4.23
Part of "Newford" series
"Tapping the Dream Tree" by Charles de Lint is a captivating collection of interconnected short stories that weave together the lives of the residents of Newford, a fictional city that feels as real as any place you've ever been. De Lint's signature blend of contemporary realism and magical realism creates a world where the mundane and the miraculous coexist, and where the power of storytelling has the ability to transform and heal. The stories in "Tapping the Dream Tree" are as diverse as the characters who inhabit them. From the tale of a young girl who discovers a magical tree in her backyard, to the story of a homeless man who finds solace in the company of a group of street musicians, each story is a gem that showcases de Lint's incredible ability to create complex, fully-realized characters and worlds. One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Hidden People," which follows a young woman named Cassie as she uncovers the secrets of her family's past and the supernatural forces that have shaped their lives. De Lint's lyrical prose and masterful storytelling make this tale a true page-turner, and the twist at the end is both surprising and satisfying. Another highlight is "The Changeling," which tells the story of a young man named Danny who discovers that he is not who he thinks he is. As he delves deeper into the mystery of his true identity, Danny is forced to confront the dark forces that have been lurking in the shadows of his life. Overall, "Tapping the Dream Tree" is a must-read for fans of Charles de Lint and for anyone who loves beautifully written, imaginative stories that explore the power of myth and magic in our everyday lives. De Lint's ability to create a rich, fully-realized world and his deep understanding of the human heart make this collection a true standout in the genre of magical realism...
Helene Wecker
The Golem and the Jinni
Like Tapping the Dream Tree, The Golem and the Jinni weaves together elements of fantasy and real-world history. This novel follows the lives of two magical creatures, a golem and a jinni, who find themselves in late 19th-century New York City and must navigate the complexities of human society while hiding their true natures.
Learn MoreNeil Gaiman
American Gods
American Gods shares Tapping the Dream Tree's themes of mythology, folklore, and the blending of the past with the present. In Gaiman's novel, a man named Shadow Moon becomes entangled in a hidden world of gods and mythical beings as he travels across America, meeting various deities who have taken on new forms and powers in the modern age.
Learn MoreErin Morgenstern
The Night Circus
The Night Circus shares Tapping the Dream Tree's enchanting atmosphere and whimsical prose. This novel tells the story of a magical circus that appears without warning and the two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound together in a mysterious competition. The book's dreamlike quality and focus on the power of imagination will appeal to fans of de Lint's work.
Learn MoreKatherine Howe
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane will appeal to readers who enjoyed Tapping the Dream Tree's blend of history, folklore, and the supernatural. This novel follows a Harvard graduate student named Connie Goodwin as she uncovers her family's secret past and a grimoire with powerful healing spells, leading her to question her understanding of reality and the world around her.
Learn MoreN.K. Jemisin
The City We Became
The City We Became, the first book in Jemisin's Great Cities series, shares Tapping the Dream Tree's themes of urban fantasy, mythology, and the power of place. The novel follows a group of individuals who become the living avatars of New York City's five boroughs as they battle an ancient evil that seeks to destroy their city. The book's diverse cast of characters and imaginative worldbuilding will appeal to fans of de Lint's work.
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