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Sunday, March 23, 2008

BOOK: Zel by Donna Jo Napoli

Zel by Donna Jo Napoli

Once Upon a Time II, Young Adult Challenge, Eponymous Challenge

Napoli uses beautiful writing to retell the fairy tale of Rapunzel. This was set in Switzerland during the 1500s, and I forgot how much of the story I knew, but as I kept reading, another element made me remember. I liked how the prince was a count, and the love story was perfect. It was really the story about love, different kinds of love, and the things that love can drive you to do. I'd read another fairy tale by Napoli.

A great start to the Once Upon a Time Challenge II.

Also reviewed by : mawbooks
at

11 comments:

  1. Maw BooksMarch 23, 2008 at 11:48 PM

    I saw somebody else had reviewed this book recently and I thought it sounded really interesting. Plus, that will give me a Z book for my A-Z reading challenge.

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  2. BookloggedMarch 24, 2008 at 12:38 AM

    Oh, yes - a good Z book!

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  3. AnonymousMarch 24, 2008 at 5:59 AM

    I think this is about the fourth great review I have read of this novel. I have it ordered so fingers crossed it will arrive tomorrow.

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  4. raidergirl3March 24, 2008 at 10:04 AM

    maw books - it was very cute, and a Z book!

    booklogged - exactly

    rhinoa - I hope you enjoy it

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  5. JeaneMarch 24, 2008 at 11:30 AM

    I've enjoyed several other books I read by Donna Jo Napoli. This one looks good, too!

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  6. TriciaMarch 24, 2008 at 2:53 PM

    This was the first book I need by Napoli and I loved it. I'm hoping to get to The Magic Circle for this challenge.

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  7. Ana S.March 24, 2008 at 6:30 PM

    Ohh, this sounds wonderful!

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  8. Carl V. AndersonMarch 27, 2008 at 11:32 AM

    Sounds like a good one. Love the title/name. Very fun. Makes me want to have another kid just so I can call her Zel. Okay, not really, but you get the point. If you're interested in a really great essay on the Rapunzel tradition, I would point you here:

    http://www.endicott-studio.com/rdrm/rrRapunzel.html

    Terri Windling writes the best essays!

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  9. Trish @ Love, Laughter, InsanityMarch 27, 2008 at 10:10 PM

    I've seen this book on a lot of people's list. Sounds like a beautiful tale; I've always really enjoyed the story of Rapunzel--and I have Swiss roots.

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  10. raidergirl3March 28, 2008 at 10:55 PM

    carl - thanks for the link, I'll have a look on the weekend.

    trish - I didn't realize it was a Swiss tale, and we had just discussed Heidi, I'm all Switzerland these days.

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  11. FramedApril 6, 2008 at 12:43 PM

    I just finished The Magic Circle by Napoli and liked enough to want to read more by her. Zel is on my TBR list. I'm glad to read your review. It just makes me want to read it more.

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