I just realized how long it's been since I posted any writing music! Perfect timing, because this gives me a chance to share one of my absolute favorite pieces and tell you what I'm currently reading.
HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE is the first book I've read by Diana Wynne Jones, and I absolutely LOVE it. I love the fresh, whimsical storytelling, and I so identify with Sophie, the main character, as I am also the eldest of three (which happens to be a kind of curse in the story!) and wouldn't mind setting off on a grand adventure.
Since Sophie is 17, I think the book is technically YA, but at times there's this sweet MG feel to it that I adore. A fairy tale-esque fantasy is always right up my alley! I HIGHLY recommend this.
As for the movie, I first saw it years ago and didn't like it all that much (I prefer Spirited Away), but it's grown on me... mostly because of the awesome music.
I've mentioned Joe Hisaishi before and I think his work is just brilliant. Listen to his Okuribito or Hana-Bi scores, or just look up "Eminence Symphony Orchestra" on Youtube. This waltz he wrote for HOWL is a mainstay on my writing playlist. (Some of you might remember it from the playlist/iPod I used to have up on my blog!)
Enjoy!
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16 comments:
I've never read the book but I did like the movie. Not as much as other anime though.
I love that book :) I never saw the movie, because the previews made it seem like they didn't do the book justice. The music is amazing though!
Perhaps it is my utter love/loyalty/fangirl/obsession with all movies made by H. Miyazaki that I adore Howl's Moving Castle. I do need to read the book though. I've read that the book is absolutely wonderful. And the music is superb.
Yes, yes, yes! I love the book, I enjoy the movie, and I love the music! The book and movie are so different, I don't really even consider them the same thing, though.
Allison (Geek Banter)
I adore Howl and Sophie! One of my absolute favorite books. (The movie didn't work for me, because it didn't keep the funny, stubborn strength of Sophie.)I'm so in awe of the storytelling skill that Diana Wynne Jones possessed.
I haven't read the book or seen the movie, but I trust your musical judgement.
I've never seen the movie, but I love, love, love the book. In fact, I think I need to borrow it (and its two sequels) from the library again next trip - it's been at least six months since I've read them all. Chrestomanci was my first introduction to DWJ, but Howl is what (who?) made me fall in love with her writing. Sophie is one of my all-time favorite literary heroines!
I've never seen the movie or read the book. Sounds like another good one to add to my TBR list. And the music...I loved it. Thanks so much for sharing. I'd never heard it before.
Alex: Yeah, I was just never really that into it. I love the book a whole lot more!
Tiana: The book is definitely WAY better than the movie!
Angela: I need to see more Miyazaki films! I've only seen Howl and Spirited Away, which I love.
Allison: SO true. I barely recognize the character of Sophie in the book - I like her so much more!
Tricia: I love Howl to bits. What a diva! And Sophie is such a spunky heroine... she's fantastic.
Talli: Hahah, thanks!!
Louise: It's SO good, I'm asking for it for Christmas (the copy I'm reading was borrowed from a friend!). I want it on my bookshelf! You're the second person who has recommended the Chrestomanci books to me this week... I'm definitely putting them on my to-read list.
Connie: It's so, so good... let me know what you think when you're done reading it! The music is gorgeous, isn't it?
Oh you need MORE Miyazaki movies and studio Ghibli movies! *nods furiously* :D
~Akoss
PS: thanks for the information about the music. I've always wondered about that and now I can get it for myself. :)
This is actually one of my top 10 favorite books of all-time :)
I've never even heard of this book. How bad is that? I'll have to look into it.
I've never heard of the book or the movie. I looks and sounds MG to me, except for the age of the protagonist.
Maybe my kids will like it. :D
The music is lovely. I haven't heard of this book, but I'd love to read it.
Sounds like a wonderful book! I'll have to add it to my TBR list!
Love that movie and book. I have to say the soundtrack is my favorite thing to come out of it. :)
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