When I was in Boulder at the turn of the year, I spent time, as always, in the Boulder Book Store. I knew when I walked in the door a book was waiting on me. I walked deeper into the store to avoid the narrow aisles and the crowd at the cash registers. Didn’t find anything on the first floor, then went to the second floor, found some mysteries that I knew I would like. But still didn’t think I had found what I came for.
Got in line, paid for the books, picked up a few of their bookmarks, which I always love, turned around – and there on the shelf behind me, just inside the front door – my book was waiting. The Dragon Book – Magical Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy.
Too much thinking, even about an inconsequential thing like being crowded, had gotten in my way. So I got back in line and bought this wonderful book, edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois, with authors like Gregory Maguire, Garth Nix, Diana Gabaldon. I just read it over the last month, one story a day, so that I could properly savor each particular dragon.
You all know how much I love dragons – they are all over the house – and, of course, I am a dragon in Chinese astrology. I am in love with every one of these fantasy dragons, each one more delicious, cute, strong, quick, beautiful, creative and smart than in the previous story.
What a treat! I know I’ll have to read all of them again!