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Howl's Moving Castle  By  cover art

Howl's Moving Castle

By: Diana Wynne Jones
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
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Publisher's summary

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book and ALA Notable and Best of the Year in Young Adult Fiction, Howl's Moving Castle is by acclaimed fantasy writer Diane Wynne Jones and was transformed into an Academy Award nominated animated motion picture by Hayao Miyazaki. On a rare venture out from her step-mother's hat shop, Sophie attracts the attention of a witch, who casts a terrible spell transforming the young girl into an old crone.

©1986 Diana Wynne Jones (P)2008 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A wonderful blend of humor, magic, and romance." ( Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about Howl's Moving Castle

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
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it was so good! 100% recommend!

Loved the movie, had no idea there was a book. so naturally, when I found out, I had to read it (or in this case listen to it) it was so worth it! I laughed, I yelled of frustration, some great bursts of joy and triumph, and very sad when it ended. no idea what to move on to next after this wonderful book. will probably have to listen to it again and again.

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Ok but loved the movie

I just don't think the book captures the beauty of the movie which provides something new each time you see it. It is a great story though and I would recommend the book for those who love these characters.

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Could barely be better!

The performance was so perfect and felt so right! I read the physical book several years ago and really liked it. This was excellent too! Jenny Sterlin's sounds and voices were just so much fun and added to my immersion in the story. Loved it!

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love everything

I love everything about this book. I've read it at least 6 times and I've listened to it probably 50 times by now.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow. if you are sad or depressed

Here's the perfect medicine. Otherwise it's perfect as a short vacation to the real world of Diana Wynne Jones.

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Wonderful

The story was good. Narrator did good job. It was entirely different than the motion picture.

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Great story, even for adult listeners

A very enjoyable listen with great narration and an awesome story, definitely recommend it for anyone.

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Fantasticly magical

Would you consider the audio edition of Howl's Moving Castle to be better than the print version?

Oh I greatly enjoyed being able to listen to Howl's Moving Castle. I am dyslexic and find it hard to finish books or keep up a good pace. I'm terribly slow with reading.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the plot, story, characters OMG What didn't I like about this book. I've seen the movie and hearing the book there was so much left out however it was amazing almost like watching an extended movie listening to everything happening.

What about Jenny Sterlin’s performance did you like?

I loved the voices she did. Cal was done very well, the way you would expect a fire demon to be.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The book is a film.... all you need to say is GHIBLI

Any additional comments?

For the first time I have seen a movie before reading the book and enjoyed the book so much more than the movie! I feel like the movie could have been made into a tv series so much was left out but with good reason, there was to much to cover!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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So good you will want to get them all!

If you could sum up Howl's Moving Castle in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, interesting, funny

Who was your favorite character and why?

Howl is my favorite character because he's such a drama king. I love the way the other characters play off of him.

Which scene was your favorite?

I like the ending and won't tell you why.

Any additional comments?

The narrator for this book is so good. I really enjoyed listening to this book.

After reading Howl's Moving Castle I immediately got the next book and am about to listen to the third (all in a couple of weeks because they are so good). I am hooked on DWJ as an author.

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Loved it!

This is an Imaginative and surprising story with brilliant narration. The characters come to life through the actor's talent with voice and accents. Director did a good job too, it made a difference to the overall quality.

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