I'm sure many of you in the book blogging world heard the sad announcement yesterday that Brian Jacques, author of the popular Redwall books (along with others), passed away from a heart attack on February 5 at the age of 71. (For an obituary, click here).
As a child, I loved the Redwall books. I still remember reading Redwall for the first time. My grandma bought me the book because of a recommendation, and I remember finishing the last page and being absolutely breathless. I remember rereading the last page, unable to believe that it was over, and then hugging the book to my chest. Lucky for me, there were several more books in the series. (And lucky for current Redwall fans, there is one more unpublished book coming out in May). I haven't read all the Redwall books, but I devoured them energetically throughout elementary and middle school and many of my stories of that period featured talking animals.
I have been wanting to revisit the Redwall books for a few years now, and with Jacques' recent death, I think a challenge to myself to revisit at least one of the books will be a good opportunity to pay my respects to the author that enchanted me when I was younger. I'm also going to extend the challenge to everyone else who loved Jacques in childhood or are discovering him for the first time. So here's the plan:
Read a Redwall book. You can revisit an old beloved story or discover a new one. Read as many books as you want.
The challenge will begin today, February 9, and run through May 31. This will give time for readers to get a hold of the last Redwall book, The Rogue Crew, scheduled to be released on May 3.
Once you've read your book (or books) write a post about why you were enchanted (or not, if the books didn't work for you) by the world of Redwall. Why do you think the books have enthralled so many young readers? Do you have any special memories of the books?
Also, PRIZES: Whoever reads the most books may choose a paperback book by Brian Jacques from The Book Depository. (If more than one person reads the highest number, I'll randomly select one winner). This is an international giveaway!
To sign up, comment on this post with a link to your blog if you have one (if you are not a blogger, that's ok - you are still welcome to participate).
You can find a list of books by clicking on the "Books" tab here.
Participants:
The Story Girl
Book Elf
Uniflame
Bahnree
Hiya, loved Redwall, great idea. I'm going to re-read the one I have at home and will write a blog on it once I've done www.leedsbookclub.blogspot.com is the blog.
ReplyDeleteI love Redwall. He was a great author.
ReplyDeleteI might join in. I have 3 more redwall books, waiting on my shelf to be red. I only read the first "redwall" and that was when I was an adult already!
ReplyDeleteI loved Redwall when I was younger. Did you ever read the other book he wrote... I can't remember the title, but it was about the Flying Dutchman. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman. Oh, and apparently it's a series! I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard about Jacques! How sad! I, too, loved Redwall as a child. I'm not sure if I can take on another spring commitment, but if I end up being able to, I'll definitely at least revisit Redwall. I really like this idea.
ReplyDelete@BookElf - I'm glad that you're on board! I'm adding a prize to this challenge - it is added to the post.
ReplyDelete@Kaye - I know. I think he will be missed by many.
@Uniflame - I'd love to have you on board! I haven't read any Redwall since before I was a teenager, so I am excited to see how I enjoy it as an adult.
Allison - I haven't read that other book but it sounds interesting! I'll have to read those sometime.
@Erin - I know what you mean about the spring commitments - this is a busy year. Let me know if you decide to participate and I'll add your name to the list. :)
Sure, I'll participate. I am definitely reading Triss cuz it's on my TBR shelf, and I really want to reread Mossflower (my favorite).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fun times, Brian Jacques.
@Bahnree - I haven't read Triss yet but I'm thinking about rereading Mossflower. I'm glad you're participating - I'll put your link on the list.
ReplyDelete