One Book, Lots of Days

So today I was thinking about one of my favorite authors, Shannon Hale. Every time I walk past my bookcase, my eye is drawn to Goose Girl or Princess Academy or Austenland or... the list goes on. She is one of those authors who doesn't feel the need to include language or sex into her books just to get people to read them. All of her books are clean, but they are so romantic and fun and have some of my favorite literary characters in the world.

Last April I met Shannon at a big event near where I live along with Jessica Day George, Ally Condie, Brandon Mull and James Dashner. She was fantastic! And she even said that yes, she does sometimes try to make some of her books have deeper meaning than the surface layer. I know, I know, some of your English teachers were right. But don't give up yet! Not all books are like that!

Anyway, my recommendation for today is Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale. This book is told from a maid named Dashti's point of view. It is her journal in dark times. She is maid to Lady Saren, who has recently refused to marry a man she fears. Because of her refusal, Lady Saren and Dashti are to be locked in a tower for 7 years. Dashti is ever positive but it is obvious something has affected her Lady for the worst. As the years go by, suitors come to talk to Lady Saren but her fear prevents her from speaking to them and she commands Dashti to speak in her place, pretending to be Saren. Food runs low, the girls are pursued by suitors both kind and not so kind and somehow someone has to end up in love with someone else.

Overall, Book of a Thousand Days is one of my favorite books of all time. The characters are rich and real, and Dashti is such a fun narrator. I know it is my second one in as many days, but once again I give my stamp of approval on a book with a rating reserved for the very best:

Rating: 5/5

P.S. I thought I would also include a picture of my autographed copy. I waited in line for a very long time for this one! In case you can't read it, it says, "For Cecilia - You're even cooler than yaks." Don't worry, it will make sense when you read the book!