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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
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?
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?
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!
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 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
You're welcome for the blog link.
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.
FYI: jeez I'm over everything on this. If I get too overeager and it gets... creepy, lemme know and I'll back off!
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!
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