I read someone on Tor.com saying that when a celebrity dies, mostly you just have a moment of, "Huh. Elizabeth Taylor's dead," or whatever. But writers - and OUR writer - brings a wail of "Oh, NO!" and stinging eyes.
We knew her through her work, and she was more real to us than any old celebrity, and I am SO GLAD that I have read all of her books I could get my hands on, and that there will be one more.
This is the saddest I've ever been about the death of a writer I never met...Somehow it just doesn't seem possible that she isn't still there, writing more books...
For someone who has (sadly) never read a Diana Wynne Jones book, although had always looked at them curiously while in a shop but never knew where to start - WHERE should I start? Recommendations?
Thanks for linking to the Gaiman piece, Charlotte; it was quite wonderful. I feel sad that I've only discovered DWJ recently. Like somehow I've missed out on being part of something wonderful. On the other hand, at least she's left scores of wonderful books for us to keep us company now that she's gone.
Cat - One Diana Wynne Jones book I haven't seen mentioned in the obits and posts, but which is my all time favourite book ever is The Power of Three. It's the book which inspired me to think it was possible to create real magical worlds inside this one. I've never cried about the death of a writer I didn't know, but I'm sniffing (weeping actually) now. Because who knows what other worlds she still had to give us...
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ReplyDeleteI read someone on Tor.com saying that when a celebrity dies, mostly you just have a moment of, "Huh. Elizabeth Taylor's dead," or whatever. But writers - and OUR writer - brings a wail of "Oh, NO!" and stinging eyes.
We knew her through her work, and she was more real to us than any old celebrity, and I am SO GLAD that I have read all of her books I could get my hands on, and that there will be one more.
This is the saddest I've ever been about the death of a writer I never met...Somehow it just doesn't seem possible that she isn't still there, writing more books...
ReplyDeleteFor someone who has (sadly) never read a Diana Wynne Jones book, although had always looked at them curiously while in a shop but never knew where to start - WHERE should I start? Recommendations?
ReplyDeleteThat Neil Gaiman post was so emotional. Wow.
Oh my gosh, Cat, that's a hard one. Her books have different flavours to them, and some, which I like lots, others less so and vice versa!
ReplyDeleteHowever, Howl's Moving Castle seems universally appreciated, and Howl is brilliant, so I'd suggest starting there!
and then I would suggest A Sudden Wild Magic, and then I would suggest Charmed Life, and then you should know whether you want to go on or not!
Thanks for linking to the Gaiman piece, Charlotte; it was quite wonderful. I feel sad that I've only discovered DWJ recently. Like somehow I've missed out on being part of something wonderful. On the other hand, at least she's left scores of wonderful books for us to keep us company now that she's gone.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the links to both pieces, Charlotte. I still can't believe she's dead -- it's a tragedy for the children's lit world.
ReplyDeleteI was sad to learn of her death, but Gaiman's post made it even worse somehow...
ReplyDeletePeople should also read Fire & Hemlock. That is an amazing book by her. Just adding my two cents. :)
Thanks for the suggestions! I know my crappy library has books by DWJ so I think I shall check some out next time I am there!
ReplyDeleteCat - One Diana Wynne Jones book I haven't seen mentioned in the obits and posts, but which is my all time favourite book ever is The Power of Three. It's the book which inspired me to think it was possible to create real magical worlds inside this one. I've never cried about the death of a writer I didn't know, but I'm sniffing (weeping actually) now. Because who knows what other worlds she still had to give us...
ReplyDelete