"Life is a forge!" cried the smith, as Taran, his brow streaming, beat at the strip of metal. "Yes, and hammer and anvil, too! You'll be roasted, smelted, and pounded, and you'll scarce know what's happening to you. But stand boldly to it! Metal's worthless till it's shaped and tempered."
"Life's a forge, say I! Face the pounding; don't fear the proving; and you'll stand well against any hammer and anvil."
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I've been rereading these classic fantasy novels this month and last, and while I didn't always remember the story line, I definitely remembered all of Lloyd Alexander's unforgettable characters: Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi, Flewddur Fflam, Doli, Gwydion, Coll and Dalben. This quote is from Taran Wanderer, the 4th book in this series, which is probably my least favorite. But it's still good! It's been fun dipping back into these books that I read as a child. I'm thinking about rereading The Hobbit next.
I'm home from Bryce Canyon, which was so fun, but still sort of on a blogging break. I'm reading lots and checking in on your blogs, but not doing much reviewing or posting. Which has been nice. Hope you are all enjoying your summer despite the hot weather, wildfires, and floods.
Happy Reading!
I've read books one and five only---these two were Newbery picks. I'm glad you enjoyed your time at Bryce Canyon and your reread of this series.
ReplyDelete:D Thanks! They were both fun.
DeleteI'm sure I've read at least the first book when I was much younger, I'm glad you are enjoying these😁
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun to go on this magical journey with Taran, the assistant pig-keeper, and all his friends again.
DeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying your summer break. We all need one every now and again.
ReplyDeleteIt's been nice not to feel the pressure of blogging and commenting and writing posts and reviewing books. Makes me think I need to change the way I blog...keep it looser and just have more fun with it.
DeleteI am the best at taking breaks, haha. I recommend it for everyone! I always come back eventually but sometimes you just need some time with no added pressure.
DeleteIt's fun to reread that sort of thing, isn't it? Very comforting.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a good time at Bryce Canyon (but I wasn't worried...)
Bryce was the best! It's such a gorgeous place. And so many fun hikes to do...though I didn't attempt any of the really hard ones. ;D
DeleteOne of these days I'll get to Bryce Canyon!
DeleteI'd never heard of Alexander before this but I got them from the library. They're pretty fun! I've read the first two & I need to go pick up the third.
Don't you love Gurgi and Eilonwy? Such fun characters. :D
DeleteI do love a good reread! I haven't read any of these as I've just lately started reading any kind of fantasy. I may have to try the first book. Enjoy your reading!
ReplyDeleteThere are several favorite fantasy novels I want to reread this year. Fantasy books were my favs when I was younger, but I haven't read them as much as an adult...and I kind of miss them.
DeleteI've been having fun rereading some books too. So happy your had a good time in Bryce Canyon. Enjoy your time off!
ReplyDelete:D Thank you!
DeleteGlad you had a fun time at Bryce. I hope you enjoy these chronicles ... I don't know these ... but they look to be full of knights.
ReplyDeleteNo knights, but there are kings, and a princess, an oracular pig, magic, and one very heroic assistant pig-keeper.
DeleteI'm glad you had a good time visiting Bryce Canyon and enjoying your blogging break! I haven't read that fantasy series but I did love The Hobbit as a child.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that one in so long I definitely need to pull it out and read it again. :D
DeleteIt's been a while since I've read any fantasy fiction but it is always fun. Maybe I'll try this series.
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun to revisit these books. I hope to reread some of my other favorite fantasy books this year and next.
DeleteI'm glad you had a good time. Enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary!
DeleteI hope to hear more about your trip to Bryce! It is nice to re-read favorites, especially ones from youth. A nice trip down memory lane!
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun trip down memory lane. And Bryce was awesome. We did 4 hikes and saw new-to-me birds like Western bluebirds, white-breasted nuthatches, plumbeous vireos and pygmy nuthatches. :D
DeleteI love rereading old favorites.
ReplyDeleterkrsrue.blogspot.com
:D Me, too! Though I don't make as much time to reread these days as I would like. Too many new library books in my bag.
DeleteI've always struggled a bit with fantasy, but I'm intrigued! Maybe a read of The Hobbit would be more my speed.
ReplyDeleteFantasy were my go-to books when I was 10-17. I loved them. The Hobbit is great and well worth reading. And David Eddings' Belgarion series is amazing. :D
DeleteI'm glad you had a good time at Bryce Canyon. This sounds like a great series! :D
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time away and are enjoying your blogging break :)
ReplyDeleteI never read this classic one
ReplyDelete