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.
Looking back at it now, it was a really solid reading year. I mean, it did its usual (for me) thing and meandered its merry way, here and there, up and down, and in fits and starts across the span of all twelve months. But it really did shape up nicely. Which is a good thing, because it was—shockingly, I know—another year in which we so desperately needed the authors and books and words of the world to come through for us. And they did, didn't they? I am, as ever, so grateful for them and their willingness to push through every barrier and battle that I know must try to keep them from putting their visions on paper. And so, as has long been my custom, I record here my list of published books that saw me through the year. Gifts, every one. (listed in the order in which I read them) The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake Bride by Ali Hazelwood You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary Lips Like Sugar by Jes...
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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