April 2011
21 posts
Kirkus Reviews reviews WILDWOOD →
facebook.com
Editor Review (reviewed on April 15, 2011)
Fans of Meloy’s indie-rock band, The Decemberists, will recognize themes running through his engaging debut celebrating the struggle of ordinary folk (including plants and animals) to throw off tyranny and shape their destinies.
When her baby brother is carried off by crows to the Impassable Wilderness at the heart of Portland, Ore., stubbornly courageous Prue McKeel, 12, sets out to reclaim him, accompanied by annoying schoolfellow and class pariah Curtis Mehlberg. Their quest soon becomes entangled with longstanding conflicts among residents of this magical wilderness, which harbors secrets both strange (talking animals, sentient plants) and familiar (xenophobic mistrust, government red tape). Overcoming a slow start, the story gains momentum when Prue and Curtis enter the woods, encountering its vividly portrayed denizens, human and otherwise. Captured by the mysterious Dowager Governess, Curtis must choose sides in a confusing conflict; either way, he’ll need courage and ingenuity to survive. Prue’s search leads through South Wood’s impenetrable bureaucracy to North Wood, where mystics commune with nature. Gritty urban settings abound in contemporary fantasy (Holly Black, Neil Gaiman and China Miéville are exemplars). Faithfully recreating Portland’s wild Forest Park, Meloy gives his world a uniquely Pacific Northwest spin. Illustrations by Ellis, Meloy’s wife, bring forest and inhabitants to gently whimsical life.
A satisfying blend of fantasy, adventure story, eco-fable and political satire with broad appeal; especially recommended for preteen boys. (Fantasy. 10 & up)
“
“Having not been to the World Series in 102 years, what’s there to like about the Chicago Cubs? It’s literally insane when one ponders it. Heck, I remember being basically harassed at a BBQ once as a kid, all of my mill-working friends’ families would then call me a ‘yuppie’ having shown up to a BBQ in an old #23 Ryne Sandberg jersey, having grow up closer to the ‘South Side’ where the Sox played.
My Dad used to joke about the Cubs, ‘For those that suffer, give them repose, oh Lord.” He was right, think about it; when that day of ‘salvation’ comes, won’t it be the ultimate triumph in baseball history? Don’t you ‘want to be ready?’
I digress. One can’t mention the Cubs without mentioning Wrigley Field. Win or lose, it just feels like real baseball in there, lights or not. For those lucky enough to see a game when Harry Caray was alive and sing along during the ‘7th Inning Stretch,’ you know what I’m talking about. Plus the Metro is right down the street…how can you beat seeing an afternoon game and then top it off with a Naked Raygun concert?”
” —Chris Funk on the Chicago Cubs
Musician Fans of All 30 MLB Teams Talk Baseball :: Blogs :: List of the Day :: Paste
