The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear
I think almost everyone has read a book that they couldn't put down. A few of us have read a book that they know is their FAVORITE book in the world. Before I say anything, I will till that I am aware that I there many more books I wil read in the future, but for now....
I think I found the one.
This book is called.... Yes. You probably guessed it. The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear. Such an enticing title, isn't it? Written by Walter Moers in 1999, this is a timeless adventure about a bluebear who goes through the adventures of a lifetime. Well, 13 1/2 lifetimes to be precise. Dubbed from the probable 'a cat has 9 lives' saying, Bluebear doesn't literally die. (Yes, his name is Bluebear. He was named by the Babbling Billows-- I'll try not to spoil it for you.) He comes to near death experiences, most of the times, and each life occurs somewhere remarkably different.
By the name of this book, you probably think that this is a children's book. Though it revolves around children like fantasies, the book itself is crafted in such a way that it is quite entertaining for all ages. Many people say that it is NOT for children, but that is only because of the usage of complicated words. The whole story takes place in a continent named Zamonia that apparently once existed along with many other sub-continents. (Check the map)
Atlantis was also on Zamonia, and while the whole continent sank under the sea--- I'll stop there. I don't think you want to know what happened to Atlantis. And NO, it is nothing to do with nuclear activity. You'll immediately fall in love with Bluebear, and as the story goes along, you'll find yourself giggling out loud, reprimanded him for doing stupid things, surprised at the turn of events, and most of all.... obsessed with the illustrations. I mean, who doesn't love reading a 700 page book (with illustrations!!) about a blue bear who travels around Zamonia meeting weird creatures like the gelatine prince from the 2364th dimension named Qwerty, who was raised by Minipirates, AND had a peculiar encyclopedia in his head (to be specific: The Encyclopedia of Marvels, Life Forms and Other Phenomena of Zamonia and its Environs by Professor Abdullah Nightingale).
By far, I recommend this book to anyone who loves a little bit of adventure and fantasy. Ranging from places like Gourmet Island to Atlantis, this book is packed with everything a book hungry mind craves.
The Babbling Billows try hard to drive Bluebear crazy by 'babbling' endlessly.
Bluebear was found in the sea floating in a walnut shell. He was very close to being swallowed by a whirlpool, but the Minipirates saved him.
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