Originally posted on June 2007
Mary Hoffman; didn’t know about her until a few months ago. When I saw a synopsis of her Stravagante Series, I got curious. So I looked the books up at our local bookshop, and ‘lo and behold’, I found that they have all the books. I could hardly wait for the shift to end so I could buy them. But when I did, it took me a while to set aside my other obssessions at that moment before I could start reading the first book. The book’s concept is quite good, but I guess I was just expecting something monumental such as of “Harry Potter” proportions. But, strangely, I persevered and I finished the book about two days ago. It was nice. Just that, “nice”. I actually got excited in some parts. But on the whole, the experience was a bit bland. I hope the next book [City of Stars] would be better. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the “City of Masks” is crappy. I’m just saying it is not as full of adventure as I expected. Maybe the problem is with me. Maybe I expected too much. It is a children’s book after all, and I have been preoccupied these past few weeks with school and work. The problem may have been “me”. I’ll try reading it again when my schedule has “calmed” a bit.
At least I have finished a book; a thing which has been becoming rarer lately.
I’ll be putting aside my fiction for now. I have to study for the Teacher’s Board Exam. I have so many things to read. On top of that, I have so many deadlines at work…Man! Do I need a lot of luck or what!?
