Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones

[tarocake]

I have been reading Howl's Moving Castle since this weekend, and I finished it this evening on my way home. I haven't been doing this much leisure reading since high school. Even though I read that the film adaptation is much different (AU-ish?), I am really looking forward to seeing Howl no Ugoku Shiro.

Comments

[cynic_in_charge]

dude, why didn't you ASK ME for the book? I have it and could've lent it to you ages ago. XDXDXD

[tarocake]

XDXD Don't worry about it, I wouldn't have had time anyway. Someone should have told me about these type of GOOD books, AGES ago. I was an avid reader but I had no idea such good children books exist. I should get you to rec me some books in the future. :DDD

[ayuni]

It's been a while since I last read the book, but the thing I most remember is Howl's eccentric personality xD. Ok, maybe not eccentric, but very unique. He's so whiny at times but that just makes him a lot more endearing compared to the other characters. DWJ didn't make him out to be a stunning, dashing, hero-type but gave him quite a few weaknesses trait-wise it just seems so natural to just fall in love with his character. The romance isn't really the point of the story that's for sure (compared to the anime, but I could be wrong since I only watched bits and pieces of it so my judgement could be misguided).

Maybe I should just re-read the book xD.

[tarocake]

Eccentric was the word I was looking for, thank you. XD His intentions were definitely not "hero-type" although he sort of came out that way in the end by flying in to rescue everyone. I haven't seen the anime, although I get a lot of romantic hints.

I'm actually re-reading it already since I have the gist of it fresh in my mind. I'm eager to read some of her other books as well though.

[arisuesei]

Howl is drama queen, but that's why I love him. XDDDDD

SURVEY ! INSPECT ! MY HAIR IS RUINED !!! XDDD

[tarocake]

XD Is he EVER. That's what makes him so amusing, and his interactions with Sophie are the best. I can't wait to watch the animated version.

[hemlocke]

HMC. How I love it. It's more than a decade since I first read it (and yes the movie is an AU. you can watch the movie and still not be spoiled for the book).

What can I say? That was the start of my Mega Love Affair with DWJ whom I totally adore. And Howl is my first book crush. XD XD

You should read her other books - A Tale of Time City (butterpies! butterpies!), Archer's Goon (most dysfunctional family ever), The Crown of Dalemark being the non-Chrestomanci, non-HMC that I can recommend off hand. You can always start with Castle in the Air of course. That's dead funny too.

[tarocake]

Read it again! :P

I will probably continue with Castle in the Air just because it's a follow up. Her writing is quite unique because I love how she throws hints here and there. The reader doesn't even realize the clues until completing the book.

[hemlocke]

!! Dogsbody! How could I forget Dogsbody?! You must read the book! Sirius is the saddest thing ever... *still sniffles whenever she thinks of the ending*

The reader doesn't even realize the clues until completing the book.
Tell me about it. I was one dense kid XD XD So I HAD to re-read all her books whenever I finished them. I'm really poor at reading between the lines so it's a great handicap when it comes to reading and writing. It took me a long while to improve my writing to the semi-presentable state that it is now and I still lag behind the best of them by a long distance. I'm still telling too much and showing too little.

Clearly, I digress XD XD Tell me what you think about Castle in the Air later. I won't spoil the book for you XD XD

[hatsumi]

wow its that good,i should read it too...dang.... have to check the bookstores!