YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall—named after the imposing stone barrier which separates the town from a grassy meadow. Here, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester and for the coveted prize of her hand, Tristran vows to retrieve a fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends him over the ancient wall and into a world that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining...

I haven't read this book since I was a teen and I want to try it again.

Book_Fairy wrote: "I haven't read this book since I was a teen and I want to try it again."

I have read a few other things of Neil Gaiman's and love his writing style, so I am looking forward to reading this! Also, the movie is pretty entertaining.

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[ This is definitely strange, which doesn't surprise me seeing as it is written by Neil Gaiman. I only just realised that Dunstan wasn't the main character! Love the almost conversational writing style and all the different magical things are really imaginative. I am very curious to see how this will continue! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ This is quite a fun read. I like how mystical and fairy tale-ish it is. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ I love the ending of that chapter. It is so at odds with the whole scene! The witches were cool and I love the idea that they somehow get their youth from a star. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ I definitely like the star. She is so not what you would expect and I noticed that the fairy things said he would suffer his true love's scorn so I wonder if the star is his true love? I suspect Tristran is going to regret his actions! XD (hide spoiler)]

Okay, I am starting this soon.

Book_Fairy wrote: "Okay, I am starting this soon."

Awesome! I look forward to seeing your thoughts! :)

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ This is so similar to the movie, which kind of surprises me. The parts about the brothers are an interesting subplot and I like how the witch and Tristran's mother appeared in the plot again. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[ Interesting, the characters are now coming to all meet each other. I am curious which brother will survive and come to rule. The talking tree was cool and I loved her personality! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ I guess that answers which brother will succeed lol. I didn't expect that. Or the unicorn dying! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[I love Neil Gaiman books because his writing is beautiful and magical. They make you really sense the world, hear what is being said or other noises, see the beautiful land and the people, smell the smells, feel the world, and even almost taste it too. The problem is sometimes I love the writing so much, that I get lost in the plot or even characters sometimes.

Though a few things I have picked up so far for the plot are:
1. I love how he has set up that all of these famous authors from history live in this world. I love classics, and even though it's hard for me to understand Olde English, it's so beautiful that I want to so badly understand it.
2. The part where the two guys are fighting for that girl, and she picks the guy who just got knocked to the ground, honestly that is kind of me. Though, I might also say, no more fighting, that is just stupid.
3. Related to the same scene as 2, I also think its funny that after the guy loses the girl, he just buys the winner a beer. Apparently, they can go from fighting to being friends again, somebody please explain that to me.
4. Another thing, is I always forget how misogynistic, history is because that one woman was waiting for this guy to ask her to marry him. So, she goes on a date with him, with her family, and then her mother basically tells her that maybe her father will approve and I guess let her marry.

Okay this is very confusing, is Dunston a slave of the witch, or not?

This story is very beautiful, and I have to not let the magic of it all blind me from understanding it. (hide spoiler)]

Book_Fairy wrote: "Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[
I completely agree that Gaiman's writing is beautiful. I have read Good Omens (which I love) and when I was younger, The Graveyard Book, and both are wonderfully written. He is definitely one of the better contemporary fantasy writers that I know of.

The scene where they were fighting, because the Arabic man won the fight and should have won the girl, but she went and rescued the loser. So, that's why they were confused and kind of became friends. Neither won or lost! I was cracking up at that section!

I think Dunston was enchanted by the girl, but not her slave. I think he kind of instantly fell in love with her in a magical (literally) kind of way. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[Does the bird see Yvaine? I almost completely forgot about the witch's spell, but she wasn't under its power. I suspect Madam Semele won't continue to follow the deal. I think she will work out a way around it! So as far as I can understand the story is set in a magical forest within the normal world. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[ Uh, so who will be the king now? I wish there was more detail about their stay on the ship. And clearly, I was wrong and Madame Semele wasn't going to do anything else! (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ That ending was kind of sad! Like really sad! She sort of forever stayed chained to Earth and then was going to spend many more years alone!

I loved this and really couldn't put it down (hence finishing it in one day). The world was so magical and the story so fun. I felt that the ending was a bit anti-climactic. Nothing really happened with the witch (besides the fact that the squirrel planted the acorn, and I gather the child was born that would kill her). But, it was still a good read! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2:
(view spoiler)[I didn't understand the point of Chapter 1, except for the backstory, but it just seems like there is an entirely new set of characters and a new story coming to be. So, maybe I will understand later, but I don't right now.

Now onto chapter 2:
1. I love Tristan; he is unique and a dreamer; he wants to love and be loved by someone who understands him. Isn't that what we all want.

2. His uniqueness gets put down upon by other characters, which upsets me. Other characters bully him, even though he is not trying to be anything but himself. His "mom" even treats him differently because she knows that something is wrong with it all. However, a child can't choose who their birth parents are, and people should not blame them for their parent's wrongdoings or anything of the sort.

3. I do not like Victoria; she seems snobbish and doesn't want him because he is different. I think that Tristan deserves a lot better. (hide spoiler)]

Laura wrote: "Chapter 3 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[I liked the witches too, though I did feel slightly weird about the whole eating the heart, kidney, and liver. Can you explain to me the first part of the chapter, were they gods or princes or what? (hide spoiler)]

Laura wrote: "Chapter 4 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[I feel like it's maybe going to go into something like his father. Maybe something like you said, literally magically falling in love. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished this, and I realize now how much I love this story, a mix of fantastical creatures, epic adventure, and the main character is not necessarily a good or bad guy. I loved many of the characters, and it made you feel for everything within the pages. I laughed out loud, cried actual tears, and felt like I was within the characters' shoes.

Laura wrote: "Finished That ending was kind of sad! Like really sad! She sort of forever stayed chained to Earth and then was going to spend many more years alone!

I loved this and really couldn't put it down..."
(view spoiler)[I agree, and I felt like it was a quick read for me, even if sometimes I wanted to put it down. (hide spoiler)]

Book_Fairy wrote: "Chapter 2:
I didn't understand the point of Chapter 1, except for the backstory, but it just seems like there is an entirely new set of characters and a new story coming to be. So, maybe I will un..."

(view spoiler)[ I didn't really think it was necessary. It could have been shorter. I would have liked more detail about their journey in the ship.

Completely agree about Tristran's character. He was kind of a refreshing character from the usual you see in a lot of fantasy.

I hated Victoria lol! She was terrible and so snobby. I mean why would you ever like someone who was condescendingly calling you "shop-boy" or "farm-boy"!!! Star was a much better match! (hide spoiler)]

Book_Fairy wrote: "Laura wrote: "Chapter 3 [spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ That whole scene was rather gruesome! Poor stoat!

They were princes, although not really human would be my guess. I don't think anyone living in Faerie was human. (hide spoiler)]

Book_Fairy wrote: "I just finished this, and I realize now how much I love this story, a mix of fantastical creatures, epic adventure, and the main character is not necessarily a good or bad guy. I loved many of the ..."
It really was a lovely tale. The world was so magical and I guess it would be a bit nostalgic for a lot of people because it would remind them of childhood fairy tales or books like Narnia.

Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[As beautiful as the writing is, I think it's pretty messed up that Dunstan got enchanted by the faerie who clearly had some kind of agenda. Maybe getting pregnant would help her escape the witch? (hide spoiler)]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 1
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ That is actually a really good point! It wasn't really his choice!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5
(view spoiler)[It's weird to have an "innocent" protagonist who is not only selfish but also stupid. I don't think we're supposed to like Tristan, but I'm not sure. Are we supposed to root for him to kidnap a star so he can force a girl, who isn't interested in him, to kiss him? I highly doubt it. (hide spoiler)]

Laura wrote: "Chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"

I haven't watched the movie, though I kinda want to because Charlie Cox is in it. And (view spoiler)[I can't believe I didn't notice that the bird is his mother! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6
(view spoiler)[I love how the stories are colliding. And that Tristran is getting a conscience, though he's still far from smart. (hide spoiler)]

The end
(view spoiler)[So, I don't think I buy Tristran being a wise king, but this was a good ending. Though can some help me out with the man in the top hat toward the end? I can't remember what part of the story he was in. (hide spoiler)]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I hadn't really thought about it like that. I guess he is pretty unlikeable, but then I suppose his ignorance and arrogance are his flaws, and he comes to change. (hide spoiler)]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 6
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I agree, that he isn't very smart. He doesn't really question anything! (hide spoiler)]

Quirks wrote: "The end
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I guess Tristan was cunning at some points, like with Madame Semele who he was smart enough to make a clear deal with (even if he did end up as a mouse!)

The man in the top hat was the one at the start of the story. He stayed in Tristan's dad's house and in turn told him that he would meet his true love. But, what I was wondering about was the comment the man in the top had initially made. It was something about Dunstan his child finding their true love. So does that mean he kind of helped or predicted Tristan falling in love with Star? (hide spoiler)]

Quirks wrote: "Laura wrote: "Chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"

I haven't watched the movie, though I kinda want to because Charlie Cox is in it. And [spoilers removed]"

It's been a while since I have watched the movie, but I remember really liking it! It's not as good, but it almost makes me think of The Princess Bride with the kind of wholesome fantasy story in it. Plus, the ending is so much better than the book's.

Laura wrote: "Quirks wrote: "The end
[spoilers removed]"

I guess Tristan was cunning at..."

(view spoiler)[I think it's possible that he did! Though instead of a prediction, maybe it was more like a blessing, so it could be the reason why Tristran felt the need to go on the journey. So he could meet his true love. (hide spoiler)]

Also, I'm definitely going to checking out the movie soon.

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Date changed. Restarting October 20th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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25% (view spoiler)[ This really makes me want to rewatch the movie! I also love that Gaiman reads his own audiobook, he has a nice voice and does a good job.

Sad that Tristan's mom was a captive and couldn't raise her son. And now he's in love with a girl that clearly doesn't want him. He needs to give up on her and move on (hide spoiler)]

50% (view spoiler)[ How terrible that the king killed his brothers to get the crown and also encouraged his sons to kill each other to get his title?

Tristan is pretty ridiculous and it's a jerk move to make the star walk on her broken leg because he needs her for a present. (hide spoiler)]

75% (view spoiler)[ I'm so sad the unicorn died! That really was horrible.

Poor Tristan got turned into a mouse, hopefully the witch will turn him back. Also, maybe he can free his mom too (hide spoiler)]

100% (view spoiler)[ I'm glad Tristan married the star and lived happily. It's kind of sad she outlived him and I hope they'll be reunited someday.

The movie is much more exciting, which makes sense, but I still thought this was a fun and whimsical story. (hide spoiler)]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[This had a sweet and magical opening, with a snowdrop being paid for with a kiss. I like Tristan but had immediate red flags from his intended, especially as she requested a fallen star in payment for a future kiss. (hide spoiler)]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[It was only when the star was revealed as a girl that I remembered the film adaptation. I must have watched it as a kid and completely forgotten about it. Bits came back with this reveal though. (hide spoiler)]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[It was luck (or fate) that Tristan and his star were at the inn at the same time. The unicorn saved Tristan from the poisoned ale and he freed her from the innkeeper. (hide spoiler)]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[I had such fun with this story. I loved the adventures and the bittersweet ending. (hide spoiler)]

Aly wrote: "25% ..."

I've never read the book before and it wasn't until half-way through reading this that I remembered I had seen the movie. I'm looking forward to rewatching it soon.

Aly wrote: "50% h..."

(view spoiler)[I really liked Tristan's character but he did make many questionable judgement calls throughout this. (hide spoiler)]

Aly wrote: "100% ..."

(view spoiler)[I really appreciated this bittersweet ending. It was a lovely and romantic ending, but it did leave me feeling a little sad too. (hide spoiler)]