Rita’s Comments (group member since Jul 23, 2010)

Rita’s comments from the Unlocking Books group.

Kate wrote: "It's problematic when all the secondary characters seem to know that the book is about the hero, and just stand around watching him."


That's how I felt about the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. I loved the first book, but by the time I got to the fifth book, I was turned off by the secondary characters. I can understand not developing them in the first book, but by the fifth they should be more then plot proppers.

I'm beginning to feel that way about Sookie Stackhouse. How does one girl have 5 of the hottest men hanging on her every word?

Description is probably one of the hardest things for a writer to master. For me, it is still the hardest thing to include. While I write, I worry that I'm giving too much, so I cut it down and then I worry it is too little. And when I'm editing, I am constantly double-guessing myself on everything from content (what to include) to placing (where in the story I want it) to the actual words themselves (how I want to say it).

Yes, easier said than done. The task of writing is like juggling with one hand while spinning plates on sticks with the other hand while your mouth is making a wooden puppet dance on its strings while you are trying to sing an opera.

In good writing, the description is carefully interspersed throughout the story. It should be relevant and given in small doses. And in my opinion, it should be given through the eyes of the POV rather than the eyes of the author. That gives the description flare and personality. Makes the story leap from the page.

Stephanie, I liked how well you thought out your assessment of Paolini's series. You made a lot of good points. My feelings are similar. I think Paolini's story was well done, but I also thought that he may have been too successful too fast. He needs to learn some lessons--like POV rules and how to avoid passive voice. Or he needs a better editor.

Etshadow, I've read both of those series. I love Dresden Files. Can't wait for the next one to come out this summer.

Have you considered audiobooks? Some people think reading an audiobook is cheating, and it certainly can't replace reading it for yourself. However, when you're busy and you love reading, an audiobook can give a book addict the fix they need. I usually read two books at a time--a paper book and an audiobook. The one I read on my car drive to work, and the other I read evenings and weekends. But at least, I get more reading in and my drive is no longer a waste of time.

Aw, but Stephanie, I'd love to hear your opinion.

My impression of the first book was that Paolini had a fresh, straigh-forward style, but I thought his world was a little flat. His elves and his dwarves seemed like tall or short humans. I don't think he has to go with the stereotypes set up by other authors, but I do think they should be different from us. I think their racial traits should be very vivid.

One thing I like about Paolini is his use of metaphor. I remember his scenes descriptions using the most vivid metaphor I've ever read. I'm terrible at metaphors, so I really admire Paolini for his.

Dustin wrote: "I'm also a big fan of Paolini's unique storytelling, I think he's an extraordinary writer, and a young one, at that (I believe he started writing Eragon at the age of fifeteen, or something.) Anyway, I highly recommend Brisingr.Plus, the final installment, aptly titled Inheritance, is due out in November!"

I will definitely pick up the 3rd and 4th when the last one comes out, but I confess that I once started reading the 3rd and had a hard time getting into it. Maybe it just wasn't the right time for me.

I'm currently reading Vixen for the YA book club. Only on chapter one, and I already think the author has done an excellent job of capturing the feel of the 1920's. Yet I still see some similarities with today's teenagers.

I hope she does, Nasuesue! It will be fun to have you read along with us.

Will you be reading Pegasus along with us?

My library doesn't have it though there are other books by Robin McKinley. I may try the library at the neighboring city or buy it. We'll see.

I've wanted to read Rick Riordan. Stephanie's nomination was just an excuse for me.

Out of the list of suggestions, I picked Pegasus for April and The Lost Hero for May. One book a month rather than two.

Gram was definitely surprising. And to think, she'd been right there all along.

And about Seth...I think I like him much more now that his "Dominant" personality has an outlet. Rather than using it to break the rules, he's using it to save the day. Rather than rebellion, it's courage.

Oh, and I found out who Gram is! I so did not see that coming.

His behavior makes me nervous. He's going to cause so much trouble! And what frustrates me the most is that he doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes.

And his sister is a "C"--Conscientious, Compliant, Correct, Cautious. And my test scores gave me a "C", so I identify with her the most. C's are analytical, accurate, precise, and systematic.

I guess his refusal to follow the rules drove me crazy. I have to take this personality test for work called DISC.

Based on what I've read of this personality test, Seth would be a "D". D stands for Dominant, Driver, Determined. They are the self-starters and the risk takers.

I got to the point where Seth captures the fairy and then gets his retribution for it. I wavered between rooting for the fairies (he tried to capture them after all) and cringing at what they did to him.

So whose side were you on?

So would you have put your hand in the box? I definitely would NOT, but I'm wondering what is inside. Maybe a snake or maybe his hand would just get stuck. Or maybe something that seems nice like candy--poisoned, of course.

So I am at the point in the story where they drank the milk for the first time and Grampa is explaining what Fablehaven really is.

What did you all think of the old witch in the forest? She only lived in a shack, but the way she was described, I thought it should be a gingerbread house. I have this crazy theory that the witch in the forest is their missing grandmother.