Cinder is a book I wish I could read again for the first time, and I often recommend it for middle grade (MG) readers who are graduating to young adult (YA) for the first time. The Lunar Chronicles took me by major surprise because my seventh grade self thought its premise (cyborg Cinderella) would be far too weird. Thus I have a lot of affection for it.
What I talk about in my little insomniac voice note discussion:
how it’s a little easier to avoid “analysis/writer” brain automatically clicking on when rereading a childhood favorite (different from standards, which always exist!)
our preference for existing IP or retellings overall, and how that ties into some publishing conversations about fanfiction, re-releases, etc.
the pursuit of a “high concept” plot
the fantasy vs. folklore split
The voice note is 15 minutes long, and I tend to prefer listening (to my own voice, lol) at roughly 1.3x speed.
Related Books:
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton; Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser; Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor; The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh; Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.
