Storyteller

How do the stories we tell shape our lives? Are we a product of our stories or do we create them? That's the theme explored in Edward Myers' "Storyteller." "Storyteller" follows seventeen-year-old Jack as he leaves his little village of Yarrow and makes his way to the Royal City to find his fortune as a storyteller. As he rises in fame, he learns the meaning of friendship and being true to yourself when he is thrown into a conspiracy by the evil Prince Yoss and his advisor to take over the hearts and minds of the kingdom's citizens. "Storyteller" reads much like an allegory - for instance, Jack is defined by his calling ("Jack Storyteller") as are others he encounters (with last names of Painter, Dancer, etc.). And he travels to the capitol, called the Royal City. The author doesn't spend much time on these details, allowing the story to come through and not get bogged down by trivial names. It is a coming-of-age story, too - Jack realizes that you can't be true to yourself if you choose to compromise your beliefs to attain your goals. And readers will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the ultimate goal isn't necessarily fame and fortune, either. A terrific story, well-written, and a pleasure to read.

This is a charming book about the life and changes of a young storyteller named Jack. Coming from a small village in a poverty stricken realm, a boy with a head full of stories seems like a waste of time. Deciding to go to the capital to make something of himself, he sets out and begins his own story. Full of joy, sorrow, trust, defeat, loyalty, and love, this story warmed my heart and allowed me to think about how I tell my stories, and how I live my life. Tell them stories that make them cry, laugh, and even make them sneeze.