Celebrate Diana Wynne Jones!

The DWJ blog tour comes to a conclusion care of the thoughtful Judith Ridge, who explains in depth why Charmed Life is the perfect example of a perfect children’s novel — and why Diana’s books are always worth returning to.

“Anyone who comes to a novel by Diana Wynne Jones thinking they’re knowing what they’re getting on *any* level is in for trouble. She destroys the arrogance of the good reader, by being *better*. Better at story, and better at knowing people and what they are capable of—their capacity for casual wickedness and stupidity as well as their capacity for great love, kindness, forgiveness and intelligence. Diana didn’t suffer fools, not gladly, not at all, and neither do her books.”

Samuel Montgomery-Blinn (who is also behind the very terrific Bull Spec) provides a comprehensive overview of DWJ audiobooks. You’d be surprised by some of the narrators!

“[Howl’s Moving Castle] is done so well, so earnestly, and so authentically that those with an ear for dialects might begin to wonder why Howl speaks with a ‘tapped r’ long before we find out what’s sewn across one of his shirts.”

The Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol

Nic was lucky enough to meet Diana herself — and learned that the books she loved were simply one facet of a kind, generous, and (yes) brilliant woman.

“Diana Wynne Jones engaged with people all the time. Indeed, she still does, because that is how books work. Even after her death, Diana Wynne Jones can tell you a story. And each of her stories glows with another level of kindness.”

Chachic is a fan of many of the authors who have celebrated Diana here — and, of course, Diana herself. This link will take you to all of the DWJ Book Nook posts.

“I’m amazed at how Diana Wynne Jones has inspired so many readers and authors. She seems just as magical as her books.”

Kelly turns our attention to an old favorite — the second book featuring Chrestomanci.

“Diana Wynne Jones’ books are such a pleasure to re-read.  There’s always much more going on than you thought, and a second time through makes the reader realize that the clues were always right there, disguised. It’s almost a different book the second time around!”

Gina Ruiz, Shannon Muir, and Fred Patton of AmoXcalli turn their thoughts to Diana’s work — with a special focus on The Tough Guide to Fantasyland.

“As a writer as well as a reader, having this book be my initial exposure to her writing allowed me to fully appreciate her overall contributions to the field of fantasy.”

Librarian Julie Bartel reflects on DWJ for YALSA’s blog, The Hub.

“Diana Wynne Jones contributed so much to my own personal mythosphere it’s sometimes hard for me to remember which parts are me and which parts I borrowed from her. She’s definitely not gone.”

Kate Coombs counts DWJ as one of her top three best children’s fantasy writers, and shares some of her favorite titles, including The Tough Guide to Fantasyland.

“If you’re going to write fantasy, you should read this book. And if you’re a fantasy reader, you should, too.”

Cheryl Mahoney found Diana’s books in bits and pieces, and claimed them as her own.

“It was years more before I ever realized how important Diana Wynne Jones is in children’s fantasy …  In a way, I’m glad I didn’t know–because she was “my” author that I happened to stumble on in the silliest of ways.”

A marvelous, heartfelt tribute from the terrific Sarah Rees Brennan.

“Books can be like a light in a hearth or a beacon welcoming you, something to rush toward. Books like Diana Wynne Jones’s taught me that.”