I really like this: “If you think about it, the very best books are really just extremely long spells that turn you into a different person for the rest of your life.” —Jonathan Edward Durham
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Comments 4
This seems exactly right to me, especially given the historical association between text (of all kinds) and magic. Cf. the etymology of grammar, its relationship to glamour, a kind of spell.
The other frame that has always seemed useful to me is book-as-dream, which works as both analogy and assessment: a book is successful to the degree it operates like a dream.
Fully agree with this one - when I re-read the pulpy "If Tomorrow Comes" by Syney Sheldon this year I realized the image of Tracey Whitney walking out of solitary confinement under her own power because she knew Tai chi had put a spell on me at age fourteen. It is likely the reason I still keep up with yoga in my fifties... just in case.
Also to follow Robin Sloan in the comments, wow. I loved Sourdough and I can still conjure up the warm, wonderful feeling I had after I finished that book. Cast a spell for sure. Time for another re-read!
You should try Robin's newest book, Moonbound. I liked it quite a bit.
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell, what a game changer for my understanding of religion and mythology, totally changed my life.
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