The weeks for Carl’s un-Challenge are slipping past. We’re almost a third of the way into the event now, and of course it’s mostly about the books, but there are quests for Short Stories and for the Screen as well.
Screen: Okay, I admit it. Whenever a book appears in a TV show or film, I sit up a little straighter; I love the fact that an actual storybook is at the heart of the action in “Once Upon a Time” .
I was unsure about beginning this series because I’d heard opposing opinions about it, but I found the first three episodes quite entertaining, and I’m looking forward to watching more.
Maybe in another viewing mood, I’d’ve found some aspects of it annoying, but the other option is to giggle. (Surely I’m not the only moody viewer?)
You know, when the similarity between the faraway castle with its fireworks (that Ella, er, Ashley is admiring from a distance) bears an overwhelming resemblance to the Disney-scape that graced our family TV every Sunday evening when I was a girl. But I don’t watch enough shows that make me smile.
For me, this is one of those ensemble-cast shows in which the character who appears to be in the middle of it (Emma Swan) is the character that I find least compelling; so far, the character who most intrigues me is Rumplestilskin (known as Mr. Gold in Storybrook).
Is it just me, or is the most delightful part of the show about the discovery of the connections between the characters as they were and as they are now? Or maybe that’s just because I’ve only watched three episodes.
Shorts: My friend, Jackie, gave me a copy of Joanna Cole’s Best-Loved Folktales of the World about ten years ago, and I’ve taken my sweet time sitting down with it, haven’t I?!
Originally I was thinking that I’d just start at the beginning, but the back has a lovely Index of Categories of Tales, so I’m beginning, instead, with the Talking Animals category:
“Anansi and His Visitor, Turtle” 
A tale from the African Ashanti Tribe, in which Anansi tries to outsmart his dinner guest, Mr. Turtle, only to find himself struggling with his own table manners when he takes his turn as the guest.
“The Hare and the Tortoise”
A tale from Ancient Greece, in which the tortoise foregoes a nap and plods onward, ultimately capturing the pennant and looking smug for the moral snapshot.
“Why There Are Cracks in Tortoise’s Shell”
A tale from the African Baila tribe, in which the tortoise gets all clever with his travel arrangements and finds himself with a completely unexpected method of transport.
Other OUaT Notes: Since I’ve caught up on most of the participants’ reviews, I’ve added scads of titles to my TBR list; I’m not sure I’ll find copies of those for this year’s event, but I’ll be working on it. You’re all reading such great stuff!
Two new possibilities that I’m especially keen on right now?
Charles de Lint’s Dreams Underfoot because Carl’s discussion of a later work in the series got me all worked up about my good — though neglected — intentions of moving to Newford. Am I starting in the right place?
And Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get a copy of this (there were 600 holds for it at the library when I finally decided that I wanted to take a look after all), but I lucked into a short-term loan yesterday, and it looks quite magick-y: would you say that it fits with the spirit of this event?
What have you been reading for Once Upon a Time lately?
You’re spot-on about Once Upon a Time (and I’m up-to-date on the TV show). The Disney references are fantastic, Rumpelstiltskin is the most fascinating character, and the connections between the modern world and the story book world are so fun to figure out!
Good to know that I’ve got more of the same to look forward to throughout the rest of the episodes; he is such a creepy character, isn’t he? deliciously so.
When Once Upon A Time first premiered, I was very excited about the show. I was even more excited when it’s darker counterpart, Grimm, premiered as well. Now, watching so much of it, my excitement has died down. There is enough to keep me coming back week after week (okay it’s really just on my DVR), but I am not sure what Season 2 will be like, or if there should even be a second one. A big par of me, hopes that this is all there is. But there is that curious part….
Although I’ve only seen a handful of episodes, Starr, I can see where it might be a project best viewed as having a contained creative arc. But, then again, they have not limited their stories to traditional fairy tales, so perhaps there’s more scope there than I’m envisioning.
Nymeth – I’ve a habit of binge-watching series that I’m newly smitten with; with some — like Mad Men — it works out just fine, because they even stand up brilliantly to re-watching, but with others, it can take the shine off pretty quickly (like reading too many books in a series in a row, when they were meant to be read several months apart, so that you see the repetitive elements as refreshing). I’m trying to take this one slowly so that I keep the fun intact!
Jessica – I only read enough of The Night Circus to realize that I want a copy for more than 7 days; I’ve heard the same mixed reviews, but the beginning has me intrigued. And I have to say, the packaging is gorgeous: it’s one of those hardcovers that I find myself wanting, just cuz it’s so nice. I’ve never noted Brian Rowe’s trilogy, but that’s a fascinating concept. Now I really wish that I was further along the e-reader track, but I’m just getting used to listening to audiobooks!
I’ve been considering reading The Night Circus for sometime now, but have read such mix reviews of it that now I’m a bit confused. I think I might see if my library have a copy instead of buying it.
Right now I’m reading Happy Birthday To You the final instalment in a trilogy by indie author Brian Rowe. I initially picked it up because I haven’t long finished off Happy Birthday To Me Again but now I’m reading it I realise how appropriate it is for Once Upon a Time VI.
“Is it just me, or is the most delightful part of the show about the discovery of the connections between the characters as they were and as they are now?”
Definitely not just you! I confess I fell out of love with the series a little bit as it progresses, but I still want to return to it and finish the reason.
I’ve had that Joanna Cole anthology for ages too. About time I get to it.
Oh! I was just about to reply to your email when I thought to check for your latest post! 🙂 I think you’re very right about OUaT the show. I love seeing who’s who and can’t wait to see if the characters ever realize their true identities.
My library has almost nothing by de Lint and there’s a million holds on The Night Circus. I’ll see what other books we have in common. I can’t wait to read your thoughts on Night Circus.
Almost nothing by deLint? I just added all 23 of his Newford volumes to my TBR list. I’ll watch for a copy of the first one when I’m out and about (though, obviously, the odds are against success with those figures)! And I’ve watched two more episodes: still having fun.