2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This month we will be reading Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

This book was nominated by bailey for our monthly theme Mountains.

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

I’m so exited to read this and compare it to the movie! 🩷

HOORAY!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

I read this once years ago and absolutely loved it. I have been wanting to reread this but every time I am in the mood for it, I just go and watch Miyazaki's adaption of it instead (because I love his Howl's Moving Castle probably more than even the book).

I am so glad to see this being the book for September. Excuse to reread it (which I was planning to do this year anyway) while away on vacation! If.... I don't succumb to temptation and just start reading it in the beginning of the month; which, I will more than likely do.

I haven't seen the movie, but I've heard a lot of good things about it, so hopefully the book will be good too. This might be my first group read, if I have time - I am excited.

Anna wrote: "I haven't seen the movie, but I've heard a lot of good things about it, so hopefully the book will be good too. This might be my first group read, if I have time - I am excited."

Well, to be fair, the book is probably better because the movie didn't spend the time to go into all the details of the background information so one really had to pay attention to the clues. But I love Miyazaki's works and the movie is good in its own right, ignoring the variants from the book.

I'm excited to see what you think of it, if you find yourself with the time to join. :))))

This will be a re-read for me. And I'll definitely watch the movie again afterwards.

I've had this on my shelf for a long time, so I'm in for this one - I already started and I'm about 1/3 of the way through it. When I finish I'm going to watch the animated film version, if I can find it.

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I've had this on my shelf for a long time, so I'm in for this one - I already started and I'm about 1/3 of the way through it. When I finish I'm going to watch the animated film version, if I can f..."

The movie is on HBO :)

I didn't even know there was a book, I just thought it was a stand alone Gibli movie as it has that specific mood and style. Really excited to read and discuss it with all of you!

I read this last month and unfortunately it has been a disappointment to me. I don't really know why but I really had to tell myself to keep going. I hope all of you will be having more fun than me reading this!

Alina wrote: "I read this last month and unfortunately it has been a disappointment to me. I don't really know why but I really had to tell myself to keep going. I hope all of you will be having more fun than me..."

Thank you!

You know, interestingly enough, I had that exact same reaction with the sequal to Howl's Moving Castle. But that had been years ago, and I want to try again to see if my feelings have changed on the matter.
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it. Hope your next read is more satisfying.

Lina wrote: "I didn't even know there was a book, I just thought it was a stand alone Gibli movie as it has that specific mood and style. Really excited to read and discuss it with all of you!"

Right?!?!?! One wouldn't expect it to have been inspired by a book. Fair warning though, the book is quite different from the movie....quite different.

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I've had this on my shelf for a long time, so I'm in for this one - I already started and I'm about 1/3 of the way through it. When I finish I'm going to watch the animated film version, if I can f..."

I would be surprised if you couldn't. It is fairly popular, at least in my area, and Studio Ghibli videos have gotten rather big. I would imagine your local library would have a copy.... Or so I hope. XD

My niece lent me this book several months ago. She loves it and this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy it and take part in the group read for the first time.

I discoverd Diana Wynne Jones thanks to this book I I became a huge fan of hers ever since.

Carmen wrote: "I discoverd Diana Wynne Jones thanks to this book I I became a huge fan of hers ever since."

From what I understand, Neil Gaiman is also a fan of hers.

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: From what I understand, Neil Gaiman is also a fan of hers."

My copy of the book has a blurb from Gaiman stating: "Quite simply the best writer of magic." referring to Diana Wynne Jones.

I'm not sure I ever read the book when I was younger, even though my brain is now questioning all my core memories, because how could I not. I have watched the movie various times though, so it'll be interesting to read and compare.

planning on reading this over next weekend figured I would share some questions so we can talk about it whose in?


First Half of the Book
1. **Sophie Hatter’s Transformation:** How does Sophie’s transformation into an old woman affect her character development? In what ways does it empower her, and how does it limit her?

2. **Howl's Complexity:** How would you describe Howl’s character in the early parts of the novel? What are the initial impressions of his personality and behavior?

3. **Supporting Characters:** How do characters like Calcifer and Michael introduce themselves into the story? What are their early interactions with Sophie like, and how do they shape her journey?

4. **Identity and Self-Perception:** How are themes of identity and self-perception introduced in the first half of the novel? How does Sophie’s transformation influence her sense of self?

5. **The Role of Magic:** How is magic introduced in the world of *Howl’s Moving Castle*? What are the initial rules and limitations of magic, and how do they drive the early plot?

6. **Sophie’s Hat Shop:** What is the significance of Sophie’s hat shop in the beginning? How does it symbolize her initial situation and her decision to leave?

7. **The Moving Castle:** What is your first impression of the moving castle? How does it reflect Howl’s character and the world he lives in?

I know it’s famous and I know there is a movie, perceived almost classic. However, not familir at all for me. Looking forward to reading it, starting today!