Comments: 31
8 years ago
So many good suggestions! But I really must re-read Ocean at the End of the Lane. I'm going to try not to do too many re-reads because part of the idea is to discover new authors, but I need to read this one again.
Abandoned by user 8 years ago
I may actually re-read Practical Magic, although I could read it for the witches square, as well!
8 years ago
I don't have one in mind for Witches yet, so I'll look into that one.
BrokenTune 8 years ago
I have House of the Spirits on my list but looking at filling another square with it. Also, I will need to re-watch the film ..... because it is awesome.

I was also toying with The Master and Margarita for the magic realism square, but think I might read it for vampires v. werewolves and stick to Ocean at the End of the Lane.
I'm thinking about this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SVXS4HY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#nav-subnav

I have it signed, I love this publisher, love the author - but I'm not convinced it's magical realism. From the couple reviews I've read, it sounds like it might be. I'm still doing research.

Also I found this blog: http://magic-realism-books.blogspot.com
BrokenTune 8 years ago
Hey, Grim. That's a great blog link. Thanks for sharing.
It is horror. I'm going to use it, I think, as it sounds more like magical realism the more reviews I read.

You're welcome for the blog link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NDTS5E8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#nav-subnav

Another choice for magical realism - and short, to boot. My parents and I love this author, but my dad said he wasn't crazy about this book. I'll probably change my choice to this and read Down and In later on in the year.
Abandoned by user 8 years ago
That looks interesting, Grim!
I'm hoping it is!

FYI: jeez I'm over everything on this. If I get too overeager and it gets... creepy, lemme know and I'll back off!
Ani's Book Abyss 8 years ago
I just read this book earlier this year. Almost makes me wish I'd saved it for Halloween Bingo, though I suppose I could do a reread. :p As the title states, it is a very strange book.
Fair enough. I got it in paper for my dad and asked if I could borrow it, and he didn't care, so that's this book/category set!
Abandoned by user 8 years ago
I want to read The House of Leaves.
I want to reread House of Leaves before I read Whalestoe Letters.
Ani's Book Abyss 8 years ago
I'm considering Un Lun Dun by China Mieville for my magical realism read. The summary sounds like it would fit, but as I'm not entirely familiar with what is considered magical realism, I'm still doing a bit of research. From the summary, it kind of reminds me of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman.
Abandoned by user 8 years ago
I think that would work, Ani. I've actually looked at that book several times. It looks good.
Ani's Book Abyss 8 years ago
Oh good! This book has been sitting on my shelf for a long time now, so it needs reading. I also have it as part of another Reading Challenge, so now I can knock it out for Bingo as well.

I'd also been considering Gaiman books for magical realism as well, as I already have two chosen for some other squares. I think I'm starting to understand magical realism with all of these examples.

Thanks Obsidian and Moonlight!
Murder by Death 8 years ago
I loved The Girl Who Chased the Moon; at least as much as Garden Spells.
Murder by Death 8 years ago
Love this book, and I agree with OBD; the second was not as good, sadly. I want my apple tree to be like their apple tree.

I've got Lost Lake by SAA on my library list for magical realism. I swear I bought this book awhile back but it seems it was just my imagination. Like I don't buy enough books as it is, I have to start imagining new purchases. :P
Murder by Death 8 years ago
In the same vein as Sarah Addison Allen I'd happily recommend Menna Van Praag's The House at the End of Hope Street. Similar atmosphere and really, really good. (It also has a ghost so it might fit multiple squares for those hoping to avoid actual 'horror'.) The Dress Shop of Dreams was also good.
Abandoned by user 8 years ago
Oh, thanks! I am always looking for authors like Allen.
Murder by Death 8 years ago
Your welcome! Van Praag also wrote a third book about witches that I've avoided based on Obsidian Black Death's review and my own suspicions that it wasn't going to be my thing (which her review reinforced).
Abandoned by user 8 years ago
That bad, huh? That's too bad, because it looked good.
Murder by Death 8 years ago
Well, The House at the End of Hope street is Magical Realism, of course, but also written by a woman (Scary Women Authors) and the house is... the house and there's a ghost so I think someone could use it for Ghost Stories and Haunted Houses. At least three squares?
Murder by Death 8 years ago
Really? Bummer - or maybe Yay! I didn't buy it after all! I'll still get it at the library, unless - have you read The Peach Keeper? If so, better? worse? same?
Abandoned by user 8 years ago
I've read it & I say yes to magical realism.
Murder by Death 8 years ago
Ok, good to know - my library has both, so I'll decide when I get there - or get both. :D
Murder by Death 8 years ago
Yes! I wanted to hear more about MC's dad - I loved him! And a bedroom that changed wall paper/color based on mood... how fun would that be?
I have been reading The Cainsville Series by Kelley Armstrong and her new book just came out. It takes place in the real world but the characters have interactions with mystical and supernatural elements. I believe this series would fit here and in the supernatural category. I am learning so much about different genres with this challenge. Fun!