The Amulet book series is a compilation of graphic novels written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi. The series follows the adventures of siblings Emily and Navin as they navigate a magical and dangerous world. The books are filled with action, mystery, and strong character development. The story begins with Emily and Navin moving to a new house after their father's death. They soon discover a magical amulet that allows them to travel to a hidden world called Alledia. In Alledia, they encounter various creatures and challenges, and must use the amulet's powers to find their mother, who has been kidnapped.
I would have these indirect conversations with people. They would say, "Well, I don't know anybody who does that stuff, and I don't know what they use, but I hear that when you get hexed, you feel like there's mice running up and down your skin, or you get bumps all over." So I'd hear about it that way.
They would say, Well, I don t know anybody who does that stuff, and I don t know what they use, but I hear that when you get hexed, you feel like there s mice running up and down your skin, or you get bumps all over. In rural areas including much of West Virginia, a scarcity of medical doctors and hospital facilities led to a widespread continuance of traditional practices which persists even today.
In Alledia, they encounter various creatures and challenges, and must use the amulet's powers to find their mother, who has been kidnapped. Throughout the books, Emily and Navin meet new friends and allies, including a robot named Miskit and a talking rabbit named Cogsley. They also encounter powerful enemies, including a sinister arachnopod and a tyrannical Elf King.
Faith Mitchell: Gullah Herbal Remedies and Magical Healing
Medical anthropologist Dr. Faith Mitchell will be speaking at 1 PM this Saturday at the Anacostia Community Museum, in conjuction with the museum's current exhibit, "Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Down Turner Connecting Communities Through Language," Mitchell, currently Vice President of Grantmakers in Health, a medical aid organization, spent time in the Sea Islands researching the herbal remedies of the Gullah people. On Saturday, Mitchell will discuss some of the medicinal plants she learned about, how they're used and how they became integrated into the culture of the South Carolina Sea Islands. I spoke with Mitchell about her research.
Why is there such a strong herbal tradition among the Gullah?
I think it's because of the history of those islands. Because first the slave population and then the black population was so that they retained the use of traditional medicines, even when other parts of the South stopped using them as much. Also, because they were so isolated from doctors and hospitals, it kind of reinforced the use of the medicine there so that comparing the Sea Islands with some other parts of the South, it wouldn't necessarily be that the plants were different, but the tradition was stronger.
What are a couple remedies that you found to be most interesting?
Elderberry. It's something that the Gullah use in the Sea Islands, but it's also used by the Native Americans, and it's also used in Europe. People use it for different things, which I think, just in terms of the botanical issues is always interesting. First of all, how do people even notice that plants are medicinal, and then the fact that they use them for different things, you kind of wonder, well how did they decide what they were going to use it for? In the Sea Islands, they use elderberry for sores, which you could imagine would be pretty common with people who are agricultural, whereas the Native Americans used elderberry as a pain killer. In Europe, they used it for wounds, but also for colds and also as a laxative. So a lot of different uses, but a good plant.
How do the Gullah use these plants?
Boil it and make it into a tea. Depending on the plant they would use different parts, the flower or the leaves, the bark or the root, but they usually do make it into a tea.
Did you test any of these Gullah herbal remedies?
I tested a few, you know a lot of them don't taste that good, which is considered to be part of the effectiveness. If it's bitter then it's better for you.
What does the word "Hoodoo" mean in your book?
Along with these herbal medicines, there's also a tradition of magical medicines that would be called voodoo in Louisiana, and actually the term "hoodoo" that is used in the title of my book is often used to refer to magic by the Gullah people and other parts of the South. So that was also something I was interested in. But it was much harder to find out about. Because even though people practice it, they don't want to talk about it. Sometimes, the same people who are specialists in herbal medicine are also specialists in magical medicine, even though you have to find that out from somebody else.
The substances people use are really different. For magic, people use stuff like black cat bones, graveyard dust, fingernail clippings. That tradition really comes from West Africa. People will sell you stuff and they'll say it's black cat bone, but you don't really know if it is or it isn't, and in a sense you don't really know if it's working or not. It's a very different frame of reference from a tea you're drinking for a sore throat, and you can tell yourself whether it works. People use magic to change their luck, to get somebody to fall in love with them. So that tradition is there too.
I would have these indirect conversations with people. They would say, "Well, I don't know anybody who does that stuff, and I don't know what they use, but I hear that when you get hexed, you feel like there's mice running up and down your skin, or you get bumps all over." So I'd hear about it that way.
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Folk medical practices are usually grouped into three categories, and examples of each are found in abundance in Appalachia and West Virginia. A common, familiar category is that of household medicine. Kitchen staples such as salt and honey ease scratchy throats and hacking coughs. Turpentine mixed with sugar reduces stomach pains, an application of moist tobacco alleviates the pain of insect bites, and tobacco smoke helps with earaches, as does boiled human urine.
The siblings must learn to control the amulet's powers and work together to overcome these obstacles. The Amulet series explores themes of family, friendship, and sacrifice. Emily and Navin's bond as siblings is a central aspect of the story, as they rely on each other to survive and protect their loved ones. They also learn the importance of trust and loyalty as they form alliances with other characters. Kazu Kibuishi's artwork in the Amulet books is stunning and immersive. The detailed illustrations bring Alledia and its inhabitants to life, capturing the beauty and danger of the magical world. The action sequences are particularly dynamic and exciting, adding to the overall atmosphere of the series. Overall, the Amulet book compilation is a captivating and engaging series for readers of all ages. It combines a thrilling story with beautiful artwork to create a truly immersive reading experience. Whether you're a fan of graphic novels or just looking for an exciting adventure, the Amulet series is not to be missed..
Reviews for "Dive into the Fantasy of the Amulet Book Compilation"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Amulet book compilation". I had heard so many good things about this series, but this compilation just didn't live up to the hype. The plot was confusing and disjointed, and the characters were underdeveloped. It felt like the author was rushing through the story just to get it over with. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this compilation to anyone.
2. Alex - 1 star - I found the "Amulet book compilation" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The story felt like a mash-up of other fantasy books I've read, and it failed to bring anything new to the genre. The artwork, which I was expecting to be a highlight, was also lackluster. The drawings were simplistic and lacked detail. I struggled to finish this compilation and have no intention of continuing with the series.
3. Sarah - 3 stars - While I didn't hate the "Amulet book compilation", I can't say that I loved it either. The premise seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. Additionally, the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. I appreciate the effort, but I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsure if I should continue reading the series.
4. Ryan - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the "Amulet book compilation" but was ultimately let down. The world-building was generic and lacked depth, and the characters were one-dimensional. I found it hard to connect with any of them or invest in their journey. The plot twists were predictable, and the overall story felt formulaic. It's a shame because the premise had potential, but the execution was lacking.