Questions About Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Moving Castle, #1)

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Answered Questions (47)

How does it compare to the movie? It's a favorite of my oldest niece (now "almost 6") but I wasn't enamored with it.

Marlee I personally find the book much better than the movie. If the book never existed, I would say the movie was beautiful on its own, but the book leaves …moreI personally find the book much better than the movie. If the book never existed, I would say the movie was beautiful on its own, but the book leaves it in the dust. A lot more story and characters, much more humor, and very easy to get lost in.
Overall, if you're more of an art and animation fan, the movie is the way to go. If you want more story, the book.
Not to mention there are two books that follow it that are also high up on my favorites list.(less)

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I love this book! I watched the movie then read the book after my former teacher, Joe, lent me it. I didn't know there was a book until he lent it to me! Once I read that book, I had to read more and so now I've read the whole series. Diana is a great author (and creates great, clever women) :D . One question I have is why would Sophie in the movie have brown hair when she really has RED hair in the book?

Mai Ke I think the brown Colour fits better with the beginning of the Book and the Film. If he made her too beautiful and special from the start, he couldn't…moreI think the brown Colour fits better with the beginning of the Book and the Film. If he made her too beautiful and special from the start, he couldn't show the progress. In the Book you read what Sophie thinks of herself, and you tend to forget she is in Reality quite pretty. In the Film you see her the whole time, so he had to show this another way.(less)

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Can this book stand alone without reading the sequels?

Ofelia Yes, it can be read as a stand-alone. Many people do this simply because they choose to and prefer it this way or because they aren’t aware that the s…moreYes, it can be read as a stand-alone. Many people do this simply because they choose to and prefer it this way or because they aren’t aware that the succeeding books are set in the same universe as ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ but are from different characters’ perspective - so not entirely related (I think). (less)

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I don't really understand why the witch cast the spell on Sophie to make her old?