Sometimes I feel rather ignorant

[beelikej]

During breakfast I accidently watched a documentary about Alice Walker and now I'm slightly embarrassed I hadn't even thought of her on my quest to read more novels by female authors. What an inspirational woman!

I've ordered The Color Purple and Possessing the Secret of Joy, along with The Blind Assassin and The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood. Okay, fine, I've also put two books written by men in my basket: Still Side By Side, a graphic novel by Mioki and Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. Since both of these are not strictly about straight men, I decided they are still fitting additions to my library;)

I'm currently reading a Dutch book by one of my favorite childhood authors Tonke Dragt: Aan De Andere Kant Van De Deur / Zeeën Van Tijd (On The Other Side Of The Door / Oceans of Time) - about thirteen year old Otto who is handed a mysterious book and discovers another world behind his bedroom door. The story also includes notes from people(?) from the other side. It's illustrated with intriguing collages by the author.
So far I find it to be a complicated read because the characters Otto meets are speaking in riddles; it kind of feels like Alice in Wonderland. Can't wait to discover more.

Comments

[eledhwenlin]

TONKE DRAGT! :D I loved De brief voor de koning when I was a kid. Her writing style is special--she doesn't dumb things down (I remember finding it difficult to follow the story sometimes on my first read because I couldn't keep the characters straight in my head).

[beelikej]

That was my favorite too! In what language did you read it? I was so happy I found De Brief Voor De Koning in its original cover a couple of years ago, that brought back happy reading memories and I ended up also buying the follow up and her scifi books. Somehow I totally missed Aan De Andere Kant Van De Deur, so I'm very happy sillie82 pointed it out to me when I was shopping for Kinderboekenweek:)

You are absolutely right about Tonke Dragt's writing style; definitely not childish with conversations that are as non-linear and complicated as in real life. I love that a big part of this story is about a library with lots of references to world literature! Before I explore those, I need to find out more about the other side of the door; this other world is slowly taking control over the book...

[eledhwenlin]

This was way back when I was a wee Eledh, so I read her in German. :) The book's still at my parents'!

I'll have to see if her new book is available in German translation. :)

[beelikej]

The German title of the book is Auf der anderen Seite der Tür, it was first published in 1992. I should warn you though: I just finished it and found out it's supposed to be continued in another part of Oceans of Time, but I can't seem to find the follow up (in any language)*. Thanks to the featured library in this book it still offers a valuable list of books about science, but the story does have kind of an open ending.
So not to leave you hanging, I also recommend her complete scifi set Tigeraugen and Der Roboter vom Flohmarkt :-)


*found an update from 2009(!): apparently she's still working on that book, there is however a picture book to accompany part 1, called Dichtbij ver van hier.

[minchout.livejournal.com]

Ah, I love posts about books! <333 If you're into Margaret Atwood right now, check out her Wilderness Tips. It's one of my favorite short stories (I believe that's the title of the collection of stories, too).

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

Yay! I love books:) I only just discovered Margaret Atwood; I recently read The Handmaid's Tale and was blown away. She has written so much it's hard to decide what to pick next, so thanks for that recommendation!

[sillie]

Ooh, I read the Color Purple for school. Yaay for new books! :D

Man, now that I've started re-reading Aan de andere kant van de deur, I kind of realise why I never managed to finish it as a kid. :') I'm determent to finish it now though!

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

I would think The Color Purple was on the readinglist for English, but I can't remember if the book was well known straight away (1982), maybe it wasn't on there until I finished highschool. Then again, I went for non-popular books back then, for "reasons";)

Ahw yes, I totally understand too, it took me a while to get into it, even as an "adult". I'm making an effort to write you an e-mail before Claiming starts (do you have the countdown clock in another tab too, or is that just me?) Yay for reading!

[tanisafan.livejournal.com]

Argh, I love that Tonke Dragt book so much, I really want to read it again now! *adds it to her list, haha*

[beelikej.livejournal.com]

You mean that list that you're almost done with? :-p I can see why you loved it: it's a library-lovers universe!