Star Wars: Blogs | Mamadala's Lair | Danger - reading SW books is hazardous?!?!

Mamadala's Lair

by: MomOf2YoungPadawan

date posted: Jul 31, 2006 11:19 AM | updated: Feb 20, 2008 5:23 PM

Danger - reading SW books is hazardous?!?!

Hello, fellow fans!!

There has been some talk on the blogs of being careful not to intermingle the information and/or story lines found in novels with the actual Star Wars story...but, I guess my question is....why not? Doesn't The Maker have to pretty much approve all published SW works as owing to the integrity of the story itself?

...or am I incorrect in assuming this?

I know for myself personally (and I know that I am speaking for many others as I state this), that I rely on novelizations to assist me in understanding more depth and breadth of a story. Take, for instance, Attack of the Clones, by R.A. Salvatore. In my opinion, the book did a phenomenal job of expanding on the characters' thoughts and backstories. I cannot watch the movie anymore without thinking of what was going on in the novel. I can also "fill in blanks" that I may not have fully understood before, such as the relationship between Boba and Jango, and the dynamics of Padm�'s family.

Perhaps what concerns fans is the EU? I know that for many, the EU is not considered to be "true Star Wars." Why not? I was brought up on the movies myself, but since I've been reading more EU novels, I can't get enough. I want to know more...especially post-ROTJ "Legacy Era" material. I am a newbie to say the least when it comes to reading (I've only read 10 SW novels), but I can't get enough. I thirst and hunger for more knowledge.

I have noticed some inconsistencies in information, though. For example, in the novel TPM as well as the subtitles for the movie, Anakin describes Padm� as looking like she hailed form the moons of IEGO. However, in the novel Jedi Trial, Anakin is remembering how he thought her an angel from the moons of VIAGO. Which is correct?

Most recently, I read a blog entry asking whether or not Anakin realized that there were dead Jedi littering Palpy's office when he went to stop Mace. In the novel, it says that he did indeed, even pausing a moment to look at the severed head of Kit Fisto....however, another member states that it said just the opposite in an issue of Insider (I have not had the chance to verify the latter), but which is correct?

Are these inconsistencies where the supposed "danger" lies??? Hmmm....

So, I turn to you - my fellow fans - to hopefully shed some light upon this dilemma that has been bugging me for about a week now.

Before I conclude this entry, I need to give a shout out to my LILWA sisters - you ladies have been an inspiration for me, and I am so fortunate to be able to call you my friends.

!! Hopefully we can work it out for CIV!

!!

MTFBWY....always...

~MO2YP

http://blogs.starwars.com/MomOf2_SSW/18

Click here to hide comments for this entry

	Qui-Tom Servo loves Padme You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 11:33 AM I'm disappointed to find instances where the EU contradicts canon. I think it's fairly safe when we're dealing with the novelization of a film, but after that if the movie says one thing and a book says another, the movie is right and the author screwed up. My take on the EU is changing as of late. Once an ardent EU fan, I'm a bit troubled by recent EU events.

rj_peters
Memos from the Imperial Finance Department

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 12:05 PM

I'm a big fan of the EU. There will always be inconsistencies. These are fictional events, so it's impossible for everything to fit tightly together as if it were real. In real history books there are contradictions between authors. It's up to the individual fan to pick and choose what they put in their personal 'canon'. Most of all, it's important to enjoy yourself! I hope you keep reading the books. Until two or so years ago, I hadn't read any. Now I've read probably 40-50 books and have had a great time doing so.

	amidalooine The Emotional Galaxy
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 12:05 PM I stick pretty much to the films, though I do love some EU. Like Qui-Tom said, of there's a contradiction, you have to go with the film. I do like the way the novelizations, novels, and all the EU flesh things out...until it contradicts the films. I suppose that's why I haven't gotten itno it much... ...oh, that and five kids...yeah...them...

	hansgirl3 Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 12:19 PM I really enjoy the novels as well! I've read a BUNCH of them (lost count), but I just read them for the enjoyment. I don't put a lot of stock in them for "fact" about the SW universe. The facts are in the films, as stated above! That's the "canon", you know? Enjoy reading more!! Have fun!!! See you at CIV!!! We're working it out!!!

	padmeskywalker77 Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 12:26 PM I'm just starting to get into the EU, so I don't have that much to add here. I have noticed some inconsistencies between the novelizations and the movies, but I just "chalk that up" to what GL wanted in the final cut. I enjoy reading for pleasure, and typically don't let the inconsistencies get to me.

	padmeskywalker77 Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 12:44 PM you ladies have been an inspiration for me, and I am so fortunate to be able to call you my friends Aww You all have been my inspiration, too. Hopefully we can work it out for CIV Does that include me, too...if I can work it out? If so, that would be awesome!!

	hansgirl3 Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 1:01 PM Does that include me, too...if I can work it out? If so, that would be awesome!! Come on girl! Let's get the whole LILWA there!

	padmeskywalker77 Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 2:24 PM Come on girl! Let's get the whole LILWA there You know...if I have tickets and plans to go they will just have to give me that time off, now won't they Yes...let's try to get the whole LILWA etc there!!! What fun we would all have

viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 3:13 PM

MAMALICIOUS...SORRY I'M LATE TO THE PARTY....
I agree with you about not being able to satisfy that thirst of knowledge in between the PT saga. When it comes to Anakin and Padme' I go nuts trying to dig up more and more on the two.

With the angel destination thing, ahem I prefer *VIAGO* but that's just me.

ANAKIN PAUSING TO LOOK AT KIT-FITSO

I know this was in the ROTS NOVEL. Although where Anakin found Mace and Palp was an all together different room from where the other jedi bodies were found dead. It was like his secret office or something.( going by memory here). If I think of more I'll be back.
YES, YES, US LILWA WILL WORK IT OUT MY DARLING...CIV WE WILL BE THERE!

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 3:16 PM

Thanks for all of the great input thus far, people

!

if the movie says one thing and a book says another, the movie is right and the author screwed up.. I guess that would be the way to go, Qui-Tom, since GL is the be-all, end-all of SW

These are fictional events, so it's impossible for everything to fit tightly together as if it were real. That's a very good point, rj... and you're right about inconsistencies occuring even in history books - I'd never thought of it that way.

I suppose that's why I haven't gotten itno it much...oh, that and five kids...yeah...them... LOL!!! Seems as though you keep up w/things pretty well, ami!

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 3:21 PM CIV, here come the LILWA!! gets up and does the 'cabbage patch' Oh, sorry..I got carried away, there... waves hand toward PS77 You WILL come to CIV!! ....So will HG3, Angel, AS1, Mina, and the rest of the LILWA!! I will e-mail you, PS77....soon!! HAPPY B-DAY, HG3!!!!!!!!!!

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 3:23 PM MAMALICIOUS...SORRY I'M LATE TO THE PARTY....You aren't "late", Angel..you are making a "grand entrance" ! *With the angel destination thing, ahem I prefer VIAGO* but that's just me** Whelp, of course, babe!!

anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 3:25 PM

Wow! Can you imagine all of that girl power descending onto C4? They won't know what hit them will they!?

It would be toooooo heavenly!

Now to the subject at hand.... I guess I have to go back to Jedi Master Pickles' "My SW" idea. Whatever floats your boat is great. Whatever bakes your muffins. Whatever mows your lawn. If that's an EU idea, great! If it's a movie one, great! If it's some Viagolicious fan fic that tickles your fancy (and just about everything else for that matter) great!

anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 3:25 PM

I think it's a matter of what rings true, and resonates with you. I think where we run into trouble is when fans try to impose one version truth onto another person's fantasy land. When I write I try to be clear, at least in my own head about which sources I'm refering to. But I also feel that most of the time I'm writing about a possible truth or my truth, not the truth. Interesting entry!

cbern
Omega Squad's 5th member

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 4:14 PM

Great entry, MO2YP.

I for one absolutely love the EU, and have read at least 30 novels.

when the movies and books and EU contradict each other, I don't really have a problem, becuase star wars is flexible. It has to be. And that's what makes it so great, and so different from everything else.

Oh, and dealing with the blog about anakin and the dead jedi, i just commented on there, 5 min before reading this, and said to read the novel. Funny, hm?

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 7:06 PM

Whatever floats your boat is great. Whatever bakes your muffins. Whatever mows your lawn. If that's an EU idea, great! If it's a movie one, great! If it's some Viagolicious fan fic that tickles your fancy (and just about everything else for that matter) great! Well-said, AS1!!

Angel's fan-fic sure does tickle me!!

I for one absolutely love the EU I find myself loving it more and more...!
dealing with the blog about anakin and the dead jedi, i just commented on there, 5 min before reading this, and said to read the novel. Funny, hm? Yup!! Then ya know exactly what I'm talkin' 'bout, dont'cha, cbern?

viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?

date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 8:16 PM

ANGEL'S FAN-FIC SURE DOES TICKLE ME!!!

Oh now come dear, now your just being too nice.

I do what I can for the same reasons I read the books. To dig deeper into this SPECTAL of a Saga. The stories I write are for my own gratification. Mainly because I so want to know what it was like for them, their love (steamy I'm sure), their thoughts and conversations. All of it, even down to their meals together.

I try not to say one is right over the other (movie or books). As all above have stated, movies are cannon over the novels. Why? cause the maker says so. Commader Patches (GL stormtrooper) made the films not the books, he only approved them.
So we must side and trust *THE MAKER* ANGELICIOUS.

	viagoangel2 Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 8:17 PM I MEANT SPECTACAL darn that trigger finger.

	Granny-Wan I Am NOT an Old Fossil!
date Posted: Jul 31, 2006 10:10 PM I do like the way the novelizations, novels, and all the EU flesh things out...until it contradicts the films. I suppose that's why I haven't gotten itno it much... Same here... I don't like it when there's no familiar characters, or our favorite characters are doing stupid things! Then it's PU!

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Aug 01, 2006 9:17 AM The stories I write are for my own gratification...trust me, babe...the stories are gratifying for the rest of us as well!! I don't like it when there's no familiar characters, or our favorite characters are doing stupid things! Then it's PU! LMAOROF!!!! Good one, Granny-Wan!! WEll-put!!

Michelle1968
M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart

date Posted: Aug 01, 2006 7:10 PM

Hey there MO2YP! Heard you're coming with us ! I couldn't be happier about that! You and I have so much in common!

As for your topic here, I have been feeling the same way! Remember my entry on the Dark Lord and how I mentioned that not everyone likes the EU? I don't get why! Why not let some talented (very talented) authors fill in the blanks for us! It's exciting! Plus, we know it's all just make believe and that only the movies are REAL!

	cbern Omega Squad's 5th member
date Posted: Aug 02, 2006 5:08 PM Then ya know exactly what I'm talkin' 'bout, dont'cha, cbern? yes, exactly

	Qui-Tom Servo loves Padme You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned
date Posted: Aug 03, 2006 9:53 AM Same here... I don't like it when there's no familiar characters, or our favorite characters are doing stupid things! Then it's PU! My sentiments exactly. That's precisely why some recent EU (and older ones as well) trouble me. Jacen going to the dark side is one thing. Han and Leia siding more with him than Luke doesn't seem right.

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Aug 06, 2006 3:29 PM I haven't gotten that far into the EU yet, Qui-Tom - I'm trying to sort of work chronologically. Right now I have Survivor's Quest waiting for me. Probably a lot of what you all mention is just to create "drama." But I agree - if it compromises the integrity of the characters to create that drama, then its better left not done at all.

JawaJoey
Return of the Jawa

date Posted: Aug 10, 2006 12:31 AM

My 4 Rules to confronting inconsistencies.

1-Discredit a source.
"Meh, it was a stupid book, some stuff couldn't have happened, some of it didn't make sense, the writing wasn't that great. I vote the other one is 'real'"

2- Source Authority
Movies > Wookiepedia > New Essential Chronology > Books/games > Comics

3- Majority Rules
"This book says this, but three other books say otherwise. Majority Rules."

4- Which do I like more?
"Hmm, they both seem valid, but I'd rather that he did this than that. This wins."

SithLord0017
That's a name I've not heard in a long time... a long time.

date Posted: Aug 17, 2006 12:05 PM

Wow I finally found one of your blogs that wasn't full of comments all the way. Your e-mail does not accept e-mails from people you don't know (like me) and there is no contact info. under your profile so I've been looking to post this in a blog, but couldn't find one that wasn't full. After you read this you may delete it. (it's in response to your comments on my blog and the e-mail)

Yes, I remember many bloggers from that list, some that have written great blogs that I have commented on numerous times and who have done the same for me (the name that probably stuck out the most was Michelle 1968)... one or two that may have even inspired me.

	SithLord0017 That's a name I've not heard in a long time... a long time.
date Posted: Aug 17, 2006 12:06 PM I hope you are correct in what you said in your e-mail and perhaps I will renew my membership once it expires. I will also have to check out your blog entries. Thank you for your comments and the e-mail. MTFBWY ~SL0017

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