Comments on: The Book with the Really Long Title about Fairyland and Boats

By: Catherynne Valente’s The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making | Josephine's Readers Advisory

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:39:08 +0000

[...] Catherynne Valente’s The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making Posted on January 31, 2012 The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship Of Her Own Making‘s created something of a buzz for itself, and not just for the length of its title. [...]

By: Catherynne Valente’s The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making | Josephine's Readers Advisory

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:07 +0000

[...] Catherynne Valente’s The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making Posted on February 1, 2012 The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship Of Her Own Making‘s created something of a buzz for itself, and not just for the length of its title. [...]

By: Monica Edinger

Monica Edinger — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:20:24 +0000

Ladies, thank you so much for this consideration of this title. I first looked at it briefly when it was online and then eagerly dived in when I received the print version. I’d intended to read the whole thing right away, but somehow I slowed down and sort of picked it and put it down and picked it up…. Something finally got me to finally commit myself to it, at which point I became completely engaged, and read to the end. Then I was still stuck. While I loved the references and the writing, there was something I couldn’t put my finger on….and you’ve nailed it for me. I was struggling with the idea of it being a book for my 4th graders. I just couldn’t see it. And so your smart unpacking of it as a YA title is a tremendous relief for me. Makes complete sense. Thank you.

By: The Brain Lair

The Brain Lair — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:47:32 +0000

This one started out strong for me. I was really enjoying it and then it started to feel repetitious and a little too self-aware. I finished it, because I was thankful to Feiwel and Friends and appreciated having a copy. But, it didn’t sit well with me. Maybe I just haven’t had enough exposure to fairy tales. I will remedy that by reading some of the books you’ve mentioned and coming back to this later this year. Hopefully my feelings will have changed! I wish there was an essential reading list for school librarians somewhere…

By: Ruth

Ruth — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:11:29 +0000

Count me as one who had high hopes, but just didn’t connect with the voice. However, I have it on good authority that it improves–or maybe grows on you–after the first few chapters. Maybe I’ll give it another try.

By: Laura Canon

Laura Canon — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:35:35 +0000

I went through the same line of thought as I read the book, even though I thourght it was fabulous. As a child, would I have liked it? Then I remembered that I had loved the Oz books, which were just a weird although much less meta. Still not sure…

By: SaraO @ TheLibrarianReads

SaraO @ TheLibrarianReads — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:04:27 +0000

I have to admit I skipped the first couple reviews out there on this book. It looked middle-grade at best (judging the book by it’s cover! *guilty*) But it began showing up on too many favorites lists, and I enjoyed a few of the good reviews on other blogs. But I love the way you broke down the question of audience in relation to format, language, etc. I enjoy it when a book is smart enough to play with it’s boundaries. Will def. be picking this one up.