I’d seen the movie by Hayao Miyazaki before I found out this was an English children’s story. However the movie is one of my favourites and when I found out there was a book I had to order it immediately. It arrived yesterday afternoon and by midnight I was done reading it. The movie adaption is a bit different, some characters from the books are mixed into one, some are new and others are missing, also the story line is a bit diffrent, I’ve found it a little more dramatic at times, but the book is just as lovely. They both have their unique twists and turns. I can’t say which one I like more, or which ones was more exciting for that matter, I just see them both as equally good realizations of the same theme. Even though they’re different I find they go greatly together as a combination, when you read the book, but you’ve got the wonderful pictures and nice musik from the movie at the back our mind.

Even though this is a young adult book I’ve only recently heard of it and decided to give it a try. The theme is simple, but powerful. Even though you notice their society is different from ours right from the beginning, there are a number of drastic differences that first become obvious later in the book and which startled me. For example there’s the lack of color, music or real feelings. I tried to imagine what it would be like to experience color or real joy and pain for the first time and it’s too weird to be described. Despite this book being aimed at a younger audience it has gripped me and I’ll hold it dear.

I’ve not read the book before seeing the movie, so I cannot compare to that. I thought the movie in itself was okay. Of course the story does not quite reflect historical truth, but it’s not a disadvantage. It generally gives a nice insight into life at court. I’ve especially enjoyed that you can see the story from the point of view of many characters. Politics don’t play into it so much, mainly the movie focuses on the stories of two women, Mary and Anne. I’ve been surprised that you can sympathize with all of them. While in the beginning you take sides for Mary, with time you can also see Anne’s point of view. Besides it’s even fun hating Anne in the beginning and see all the intrigue. All in all a nice movie, but I probably won’t watch it again, at least not in the theatre.

I came across this anime series by chance, the title simply made me curious. I got hooked so easily and watched all 45 episodes in one weekend, it’s simply amazing. I especially love the medieval setting, combined with fantasy and adventure. Also the music in the series is special and creates a nice atmosphere.
I’ve only watched it online with Japanese audio and English subtitle. It’s not available with German audio, only German subtitle and it’s heavily overpriced. In the end I decided to try my luck on ebay and now got a boxed set with Japanese and English audio. I do enjoy the Japanese audio a lot more, perhaps because I’m used to it, but I think the voices simply suit the characters better, especially Yoko’s. If you watch it, give the Japanese audio a try, it’s worth it!
I later found out the series is based on the novels by Fuyumi Ono. Judging by the language it’s probably aimed at younger people, but I’ve nevertheless enjoyed it lots. The story varies slightly from the TV adaption, but I enjoyed the extra information you get every now and then. I’ve already pre-ordered the second book, which will come out on March 11.
At any rate I’m incredibly happy I’ve found this. I usually recommand this series to all of my friends, no matter if they like anime or not. I don’t think this is your stereotypical anime and if generally you enjoy fantasy, you’ll easily love this.

Return of Saturn is my favourite album of No Doubt, but this collection definitely is a must have. Usually I hesitate when buying collections, because in the end it’s just a different arrangement of songs you already have anyway. But when I got this I found there were all my favourites on there, but also a couple of new songs I didn’t know. Therefore it was a surprise, it’s bit of everything and still perfect. I always put this music on when I sit about late at night still occupied with stuff for school, it greatly motivates me.

I’ve found this as a really cheap offer in a local store. Whenever I hear Morcheeba I only ever connect it with “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, so I thought I wanted to get to know this a little bit more. It’s not quite the happy-go-lucky tune I would have imagined, but I’ve found this was a really enjoyable CD. There’s a lot of slower songs, perfect for chilling. I immediately had to think of a summer evening out on the balcony with a glass of red wine.

Tad Williams is one of my favourite authors and I love most of his fiction, especially the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series. However I’m having trouble with his one. The story seems to drag on and even quite some way into the book, I felt like I was still in the first chapter. It’s still there on my book shelf – unfinished and I don’t have the intention to take it up again any time soon. I’ve started reading the Otherland series not long ago and I’m eagerly awaiting the final part of the Shadowmarch trilogy, which I think are more exciting alternatives.