The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

We have read Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Eragon and countless other books, but they are severely outclassed compared to the beautiful work we know as the Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Set against a traditional fantasy background, this tale of adventure, magic, and wit is written in true epic tradition and in epic proportion. Many of you may be deterred by the book’s size, but you will be grateful for this within the first 15 pages. While maintaining the integrity of the genre, this fast paced novel lacks the pauses or painfully detailed descriptions of traditional fantasy. Simply put, this book is amazing and we highly recommend it for mature readers of all levels. It is so good that we intend to let it speak for itself:

My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as "quothe." Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it's spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree. "The Flame" is obvious if you've ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it's unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire. "The Thunder" I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age. I've never thought of "The Broken Tree" as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic. My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them. But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant "to know." I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

This book is available at the Ravenscroft library, the public library and as an E book. This fall we will discuss this book in the Upper School book club.

By Jonathan Prather and Robin Kikuchi