Graceling by Kristin Cashore (cover)Today, two days after I brought it home from the library, I finished Kristin Cashore’s young adult novel, Graceling. Tomorrow, when I get to work, I will most likely buy a copy for myself, while it’s still out in hardcover, so I can add it to my collection of YA series I love. Yes, it was that good.

Ever read a book that draws you so completely into its world, whose characters are so very real, that you find yourself in a sort of limbo, stuck between the book and reality, for a while after you put it down? Graceling is absolutely that kind of book. As I went about my daily tasks, I would suddenly realize I was thinking about Po and Katsa, wondering what they would do next or remembering a certain moment between them. I found myself gripped by feelings they were experiencing: nail-biting fear, deep affection, overwhelming joy. I had to force myself to slow down and savor the story, because though I desperately wanted to know how it unfolded, I knew I’d regret finishing it too quickly.

I finished Graceling this morning, but I’ve actually deliberately not picked up another book today (*gasp*), just so I can savor the book and let its effects sink in. I’m not ready to replace Graceling‘s characters and landscape with those of another novel yet.

I cannot speak highly enough of this novel. I adored it.

In other, slightly related news, Ann over at Books on the Nightstand has started an interesting discussion about “young adult” fiction. Check it out!

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