Episode 7 - Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine

After an all-too-endless holiday break, we're back, we're reading, and we're loving on Ella Enchanted. Don't write this well-rounded world off as a children's book - we gained so much from rereading it and Grace had several key epiphanies related to (you guessed it) personal perceptions of food. Do you love love? Then you'll enjoy listening to us attempt to articulate what makes Ella and Char's romance so appealing and feel Ella's pain as her curse isolates her from her loved ones. Struggling to break a curse laid upon you by an overeager fairy? It's time to get some tips from the master of finding tiny ways to overthrow an oppressive force. Ella is here to help!

Equal parts disturbing and delightful, this book has been a part of our lives longer than most, and we're excited to share it with you.

Star mispronunciation of this episode: Cary Elwes as Cary Yools - Should be El-wis! Also, Grace's voice cracking is at an all-time high, so. Enjoy.

EPISODE MEDIA

Gail Carson Levine's fractured fairy tale novelettes, the Princess Tales:
http://www.gailcarsonlevine.com/ptales.html

Episode 6 - Emperor Mage, by Tamora Pierce

Yes, it's our first repeat author - and who could it possibly be other than Tamora Pierce? We're discussing Emperor Mage, book 3 of Madeleine's favorite YA fantasy series, the Immortals. Protagonist Daine's wild magic and communication with animals (not to mention international intrigue and plenty of poison) lead us into discussions of animal rights, failing political systems in fantasy worlds, and how Grace once accidentally stabbed herself with an arrow. Fall in line with the Badger God and Graveyard Hag and rouse your own dinosaur skeleton army - Daine is here to solve all your problems! Also - an actual baby dragon is one of the main characters, so. You know how happy we are.

EPISODE MEDIA

Interview about Daine & Numair's age difference -https://tpwords.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/dainenumair-and-reactions/

Hark! A Vagrant Nemesis comics by Kate Beaton - http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=327

Grace's face shortly after she stabbed herself with an arrow - censored for those who might not be into seeing her blood.

Episode 5 - The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle

We're getting a little serious this week with The Last Unicorn, but these are dark times, for humans and unicorns alike. Take this chance to pine for immortal beauty and mentally escape the mortal coil. We discuss fantasy and depression, reading books before you're ready, and whether we've ever believed in unicorns. Plus, a Shel Silverstein gem that Grace has mentally linked to this book since childhood.

Whether you're a person struggling through the muck or an eternal being with nothing to lose, there's something here for you.

Episode 4 - Dealing with Dragons, by Patricia C. Wrede

This is a fun one!! Dealing with Dragons not only shaped our dragon worldviews, it inspired Grace to write, Madeleine to envision her own fantasy worlds, and both of us to appreciate the scholar (and warrior) within. Revisit the Mountains of Morning and the Enchanted Forest, and wonder: why are wizards such jerks? What IS cherries jubilee? And how can I live in this world forever?

Plus: early-aughts pre-adolescent phenomena like Neopets and The Very Secret Diaries. Defining mousse vs. ganache. Being a revolutionary in a fairy tale world.

Episode 3 - Howl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones

We could talk about how great Diana Wynne Jones is for days - but can you listen for an hour?? We'll admit that this episode about Howl's Moving Castle is particularly positive, but there's not much bad to say about this joyful take on traditional fairy tales. Grace loved this book as a kid and Madeleine read it way back when but has been more invested in the Miyazaki adaptation. Learn how the original work has held up, and whether we're actually able to podcast after a workday - lots of sibling squabbling within.

Sophie, Calcifer, Howl, and Michael could be your new friends.