Dreams Underfoot [Mass Market Paperback]

Another reviewer wrote that Dreams Underfoot is a gift. This could not be more true. Charles de Lint has created a universe parallel to the one in which we live, but he has crafted it so delicately, so skilfully, and so beautifully, that it becomes achingly real to us, the readers.

I have purchased several copes of this book. I feel compelled to lend it to every person I know and love, since it was through a borrowed book that I first read Dreams Underfoot myself. After my personally perchased copy of the book took numerous journeys, it became quite tattered and forlorn, so I purchased another. And when it was leant out on all the occasions I wanted to return to Newford, I decided to purchase a 'stay-at-home' copy, just for me.

I cannot encourage you enough to read this book, and all the Newford tales to follow. If you have ever had a day where you felt the need to reconnect with the beauty and truth and magic that lives both within and outside us - this book contains that spark.

Read this book. It changes everything...

1. Newford feels like a real place, no matter where you live. It reminds me of Vancouver, Philly, and Portland--three of my favorite cities, all rolled into one. There's grit and decay and parks like little oases. There's rain and snow and bright sunny days. There are Birkenstocks and combat boots and nicely pressed suits. In short, there's everything, and then some. And then, every so often, de Lint takes us to a quieter place, like the desert or the countryside...it's like really "getting out of the city" and going on vacation.

2. THE CHARACTERS. De Lint is famous for his brilliant characters--a constantly shifting, yet interconnected cast of artists, singers, and other assorted dreamers. There are animal people, an Oak Princess, a mediaeval sorcerer, and half-faerie, and an angel. And they all seem like the same sort of people that you might bump into on any street corner on ny given day. The overall feeling is that all of this myth and enchantment exists in your own hometown, and in every other place on earth, and that if you just pay attention, you'll see all of them.

3. The mood--it ranges from charming to chilling, and often in the very same story. For example, "Uncle Dobbin's Parrot Faire," which you can read here on Amazon. There's giddy romance and profound sadness...generally, the entire range of human emotion.

And now, what you've all been waiting for! The Rant:

John Jude Palencar, get your damn dirty paws off my series! The new Newford cover art is (if any of the publishers happen to be reading this) not only ugly when compared to the gorgeous Terri Windling art of the earlier editions, but hideous by ANYONE'S standards! What *were* you thinking? Folks, the old covers for this book and its companion, "The Ivory And The Horn," is SO much better than this s***-brown MONSTROSITY, which doesn't even remotely capture the spirit of the series. Go to a library book sale or a used book store and buy a copy of the old edition. I'm serious...I am a fanatic for trade-paperbacks and textured covers, and I don't even like LOOKING at this. Get the mass market edition. It's pretty and blue and has an absolutely lovely cover.