From: Tracy L. Hubbard <tlhubbar>
Date: Sat, 6 May 2006 20:43:45 -0500

But then why are there categories? They can be undeniably confusing. We love to classify and we work with children in trying to sort things out tend to classify things to create meaning.

I wonder do authors intend to write pure fantasy? Was Jeanne DuPrau interested as to whether her book was science fiction or fantasy?

I know that I do not consider myself a fantasy reader, and yet have been so drawn and engaged in the The City of Ember, or The Ear, The Eye and The Arm. For some reason, some fantasy books make sense or suggest to me a world excites me. Yet, I have tried to read Eragon many times and just have not 'gotten it'. I sat in a bookstore and read 90 pages of Skybreaker by Oppel, because I could not put it down.

I wonder if it is because we all have visions of what reality could be and these stories invite us to explore the possibilities of fantasy that are close to our heart. People who are 'true' fantasy readers are generally avid, dedicated, loyal readers of their genre. I wish I understood better why this genre causes such a stir!

Tracy Hubbard tlhubbar at uiuc.edu
Received on Sat 06 May 2006 08:43:45 PM CDT