Reading List: Howl’s Moving Castle
The Hueman Collective Reading List
Every other month, a staff member from Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers selects a book for our reading list. This month’s selection is "Howl’s Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones, chosen by Courtney Collins.
I have heard before that only the young can truly enjoy fantasy. That as children we are more willing to accept fairy tales without question or judgement, and so only the young can immerse themselves in the truest form of magic. As a semi-functioning adult and a fantasy fan, I simply refuse to accept these statements. I believe if a story resonates with your soul, then you should shamelessly enjoy it to the fullest, no matter your age! For myself I find that “Howl’s Moving Castle” whisks me away into a fantastical adventure that can be enjoyed by all people who crave a little more magic in their lives, whether they be young or young at heart.
Our story opens on our no-nonsense heroine, Sophie Hatter, a collected young woman with an edge of sass on her tongue who trims hats for her deceased father’s shop and feels as if her future will most likely be stale and unadventurous. But what is Sophie to do? It’s a boring life to be sure, but she’s safe and comfortable, and that’s all she can truly ask for…right? Enter in the wicked Witch of the Waste. An unlucky encounter with her leaves Sophie cursed to spend the rest of her (now limited) days as an old woman! Without much to lose and less fear in her bones, our now elderly protagonist sets out to seek her fortune in the world. On her adventure she confronts many interesting beings: an enchanting turnip-head scarecrow, a fussy blue fire-demon and the lecherous Wizard Howl, who is notorious for eating young girl’s hearts (I guess being old does have its perks).
There are so many reasons why I love this story. It has a beautiful blend of charming characters, an intriguing and magical world and a well-paced storyline. For me, “Howl’s Moving Castle” brings a smile to my face and a flutter in my heart every time I open its pages to rediscover this magical world. It’s the type of read that you cozy up in a blanket while you drink a cup of hot tea. This book is completely whimsical and heartwarming; the perfect fantasy for anyone who grew up loving fairy tales.
You can purchase "Howl’s Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones at Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers: 149 E. Magnolia Ave Auburn, AL 36801. You can also support AOCB by purchasing this title and others online at bookshop.org/shop/auburnoilbooksellers.
Read our story, “New Pages Of An Old Story,” to learn about AOCB’s deep roots in the community and their inspiration for opening an independent bookstore in downtown Auburn.
