Why I love Diana. . . .

Wynne Jones, that is. I just finished reading "The Pinhoe Egg," Diana Wynne Jones' latest book, and the fifth "Chrestomanci" book. If you like Harry Potter, and haven't yet discovered Chrestomanci, you're really missing out. It's been years since I read the first four, and I'd forgotten how fun they are and how much I loved that world. And it made me start thinking about her other books. See, the first few books of hers that I read were all magnificent. Really, some of the best books I've ever read. And then I read a few that didn't give me quite the same thrills, and so I'd forgotten the magic of reading "Dogsbody". And "Archer's Goon". And "A Tale of Time City". "Howl's Moving Castle." "Deep Secret." Wonderful, wonderful books all. And now add to that "The Pinhoe Egg." You don't need to have read the other Chrestomanci books first, but it helps you know the characters a little better. And what fun characters! Really, if you haven't ever read Diana, you simply must. Go and find one, I guarantee your library or bookstore will have something of hers. "The Lives of Christopher Chant" is the first Chrestomanci book. If you like epic fantasy, try "Cart and Cwidder", or "Dark Lord of Derkholm", which is a spoof of Dungeons & Dragons-style fantasy. "Deep Secret" is great if you've ever been to a sci fi convention, and "Tale of Time City" IS science fiction. "Dogsbody" is a mystery, and a love story, and a fantasy, and science fiction all at once. It's quite simply my favorite, and I think everyone should read it. Enjoy!