Diana Wynne Jones passed away yesterday. Here is the obituary released:
Author Diana Wynne Jones (b.1934) died on March 25 after a year-long struggle with cancer. Jones was the author of the Dalemark Quartet, the Chrestomanci cycle, The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, Howl’s Moving Castle (which was turned into a film by Studio Ghibli), and numerous other fantasy novels aimed at the young adult market, but enjoyed by many adults. Jones won the Mythopoeic Award for The Crown of Dalemark and Dark Lord of Derkholm as well as the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
When I first started traipsing to the older books, I quickly discovered (and fell in love with) the collection of Diana Wynne Jones books our library had. Her books were the first that started my passion for reading (and now writing) fantasy. She will definitely be missed.
If you’ve never read one of her books, and even if you have, go out and buy one in memory of this great author. I promise you won’t regret it!
Chersti Nieveen 
This is tragic! Howl’s Moving Castle is my favorite book! Even when I have read thousands of other amazing books. When someone asks what my favorite one is, I always say Howl’s Moving Castle.
I’ve been meaning to read Howl’s Moving Castle… so many people have recommended it. I’m so sorry to hear this news!
Oh no… and I literally just said ‘oh no’ out loud. I love her writing so much. I’ve just finished Howl’s Moving Castle and I’ve been working through the Chrestomanci series just recently. She was one of a kind.
Britney – HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE is one of my favorites, too!
Margo – You should definitely try it. She was such a fantastic author when it comes to fantasy. Her worlds are so fun and amazing.
Amie Kaufman – That was my same reaction! I was just like “oh no!” and everyone looked at me. She really was one of a kind, and can’t be replaced.