Heartless

"Off with their heads!" We all know where this comes from- Alice in Wonderland of course. But do you know why the Red Queen is so mad? Marissa Meyer kindly shares with us the story of Cath, a noble's beautiful daughter. All Cath wants is to open a bakery and live in peace. But that is not her parents plan, as the King of Hearts has his eye, and stomach, on Cath. Cath is not interested in becoming the Queen, nor in marrying the silly King. Then Jest shows up as the King's new jester. He is everything Cath wants, interesting, challenging, talented, and handsome. Unfortunately,  a court jester is no match for a noble's daughter. As the King pursues Cath, Cath falls hard for Jest. Could she possibly be allowed to live her own life? One with a bakery and a husband she loves? Not likely. There is of course a crazy cast of characters, Hatta, Haiga and the Raven ( yes, Poe's raven who speaks in poetry, of course!) It is a twisted tale that twists the heart of Cath and the reader. My students keep asking me how the book is- I don't have an answer. It doesn't end the way I wanted it to, it can't I suppose. I did however, as usual, enjoy the way Meyer can weave a tale with such mastery, you don't know what his you. If you are a fan, this is a must. If you love Alice, this is a must.  If you want to take a trip through the looking glass, this is a must. But "Beware the Jabberwock my son!" Happy reading my friends.