BackStage

Name of the Wind, by Pat Rothfuss

I can’t begin to describe all the wonders of this book. I know many of the people who visit this blog (or at least did before I disappeared) are big fans of sci fi/fantasy. I wanted to let you know about this book. It’s hard to describe well all this book is about. Instead of trying to do this here, check out the link above. Instead, I’ll just provide you with my favorite quote:

“Perhaps the greatest faculty our minds possess is the ability to cope with pain. Classic thinking teaches us of the four doors of the mind, which everyone moves through according to their need. First is the door of sleep. Sleep offers us a retreat from the world and all its pain. Sleep marks passing time, giving us distance from the things that have hurt us. When a person is wounded they will often fall unconscious. Similarly, someone who hears traumatic news will often swoon or faint. This is the mind’s way of protecting itself from pain by stepping through the first door. Second is the door of forgetting. Some wounds are too deep to heal, or too deep to heal quickly. In addition, many memories are simply painful, and there is no healing to be done. The saying “time heals all wounds” is false. Time heals most wounds. The rest are hidden behind this door. Third is the door of madness. There are times when the mind is dealt such a blow it hides itself in insanity. While this may not seem beneficial, it is. There are times when reality is nothing but pain, and to escape that pain the mind must leave reality behind. Last is the door of death. The final resort. Nothing can hurt us after we are dead, or so we have been told.”

Really, read this book.

Also, while I’ve never met this man, the author seems pretty awesome himself. Not only can you become his facebook friend, but also check out his blog. His latest gambit? He’s raising money for Heifer International. This is a charity that seeks to help end hunger and world poverty by providing live stock, education on sustainable agriculture, and so much more. Heifer has long been one of Blue’s and my favorite charities and I often get gifts of chickens and bunnies for Easter. Now, not only can you help Heiffer, you can do so and get swag from Pat. Check out his blog here to find out how.

If you have read this book, and love it as I do, it’s a great gift idea to help others out when they ask you what you want. You can even get a signed copy of the work while still helping Heiffer. If you haven’t read the book, but love Sci Fi/Fantasy, it’s still a great gift idea. You will love the book (if you know what’s good for you) and your loved ones who are a fan of this genre will love it to. It’s a double gift. You can give them a signed copy of the book for $45 dollars (5th edition, more for first edition) and also give your family member the gift of helping out Heiffer. Win-Win. Pat also will sign the book writing whatever you want. As he says:

It can be anything, but please be specific. I have no problem personalizing books. I’ll include a quote from Auri. “Happy Birthday Schmendrick.” “To the best lover I’ve ever had.” Anything.

I think I’m getting the first edition for Christmas — at least those were the instructions to Blue. You know you want to be cool like me.