decided to read this book mostly because I was seeking a nostalgic read. Even though I never read this book before, I had seen the moive based on it (albeit losely), and it just seemed the kind of thing I would read when I was younger.

The writing was simple and the plot fast-paced. I kept in mind that the book was designed for a juvenile audiences, but that didn't keep me from noticing the flat characters. There was little or no characterization or development. But, this was a fantasy, and it did that part well, providing some new creative elements to the genre. Well, at least it was new forty years ago. There was also humor laced in that would have me chuckling. An enjoyable fantasy, and I just wish I had read it when I was younger. ( )

I thought I had read this book before, but almost nothing seemed familiar and I’m wondering now if I ever made it all the way through. In any case, I found it somewhat disappointing, especially considering the reputation of the author and the series. It was engaging enough, but I had trouble liking the protagonist and found it strange that Taran does not really solve his own problems. He perseveres throughout, but usually ends up succeeding through luck or someone else’s efforts. I suppose he does succeed in changing his perspective and manages to grow as a person, but I felt that he should have had a more direct hand in the final showdown with the Horned King. Unless I’m missing the whole point, which may be that he succeeds because he perseveres, and it is through his actions that his companions’ actions become possible? And that his acceptance of this role is more significant than if he had actually been able to figure out everything for himself? ( )

_The Book of Three_ is the first in a classic fantasy series by Lloyd Alexander and is hugely beloved by those who have fond childhood memories of reading it. Growing up in a small town, my local library did not actually own a copy of _The Book of Three_, or any of Alexander's books, so I missed out on reading it in elementary school when I first discovered and devoured the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and similar children's fantasy stories. It's a shame, because if I'd read this book back then, I think I would have gotten more out of it.

_The Book of Three_ is not a book that an adult can't enjoy, per say. Alexander keeps the plot moving briskly forward and introduces a fun cast of quirky characters (although I personally found them a bit too quirky - their catchphrases got very annoying and I think a younger reader might find them more colorful and endearing.)

Alexander also writes with a liberal dose of humor, which made the book much more enjoyable to read than if he'd taken the whole Assistant Pig Keeper Boy Wants to Be a Hero Goes on Quest to Find Magical Pig and Save Kingdom plot one hundred percent seriously. Another charming aspect of this book is how quick he is to have the supporting cast point out the hero's (or want-to-be hero's) failings and short comings, which is amusing and helps the characters seem more like real people than fantasy archetypes.

The plot is extremely straightforward: boy wants to be hero, but is instead a lowly Assistant Pig Keeper. Boy loses magical pig, goes on a quest to find her, ends up going on a quest to warn the kingdom about the threat of an evil dark lord villain type, and recruits a colorful assortment of companions to aid him on his quest, including a feisty young girl with magical abilities, a nobleman turned traveling bard whose harp strings break when he tells lies, a bizarre part-animal part-man creature that whines a lot and begs for food, and a noble horse that belonged to a great prince. They go on an adventure across a magical kingdom that incorporates elements from Welsh mythology and folklore.

Alexander's writing is smooth, polished and humorous enough for an adult to enjoy this, but I still think I missed something special by not getting to experience the wonder and adventure through a child's eyes.

I would highly recommended this book for children. As an adult you can enjoy it, but you will probably find the action less than suspenseful, the mythology references a tad superficial and the fantasy elements quite archetypal. My personal opinion: 3/5 stars. ( )

The Chronicles of Prydain were my first big girl books. We read them aloud as a family, taking turns reading one chapter each night. Eventually I began to read ahead & I've been doing so ever since.

This is the first in the series & establishes the characters & basic themes. In many ways these books are all about the hero's journey, but not just for the main character, Taran. Each person here is, in his or her own way, walking the path towards self-discovery.

For me the character of Eilonwy was always my favorite - probably in part because she's a girl & little girls need other girls to identify with in their books. When I was growing up girls like Eilonwy were few & far between in kids' books. She wasn't fluffy or dithering. She didn't a boy to rescue her, although she wasn't too proud to be rescued if need be. She was smart & interesting & independent & self-confident & competent. I identified with that (still do).

This is a great start to a great series. It was nice to re-visit Prydain. ( )

The first book of the Prydain series. Watching Taran grow up through the subsequent four books is a marvel. Funny, poignant, exciting -- this series enfolds a great examination of character in its hero's quest tale.