic mirror where she sees images from other worlds, other peoples lives, and the goings on of others. One day she sees a particularly disturbing image that drives her to an almost unfortunate fate, but her children intervene. So you're thinking medieval times, right? Well the illustrations make this not just another magic mirror fairy tale. The illustrations show medieval times, but mixed in there is modern society. The magic mirror is a sort of computer screen showing her news from the world and videos of other's lives. The castle has a remote controlled garage, the daughter is a modern day goth, and sea shells are cell phones. The illustrations are not really my cup of tea, but their substance adds to the story. While it is certainly not the best or most well known story of Card's, it's still worth the read in my opinion. It's very unique.  The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen $17.99 This wonderful sequel to Changeling is the best kind of YA book out there. With focus on a sharp, fun story, a likable protagonist and nothing overtly scary/cruel/vulgar, author Delia Sherman really writes for any and all ages. I initially picked up Changeling on a whim at my local library after running across it on Amazon. I have no prejudice against YA books and will read them for enjoyment on occasion. Many are a let-down though, and I feel often that such books "talk down" to their youth audience, or try too hard to "sound" hip and young. Changeling didn't do that. It simply gave you a wonderful, classically inspired and good-old-fashioned fairy tale set in modern New York City. I'm pleased to say that The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen continues this same setting and characters and builds on the first book. The story continues past the first book's conclusion and gives us new challenges for the main character, Neef, to conquer. We meet some new characters along the way and in traditional "hero's quest" format, Neef not only ultimately succeeds in her goals but learns important lessons about herself and life along the way. I highly recommend both of these books to young and old alike. They are a good way to introduce kids to myths and literary characters they might not have been as exposed to in the modern media (especially not in their more classic presentations) and a fun way for adults to remember hearing fairy tales with such creatures/characters from their own youth.  The Magic Mirror: Divination through the Ancient Art of Scrying $29.95 The first time I saw this kit displayed--I believe it was at The New Renaissance Bookshop in Oregon--I passed it by, not knowing quite what to make of it. Then I saw it again and my curiosity got the best of me. I had to have one. I'm familiar with divination systems, and use them both in personal consulting and in my writing. The Magic Mirror has been a welcome addition, for everything from personal inner questing to helping me go deeper into a story I'm developing. While the author doesn't go into that aspect of it, anyone with the creativity to write a story or poem will easily be able to figure it out on their own. It's a great tool. If you're doing personal journaling, or creative writing, I highly recommend it. Oh, you might want to know the box contains a black mirror--the "Scrying Mirror"--and a very well put together book telling how to use the mirror. I thought it an amazing tool, especially for the price. |
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