"We will talk instead about your life. And how Gregory will save it, if you so desire."
"Why would you save me?" Despereaux asked. "Have you saved any of the other mice?"
"Never," said Gregory, "not one."
"Why would you save me, then?"
"Because you, mouse, can tell Gregory a story. Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning. Tell Gregory a story. Make some light."
And because Despereaux wanted very much to live, he said, "Once upon a time..."

~From The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo

If you haven't read this book, you should. I say that about a lot of books, I suppose, but Despereaux is one of my all time favorites. It is very clearly a story about light and dark, and the choices you must make when you are faced with the darkness. And as such, dear reader, it is a story that can speak to every heart.

I took my little sister to see the movie today, and was quite surprised that I was able to enjoy it as its own story apart from the book. Well, except for a few small details. But overall, it was good. I didn't much like the ending, but I suppose nothing is perfect.