So, continuing the rereading cycle, I have moved on to The Edge Chronicles, a great series set in an elaborately detailed fantasy world. No magic is involved, but the place is magical for readers, and the authors seem to be able to write story after story about the fascinating place they created. It is done by two authors. The writing is good, with gripping plot lines, and good description. But the pictures are the great. The pen sketches are about one per two pages, and really add to the book, and help create the world. But every time I flip through the pictures, I feel a little juvenile because after all, pictures are for little kids, right?
Every single book for children seems to have pictures, and likewise most adult books are only text. Big, long chunks of text. I believe that The Edge Chronicles show us that all books should be allowed to have pictures (Did you think that sentence was juvenile? You’re prejudiced against picture books). Intricate drawings really can’t harm a book, only add to it. While I agree that huge water colors every page aren’t necessary, I don’t see why some nice sketches are almost banned from adult books.
People hold preconceptions about things that are “for kids”. They automatically label them as stupid and childish. Yet some things (like pictures in books) are actually helpful, as the Edge Chronicles show. The books would truly suffer without the illustrations.
Alright Peter. WE have finally found something that needs work and we can agree on. This is a good post but it definitely needs work. I like the idea about pictures, I don't think you really elaborated enough. It was also a little confusing and I think some readers may find it makes no sense at all. I think a good thing to do would be to just take the whole thing and make an organized step by step blog on what your idea is. Not really "step by step" but I hope you know what I mean. Another thing is the you do a good job of describing why you like the book, but you don't really give us a summary. So yeah, we will talk in person because you're right next to me. HI!
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