WIZLIT

“What’s Your WIZLIT?” –The Chronicles of Prydain

Today’s WIZLIT isn’t one book, it’s five! Jakob Romine picked THE CHRONICLES OF PRYDAIN. Let’s see why . . .

First, here’s a bit about Jakob:
Jakob is a high school senior. He loves playing and recording music, reading, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors. He plans on studying English at the University of Texas and looks forward to teaching in the future.

1. Tell me a little bit about a children’s book that was a source of wisdom or inspiration to you.
THE CHRONICLES OF PRYDAIN by Lloyd Alexander is a five volume fantasy series drawing on Welsh mythology and set against a medieval style backdrop. The books follow Taran, a young Assistant Pig Keeper longing for greatness who, through his adventures and friendships, grows from an imprudent and self absorbed youth into a wise and humble hero.

2. When did you first read the book?
I read them with my mom when I was about 5 or 6.

3. What did it teach you?
Essentially a Bildungsroman, it taught the morals and strong character that make a true hero. I remember completely disliking Taran in the first book as he was just unbearably arrogant, and in a way this made me appreciate and connect with his character more as he developed through his experiences and travels.

4. If you first read the book as a child, have you gone back and read it again? If so, did you learn new things?
I last read them about six years ago and took significantly more from the saga than I had as a young child. It became more than just a great story about good fighting evil; it was growing up and choosing your path in life.

5. How have its lessons made a difference in your life?
The virtues of respect and modesty definitely made an impression on my character as well as the theme of having to work for what you want in life.

Jakob, what a beautiful description of the hero’s journey as the process of growing up and choosing your path in life. Best of luck as you do those two things! I can tell you are well on your way to becoming a true hero.

Interested in sharing a book that made a difference in your life? Click on the “What’s your WIZLIT?” tab and tell me all about it!