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Strange Toys

Patricia Geary
P.K.Dick 1988, Internet Top 100

Stages in the mysterious, magical life of a woman­the 9 year-old beginning encounter with strange realms, the premature middle experiments at 17, and the adult, full-fledged experience.

Great story-telling style with just enough magical spicing to color everyday events in riveting fascination. And a good sense of humor thrown in: "I looked forward to the day when I'd go mad, but I figured that day would come after I blossomed into a buxom beauty with snow-white skin and long black hair, and after I'd been betrayed by love and locked in a castle."

Recurring, powerful, and inspiring theme of the wondrous to be found at the center of the ordinary. "The stones, like so much else in your life, are a language half-remembered from childhood, lost to the adult mind yet yearning in the heart."

Close to being a great book. The beginning and middle approach that level but the conclusion rambles to a half-hearted ending and doesn't quite bring together the previous themes into a strong, lasting impression.

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