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I'm not really a person who chases an autograph. Not usually. But this was author Shannon Hale, and I was lugging a bagful of books on an eight-hour excursion in hopes that I could meet her once more. I gave up a day, $30 and walking more than 30 blocks through Salt Lake City, but I received five more signed books, some writing inspiration and a blister on the back of my foot. It was worth it.
My friend and I finally arrived hot and sweaty at the King's English Bookstore where Newbery-winning author Shannon Hale recently discussed and signed copies of her latest book, "Forest Born." We were 15 minutes late, and there was standing room only, but we made it.
Hale is the author of nine books, her most recent being the concluding chapter in the four-book series "The Books of Bayern." I've been anxiously awaiting this final installment for over a year, excited to fall into another one of Hale's enchanting stories and curious to see how she'd bring this delightful series to a conclusion.
"Forest Born" is the story of Rin, a girl born and reared in the forest with her large family. When the forest no longer feels like home and Rin's uncertainties about herself rise, she sets out with her brother Razo to find work at the palace and hopefully find herself as well. However, problems arise with the distant Kingdom of Kel and Rin follows the fire sisters -- Isi, Enna and Dasha -- in hopes of learning to become more like them. Instead she finds herself in the midst of danger, and the only way to save her friends is to turn inward and discover the powers within herself.
"Forest Born" is written in the same soft-spoken, magical, humorous voice as the previous books in the series. Hale does an amazing job at portraying the relationships between people, the awkward and simply funny moments of real life, and the uncertainty of a girl as she tries to be what she thinks others want her to be.
At her Utah event, Hale said "Forest Born" was one of her most challenging books to write and that she never intended to write sequels to her first book, "The Goose Girl," but the story and characters would not leave her alone. In a letter in a review copy of "Forest Born," Hale explains, "The history of Bayern kept on stitching together in my mind. There was still growing to be done, dangers lurking, powers untested. My three girls -- Isi, Enna and Dasha -- were poised for an adventure, and Razo's little sister Rin was becoming a character of profound consequences. ... So here is 'Forest Born,' the final addition to this series. No really, it is. Seriously. I'm serious this time. I swear." But, Shannon Hale, isn't that what you've said twice before?
If readers had to pick any two of the Bayern books to read, Hale suggests "The Goose Girl" and "Forest Born." I agree. The two books fit together like a pair of puzzle pieces, and "Forest Born" picks up some of the threads that were left dangling in "The Goose Girl" that were not relevant to "Enna Burning" and "River Secrets." Some elements of the first book that seemed concluded are reopened for continuation in "Forest Born."
Shannon Hale has magic in her pen. She weaves masterful stories that will hold onto your heart long after the book is closed. For those who have read the author's previous books, "Forest Born" will once again delight you with a heartwarming tale about family, friends and discovering yourself. For those who have not, "Forest Born" will open your eyes to a world filled with magic, suspense and unexpected adventure.
Alexandra Burton is a junior at Ogden High School. You will find her running, reading, writing or playing the violin. E-mail her at chickitaliewrites@comcast.net.
