Books

Neverwhere 

A country boy moves to London and discovers a much darker and more complex world beneath street level.

I never get tired of listening to Neil Gaiman answering the question “What if the modern world were as thoroughly imbued with magic and as densely populated with fairies as mythical ancient times?”

He’s peerlessly good at it.

The magical layer of the modern world naturally have changed, he posits. One wouldn’t expect to encounter forest nymphs and ladies of the lake beneath London’s urban sprawl. You’d notice the impact of industrialization and urbanization, just as you do above ground.

But there are certain rules of magic that cross over equally. And human nature doesn’t really change.

Whether the context is urban or rural, industrial or agricultural, magical or not, the story of a boy facing the challenges of adulthood, struggling, growing stronger, and overcoming his obstacles will always be a meaningful one.

Great story, well written. Highly recommended.

The Witches

Orphaned boy learns the hideous truth about real witches from his grandmother, then uses the knowledge to mostly escape their clutches. 

This book is dark even by Roald Dahl’s standards. I tried reading it to my oldest boy when he has 3 or 4 and we had to stop because it was too scary for him. 

But like all of Dahl’s work, it’s outstanding. It’s not his strongest work, but that still leaves plenty of room between it and the threshold of worthiness. 

Start with Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Danny the Champion of the World. But if you’re running low on Dahl titles, don’t be shy about adding this to the list of books to read to your kids.