There was a time when every video game that came out wasn't a run-and-gun cover-based over-the-shoulder space marine showcase, or...a sports title. Admittedly, there are still good gems among us, even being made yet and still. These five games, however, hold a particularly special place on my shelf for several reasons, including: Quality of Writing (story, dialogue, plot pacing, etc.), Well done non-violence (Looking at you, Stardew Valley), nuanced non-linear writing, overall funness and, of course, great treatment of key features (walking while firing, meaningful co-op play, puzzles over mindless violence and...well...farming.). Enjoy the list:
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This book, though I would recommend it as a middle school and above read, is great for the entire family. Over the summer, I used my off nights from work to read my children to sleep using this novel. The reason I started with this novel, as opposed to the others, was completely coincidental. I asked my 5-year-old daughter to get a book for me to read, thinking it would be one of the usuals (i.e.: Berenstain Bears, Green Eggs and Ham, Etc.), but she surprised me by bringing my copy of Mariel of Redwall and begging me to read it.
She loved it, although she did have questions from time to time about various aspects of the books, including: several of the rodent and lagomorph species, what happens when we die, how a female character could be incredible without being like others (non-stereotyped) and why the sea rats were so evil and cruel. This one book gave us a plethora of teachable moments, providing a springboard with which my daughter and I were able to have frank and informative conversations about topics that would normally be the kind that catch a parent off-guard in the pick-up line at school (or those randomly awkward and quiet moments that somehow happen from time to time). On top of all that, the story itself is grand in scope and filled with adventure, humor and enough action to keep the whole family engaged and ready for more. It is a wonderful read, especially in terms of female empowerment. And it seems somehow more human than a lot of the fantasies I’ve read, despite the fact that it’s about a bunch of woodland critters. |
AuthorLawrence Henry is an aspiring author with more caffeine than time. BTW, here's some of my thoughts on a few varied subjects. Archives
July 2023
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