Unexpected Surprise at the Library

December 05, 2012

You never know what you will find at the Library. Today began like any normal day until a customer checked out A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, the first in the Earthsea series. About a year ago, this series was made into an anime movie by Hayao Miyazaki called Tales from Earthsea, which I had checked out and watched about a week ago. Of course, it made me want to read the books.

Now if you have never seen a Miyazaki movie, you are truly missing out. His movies are best known for their breathtaking graphics, but they also have great depth of characters and endearing stories that are often based on classic children's books. These movies are now produced by Disney, which allows them to be a great introduction and bridge into the anime world, or simply enjoyed for their own sake. I was first introduced to Miyazaki two or three years ago by a friend of mine when we watched her favorite, Howl's Moving Castle. I was immediately drawn in by the story of the lonely hat-maker Sophie, who accidently angers the Witch of the Waste and finds herself on a life-changing adventure. I have since watched many others, and I have not seen a movie of his that I did not like. However, Howl and the book, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynn Jones, remains my favorite.

So when I started talking with my customer about Earthsea, it prompted me to request other films that I have not seen yet. When I finished that and still wanted more Miyazaki, I discovered an awesome database on our website that you might not have noticed: Art Index & Retrospective. I have found several articles discussing Miayzaki and his influence, but alas I have not the time to read them today. But that's okay, because now I have an exciting project for my all too precious spare time. So, although today started as a normal day, it held an unexpected surprise. One that I hope you will enjoy also as you explore our many databases.

Lisa B.
Boardwalk Branch