It’s that time again. Somehow, despite four nor’easters in the space of a month, the world didn’t end. The sun came out again. Our cucumbers and tomatoes are starting to sprout those cute, little green leaves that promise future deliciousness. The kids are growing three times as fast, as though they were sprinkled were miracle-grow. And yes, the beach calls! (even in landlocked upstate NY!)
So whether your beach has fine white sand, mud, or pebbles, here are some perennial favorites that will enrich your beach reading time.
1. The Wizard Knight series by Gene Wolfe
Just to give you some context. I was traveling somewhere in Europe a few years ago, and I had a long layover in Heathrow. I was browsing the fantasy section in one of the small airport bookstores, and for some reason the name Gene Wolfe jumped out at me. The cover was terrible, so I almost put it back. But I happened to crack the book open. Half an hour later, I was still standing there, my 50-pound back pack on my back. The book was The Knight, first in The Wizard Knight series.
Author Gene Wolfe asked himself: What would medieval Europe be like if the Norse myths were true? An interesting idea, but it’s the main character who’s the real reason to read this duology. He’s a nine-year-old boy who wakes up to find himself in a full-grown knight’s body. Every boy’s dream scenario!
2. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
What if the English navy suddenly had practicing magicians in the war against Napoleon? That would make for a great adventure novel. But this is much more. It’s like the mix of a classic fantasy and a Dickens or Thackeray novel. And it can get dark, but in a good way, in the fairy tale kind of darkness that makes you want to drink hot chocolate and wrap yourself by the fire.
By the way, don’t miss the footnotes (yes, the footnotes!). They’re hilarious. If you like clever British wordplay, sweeping adventure, and Gothic creepiness, this is definitely the book for you.
The recent BBC version of this is also good, though it’s quite different from the book. In this case, the differences work to the advantage of both.
3. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is one of the most famous writers of our time and needs no introduction. But for me, his writing is strangely hit and miss.
I find his nonfiction and his lectures to be brilliant, but often his stories fall just a bit short of that perfection. But it’s this recent, little-known novella that I think is perfect.
It’s the kind of scary story you tell by the campfire on a dark night. But the real joy of it is the end—a beautiful reflection on memory and love that can move even the hardest heart.
You can read this in a sitting, but it’ll stay with you for weeks.
4. The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander
Don’t be fooled by the terrible Disney version of The Black Cauldron (book 2 of this excellent series). This is a classic young adult adventure story about a boy finding his true calling in an epic battle of good versus evil. The Welsh myth-inspired setting is great, but the real hero of this series is the feisty, sword-wielding Princess Eilonwy, the secret crush of many a teenage boy.
If you’re a fan of this series, by the way, and you’re up for something a little more gritty and grownup, I recommend Stephen R. Lawhead’s Song of Albion series, which trades in a similar mythological setting. I’m in the middle of reading it myself, and it will eventually find its proper place in this list, when I’ve finished it.
5. The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald
Do you like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings? Both C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were influenced and inspired by these wonderful children’s tales about a princess and a noble miner boy who protects and loves her. But the real magic of these stories is the subtext. There’s a wealth of symbolism, a sense of something very serious going on underneath, even though these are children’s stories.
It’s something often missing in fantasy these days. I find that many writers are find writing big epic battle scenes and fantastical creatures and frightening bad guys. But not many can writing a moving scene between a girl and her grandmother that simultaneously tackles death, love, and the transcendent. It’s in these quiet moments that these two novels really take their place as classics of literature in general, not just fantasy.
These are some of my favorites (and yes, I do realize there are more than five, but that’s good, right?) I’ve included amazon links to each of these in case you’re interested in buying. Now it’s your turn. Let me know what are some of your favorite beach reads, especially if they’re fantasy.
Also, feel free to download this pretty infographic if you need a quick reminder of these books before you go to Barnes and Noble. Just click on the image:
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