Courtesy GCLD
The hum of conversation and laughter filled the room as Grand County Library District Virtual Book Club gathered together to discuss its members’ latest reading experience.
Over tasty treats, each took a turn sharing the fantasy books she read. For some, fantasy is a cherished genre and horizons were expanded by newly found series. For others, this genre is akin to unchartered waters. However, each club member bravely adventured into new territory and gained insight into the stories of imagination and fairy tale.
Book extraordinaire Joyce Saricks explains that fantasy books “are world-building books, and it is important that readers be able to see, hear, and feel the worlds in which the authors place them. Fantasy novels tell a wide range of stories, but the success of each is dependent on the author’s skill in creating a believable, albeit magical, world populated by characters to whom readers relate” (The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction).
Are you looking to explore the fantasy genre? Here is a sampling of our club’s favorite fantasy titles:
• “Darkfever” (Fever Series No. 1) by Karen Marie Moning. A young heroine journeys to Ireland to uncover the mystery of her sister’s death and finds herself plunged into the dark and powerful realm of Celtic fairies. Urban fantasy; suspenseful.
• “No Country for Old Gnomes” by Delilah S. Dawson. With the feel of a Monty-Python comedy, a goth gnome and his band of misfit companions set out on a laugh-out-loud journey of destiny. Humorous fantasy; quirky; irreverent.
• “The Eye of the World” (The Wheel of Time Series No. 1) by Robert Jordan. For lovers of classic fantasy reads, this series features the adventure’s reluctant heroes battling to save mankind from evil. Epic fantasy; intricately plotted; leisurely paced.
• “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde. Thursday Next, a Special-Ops literary detective, pursues an evil psychopath who is kidnapping characters from classic works of literature. Alternate-historical fantasy; unconventional and fast-paced plot; witty.
• “The Land of Stories: The Wishing Well” by Chris Colfer. A magical book carries twins Alex and Conner into the world of fairy tales and experience familiar with fascinating twists. Plot-driven; attention-grabbing.
Throughout the winter quarter, the Virtual Book Club members will survey the genre of award-winning books. Each year, only a few authors receive the highest honors for their impact on the worlds’ literary collection. Dick Robinson, Literarian Award recipient, remarked about the world-changing power of books by concluding, “All books offer what we need most in this time — a broadened perspective.” Although the Pulitzer Prize and Caldecott Medal winners may first come to mind, numerous lesser known awards exist for club members to enjoy.
Any GCLD library cardholder is welcome to join the Virtual Book Club. If you desire to participate in our exploration of award-winning books, contact a librarian at the Kremmling Library by calling 970-724-9228 or Hot Sulphur Springs Library at 970-725-3942. Parties and discussion about the genre are slated for Feb. 3 at the Kremmling Library and Feb. 5 at the Hot Sulphur Springs Library. We hope to see you there.