Buy new or buy used?
Both! I'm not gonna lie, I have a slight preference for new books, but I honestly don't mind used books if they're in good condition. Then again, I've always lived near major US cities and have had the privilege to be in areas that have superb used book stores which keep their books in good condition and which have large YA sections!
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Whew!
So a lot of things have happened in the past decade.* Like, we honestly went from Hannah Montana to modern day, gender fluid Miley Cyrus and okay I'm kinda diggin' it?
But for real, so much has changed! And, in my opinion, most of it has been for the better. I mean, just look at the state of YA literature. We've started to (finally!) move towards more diverse books and opened the doors for #ownvoices authors. We went from love triangle Cassie Clare books to books where she has an openly polyamorous throuple! We left the "girls in gowns" cover trend in the past and have moved on to gorgeous illustrated covers!
Hello, friends! How have you been?
So I’ve had this exciting little idea for a tiny bit now and I wanted to finally share it with you because I can’t keep it to myself anymore!
I’ve been seeing all the super cool posts people have been making on Hogwarts house book recommendations and it struck me that a neat twist to put on that would be booktube channel recommendations based on your Hogwarts house! I love booktube and I feel like there are so many diverse personalities making booktube videos!
First up is Ravenclaw, a house which I must admit is super close to my heart as I myself am a Ravenclaw! Ravenclaws prize wit, wisdom, knowledge, and creativity and I would think that our taste in booktubers probably reflects that. Whether they’re more analytical and factual or nuanced and creative, I’ve chosen booktubers who I believe show an abundance of such qualities, thus demonstrating the spirit of Ravenclaw house!
A R I E L B I S S E T T
Ariel is a booktuber who I tend to think of as The Ultimate Ravenclaw. She’s so intelligent and thoughtful, but in the most down-to-earth way. Every time I finish one of Ariel’s videos, I feel like I’ve learned something new. The great thing about Ariel’s videos is that she always finds a way to make you feel like she’s speaking with you, rather than at you, and in doing so she never leaves you feeling stupid or less than. If you’re a Ravenclaw, then Ariel is one booktuber who I think you’ve absolutely GOT to follow!M Y N A M E I S M A R I N E S
Marines is the intellectual snark queen of my heart! She’s another booktuber who I always feel like teaches me something new with each one of her videos and she does so in such a blunt, snarky, humorous way. Marines’s videos always promise a hilarious riot of an intellectual discourse and if that in any way sounds like a contradictory description, then I encourage you to go watch one of her videos immediately. If you enjoy a thorough yet oftentimes snark-filled dissection of books and literature-related topics, then Marines is definitely the booktuber for you!M O N I C A K I M
Monica is such a lovely, well-spoken, thoughtful booktuber. You can tell she puts so much care and thought into relaying her thoughts on books. I also love how Monica focuses so much on diverse literature and how she shares just why it’s so special to her and others in such an eloquent, heartfelt manner. Plus, I feel like Monica really showcases how you can be intellectually intelligent as well as creatively intelligent. Also I’ve gotta say Monica earns bonus points cause I love her funky, feminine fashion sense!I T ' S J A N E L I N D S E Y
Jane’s gotta be one of my favorite intersectional feminist booktubers! The creator of the Feminist Lit February readathon, one MASSIVE focus of Jane’s channel is feminism and literature which promotes feminism. Jane’s videos and her thoughts on books are always so well thought out and precise. I know I can always count on Jane for very direct and passionate, yet well-considered opinions when it comes to books. I think any Ravenclaw would love Jane’s passion and intellect!F R A N C I N A S I M O N E
Francina’s videos are not only intellectually stimulating, but also freaking HILARIOUS! She manages to make such good points in the most relateable and funny ways. Francina is another booktuber who is really good at having an intellectual, factual discussion without talking down to her viewers. And, boy, does she bring the sass! Let me tell you, some of her videos have left me straight up cackling! She’s also good at bringing some reality to intellectual discussions. I think sometimes we forget that reality has a lot more emotional nuance than theoretical situations do and Francina is really good at reminding viewers of that fact. If you’re a Ravenclaw who enjoys nuanced discussions filled with a good bit of humor and sass, then Francina is the booktuber for you!T E L L M E A L L A B O U T I T
- Do you agree with my recommendations?
- Who are some booktubers that YOU think Ravenclaws would enjoy watching?
- Who are your favorite booktubers?
Blogging Business
POST FLASHBACK
- .I did the Harry Potter tag
- I discussed what classes I wished book characters taught
Reading Wrap Up + Mini Reviews
I loved this book, it's for sure a new favorite! It's fun, it's fantasy, and it's super feminist--what more could you ask for in a book?! (Hint: The correct answer is "nothing") I loved absolutely everything about this book and I can't wait to continue with the series! 4.5/5 Stars
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson ⭐⭐⭐
Okay so technically I fiished this at 3:00 a.m. on October 1st, but I read the bulk of this one in September so I'm counting it! Anyhoo. I hhad such high hopes for this one but ultimately I was let down. It was an entertaining read, but it was riddled with inconstencies and loopholes born of a weak plot and shallow world-building. Plus there was no diversity. So, sadly, this one was not the new favorite I expected it to be.
Book Haul
TBR
Music Favorites
Movies/TV Favorites
Other Favorites
News
- Sabaa Tahir announced the title of An Ember in the Ashes book four and revealed new covers for the series
- Lesley Livingston's YA series The Valiant is being developed for TV by The CW
- Victoria Schwab announced her writing/publishing plans for the next few years and they include a spin-off to the Shades of Magic trilogy
- Hank Green is going to be releasing a novel
- We finally got a trailer for The Deatth Cure
Life Events
How was your September, peeps? What did you read? Did you do anything fun? What are you looking forward to that's coming up in October?
Books
I'm finally reading a book!!! And I'm loving it! I'm not gonna go so far as to say I'm out of my slump cause I do't wanna jinx myself, but at least I am experiencing some respite! And I LOVE the book I'm reading! Which, speaking of, I should probably tell you what it is. The book I'm currently reading is...DRUMROLL PLEASE!...Graceling by Kristin Cashore!
Music
Movies & TV
News
I don't talk about it nearly as much as I could or should, but I am a BIG fan of all things Harry Potter. I grew up as the books and movies were being released, so I have a ton of nostalgic feelings attached to the series. So I was beyond ecstatic when I saw that Maggie over at The Caramel Files tagged me for The Harry Potter Tag! This isn't a book tag, just a general tag in which I will be answering questions which are themed around Harry Potter. Anyhow, this is gonna be a long one, so let's get cracking!
1. What house are you in?
So, this is actually kind of a complicated question because I've taken Pottermore's sorting quiz not once, not twice, but three times and each time I was sorted into a different house. The original time, I was sorted into Slytherin. I accidentally locked myself out of my account, though, so later I had to start a new account and retake the sorting quiz and that time I was sorted into Gryffindor. But then! (ah, the plot thickens!) Pottermore revamped and I opted to take the quiz a third time and was sorted into Ravenclaw. So where do I belong?
Well, every other quiz I've taken me has given me a pretty even response of "Gryffindor" and "Ravenclaw." Personally, I actually strongly identify as both. So I used my Ravenclaw side and did some research into housing systems. I discovered hybrid houses, as well as the primary/secondary house system and I really think both are much better and take a lot more into account than the typical black-and-white Standard Hogwarts Model. That being said, I deeply identify as a Gryffinclaw/Ravendor (a.k.a. the Gryffindor/Ravenclaw hybrid house) and as someone whose primary house is Gryffindor and whose secondary house is Ravenclaw.
Maybe you're not a fan, though, and you want me to choose just one. Well tough luck, chickadee! That's what I got to say to you! Humans are complex and malleable and we don't simply fall into four categories. But. If my life depended on only choosing a single house, then 100% I'd go with Gryffindor. Not because it's popular but because one of my deepest core beliefs is that kindness, intelligence, and cunning mean absolutely nothing if we are not brave enough to use them when it really matters.
So that's my story and I'm stickin' to it, folks!
2. What is your patronus?
According to Pottermore, my patronus is a black stallion, which I think is actually pretty darn fitting. Horses typically represent freedom and independence, two qualities which I really value and identify with. The funny thing too is that I actually used to train wild mustangs and developed quite a bond with a black mare in particular (close enough).
3. What is your wand?
My wand is 11 inches and is sycamore with a unicorn hair core and has reasonable flexibility. Supposedly this means I am curious, loyal, difficult to turn to the Dark Arts, and reasonably flexible in my ability to change.
4. What would your boggart be?
Honestly? It pains me to admit it, but probably myself. For me, especially with anxiety and dysthymic depression, it really is true that I tend to be my own worst enemy. Like, my daily life consists a lot of me metaphorically shooting myself in the foot. I've been witness to the terror that my own mind can cause for me. So, yeah, my boggart would probably be me.
5. What position would you play in Quidditch?
Does commentator count as a position? I'm not very sporty, but I think I could make a hilariously sassy commentator!
6. Are you a pure-blood, half-blood, or muggle-born?
This question actually kind of tugs at my heart a bit. There has been some (unconfirmed--as far as I know) talk that the wizarding blood system is kind of a representation of race in which "pure-blood" = "pure white," "half-blood" = "person of color," and "muggle born" = "mixed race." This makes sense as one of the slurs that white supremacists throw at mixed race folks is that we have dirtied blood, which one can easily correlate to the Wizarding World slur "mudblood." So, with that being said, I, as a mixed race person, would be a "muggle-born." And proud of it, too!
7. What job would you want to have after graduating from Hogwarts?
I'd love to be someone who invents new spells! Which...I guess is kinda like the wizarding equivalent of a science and/or engineering job, so I suppose it fits, lol!
8. Which of the Deathly Hollows would you choose?
Oooh this is interesting and quite a tough question! I've lost so many people in my life that it's tempting to say the stone. The wand does have a certain allure to it, as well, but I also feel like owning that wand is kinda like opening up a can of worms. I know that the wise answer is probably the cloak, though, so I think I'll go with that.
9. Least favorite of the books?
I've never been a massive fan of Prisoner of Azkaban. It just feels like the odd book out because nothing involving Voldemort really happens, so it almost felt like detour from the main storyline.
10. Favorite and least favorite of the movies?
My favorite has to be Sorcerer's Stone. There's just something about that movie that was so magical (no irony or pun intended). Plus, in my opinion, the production on the first two films was the best (the rest seemed too CGI heavy). I think it's also that I have fond memories of going to see Sorcerer's Stone in theaters when I was six or seven and just being so awestruck at this whole new magical world!
As for my least favorite film, that would have to be Prisoner of Azkaban. I just feel like in that particular film the acting went down a notch, as well as the storytelling. The production seems to me to rely more on CGI, as well, and that wasn't my favorite. Just everything about the third movie kinda irks me. Sorry?
11. Least favorite/most hated lead character?
Of the golden trio? Hmmmmm...That's a tough one. I think I'd have to go with Ron, unfortunately. I think this is probably because I can't relate to Ron's flaws and many of those very flaws actually really irk me. Ron can be jealous and petty, two things that I can't really identify with.
12. Favorite teacher at Hogwarts?
Minerva Mcgonagall for sure! I love her snappy comebacks, her deep loyalty, her good heart, her fierce intelligence, and her bravery!
13. Do you have any unpopular opinions about the series?
I don't know if this is an unpopular opinion, per se, but I think the Hogwarts house system could definitely use some work! As I said before, people are incredibly complex and to sort them based on four core values alone seems to be a gross oversimplification.
14. If you could've saved one character in the Final Battle, who would you have saved?
...Can't I just bring them all back??? Pretty please with a cherry on top???
MY BONUS QUESTIONS!
15. Character you most identify with?
I've always really identified with Luna Lovegood because both of us are highly intelligent, but in a quirky way. Like Luna, I believe that more often than not the answers lie in the "impossibilities" and that you must look beyond the current landscape to find the truth. Doing this means that I've always been seen as a tad bit peculiar and kinda "out there" by my peers, but, like Luna, I'm not particularly bothered by what others think of me.
16. Hybrid Hogwarts House?
As I mentioned above, I strongly identify as a Gryffinclaw/Ravendor. I strive to live my life bravely and to stand up for what's right. But I also tend to fight with my wits. I know where my talents lie and I endeavor to use those talents bravely to better the world.
17. Ilvermorny House?
I'm a Thunderbird and I think that couldn't be any more accurate! I've always been quite the adventurer, always looking for a new journey to begin, both within myself and outside of myself too.
I Tag...
FadwaLauren
Marie
Kat
Aila
Tarot Reading—The Women of 300 Fox Way, The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
Self Defense—Celaena, The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Hacking—Kady, The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Biology—Kira, The Partials Sequence by Dan Wells
Engineering—Cinder, The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Strategy—Kestrel, The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski
Sailing—Caro, Song of theCurrent by Sarah Tolcser
In Song of the Current, Caro Oresteia is a world-class sailer. She grew up on the river, sailing under her wherryman father. But soon enoough, Caro gets a chance to captain a ship all on her own. I'd LOVE to learn to sail from Caro.
Baking—Lara-Jean, The To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Trilogy by Jenny Han
What are some classes you wish were taught by book characters?
Hiya, friends! It's me, Lila! I'm back! I know it's been a little bit, but I have returned! I'm so, so, so sorry to have left you hanging there. My life got super crazy and so I had to put book blogging to the side for a bit. But things have finally slowed down a tad! Anyhoo, I've discovered a ton of new obsession to gush about with you!
Books
Music
If you don't know, the title of this song is the number for the national suicide hotline in the US. The song's lyrics are about being suicidal and slowly recovering, so I want to put a TRIGGER WARNING on this one and say if you are suicidal and/or depressed, this may not be the best song to listen to.
This song is so moving and so powerful and I can't express how happy I am that it's become so popular. It left me speechless and gave me goosebumps. "1-800-273-8255" is a truly amazing song.
Movies/TV
Other Stuff
News
For the beautiful brown kids who deserve to see themselves on books:You’re heroes too. And these covers are for you: https://t.co/u0KOXr8uZJ— Sabaa Tahir (@sabaatahir) August 14, 2017
I am, understandably, OVER THE MOON about this... 👇 https://t.co/uHUQyaBWRx— Lesley Livingston (@LesLivingston) August 17, 2017
EXCLUSIVE: The CW is developing series based on @LesLivingston's female gladiator novel #TheValiant https://t.co/NUhsu9WwXl— Joe Otterson (@JoeOtterson) August 17, 2017
TL;DR A brand new series in the Shades of Magic world. New leads, plus the entire cast from Conjuring of Light. https://t.co/3BhCR2MBeD— Victoria/V.E. Schwab (@veschwab) August 28, 2017
Life Needs Laughter!
Blogging Business
There's no real blogging business this month. I have slowed down with posting, but that's kinda just life getting in the way of internet time, so I can't really complain...
POST FLASHBACK
- I talked about what I'd like to see more of in books
- I completed the unique blogger award
Blogging Business
There's no real blogging business this month. I have slowed down with posting, but that's kinda just life getting in the way of internet time, so I can't really complain...
POST FLASHBACK
- I talked about what I'd like to see more of in books
- I completed the unique blogger award
Reading Wrap Up + Mini Reviews
Y'all. I have a truly shocking confession to make: In August...I...read...nothing...
Reading Wrap Up + Mini Reviews
Y'all. I have a truly shocking confession to make: In August...I...read...nothing...
Book Haul
BOUGHT/WON
eARCs
Book Haul
BOUGHT/WON
eARCs
TBR
My September TBR is really small compared to my usual TBRs. Since I kinda fell back into my reading slump, I don't want to put too much pressure on myself to finish a ton of books. Instead, I decided that I want to finish my current read (The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell), then attempt to tackle my ARCs (The Goblins of Bellwater by Molly Ringle and The Fire Queen by Emily R. King), and finally move on to Warcross by Marie Lu.
TBR
Music Favorites
I had a lot of fun with my music favorites this month! There's a lot of pop and songs that are easy to dance to. I feel like these songs really embody my mood of late--fun, carefree, happy. I hope you enjoy these too and get to shimmy your hips a little.
Music Favorites
I had a lot of fun with my music favorites this month! There's a lot of pop and songs that are easy to dance to. I feel like these songs really embody my mood of late--fun, carefree, happy. I hope you enjoy these too and get to shimmy your hips a little.
Movie/TV Favorites
I finally began season two of Sense8! I'm not finished so no spoilers, but I'm rediscovering my love for the show. Everything about this show is just so amazing--the production, the story, the message, everything. I'm so, so, sooooooo sad there's not gonna be anymore seasons. For now, I'm just gonna slowly savor what we've got.
Movie/TV Favorites
Other Favorites
I've been looking for a new daytime shade of lipgloss and I discovered the perfect brand and shade: Wet N' Wild shade 550! It's kind of a rusty rose-berry and it's absolutely perfect with my skin tone! The only downside is that it only lasts about four hours before you have to lightly reapply it. Even still, it's pretty perfect and I'm absolutely in love with it!
Other Favorites
News
- The cast of the movie adaptation Angie Thomas's acclaimed 2017 debut novel, The Hate U Give, began to fill up
- The cover and synopsis for John Green's upcoming novel, Turtles All The Way Down, was revealed
- The Valiant by Lesley Livingston is being developed as a TV show set to air on The CW
- Sabaa Tahir unveiled new covers for her Ember series, along with the title and cover for book three
- V.E. Schwab announced her writing/publishing plans for the next couple of years and it has people buzzing!
News
- The cast of the movie adaptation Angie Thomas's acclaimed 2017 debut novel, The Hate U Give, began to fill up
- The cover and synopsis for John Green's upcoming novel, Turtles All The Way Down, was revealed
- The Valiant by Lesley Livingston is being developed as a TV show set to air on The CW
- Sabaa Tahir unveiled new covers for her Ember series, along with the title and cover for book three
- V.E. Schwab announced her writing/publishing plans for the next couple of years and it has people buzzing!
Life Events
My life's actually been pretty chill of late. I've been hanging out with friends and going out dancing a lot, which has been really fun. I feel like my mental health is doing pretty well, which is great. I've been in the upstage of recovery since last year and I feel like I'm really hitting my stride. I've been really happy and untroubled by worries. Yes, there are still difficult days, but I make it through and I have confidence that I can make it through and that's the difference. I finally feel like I can smile again.
Life Events
My life's actually been pretty chill of late. I've been hanging out with friends and going out dancing a lot, which has been really fun. I feel like my mental health is doing pretty well, which is great. I've been in the upstage of recovery since last year and I feel like I'm really hitting my stride. I've been really happy and untroubled by worries. Yes, there are still difficult days, but I make it through and I have confidence that I can make it through and that's the difference. I finally feel like I can smile again.
Books
*hangs head in shame*
OKAY, OKAY, OKAY!!! I'LL ADMIT IT!!! I HAVEN'T FINISHED A BOOK SINCE LAST OBSESSION CONFESSION!!!
*whispers* I'm a total fraud!
Books
*hangs head in shame*
OKAY, OKAY, OKAY!!! I'LL ADMIT IT!!! I HAVEN'T FINISHED A BOOK SINCE LAST OBSESSION CONFESSION!!!
*whispers* I'm a total fraud!
Music
This past week, I've really been loving "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons! I feel like it's fun and catchy and the lyrics are great--so it's basically just an all-around good time!
I've also really been digging "Havana" by Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug. It's smooth and sexy and still manages to make me want to dance! Basically a new must-listen for parties from now on!
Music
Movies/TV
I finally got to watching Dear White People and, predictably, I love it! It's witty and painfully relatable. I'll admit, the acting was a bit stiff at first, but as I continue watching, the actors have seemed to grow into their roles. Bottom line? It's a great show and a must-watch, regardless of your race!
Movies/TV
News
THE HATE U GIVE movie has found its starring family and we are obsessed! 📽️🌟 https://t.co/vq13W9s2ZY pic.twitter.com/xGHorP4ZLZ
— Epic Reads (@EpicReads) August 3, 2017
We got a boatload of news for the film adaptation of The Hate U Give recently! The film not only got its director, but major castings were also announced! I personally can't wait to see this story brought to the big screen!
The cover of my new book, Turtles All The Way Down, out October 10th 2017. https://t.co/hT1gAV371H #TurtlesAllTheWayDown pic.twitter.com/PyoJHxicld
— John Green (@johngreen) August 10, 2017
In other news, we also got the cover reveal for John Green's newest novel, Turtles All The Way Down. It's pretty interesting, but also very abstract sure if and/or how it relates to the story, but I guess we'll see soon enough!
News
THE HATE U GIVE movie has found its starring family and we are obsessed! 📽️🌟 https://t.co/vq13W9s2ZY pic.twitter.com/xGHorP4ZLZ— Epic Reads (@EpicReads) August 3, 2017
We got a boatload of news for the film adaptation of The Hate U Give recently! The film not only got its director, but major castings were also announced! I personally can't wait to see this story brought to the big screen!
The cover of my new book, Turtles All The Way Down, out October 10th 2017. https://t.co/hT1gAV371H #TurtlesAllTheWayDown pic.twitter.com/PyoJHxicld— John Green (@johngreen) August 10, 2017
In other news, we also got the cover reveal for John Green's newest novel, Turtles All The Way Down. It's pretty interesting, but also very abstract sure if and/or how it relates to the story, but I guess we'll see soon enough!
Around The Blogosphere/Vlogosphere
- Cait has some handy blogging tips and tricks
- Aimal talks about how the push for diversity in books isn't just a trend
- Izzi gives some pointers on how to write a book review easier
- Olivia has some advice for how to buy books while on a budget
- Michelle lists and talks about kickass female bloggers and female characters
- Jessi reflects on reasons they love the YA book community
- Julianna mulls over reasons why blogging is useful
- Latanya has an important discussion on why diversity is important in books and also why its important to have diverse book reviewers
- Emily tells us about stories to binge while we wait for the next episode of The Bold Type
- Jenny discusses what makes her comment on a blog post
- Jess gives us a guide to juggling blogging and school
- Analee thinks on the life goals of a bookworm
Around The Blogosphere/Vlogosphere
- Cait has some handy blogging tips and tricks
- Aimal talks about how the push for diversity in books isn't just a trend
- Izzi gives some pointers on how to write a book review easier
- Olivia has some advice for how to buy books while on a budget
- Michelle lists and talks about kickass female bloggers and female characters
- Jessi reflects on reasons they love the YA book community
- Julianna mulls over reasons why blogging is useful
- Latanya has an important discussion on why diversity is important in books and also why its important to have diverse book reviewers
- Emily tells us about stories to binge while we wait for the next episode of The Bold Type
- Jenny discusses what makes her comment on a blog post
- Jess gives us a guide to juggling blogging and school
- Analee thinks on the life goals of a bookworm
Happy Things
It's been a real rough two weeks here in the US and we all need something to make us smile a little I think. So here's a funny tweet about how to come up with your rapper name...
Happy Things
It's been a real rough two weeks here in the US and we all need something to make us smile a little I think. So here's a funny tweet about how to come up with your rapper name...
Your rap name is young + the reason you cried last— Kev 🎈 (@mixtapekevin) August 9, 2017
So I was contemplating books the other day (as per usual, honestly), and I got to thinking, "What are some things that I wish I saw ore of in books?" And I figured, I may as well create a blog post on said topic just in case some author stumbles upon my blog and decides to grant my wishes (it could happen!). So I'll not dilly-dally with intros any longer! Without any further ado, here are things I wish I saw more of in literature...
1. Retellings of More Obscure Stories/Folklore/Fairytales/Myths from around The World...
I'm not against retellings. Really. I'm not. It's just that I feel like we see so many retellings of the same handful of western European fairytales over and over and over again! I mean, when was the last time you saw something other than a retelling of Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella? Probably a while, right? Yeah, me too. You know what I'd love to see, though? Retellings of stories/folklore/myths/fairytales that are a) more obscure and/or b) from around the world. I'd love to see more retellings of things like The Firebird or Anansi or Sindbad or Asian, African, Polynesian, Middle Eastern, or Latin American mythology!
2. Different Kinds of Strong Female Leads
You know the Strong Female Lead™, right? You know the one--she's pretty and sassy and strong and determined and basically flawless save for a ridiculous "quirky flaw" like having oddly colored eyes? Yeah. I'm talking about her. See, the thing is, I'm tired of seeing this archetype. Physical strength isn't the only kind of strength, after all, and there is such a thing as quiet confidence. The thing is, when we hold this archetype up as the ultimate pinnacle of womanhood, it's just as harmful as when we hold up the "mother/housekeeper" archetype up as the pinnacle of womanhood. Why? Because it tells girls who don't fit that exact mold that they're not worthwhile. But anyhow, I'm just gonna pull myself back from the edge of that tangent! My point is, I'd like to start seeing female characters showing different kinds of strength. Show me a girl who's shy, but brave! Or one who's intelligent, but maybe not quite the most confident. Show me human beings in all of their complexity. Because that's what women are.
3. Diverse Fantasies
This point is kinda similar to #1, but I'd really love to see fantasies that are diverse. And not just racially, but diverse in terms of sexuality and gender, able-bodiedness, mental health, and socioeconomic status, among other factors! For me, as someone who is diverse, and as someone who lives in one of the most diverse, integrated areas in the US, the more diverse a story is, the more believable it is. I grew up constantly interacting with people who were different from me. In many ways, I don't know what it's like to live in a homogeneous world, that's just never been my life. So when fantasies present an all/majority white, straight, cisgender, able-bodied, neaurotypical,wealthy, patriarchal world, it's definitely weird to me! I want people to be able to envision themselves as the hero/heroine of a story, even if they're not the "default".
4. Low SES Protagonists
Good representation of poverty is something that is severely lacking in media and it massively contributes to the current stigmatization of poverty. As someone who is low income, I've only seen myself represented in literature once and even then, it was inferred representation--meaning the words "poor" or "low income" were never explicitly stated. I've faced a lot of discrimination based on class and I think if we had better representation to show how poverty works and who low income folks are that would go a great way towards changing that prejudice.
5. Pirate Fantasies Done Right
So this is a fun, less serious one! I love a good swashbuckling pirate story, but apparently authors don't because I rarely see them on the market, despite the demand! What's wrong with pirates, authors?! What--do you just not like them?!! JUSTICE AND REPRESENTATION FOR PIRATES CAUSE THEY'RE PEOPLE TOO!!!
So that' it for now! I hope you enjoyed this list and definitely tell me in the comments--what are things you wish you saw more of in literature? Do we agree on any of them?
What a week for obsessions, folks, what a week! I found so many new things to love, it's not even funny! Whew! Let's get straight to it...
Books
Friends...I have found a new favorite book and that book would be Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser! This book is a pirate-esque fantasy with a mixed race main character and loads of fun adventures and wow. I absolutely adored every second of it and you need to read this book! YOU NEED TO READ IT!!! *throws the book at your face and runs away*
Music
My man Macklemore is back at it again with the good music! I love his new song with Skyler Grey, "Glorious." It is...dare I say it...glorious? Okay, okay, I'll stop it with the bad dad jokes if you promise to go listen to this song...
Movies/TV
San Diego Comic Con 2017 has brought us our first peak at The 100 Season 5 with a new trailer. In the trailer, Clarke's young companion, Maddie, tells the story of The 100 all the way through the end of season 4 and a bit beyond! Squee!!! This trailer has me pumped and I can't wait to see what's to come!
News
a little love note from me to you pic.twitter.com/vUxJvKUinn— Jenny Han (@jennyhan) July 21, 2017
Jenny Han's beloved book, To All Th Boys I've Loved Before is becoming a movie! And the main characters have already been casted! We got a note from Han on the subject (see above) and a picture of Lana Condor (who will be playing Lara-Jean Song-Covey), Janel Parrish (who will be playing Margot Song-Covey), and Anna Cathcart (who will be playing Kitty Song-Covey) all together (see below)!
When I saw @lanacondor @JanelParrish @CathcartAnna all together, my heart just burst. #toalltheboys pic.twitter.com/8fjLjsiq3d— Jenny Han (@jennyhan) July 21, 2017
Around The Blogosphere/Vlogosphere
- I just discovered Cyra's super neat series "A Glimpse Back in Time" in which she explores the real life history behind books! This week she looked at the history behind Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Boys!
- Shannon told us what topics she wants to see blogged about more.
- Fadwa discussed why trigger warnings are important.
- The gals at Pages Unbound want to hear your college advice!
- Jenny listed post ideas for autumn.
- Kourtni talked about who reviews are really for.
- Aimal gave us tips on how to write reviews.
- Taryn thought on pressure in the online book community.
- Lauren wrote about reading bad books on purpose.
- Sarah made a trailer for Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows.
Ah, what a beautiful day to do a questionnaire post! Today I decided is the perfect day to do a bookish version of This Or That. I saw this post over at Feed your Fiction Addiction but it was invented by Wendy at Falconers Library so thank you to both of them for inviting us to join in the fun! So let's not dilly-dally any longer! Straight to the fun we go!
Eat while you read or read while you eat?
Errrrr...Isn't that the same thing???
Re-read old favorites or pre-order upcoming possibilities?
Pre-order upcoming possibilities! I love the prospect of a new adventure! The only downside is that sometimes the wild imaginings of what may be turn out to be better than what is, lol!
Pre-order upcoming possibilities! I love the prospect of a new adventure! The only downside is that sometimes the wild imaginings of what may be turn out to be better than what is, lol!
Read every single word or skim at times?
So, here's the thing: I rarely read physical books, unless it's a textbook that for some odd reason has no audio component (which is rare due to disability accommodation laws). Mostly I listen to audiobooks. This means that I never skim. The only exception is in textbooks, which you technically have to skim, in order to pull out key info in an effective and efficient manner.
So, here's the thing: I rarely read physical books, unless it's a textbook that for some odd reason has no audio component (which is rare due to disability accommodation laws). Mostly I listen to audiobooks. This means that I never skim. The only exception is in textbooks, which you technically have to skim, in order to pull out key info in an effective and efficient manner.
Happy endings or tragic?
I'm genuinely curious: does anyone actually like tragic endings??? I certainly don't!
Audiobooks or ebooks?
I guess I kinda already answered this but audiobooks. With the severity of my ADD/ADHD and the fact that I get migraines easily, it's really difficult for me to read ebooks. Audiobooks are nice--they fit in my pocket and I can focus my restless energy on doing something simple while listening and I don't have to stare at a screen for hours on end.
Multiple books at once, or one at a time?
I totally used to be able to take on a ton of books at once when I was a little kid. But as I got older, I got in the habit of listening to one thing at a time and it's kinda stuck. I think part of it is that my memory is more clogged with more responsibilities now that I'm older, meaning I have to ration my energy when choosing what to focus on, ya know?
Mostly one genre, or a little bit of everything?
Hmmmm...Tough one! I definitely have more than a bit of a preference for sci fi and fantasy, but I don't mind reading other genres too. And sometimes I need a breather from heaver SFF tomes! So I guess a bit of both, if that's possible?
Lifelong obsession or later (re)discovery?
Absolutely a lifelong obsession! Even my love of audiobooks you can trace back to a young age! My mom always read to me and told me stories as a child and then transitioned me onto audiobooks. From there I learned to read and listened to audiobooks and read physical books a fairly equal amount! There was a brief time in high school when I read/listened less because I was so focused on my studies, but I rediscovered my love of audiobooks in college and haven't stopped listening since!
Classics–yay or nay?
I don't read many classics at the moment, but I'm not against them or anything. I mean, there are many classics that I have read and I do enjoy. It's just that, at this point in my life, they're not what I reach for in my spare time.
Read aloud to others or be read to?
As an avid audiobook listener, clearly I love being read to! The funny thing is this: I have a very clear voice and I have no trouble with public speaking, but when I read aloud, I often stutter and trip over words. My theory on why this happens is that I think my mind reads and processes the words faster than I speak them and the lag in processing causes me to stutter a bit. Who knows!
Absolute silence or background noise/music?
I need either silence or soft background noise, but not music. I'm a musician, so music really distracts me from anything I'm doing. But also, sometimes silence...I don't know how to say it...it irritates my mind??? I don't know, but I always need something like ambient nature sounds in the background when reading a physical book.
Cover on or naked?
For sure naked when I'm reading! But when it's on the shelf and displayed, cover on!
Dog-ear or bookmark?
Ooooooh! Confession time!...I...dogear my book's pages to mark my spot? (Please don't kill me!)
Ooooooh! Confession time!...I...dogear my book's pages to mark my spot? (Please don't kill me!)
Movie covers or originals?
Always originals! I absolutely loathe movie covers because 99.99% of the time, it's the movie poster and movie posters tend to be really tacky, in my opinion.
Always originals! I absolutely loathe movie covers because 99.99% of the time, it's the movie poster and movie posters tend to be really tacky, in my opinion.
So that's it! I'd love it if you joined in on the fun and answered some of the questions in the comments or even did this post yourself! Ta ta for now, m'dears!
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