"Character gives us qualities, but it is in actions - what we do - that we are happy or the reverse...All human happiness and misery take the form of action"
-Aristotle
I thought it was particularly relevant to writing and to what I am working on right now. Way to be insightful, Aristotle. On Another Note...
I finally found, at the library, Adrienne Kress's second book, Timothy and the Dragon's Gate. I like it slightly less than Alex and the Ironic Gentleman. I'm not sure why I like it less, but I still really like it a lot, and haven't been able to put it down since I picked it up today. Adrienne Kress is a talented writer and her silliness is immeasurable (is anyone's?).
From what I've read about her, she has extensive theater experience and I would really like to read a book less focused on helicopters and computers and more about theater. The scene in the theater in Timothy and the Dragon's Gate is spectacular and she brings that part of her world to life in a tremendous way. Some other settings in the book lack that same spark she gives to the theater.
Her characters, on the other hand, have all the spark and life they need, and then some. As farfetched as some of the characters can be, she makes them feel real and alive in ways many authors struggle with. I think her strange and interesting characters are her greatest strength and what makes her books such a pleasure to read.
I would recommend this book to both kids and adults because adults need a little whimsy in their lives just as much as children. Adrienne Kress, I commend you on your fantastic and unique imagination!