Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Mafatu was afraid of the sea. It had taken his mother when he was a baby, and it seemed to him that the sea gods sought vengeance at having been cheated of Mafatu. So, though he was the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a race of Polynesians who worshipped courage, and he was named Stout Heart, he feared and avoided tha sea, till everyone branded him a coward. When he could no longer bear their taunts and jibes, he determined to conquer that fear or be conquered-- so he went off in his canoe, alone except for his little dog and pet albatross. A storm gave him his first challenge. Then days on a desert island found him resourceful beyond his own expectation. This is the story of how his courage grew and how he finally returned home. This is a legend. It happened many years ago, but even today the people of Hikueru sing this story and tell it over their evening fires.

My review:
This book was recommended by a friend of mine (and fellow bookworm) so I gave it a shot. Written for young readers, this story can easily be enjoyed by adults as well. Armstrong Sperry writes in a wonderfully descriptive and knowledgable voice that quickly brings Mafatu's surroundings to life. Originally published in 1940, Sperry's vocabulary and tone have that old-fashioned feel that's oddly comforting when you settle into the story. And Mafatu's tale is one that anyone can relate to. Filled with fear, he thinks himself a failure for not being brave like his people. As he sets out to prove himself, the one thing that keeps him moving forward with courage is the thought of making his father proud. As a character, Mafatu is so endearing that you catch yourself cheering him on as he overcomes each obstacle put before him. The fact that his two constant companions are a seagull and a dog makes it an even more endearing.

The copy I read was the hardcover edition illustrated by the author himself.  His artwork has a very distinct look that is simple but emotive. I am absolutely in love with the way he uses lines to shade and highlight. If you can get a copy of this edition, I'd recommend it. You'll be dedicating as much time to the drawings as you do the words.

Sperry sums up his book best when accepting the Newbery Medal for this title, "I had been afraid that perhaps in Call It Courage, the concept of spiritual courage might be too adult for children, but the reception of this book has reaffirmed a belief I have long held: that children have imagination enough to grasp any idea, and respond to it, if it is put to them honestly and without a patronizing pat on the head."
"Call It Courage" was filmed for television in 1973 and later made into a musical play in 2010.

The Author

Author Tidbit: Sperry's love of the ocean was inspired by his great-grandfather who was a brave sea captain.

The Secret of Excalibur by Andy McDermott

Book Synopsis from Goodreads:
Excalibur . . . Legend has it that he who carries King Arthur’s mighty sword into battle will be invincible. But for more than a thousand years, the secret to the whereabouts of this powerful weapon has been lost . . . until now.

Archaeologist Nina Wilde is hoping for a little R&R with her fiancé, former SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase. But the couple’s plans are dashed when a meeting with an old acquaintance propels Nina and Eddie into a razor’s-edge hunt across the globe—battling a team of elite mercenaries who will stop at nothing in order to claim a prize every treasure hunter has coveted since the final days of Camelot. Nina and Eddie must do everything they can to keep the legendary blade from falling into the wrong hands. Because the truth behind the sword’s power—and those who seek it—will not only shock the world but plunge it into a new and more devastating era of war.

My Thoughts:
Soooooo....I couldn't finish this book. I tried, I really did. I don't usually read books like this but I gave it a try in hopes that the Arthurian legend/history would keep my attention. Unfortunately, half way through and there wasn't that much legend or history. But there was action sequence after action sequence! So much that it started to drown out any chance of character development. Oh well. I think the chips were stacked against me because I don't read much from this genre. I think someone who does read a lot of books in this genre would probably enjoy it. So if you like books where action scenes dominate give it a try. 

Lythande by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Synopsis from Goodreads:
A Pilgrim Adept of the Blue Star, Lythande had mastered all the true magics of the world. But the power of an Adept was always bound to a Secret, and whoever discovered this sorcerer's Secret could steal away the Blue Star power, leaving the Adept defenseless, fit only for death.

And Lythande's secret was perhaps the most dangerous of all, setting the mage apart from all humanity, forcing Lythande to war against spell beast, sorcerer, thief, swordsman, and the magic of the gods themselves.…


My Thoughts:
Just a headsup, this is not a novel but a collection of short stories. I have a harder time getting into short stories, but these were engaging enough for me to get past that. I also enjoyed the short description before each story where Bradley goes into her thought process or the reason for writing it. She was criticized by some feminists for the character she created and the world she travels in and it was a treat to hear Bradley's response to some of these criticisms. 

The character of Lythande (pronounced Lee-THOND) is really interesting. She became a sorcerer in a school that only teaches men their secrets. Only when she has learned their secrets and become a Pilgrim Adept does she reveal her gender. But from then on she must travel from city to city under the guise of a man and if anyone discovers her secret they can then use it to take away her power. While Lythande is mostly stoic and pragmatic, you get a really intriguing perspective during her vulnerable moments. Especially when she's around other women who think she's a man.

While my favorite work of Bradley's is "The Mists of Avalon," I think she did a good job rounding out this very unique character and giving her an endearing balance of strength and fragility.

The Author

Author Tidbit: In 1966, Bradley helped found the Society of Creative Anachronism (a living history group that studies and recreates mostly Medieval European traditions).