Last night we went up to my sister-in-law's house to meet our newest niece. And in between oohing and ahhing over her indisputable adorableness, I got to take a peek at my oldest niece's bookshelves. Anna's twelve and a reader. The real deal. And I'll admit that I got a little thrill when I saw that she owns not one but two copies of Robin McKinley's Beauty. I had to take a pic of the one edition, because I've never actually seen a copy in real life, and, because, really, it's too spectacularly 80s for words:
I feel compelled to point out how appalled this particular Beauty would be at this representation of herself. But otherwise? Yup. Too spectacularly 80s for words.
Have you ever been reading a book, moving along quite nicely, and then-- bam --a character whips out a particular term of endearment that just yanks you right out of the story? It happened to me recently, and I'm sad to say I couldn't recover. I did try. But she just kept using that term and I . . . I had to get the hell out of Dodge. Buh-bye, story. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. I'm not saying this is the norm (thank goodness). I can put up with a certain amount of treacly back and forth when it comes to the exchange of terms of endearment, especially if they fit the characters, their background, culture, the tenor of their relationship, etc. And the history of these terms at home and from around the world is often fascinating (at times hilarious). But there comes a point where I can't see past the cheese and/or weird anymore and I do not want to be with these people any longer . Shallow? Perhaps. But it's a very individual thing, isn't it?...
That's the same cover they had at the library when I first read this as a kid! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great book.
That cover is so romance-novelish feel! Too cute though that she had two copies. :) I haven't read this one in years, but I loved it so much that when I see young readers catch on to it again, it makes me very happy!
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does the lovely scrollwork behind her head make her look like she has really long orange horns?
ReplyDeleteLol Melissa, I didn't notice that until you pointed it out! Dated covers are the best. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo true! The scene where she won't leave her room all dressed up is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteKristen, really? That's hilarious. I'm still sort of stunned at how . . . pink . . . it is.
ReplyDeleteBecky, isn't it? I wonder what they were thinking. I know what you mean, too. I'm still tickled that she owns two copies.
Melissa, HA! I hadn't noticed it until you pointed it out. But now? All I can see.
Holly, the BEST.
Misti, oh, yes! I adore that scene. Gah, I may have to go re-read right now.
I have two copies of Beauty too! But I love how vintage that cover looks. Also, I think it's awesome that your niece loves Robin McKinley. <3
ReplyDeleteThis brings me all sort of delight I cannot even describe.
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