Big Books of Spring
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland, #1)

Questions About The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland, #1)

by Catherynne M. Valente (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (10)

Hey all, I would appreciate your advice. I just finished the first book and it left me in a state of wonder. I know (after reading more) that the author has followed up with all kinds of things ... .05 and such. My question: I've only read the first book. What should I read now so as not to taint that experience? Thanks, community.
Morgan Nikola-Wren Hey Christina,

As someone who fell so hard for the first book that I have a tattoo referencing it on my foot, I felt honor-bound to answer this questi…moreHey Christina,

As someone who fell so hard for the first book that I have a tattoo referencing it on my foot, I felt honor-bound to answer this question. ;)

I found myself utterly and beautifully lost in all the rest of the books in the Fairyland series. Granted, I too, was worried that the sequels could not live up to the olden standard the first set for me, but as soon as I opened the second book and found myself greeted by the lemony narrator, I felt like I had been reunited with an old friend. The following four books serve to expound upon so many of the themes introduced in the original. And the short story prequel, The Girl Who Ruled Fairyland...But Only for a Little While, had me crying at the end, and then reading it aloud to my husband, because he just needed to know the story that badly. Also, if it's worth anything, I often don't finish all the books in a series. (No. Not even Narnia.) I'll like the first and maybe the next well enough, but I often get the feeling that the author is stretching things too far and my interest gets lost. So, I think that should count for something.

Hope this is helpful...Though, I just looked and saw you posted this question two years ago.

Morgan

PS: If you're still looking for additional, arresting reading material with a fairy tale lean, I loved Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane so much that I took it to a wedding...and spent most of the reception reading it.

PPS: The tattoo is the glass orb with a leaf in it that The Green Wind gives to September. Because, my gosh, THAT WELL SCENE!(less)
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What is the suggested age for this book?
Cassandra I would give it to every 12-year-old who reads that you know, but otherwise I reckon 8-108 would like it. When I first read this series I was nearly a…moreI would give it to every 12-year-old who reads that you know, but otherwise I reckon 8-108 would like it. When I first read this series I was nearly always the same age as September at the time as the books came out, and that was realllllly cool.(less)
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Is this anything like The Chronicles of Narnia?
Lotte Definitely not!
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IF you've read the whole series, is there anything in it that would make it inappropriate for a high 5th grade reader? What age range would you recommend for it?
Cassandra I'm not quite sure how old that is, but guessing 10ish. Going by that assumption I'm sure they'd love it! The book's appreciable by a very wide age ra…moreI'm not quite sure how old that is, but guessing 10ish. Going by that assumption I'm sure they'd love it! The book's appreciable by a very wide age range, and there isn't any sex/casual-violence if that's what you're worried about.(less)
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Should I read this? I am 18?
Ravyn (clockwork.bookdragon) Nightshade Yes it’s a Young Adult novel and I just finished reading this and I really enjoyed it I’m 27.
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