The Belgariad

The Belgariad series by David Eddings is the pick for my first book post because it's what started it all. But we'll get to that in a moment.

As a child, I remember my parents reading in bed before sleeping as a way to relax and wind down from whatever stresses that particular day had brought. I recall my father, hammer in hand, stretched out on the garage floor constructing the ceiling-high bookshelves that would line the entire entrance wall of our home. Eventually they were filled to the point of bursting with paperback and hardback novels. Everything from old Gor trade paperbacks (Dad's) to Harlequin romance novels (Mom's), and from Asimov to Zelazny, in neat alphabetical order.

I was 12 or 13 when I first became interested in what was on the shelves. I had always known the books were there, but never really much cared. One day, I realized I did care and bravely asked my father to recommend something for me to read. I wanted very much to be like him and my mother and read before bed. I thought it was a very grown up thing to do and wanted to participate. I also thought it might be a good way for me to be able to stay up later, as most kids are wont to do. Heh. As it turns out I was right. My parents allowed me an extra half hour of reading time before I had to turn out the light for the night.

So, as you may have guessed, the Belgariad was the series recommended to me by my father. He couldn't have picked better. It holds a special place in my heart and forever will. As with most high fantasy of its type the Belgariad is the story of a young boy who grows up to become King of the World. Nothing new really, but to a boy of 13, a complete literary virgin if you will, it was a shock to the system. A whole new world of opportunity opened before me. Through it's pages and characters I learned of good and evil, right and wrong, and in a word, practicality.

There's a reason I use the word 'practicality'. The word is inherent to the story. Durnick, a main character and a blacksmith, embodies the word. His philosophy of doing a job right, of finishing the work on a bracket located on the underside of a wagon where no one will see or know of it but him, and the fact that if he left it unfinished or blemished in some way that he would feel shame whenever he saw the wagon pass by, was a powerful message to a 13 year old boy. That sense of 'good enough for government work', just maybe isn't good enough for ones personal pride.

When I speak to others about the series I always ask the same question: What is your favorite scene? I am always answered with the same response. A big smile and the phrase, "Does bouncing count?" I won't spoil it for new readers, but suffice it to say that it is one of the most memorable and enjoyable scenes in any book I have ever read. It was also the first time I can recall uncontrollably laughing out loud while reading. That kind of thing sticks with a person.

The books are filled with these kinds of moments. Eddings has a wonderful sense of humor in his writings. He also has plenty strong female characters, a rarity in most fantasy novels not written by women. I expect this is due to the fact his wife, Lynn, writes at his side. It was not evident at first, but as they released more novels they acknowledged Lynn's role more and more, until now when she is fully credited as co-author of their works. In fact, I like their female characters so much that I named my first World of Warcraft (yes, I know, I know..) character, Liselle, in honor of them.

If you have a child of 13ish who becomes interested in reading or you would like to encourage them to read, by all means find a copy of this series. It's great for adults too.

Cheers.

1st Post

Here we go.

I'm not sure where this site is going to take us, but I'm sure it'll be a fun ride.

The focus of this site will not be on reviewing the featured books or series, but rather to share the experience of the books on a more personal level. I plan on starting with books that I've loved forever and eventually branch out into new loves. Most will be in the Fantasy/Sci-Fi genre, but as I do read more than just that, we'll have a few surprises here and there.

As a reader I find that my favorite authors tell stories in ways that capture my imagination and never let it go. I have found that a good writer will tell me a story. A great author will make me live the story, make me become or relate to a character on a personal level, make me feel the cool wetness of the rain, the intense burning heat of the sun, or the pain of battle. Through a great author I can tell the time of day, the current weather, the feel of the landscape. I can visualize the characters perfectly, down to the scar on one's nose or the way one flips her hair, like I'm watching a movie in my head. 'Tis a truly wondrous thing.

I hope the stories I share with you here find their way into your hearts and personal libraries, for there is an importance in story telling. In this world where so many terrible things are happening we all need a way to escape, if only for a short while. So, please, run down to your nearest used book store, grab a book, and let your imagination run for a while.