Today I received an email very politely wondering if I had received Magic in the Mirrorstone, sent to me a few weeks ago. I did, and because it wasn't with my other books from this month, I failed to include it yesterday in our Me & My Mailbox feature. I hate it when I blame things like this on my unassuming, innocent two and a half year old son, but honestly, he often takes things and puts them where he thinks they belong. Case in point: my car keys in the laundry. (That was a fun morning.) Anyhow, I found and recovered the book unharmed from under the bathroom sink.

I am loath to leave out a title that not only looks wonderful but expands our coverage for its fantasy genre. Magic in the Mirrorstone is a collection of 15 fantasy stories written by some of the top fantasy authors writing today. They represent a broad scope of subject and style by showcasing unique but related voices. I especially liked 'Lights, Camera, Action" by Cecil Castelucci. Really simple premise, but refreshing and sweet in the writing and delivery.

Anthologies and collections of all sorts are great because they offer a sampling of a specific writer or genre. Reading a short story or a series of like short stories is a great way to encourage readers to get outside their comfort zone. Try something different. Experiment. Some of the first science-fiction I ever read was in a huge paperback collection that I found in a hostel in Greece. I don't remember the title, but my favorite was something written by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I'll admit, I was alone and lonely and had nothing else in English to read, but it totally exposed me to something I would never have chosen on my own. It really captured my interest and I read it cover to cover. Not only was science-fiction totally off my radar at the time, I wouldn't have known where to start if I was interested. A happy accident but a good example of how collections can turn us on to new things. Magic in the Moonstone is similar and would be a great fantasy-starter book for the novice as well as the seasoned fan.

Posted by alli