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The Enchanted Library - Karen Andrea
The Enchanted Library
Karen Andrea
ISBN: 9781849231824
YouWriteOn
Reviewed By Rhonda Carver
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
After losing his parents in a tragic accident, ten-year-old Max is forced to adjust to the itinerant life that comes with living in foster care. Further adding to his frustration is the difficult time that he has making new friends and succeeding academically from having to change schools so frequently. For such a loving, tender-hearted young man, the hopes of a better life keep growing dimmer by the day...
Out of the blue, though, Max gets a call from his grandfather, who has decided to take the youngster in. Things begin to look even more upbeat when Max discovers a mystical library in his grandfather's home filled with magical books containing characters that literally come to life. Having finally found the peaceful bliss he's sought for so long, Max has no idea that his actions have actually re-awakened a sinister force that, unbeknownst to him, has wreaked havoc in his family's past...
When the shadowy menace re-emerges on the scene and resumes its destructive ways, Max joins forces with his new mystical friends to figure out a way to stop the evil in its tracks - and save his and his grandfather's life at the same time...
Illustrious, imaginative, and creatively crafted, The Enchanted Library is a highly entertaining read. An enjoyable treat for readers of all ages, author Karen Andrea's tale is filled with equal parts humor and adventure, making for a delightful overall reading experience. Furthermore, Andrea displays considerable wit in the playful pokes that she takes at some of the most popular literary figures in the current mainstream, while simultaneously lending a quite unique, authentic appeal to her own. Such a clever feat is certainly not an easy task to pull off, but Andrea does so with commendable grace and moxie.
For its originality and creative, unique energy, The Enchanted Library belongs on the bookshelves of readers young and old worldwide. Highly recommended.
Click Here To Learn More About The Enchanted Library
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Karen Andrea (The Enchanted Library)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Karen. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
The story is quite creative and original. How long did it take you to finally bring it all together?
Karen Andrea: The Enchanted Library was inspired by a dream I had whilst living in northern Spain in 2005, prompted by a visit to a local bookshop. At the time I was penning another manuscript and didn't get round to developing my vision until a few years later. It then took around a year collating the ideas, researching, going into classrooms, writing, getting feedback from my target audience, and then about six months rewriting and editing.
AR: How did you come up with such an innovative concept as the "Word-Eaters"?
KA: I didn't want all of the living books iin the enchanted library to be good - everyone loves a baddie! Some shady characters and a dark past would contrast the joy of young Max's rediscovery of the abandoned library. So, it soon turns out that the enchanted books' coming alive is a mixed blessing; the gift of life means vulnerability to death. I came up with the notion that the ideas contained within the living books - their inky printed words - represented their life blood. So the Word-Eaters are my construct to literally drain the life from these book characters. Also, because the Word-Eaters contain magical charms from generations past, they create an additional obstacle for Max in his quest to save his bookish friends and his Grandpa. I created Word-Eaters as a nemesis for both Max and the living books as their worlds entwine.
AR: Our reviewer commented on how, in the book, you cleverly take sly pokes at popular literary figures (Harry Potter, Brothers Grimm, etc.). What inspired this playful mockery?
KA: Fun! Yes, I wanted to play with the notion of our literary heritage and the world of publishing. I decided the reason for the enchanted library's past abandonment was the books' rejection from the mainstream world of books because they were different, outsiders, misfits - a feature that connects and unites them with Max, orphaned and bouncing between foster homes. I found that giving the living books known counterparts in the real world inspired historical back-stories and provided an opportunity for some humour, as well as character development.
I deliberated over the choices of book titles, trying to select titles with mass appeal that would be familiar to kids of whatever background or culture reading The Enchanted Library. A teacher friend helped and some titles got cut.
Momma was the one constant living book, as I wanted to provide maternal figures for Max to cushion his loneliness. Her character developed organically, having had her stories stolen and reworked by her sons the Grimm Brothers after her objections to them demonising mothers/ step-mothers in their work (a known criticism of them). It was also important for the living books to be two-dimensional and have relatable (human) emotions and foibles. Their back-stories - their stories of rejection, envy and anger at the unfairness of it all - add depth to the characters and make them more sympathetic - and comical!
AR: What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the tale?
KA: I've received great praise because of the book's pro-literacy theme. Just as important though, is the book's celebration of the power of our imaginations to transport us to new lands, to empower us and transform our realities.
AR: What kinds of reactions has the book received thus far - particularly from young readers?
KA: I've had a fantastic response from a variety of readers of all ages - kids, parents, teachers, librarians, even an adoptive father and a grandparent raising a grandchild. It's all very encouraging and a bit overwhelming actually. I've had lots of requests for sequels, and many commenting that The Enchanted Library should be made into a film... If there's any film agents out there reading this - holler, I'm cheaper than you'd think!
AR: Have you been able to place the book in public schools or libraries in order to make it easier for young readers to have access to it?
KA: I tour schools and libraries giving workshops on The Enchanted Library. It is being read in many schools in the UK. It is available at all online retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and in many of the larger bookstore chains in the UK like Borders and Waterstones, and many indie bookshops too. Bookshops and public libraries will order it if your readers ask for it - just give the title or ISBN number.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
KA: I'm currently writing a sequel to The Enchanted Library! Ideally, I hope to sell the film rights and the rights to a series. I'm also rewriting a magical realist novel aimed at the Y.A. market, and a treatment for a work of non-fiction. I love creative writing and hope to be lucky enough to do so successfully throughout my life.
AR: Will you be making any appearances anytime soon, where our readers can come and show you some support?
KA: My dates are currently limited to the UK. I would love to tour the USA, so watch this space...
AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
KA: Yes, please visit me at www.enchantedlibrary.com
AR: How can they contact you directly?
KA: Email me at: karen.andrea@enchantedlibrary.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
KA: I'd like to thank them for their support and interest.
AR: Thanks again, Karen, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
KA: Thank you
Click Here To Learn More About The Enchanted Library
Karen Andrea
ISBN: 9781849231824
YouWriteOn
Reviewed By Rhonda Carver
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
After losing his parents in a tragic accident, ten-year-old Max is forced to adjust to the itinerant life that comes with living in foster care. Further adding to his frustration is the difficult time that he has making new friends and succeeding academically from having to change schools so frequently. For such a loving, tender-hearted young man, the hopes of a better life keep growing dimmer by the day...
Out of the blue, though, Max gets a call from his grandfather, who has decided to take the youngster in. Things begin to look even more upbeat when Max discovers a mystical library in his grandfather's home filled with magical books containing characters that literally come to life. Having finally found the peaceful bliss he's sought for so long, Max has no idea that his actions have actually re-awakened a sinister force that, unbeknownst to him, has wreaked havoc in his family's past...
When the shadowy menace re-emerges on the scene and resumes its destructive ways, Max joins forces with his new mystical friends to figure out a way to stop the evil in its tracks - and save his and his grandfather's life at the same time...
Illustrious, imaginative, and creatively crafted, The Enchanted Library is a highly entertaining read. An enjoyable treat for readers of all ages, author Karen Andrea's tale is filled with equal parts humor and adventure, making for a delightful overall reading experience. Furthermore, Andrea displays considerable wit in the playful pokes that she takes at some of the most popular literary figures in the current mainstream, while simultaneously lending a quite unique, authentic appeal to her own. Such a clever feat is certainly not an easy task to pull off, but Andrea does so with commendable grace and moxie.
For its originality and creative, unique energy, The Enchanted Library belongs on the bookshelves of readers young and old worldwide. Highly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Karen Andrea (The Enchanted Library)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Karen. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
The story is quite creative and original. How long did it take you to finally bring it all together?
Karen Andrea: The Enchanted Library was inspired by a dream I had whilst living in northern Spain in 2005, prompted by a visit to a local bookshop. At the time I was penning another manuscript and didn't get round to developing my vision until a few years later. It then took around a year collating the ideas, researching, going into classrooms, writing, getting feedback from my target audience, and then about six months rewriting and editing.
AR: How did you come up with such an innovative concept as the "Word-Eaters"?
KA: I didn't want all of the living books iin the enchanted library to be good - everyone loves a baddie! Some shady characters and a dark past would contrast the joy of young Max's rediscovery of the abandoned library. So, it soon turns out that the enchanted books' coming alive is a mixed blessing; the gift of life means vulnerability to death. I came up with the notion that the ideas contained within the living books - their inky printed words - represented their life blood. So the Word-Eaters are my construct to literally drain the life from these book characters. Also, because the Word-Eaters contain magical charms from generations past, they create an additional obstacle for Max in his quest to save his bookish friends and his Grandpa. I created Word-Eaters as a nemesis for both Max and the living books as their worlds entwine.
AR: Our reviewer commented on how, in the book, you cleverly take sly pokes at popular literary figures (Harry Potter, Brothers Grimm, etc.). What inspired this playful mockery?
KA: Fun! Yes, I wanted to play with the notion of our literary heritage and the world of publishing. I decided the reason for the enchanted library's past abandonment was the books' rejection from the mainstream world of books because they were different, outsiders, misfits - a feature that connects and unites them with Max, orphaned and bouncing between foster homes. I found that giving the living books known counterparts in the real world inspired historical back-stories and provided an opportunity for some humour, as well as character development.
I deliberated over the choices of book titles, trying to select titles with mass appeal that would be familiar to kids of whatever background or culture reading The Enchanted Library. A teacher friend helped and some titles got cut.
Momma was the one constant living book, as I wanted to provide maternal figures for Max to cushion his loneliness. Her character developed organically, having had her stories stolen and reworked by her sons the Grimm Brothers after her objections to them demonising mothers/ step-mothers in their work (a known criticism of them). It was also important for the living books to be two-dimensional and have relatable (human) emotions and foibles. Their back-stories - their stories of rejection, envy and anger at the unfairness of it all - add depth to the characters and make them more sympathetic - and comical!
AR: What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the tale?
KA: I've received great praise because of the book's pro-literacy theme. Just as important though, is the book's celebration of the power of our imaginations to transport us to new lands, to empower us and transform our realities.
AR: What kinds of reactions has the book received thus far - particularly from young readers?
KA: I've had a fantastic response from a variety of readers of all ages - kids, parents, teachers, librarians, even an adoptive father and a grandparent raising a grandchild. It's all very encouraging and a bit overwhelming actually. I've had lots of requests for sequels, and many commenting that The Enchanted Library should be made into a film... If there's any film agents out there reading this - holler, I'm cheaper than you'd think!
AR: Have you been able to place the book in public schools or libraries in order to make it easier for young readers to have access to it?
KA: I tour schools and libraries giving workshops on The Enchanted Library. It is being read in many schools in the UK. It is available at all online retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and in many of the larger bookstore chains in the UK like Borders and Waterstones, and many indie bookshops too. Bookshops and public libraries will order it if your readers ask for it - just give the title or ISBN number.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
KA: I'm currently writing a sequel to The Enchanted Library! Ideally, I hope to sell the film rights and the rights to a series. I'm also rewriting a magical realist novel aimed at the Y.A. market, and a treatment for a work of non-fiction. I love creative writing and hope to be lucky enough to do so successfully throughout my life.
AR: Will you be making any appearances anytime soon, where our readers can come and show you some support?
KA: My dates are currently limited to the UK. I would love to tour the USA, so watch this space...
AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
KA: Yes, please visit me at www.enchantedlibrary.com
AR: How can they contact you directly?
KA: Email me at: karen.andrea@enchantedlibrary.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
KA: I'd like to thank them for their support and interest.
AR: Thanks again, Karen, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
KA: Thank you