Friday, August 5, 2011

Meg Cabot--Author



There will probably be times when I recommend an author--forget about recommending the books. They're all good.

At least all of the ones I've read of Cabot's!

BUT, the reason why I thought of posting about Meg Cabot tonight is because I just watched a Disney-made-for-television-movie titled Avalon High.

Anyone ever hear of Avalon High before? For all of you uneducated masses or those of you who just hate the story, Avalon is a pretty important place in relationship to King Arthur. How many of you just love the tragic story of King Arthur?

Not me. Hated it. Such a sordid end to such hopeful beginning. It depresses me. Always has. My feelings about the Arthurian tales were consolidated when I read a series by Mary Stewart, probably when I was just a touch too young (sorry Mary Stewart I love so many of your books!!), and that was the end for me.

Not dear Mary's fault. I just hate tragic endings. And again. I might have been a bit young when I read the series. I'm not even sure if I finished the three books. I remember crying a lot!

So I had my doubts when I picked up the book Avalon High, by Meg Cabot. I was intrigued by the idea though--because it gives King Arthur's legend the ENDING it deserves, the ending it ALWAYS deserved.

I'm not going to go into details--but if you have always loved the tale, Meg Cabot's book, Avalon High, will not disappoint you. And if you've always regretted the tale, like me, because of what happens, well you gotta read it. Go check it out. I've always hoped for a series out of this book, but it can completely stand alone. My quick review: 5/5 stars.

So tonight, as I was thumbing through Netflix, I stumbled upon a movie called Avalon High. Could it be? Was it indeed a movie based on Meg Cabot's book? I was thrilled and so excited to see what they might have done with it. I did expect it to be different, because I know that's how it works. But imagine my delight, when I could deal with all of the changes!

All up to the end. Sometimes, some twists just don't work. But the reason this twist didn't work is because I needed two things and I think it could have been great, the twist could have worked.

First of all I needed more development of the romance along the way, just a touch more intensity. But I could deal with that. The other thing I absolutely needed? A stronger resolution, a tie in to the reason the twist was there. A tie to bind the old with the new. And I didn't get that tie. Sometimes, you guys, a twist should not be there, just for the sake of a twist. Just for the sake of doing something different from the book.

And if you're going to put the twist in, you gotta make sure you leave your reader/or viewer satisfied. Don't you want me to be happy at the end? Smiling for the rest of the night? Unless you want me crying, but that's a whole other story.

I have to admit though. I did like the picture. And according to Meg Cabot--she loved the movie too. So who am I to cavil?

2 comments:

  1. I think the best twists are the ones that you don't see coming, but realize that you should because it all fits together. I love that ah! moment when everything clicks. Done well and it blows my mind.

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