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nikshelby's review against another edition
5.0
2020 Oct: Brilliant analysis and explanation of a structure that we all love - but didn't know that we knew...
Most books on the craft of story primarily focus on Campbell's "Hero's Journey."
However, that is not the only "chassis" that has provided a familiar guide over the centuries.
Ignored by scholars, misunderstood by us all, Gail Carriger has finally given us the flashlight we need to see into the dark of story structure.
I've been anticipating the release of this excellent nonfiction work for awhile...and Carriger's book has exceeded all of my expectations.
Seeking to write a novel and are unsure about the structure principles that might aid you? Read Heroine's Journey. Fan of movies, comic books, and novels - and you'd like to better understand what it is that you enjoy? Read Heroine's Journey. Seeking a scholarly work on narrative structure that is actually accessible and understandable? Read Heroine's Journey.
2020 Sept 27 - I just needed to take a moment to say just how much I’m enthralled with “Heroine’s Journey.”
I’ve been anticipating it for a few years, after listening to our favorite AuthorBeast discuss some of this narrative on a podcast. I went searching for more information - and not finding it anywhere. And then...the ever-delightful Miss Gail, herself, finally provided the guidance we needed on our quest. (and her book is a more pleasant treasure than the search of Isis!).
I haven’t completed this brilliant nonfiction yet (though I began on the day I received my preordered copy), because I’m taking my time to savor it, and take notes, and apply it to my favorite stories, and talk about it, and think about it. Anybody else need to burble like me?
Thank you, Gail Carriger, for being an author - and sharing your knowledge and talents.
Most books on the craft of story primarily focus on Campbell's "Hero's Journey."
However, that is not the only "chassis" that has provided a familiar guide over the centuries.
Ignored by scholars, misunderstood by us all, Gail Carriger has finally given us the flashlight we need to see into the dark of story structure.
I've been anticipating the release of this excellent nonfiction work for awhile...and Carriger's book has exceeded all of my expectations.
Seeking to write a novel and are unsure about the structure principles that might aid you? Read Heroine's Journey. Fan of movies, comic books, and novels - and you'd like to better understand what it is that you enjoy? Read Heroine's Journey. Seeking a scholarly work on narrative structure that is actually accessible and understandable? Read Heroine's Journey.
2020 Sept 27 - I just needed to take a moment to say just how much I’m enthralled with “Heroine’s Journey.”
I’ve been anticipating it for a few years, after listening to our favorite AuthorBeast discuss some of this narrative on a podcast. I went searching for more information - and not finding it anywhere. And then...the ever-delightful Miss Gail, herself, finally provided the guidance we needed on our quest. (and her book is a more pleasant treasure than the search of Isis!).
I haven’t completed this brilliant nonfiction yet (though I began on the day I received my preordered copy), because I’m taking my time to savor it, and take notes, and apply it to my favorite stories, and talk about it, and think about it. Anybody else need to burble like me?
Thank you, Gail Carriger, for being an author - and sharing your knowledge and talents.
jjvaldezbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up. would LOVE to read a version with some more academic studies but hey, if they don't exist, they don't exist. Carriger did a great job describing the type of story I am drawn to writing and have always pulled myself away from in order to tell a Hero's Journey, and now that I've got the words for it, I feel like I can let myself go down that path and tell the story I was always actually trying to tell!
corita's review against another edition
5.0
Knocked my socks off—looking for missing sock!
I love the book! In almost every chapter, I found myself evaluating my assumptions and prejudices. Wow! Before reading this book, I had a rudimentary grasp of the heroines journey. After reading it, I came away with a deeper understanding of the heroine’s journey and why certain stories resonate with me.
I am a collector of writing books. I love them. Reread them. Some I cherish because they’ve influenced my writing and story telling.
This book is a game changer for me.
For years, I’ve wondered why I love certain stories. Sure I could see commonalities among the stories, but I have eclectic tastes and had trouble seeing the connections of all the various genres. This book opened my eyes to the structures that tie my beloved stories together.
If you’re a fiction writer or someone who likes story structure, I enthusiastically recommend this book. It’s an intriguing book.
I love the book! In almost every chapter, I found myself evaluating my assumptions and prejudices. Wow! Before reading this book, I had a rudimentary grasp of the heroines journey. After reading it, I came away with a deeper understanding of the heroine’s journey and why certain stories resonate with me.
I am a collector of writing books. I love them. Reread them. Some I cherish because they’ve influenced my writing and story telling.
This book is a game changer for me.
For years, I’ve wondered why I love certain stories. Sure I could see commonalities among the stories, but I have eclectic tastes and had trouble seeing the connections of all the various genres. This book opened my eyes to the structures that tie my beloved stories together.
If you’re a fiction writer or someone who likes story structure, I enthusiastically recommend this book. It’s an intriguing book.
lyrareadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
If you ever (for whatever reason) tried to shoehorn Campbell’s classic Hero’s Journey model onto something like Girls’ Trip or Bridesmaids, you know how deeply unsatisfying it is as a model. This book explains why. It’s a must read. Satisfying, authoritative, illuminating and one of the funnier craft books I’ve read.
lisawreading's review against another edition
5.0
I’m not a writer… so why am I reading a book about writing? Because it’s by Gail Carriger, that’s why!
Gail Carriger is a favorite writer, and her books own prime shelf real estate in my personal library. I adore her characters, her plots, her world-building, her dialogue, and her silliness. (She’s also unfailingly welcoming and warm at book signings, which can’t be easy…)
In any case — after reading about The Heroine’s Journey through Gail’s social media and newsletters, I was intrigued enough to want to check it out. Lo and behold, it was a fascinating read, even for a non-writer like me!
In The Heroine’s Journey, Gail explains in details how a Heroine’s Journey differs from the much better-known Hero’s Journey. Surprise #1 — the heroine of a Heroine’s Journey does not have to be female! The concept of the hero and heroine, at least as Gail explains, has much more to do with the types of journeys they’re on, the obstacles they encounter, the resources they use, and their ultimate goal, than with a definition based on gender identification.
Through the use of literary and pop culture references, Gail clearly identifies the key elements of a Heroine’s Journey, and explains the tropes, characters, and beats that provide the journey’s framework. She also provides excellent examples of different techniques to use to bring characters to life, get readers involved, and provide a satisfactory payoff for devoted readers.
As an avid reader, and someone who loves genre fiction of all sorts, I found this book so interesting! It really helped me understand why certain types of stories and plots resonate, and taught me a lot about structure and underlying themes as part of understanding a writer’s craft and accomplishments.
And as for the geek in me, I adored the fact that she used Harry Potter throughout the book to explain different facets of the Heroine’s Journey. It’s fine to provide a writerly explanation of different points, but the examples are what really brought the points to life for me.
The Heroine’s Journey is a great read for anyone who enjoys learning about the craft behind the stories we love. I’ll be pushing this book into the hands of a few writer friends of mine too!
Gail Carriger is a favorite writer, and her books own prime shelf real estate in my personal library. I adore her characters, her plots, her world-building, her dialogue, and her silliness. (She’s also unfailingly welcoming and warm at book signings, which can’t be easy…)
In any case — after reading about The Heroine’s Journey through Gail’s social media and newsletters, I was intrigued enough to want to check it out. Lo and behold, it was a fascinating read, even for a non-writer like me!
In The Heroine’s Journey, Gail explains in details how a Heroine’s Journey differs from the much better-known Hero’s Journey. Surprise #1 — the heroine of a Heroine’s Journey does not have to be female! The concept of the hero and heroine, at least as Gail explains, has much more to do with the types of journeys they’re on, the obstacles they encounter, the resources they use, and their ultimate goal, than with a definition based on gender identification.
Through the use of literary and pop culture references, Gail clearly identifies the key elements of a Heroine’s Journey, and explains the tropes, characters, and beats that provide the journey’s framework. She also provides excellent examples of different techniques to use to bring characters to life, get readers involved, and provide a satisfactory payoff for devoted readers.
As an avid reader, and someone who loves genre fiction of all sorts, I found this book so interesting! It really helped me understand why certain types of stories and plots resonate, and taught me a lot about structure and underlying themes as part of understanding a writer’s craft and accomplishments.
And as for the geek in me, I adored the fact that she used Harry Potter throughout the book to explain different facets of the Heroine’s Journey. It’s fine to provide a writerly explanation of different points, but the examples are what really brought the points to life for me.
The Heroine’s Journey is a great read for anyone who enjoys learning about the craft behind the stories we love. I’ll be pushing this book into the hands of a few writer friends of mine too!
rsimizon's review against another edition
5.0
I’m always interested in hearing about narrative structures, but this was an even more interesting read than I was expecting. My favorite part of the book is the authors voice, it feels conversational with the perfect dash of humor sprinkled in.
chelle_thebelle's review against another edition
5.0
Five stars for an incredible craft book! This has given me a lot to think about, both as a writer and a consumer of popular culture.