"Quite right," said Thomas. "As with a charm or a chant, the world might change to fit the shape of your words. Your own belief becomes contagious. Others catch it. You believed yourself a giant when you spoke as a giant, and so you became one. Your audience regarded you as one. They knew better, but they believed it anyway."
"I got taller?" Rownie asked.
"Everyone thought so," said Thomas, "so please don't declaim anything at all while wearing another face - most especially anything about yourself. Don't say any lines Semele did not write for you. And remember, always remember, that curses and charms have consequences. You set yourself apart from the world by changing the shape of it."
Goblin Secrets by William Alexander.
Sometimes a book comes along that you hear is going to be magic and it lets you down. That is
not this book. I had reservations, but this book moves along at a river's pace. It doesn't
explain things to you, it shows you and knows you'll be clever enough to learn on your own how to swim. It sweeps you along and you forget to question it, but learn to live it.
The story of Rownie and his quest of discovery is one many teens can relate to. This book is of special interest to anyone with an interest in
acting. The fantastical is beautiful, but the power of actors is so strong that it can fill anyone with the passion to pursue acting and learning to make your mark in this world.
