Dolls, Vol. 1
This book is in a Controlled Release!
6 journalers for this copy...
Let's play with childhood,
a backward skip, hop,
hope falling into dreams
a backward skip, hop,
hope falling into dreams
This book has been kissed with luck!
It has become part of trade with another BC'er on here, and so begins it's first real journey out into the world. I hope that it plays nice! And make sure it eats its vegetables!
It has become part of trade with another BC'er on here, and so begins it's first real journey out into the world. I hope that it plays nice! And make sure it eats its vegetables!
The box arrived safely in today's mail - in the middle of a downpour, with a tornado watch in effect (!). Many thanks!
Later: Lush, dreamy artwork and quirky stories. In several ways it reminded me of Pet Shop of Horrors, what with the Very Beautiful Man who runs a strange shop selling exotic creatures that push the boundaries of what it means to be human, and the stories about different customers who may find their heart's desire - or may lose everything, depending on what they choose from the shop and how they care for it.
This volume introduces the concept of "plant dolls", the exquisite toddler-sized dolls sold in the shop. They're living creatures, though their precise nature is more magical than anything else; still, they have specific requirements for nourishment and care, and if the rules aren't followed, the dolls might wither and die - or might "mature" and become adult humans, something that could work out well in some situations but which really messes up the lives of people who wanted a pretty little dolly to dress up and admire {wry grin}.
There's a running joke involving the cost of the dolls, as well as of the accessories; the shop owner seems to delight in gently encouraging customers to buy more and more side items. But while this seems amusing at first, some customers become so attached to - or infatuated by - the dolls that they'll ruin themselves to own one.
Some of the stories have twists strongly reminiscent of the best "Twilight Zone" episodes - "Potpourri Doll" is one of those. And some plots are clearly bound for disaster and/or heartbreak, such as the one in which a wealthy man seeks the "Tears of Heaven" - plant-doll tears that turn to jewels. Seems this can only happen when the doll's been raised with perfect love - and then has cause to weep... There are two different stories on this same theme, with very different resolutions, both of them suggesting just how intoxicating and hazardous plant dolls can be.
The "Rainy Moon" story introduces an artist with a commission to paint a plant doll's image into a portrait for an elderly client; this causes complications, and the store owner and the artist have some interesting discussions about it. (I admit I was hoping that the artist would become a regular visitor, along the lines of Leon in "Pet Shop", but that was not to be.)
There are a couple of bonus stories that don't concern plant dolls; they're equally mysterious and lyrical. I really like these stories.
Volumes:
Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three
Volume Four
Later: Lush, dreamy artwork and quirky stories. In several ways it reminded me of Pet Shop of Horrors, what with the Very Beautiful Man who runs a strange shop selling exotic creatures that push the boundaries of what it means to be human, and the stories about different customers who may find their heart's desire - or may lose everything, depending on what they choose from the shop and how they care for it.
This volume introduces the concept of "plant dolls", the exquisite toddler-sized dolls sold in the shop. They're living creatures, though their precise nature is more magical than anything else; still, they have specific requirements for nourishment and care, and if the rules aren't followed, the dolls might wither and die - or might "mature" and become adult humans, something that could work out well in some situations but which really messes up the lives of people who wanted a pretty little dolly to dress up and admire {wry grin}.
There's a running joke involving the cost of the dolls, as well as of the accessories; the shop owner seems to delight in gently encouraging customers to buy more and more side items. But while this seems amusing at first, some customers become so attached to - or infatuated by - the dolls that they'll ruin themselves to own one.
Some of the stories have twists strongly reminiscent of the best "Twilight Zone" episodes - "Potpourri Doll" is one of those. And some plots are clearly bound for disaster and/or heartbreak, such as the one in which a wealthy man seeks the "Tears of Heaven" - plant-doll tears that turn to jewels. Seems this can only happen when the doll's been raised with perfect love - and then has cause to weep... There are two different stories on this same theme, with very different resolutions, both of them suggesting just how intoxicating and hazardous plant dolls can be.
The "Rainy Moon" story introduces an artist with a commission to paint a plant doll's image into a portrait for an elderly client; this causes complications, and the store owner and the artist have some interesting discussions about it. (I admit I was hoping that the artist would become a regular visitor, along the lines of Leon in "Pet Shop", but that was not to be.)
There are a couple of bonus stories that don't concern plant dolls; they're equally mysterious and lyrical. I really like these stories.
Volumes:
Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three
Volume Four
This 4-volume set will be on its way to BCer megi53 in Virginia, to kick off the bookray. (See Vol. 1 for the mailing order.) Enjoy!
*** Released as part of the 2013 One Word Title release challenge. ***
*** Released as part of the 2013 One Word Title release challenge. ***
What a beautiful book!
I enjoyed the stories very, very much! This is one of the main reasons I love BookCrossing -- it's unlikely I'd ever have heard of this wonderful author, much less get to read her words and see her art, without our site.
My favorites were the two Snow White tales and A Spell to Unwind Spring at the end. The author's Afterword seemed to expand on the weather theme. It was interesting and pleasant to read there about her travels and her good fortune.
Reading from right to left was hard for me, so I'm glad the publishers included a guide inside of the front cover showing the order that panels should be viewed. (However, some pages didn't follow the pattern exactly. I had to look them over three or four times to get the sense of the conversation.)
The tea-brewing shop owner was so elegantly androgynous; so subtle and sly. I just noticed the reference to a similar character in Pet Shop of Horrors in J/E 3 above, so I'll keep a lookout for that book series in future years.
My favorites were the two Snow White tales and A Spell to Unwind Spring at the end. The author's Afterword seemed to expand on the weather theme. It was interesting and pleasant to read there about her travels and her good fortune.
Reading from right to left was hard for me, so I'm glad the publishers included a guide inside of the front cover showing the order that panels should be viewed. (However, some pages didn't follow the pattern exactly. I had to look them over three or four times to get the sense of the conversation.)
The tea-brewing shop owner was so elegantly androgynous; so subtle and sly. I just noticed the reference to a similar character in Pet Shop of Horrors in J/E 3 above, so I'll keep a lookout for that book series in future years.
Mailed from Ballou Park post office to the next person on the bookray.
Tracking number: 9114 9011 5981 8051 3803 98
Tracking number: 9114 9011 5981 8051 3803 98
Received today - thank you.
The blurb on the back of this one says:
Both quirky and unsettling, these science-fiction morality fables question the dark side of love and pride.
Sounds..interesting. :p
The blurb on the back of this one says:
Both quirky and unsettling, these science-fiction morality fables question the dark side of love and pride.
Sounds..interesting. :p
I initiallly started reading volume 4 by mistake and couldn't really understand what was going on...it makes a lot more sense when you start from the beginning!
Beautiful dolls and an interesting concept: many children wish their dolls were alive, but if they really were, things would get complicated...and in these stories, things do.
I agree with Gory - the artist in "Rainy Moon" is an interesting character and it would be nice to follow him a bit more.
Beautiful dolls and an interesting concept: many children wish their dolls were alive, but if they really were, things would get complicated...and in these stories, things do.
I agree with Gory - the artist in "Rainy Moon" is an interesting character and it would be nice to follow him a bit more.
The plant dolls are off on a journey!
DC #9114901159818432837107
ETA is supposedly 2/7 but I'm not going to hold my breath.
DC #9114901159818432837107
ETA is supposedly 2/7 but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Very Strange.
I may not be able to finish the series, as I found vol 1 very disturbing. I was also reminded of the Pet Shop of Horrors series, but with a difference: attracting a plant doll's interest seems to only lead to dissolution and despair.
Odd vignettes, I liked the first story, as it was the only one with a 'moral'? Mostly control yourself and follow instructions. The others seemed only to advocate letting go and allowing your life to fall into dreams and eventual despair...
I may not be able to finish the series, as I found vol 1 very disturbing. I was also reminded of the Pet Shop of Horrors series, but with a difference: attracting a plant doll's interest seems to only lead to dissolution and despair.
Odd vignettes, I liked the first story, as it was the only one with a 'moral'? Mostly control yourself and follow instructions. The others seemed only to advocate letting go and allowing your life to fall into dreams and eventual despair...
Sent off to Florida, with the other three volunmes. Interesting, but not a good fit for me during this time. My sister the artist always says that is how you know 'art', not whether you like it or not, but that it got a reaction out of you.
Dolls certainly did, so I am sending the series on, artfully.
Tracking # 9114 9011 2308 6557 0207072
expected arrival 3/4/14
Dolls certainly did, so I am sending the series on, artfully.
Tracking # 9114 9011 2308 6557 0207072
expected arrival 3/4/14
I most certainly had read this series back as a teenager but glad that it has been translated in English and happy for a chance to re-read it. I remember loving those beautiful curly hair and frilly laces, I am always a Lolita fan even though I am getting too old to dress up like that... but never have the patience for drawing them myself.
Very much enjoyed this volume. My favorite is Rainy Moon. Potpourri Doll is probably the best story, though too creepy for me to say I like it. The beautiful drawings are such a feast to the eyes.
The stories strongly reminds me of the Gremlins, with the strict "care for it properly or else..." Talking of which, why is it always a mysterious Chinese guy proffering weird goods?
The stories strongly reminds me of the Gremlins, with the strict "care for it properly or else..." Talking of which, why is it always a mysterious Chinese guy proffering weird goods?
ha ha It's kind of funny how this book came back to me this way. :P
It's was great to have all 4 books to the series and read them one after another. I find that most series have a 'mood' to them that is missed with big breaks between reading volumes.
I thought the concept of plant dolls is very fun. For myself, I don't think I'd care for the expense of one and all the care would definitely be beyond my patience level.
I could see how they might be an obsession for others. They seem to know how to tap into a need with someone. And the store keeper most assurdly has a sadist streak he exercises freely.
It did amaze me though, how people would spend so much money and they flaunt the rules and be surprised of the results. A bit daft, if you ask me. :P
To those new to this site:
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This book is yours to keep, or read and pass on. Whichever you prefer is always ok!
We hope that you'll leave a journal entry here on where you found the book, or what you intend to do with it, or what you think of it. Anything you like really.
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I thought the concept of plant dolls is very fun. For myself, I don't think I'd care for the expense of one and all the care would definitely be beyond my patience level.
I could see how they might be an obsession for others. They seem to know how to tap into a need with someone. And the store keeper most assurdly has a sadist streak he exercises freely.
It did amaze me though, how people would spend so much money and they flaunt the rules and be surprised of the results. A bit daft, if you ask me. :P
To those new to this site:
"What is BookCrossing?'
It's the World's Library. It's a smart social networking site. It's a celebration of literature and a place where books get new life. BookCrossing is the act of giving a book a unique identity so, as the book is passed from reader to reader, it can be tracked and thus connecting its readers. There are currently 1,217,936 BookCrossers and 10,415,496 books travelling throughout 132 countries. Our community is changing the world and touching lives one book at a time.
This book is yours to keep, or read and pass on. Whichever you prefer is always ok!
We hope that you'll leave a journal entry here on where you found the book, or what you intend to do with it, or what you think of it. Anything you like really.
Even better if you join the site and become part of our group!
If you do join, please put 'HI77' as your referring member! :D
