The Wizard of Earthsea

The Wizard of Earthsea is a fantasy book that catches the imagination in a different way from Harry Potter or the Golden Compass. To me The Wizard of Earthsea was a different level at in which I had a difficult time connecting to as a reader.  I could never picture myself in the land of Earthsea or a friend to Ged.  This to me made the read difficult to get through. However, I did find the importance of naming interesting.  Naming in The Wizard of Earthsea is a deeply emotional process. Until a person is at the right age they do not even know their own name.  When a wizard shares his name with another person they become vulnerable, but this vulnerability creates a bond between them that is unique from other people.  The true name of a person is connected to the very essence of that individual.  Ged and Vetch have a relationship in which they know each other’s real names. This bond is what helps Ged overcome his shadow.  Its not that Vetch literally help Ged fight his shadow, because Ged had to accomplish that on his own, its that he was a true friend that encouraged him and gave him motivation to fight and overcome the shadow. Naming other things besides people, such as plants or animals is what gives wizards their power to control them.  This ancient language is a language of truth and cannot be used to lie.  This is an important issue when he defeats the dragons. Overall naming people and things gives wizards a power that is unique and can disrupt the equilibrium of Earthsea if used improperly. This is one of the many reasons Ged’s journey is so pivotal. 

Found Felix

Today I was going through my closet, and found my original copy of Letters from Felix.  It brought back so many memories going through the book and taking all the letters out of their pouches.  At dinner I reminded my dad of the book and he even remembered reading it to me and my little brother before bed. It is amazing how many strong emotions are connected with childhood books. I am not sure if it is solely the book that creates this feeling, or if it is the memory of reading it with people you love.  Any way a random thought for a wonderful childhood memory.

Hi There!

My name is Andrea Dean, but my friends and family call me Andi. I am a senior at TCU. I am an Ad/Pr major with a studio art minor. I plan to attend UCO in the fall to get a second degree in Early Childhood Education. Because of my recent change in career path, I wanted to take this class Children's Lit. I am excited to get the semester started! Our professor asked us to reflect on our favorite book from childhood. Letters from Felix: A Little Rabbit on a World Tour byAnnette Langen and Constanza Droop is my favorite book. It is an interactive book about a little rabbit that gets lost in an airport and travels the world writing letters to his beloved owner. Throughout the book kids get to open letters from the rabbit and learn about interesting places all over the world. This book also reminds me of when my dad would travel when I was younger. This book was a surprise he gave me when he returned from one of his longer trips. I still remember reading this together right before bedtime.