#I wish their were more Sally and Zero scenes you can tell they really love each other

[emmastraub3]

Zero when he realised Sally was there.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

got any good domestic johnlock fic recs??

Hi Nonny! 

YES!! I certainly do! I love domestic Johnlock! Done lots of lists in the past, so check out the additional lists, and I’ll update those lists with these latest ones I’ve sorted!

DOMESTIC JOHNLOCK Pt. 4

See also:

Platonics and Domestics

Platonics & Domestics Pt 2 / Hugs, Cuddles & Kisses Pt. 3 / Tooth-Rotting Fluff Pt. 4 / Love Confessions, Slow Burn & Dev. Rel. Pt. 2 / Established Relationship Pt. 3

Platonics / Bromance / Friendship Pt. 3

When Morning Comes by Youarethelightoftheworld (T, 423 w. || Christmas Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Lazy Mornings/Morning After, Fluff and Angst, Sleepy Cuddles, Domestic Fluff, Cuddling / Snuggling, Emotional Hurt/Comfort) – “Sherlock,” says John solemnly, “I’m not sure we can go anywhere today.”

Promises Kept by grannysknitting (K+, 844 w. || John POV, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship / Pre-Slash, Sherlock’s Violin, Worried Sherlock, John Whump, Post-TGG) – When they were in hospital, Sherlock made a promise to himself. Now he’s keeping it. Set after ’Polygamous Marriage’ but before ’Back in the Saddle’

Realisation by Susie.Donym (K+, 957 w. || Sally POV, Pre-Slash / Friendship, Humour) – It takes her a while but Sally finally makes a huge realisation.

Like Any Other Day by wearitcounts (T, 1,145 w. || Fluff, John’s Birthday, John Loves Sherlock, Sweet / Thoughtful Sherlock) – Just when John thought Sherlock couldn’t get any more strange…

Together is What we Have, Together Protects Us by Phantom of the Black Pearl (K+, 1,566 w. || Post-TRF, Friendship / Platonic or Slash, Hurt/Comfort, Insecure Sherlock, Worried Sherlock, Slice of Life) – After a case one evening in the flat Sherlock voices a concern that causes the pair to consider why they’ve chosen to stick together after all that’s happened.

Like Euphoria and Scotch by FinAmour (M, 1,856 w. || Five and One, Alchohol / Drinking, POV Second Person Sherlock, Pining Sherlock, Sherlock’s Imagination, Armchair Sex, Fluff, Happy Ending) – 5 different ways it all could have gone + the one way it actually works itself out.

One in Ten Thousand by Blind Author (K+, 1,856 w. || Post-TGG, Friendship / Pre-Slash, Discussions of Violence, Worried then Curious Sherlock, Scars/John’s Bullet Wound, Medical Anomolies) – John seems to have unusual mobility for a shoulder wound…

The Adventure of the Mysterious Appearance of Tissues by Gwen’s Blue Box (K+, 1,910 w. || Fluff, Humour, Sick John, Caring Sherlock, Hurt/Comfort) – In which there is a case, John has caught a cold and is not interested in investigating, Mrs Hudson is away and Sherlock does the shopping.

The Case of the Missing Blogger by nicknack22 (K, 2,147 w. || Fluff, Humour, Friendship, Worried / Anxious Sherlock) – Alternately titled, The Case of the Oblivious Consulting Detective. In which Sherlock comes out of his mind palace to discover John missing. 221B does not fair well as a result.

Risotto by Richefic (K+, 2,153 w. || Friendship, Angst, Misunderstandings, Apologies) – The first time that John cooks dinner for Sherlock is almost the last. Fortunately, Sherlock is really quite observant. Inspired by John’s reference in “The Great Game” to there being some leftover risotto in the fridge.

The Many Faces of Concern by sdrawkcabemdaer5 (K+, 2,473 w. || Friendship, Angsty Fluff, John Whump, Mildly Clueless Sherlock) – John is injured on a case, leading to some surprising reactions and discoveries about their friendship.

Bored Games by patster223 (K+, 2,769 w. || Cluedo / Board Games, Friendship, Humour) – Sherlock is bored and John decides that they should play Cluedo. In retrospect, it was a truly awful decision.

The Rational Machine by Solstice Zero (K, 2,924 w. || Hurt / Comfort, Malnourishment / Fainting, Doctor / Minder John) – Sherlock passes out. John muses on the reasons why. Containing an absorbing case, two bags of shopping, and a few apples.

On a Sunday Morning by SD_Ryan (G, 3,136 w. || Fluff, First Kiss, Obsessive Sherlock, Pining Sherlock) – Sherlock has a little problem. He can’t stop obsessing about John Watson. {{Note to Self: ‘Cheese Tease’}}

Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down by standbygo (M, 3,282 w. || Post-S4, Five Plus One, Missing Scenes, Parenthood, First Kiss, Friends to Lovers, Cuddling & Snuggling, Hurt/Comfort, Declarations of Love, Fluff, Food, John Whump) – Five times when Sherlock and John ate together, and one time they didn’t. A history of the boys, in food.

The Bee Charmer by dreadpiratewatson (M, 3,314 w. || Est. Rel., Captain / Soldier John, Idiots in Love, Domestics, John in the Army) – Greg goes to 221B to check up on Sherlock after a strange phone call pulls him away from an important case, and is stunned to find himself in front of a gun brandishing soldier with a sleeping Sherlock on his chest. John Watson is a doctor, a war hero, a husband, and the only one in the world who can soften Sherlock’s heart.

Bored Games by SparksMayFly (K, 3,492 w. || Humour, Friendship, Cluedo / Board Games, Big Brother Mycroft) – Sherlock asks if he can take Reverend Green in for interrogation. John explains that’s not how the game works.

Every Step of the Way by Shi_Toyu (G, 3,795 w. || Car Accidents, John Whump, Hurt/Comfort, Pre-Slash, Caretaker Sherlock) – When John is injured on a case, Sherlock can’t forgive himself. Everyone expects him to give up on his flatmate and get bored, but he’ll prove them all wrong by sticking with him…every step of the way.

Five Times John Cooked Something with Peas and One First Kiss by 221b_careful_what_you_wish_for (T, 3,915 w. || 5 and Ones, Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Cooking / Food, Sick Sherlock, Music, Domestic Fluff, First Kiss) – After John cooks five dinners that slowly reveal their hunger for each other, Sherlock and John finally share a first kiss.

Jukebox by standbygo (T, 3,990 w. || Fluff, Singing/Music, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Hurt/Comfort, Humour, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss) – After the music halls of Sherlock’s mind palace get damaged by accident, John learns that Sherlock never forgets a song. Even the ones he’d rather forget. But the random singalong brings some unexpected benefits.

No Good Without You by textsandscones (T, 4,021 w. || Case Fic, Sherlock’s Violin, Dancing, Soppy Fluff) – A diverting new case surrounding musicians and stolen instruments captures Sherlock’s attention, the consequences of which lead both detective and doctor to see one another in a different light. Part 1 of Prompt Fills

Breakfast, acronyms and brotherhood by Rose de Sharon (K+, 4,074 w. || TBB Fic, Friendship/Bromance, Hurt/Comfort, Protective John, Fluff) – Set after The Blind Banker: my take of Sherlock and John’s conversation over breakfast. S/J friendship, bromance, no slash.

The Care and Keeping of Your Mad Genius by Janieshi (T, 4,553 w. || Post-TGG, Friendship, Anxious/Worried Sherlock, Light Humour/Teasing, Alternating POV, Cranky Sherlock) – If he hadn’t been so focused on holding the bastard still, John would have laughed aloud. This maniac really thought John was the pet in this dynamic?

Welcome Home, John by slashscribe (G, 5,504 w. || Post-S3, Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Awkwardness, Stabbed Sherlock, Protective Sherlock, Panic Attack (Sherlock), Self Esteem Issues, Love Confessions, First Kiss) – When John moves back to 221B, he thinks he’s the broken one, but after a while, it becomes clear that he might not be correct.

Of Razors, Pipes, Red Notebooks and Rugby Jerseys, Or: Sherlock Doesn’t Like His Doctors Clean Shaven by allonsys_girl (E, 7,313 w. || Est. Rel., PWP / Porn With Feelings, John’s Beard / Beard Kink, Roleplay, Love Declarations, Banter, Rimming, Anal, Domestic Fluff / Bliss, Idiots in Love, Emotional Lovemaking, Pet Names, Obsessive Sherlock, Sherlock POV, Bottomlock, Cranky Sherlock) – John grows a beard. Sherlock really likes it. Part 1 of Consulting Husbands

On Favors and Keeping Score by Ewebie (G, 7,622 w. || Hurt/Comfort, Sick Fic, Fluff, John Whump) –  John woke up to the horribly unpleasant sound of his clock alarm. Which meant he’d slept through his phone’s alarm. And for a moment he glared blearily at the noisemaker before smacking at it with his palm. Ugh, he felt like rubbish. The back of his throat was burning with the irritation that heralded a proper dose, his nose was threatening to drip every few seconds, and he had the uncomfortable flush that normally suggested a fever. Nothing high, just uncomfortable. Nothing deadly, just irritating. Nothing worth calling in sick with, just a full day of discomfort in the face of other people’s discomfort. It was going to be a day where he was forced to bite his tongue from telling people off. “You’re not as sick as I am, so off you pop.” Part 7 of Tumblr Shorts

Speak My Language by Itsallfine (T, 7,479 w. || Thanksgiving, Love Languages, Love Confessions, First Kiss) – When Mrs. Hudson introduces John and Sherlock to the concept of the five love languages, Sherlock descends into a dark mood and John’s curiosity gets the better of him. What is Sherlock’s love language, and why does the whole concept set him so on edge? Part 1 of A Holiday Triptych

The Name Game by ItsClydeBitches221B (K, 8,958 w. || Humour, Family, Platonics / Friendship, Sort-of Parentlock, John/Mary, Mary is Nice, Five and Ones, Baby Watson, Mycroft Loves Baby Watson) – The names that baby girl Watson comes up with for her extended family. Or: how everyone—Watsons, Holmes, and others alike— just learned to give up and embrace their weirdness.

How To Give Your Boyfriend Who Doesn’t Know He’s Your Boyfriend the Best Valentine’s Day Ever byunicornpoe (T, 9,832 w. || Valentine’s Day, Fluff and Crack, Soft Sherlock, POV Sherlock) – Sherlock is pretty sure that John Watson is his boyfriend. He’s also pretty sure that John doesn’t know it. But with a little help from a magazine, some friends, three crepes, five dates, one awesome CD, and a stalker van, John is bound to realize just in time for Valentine’s Day.

A Is For Aftermath by ElvendorkInfinity (T, 10,567 w. || Injury / Whump, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship/Pre-Slash/Bromance/Platonics, Hallucinations, Introspection, Insecure / Worried John, Big Brother Mycroft, Alternating POV, Anxious Sherlock, Self-Deprecating, Mildly Possessive Sherlock, 3G Moment) – John is still hallucinating, Sherlock cannot sleep, and Lestrade has a new case for them. But will life at 221B ever be able to return to normal? Epilogue to M is for Moriarty.

Shuteye Shenanigans by Ayakae (K+, 13,263 w. || Post-TRF, Friendship / Epic Bromance, John’s Nightmares, Angsty Fluff, Bed Sharing, Humour, Cuddles, Taking Care of Each Other, Domestics) – John Watson has never slept with Sherlock Holmes. Never ever ever. And never will, thank you very much. Well, there was that one time, but John didn’t count that. It was completely different, just like the second time it happened. And the third. And the fourth. Epic bromance, but it can be read as pre-slash if you wish.

Hope for Heroes by Richefic (K+, 16,887 w. || Post-TGG Fic, Introspection / Flashbacks, Friendship/Epic Bromance, Hurt/Comfort, Worried/Anxious Sherlock, Sherlock Admires John, BAMF John, John Deduces, Fancy Party, John’s Self Esteem, Domestics) – In the final moments of “The Great Game” Holmes hopes he will have the chance to tell his flatmate that he was wrong. Heroes do exist after all and the one in front of him is called Dr John Watson.

Through the Clouds by Mazarin221b (E, 20,004 w. || Retirement, Sussex, Bees, Home Improvement, First Time, Romance) – Sherlock takes a remarkably early retirement at 47, and convinces John that a change of pace would do them both good. They buy an old cottage on the South Downs, and exchange their nonstop life in Baker Street for quiet contemplation, bee studies, and book writing. They might go completely insane, but sometimes it takes stepping outside of the life you’re living to find the life you want. Part 1 of Through The Clouds

Chaperones by MissDavis (T, 34,114 w. || 11 Years Post-S4, Fake Relationship, Parentlock, Disney World, Bed / Room Sharing, Friends to Lovers, Fluff, First Kiss, Obsessive Sherlock, Insecure John) – Right. Of course. Everyone assumed they were a couple and no one would question it. John put his elbows up on the table so he could rest his head in his hands. “You want to pretend to be a couple so we can chaperone a trip to Disney World with Rosie’s class and you won’t have to share a room with a stranger?” “Exactly.” Sherlock beamed at him. “Don’t worry about the cost. The Birmingham case last month paid more than enough to cover expenses for all three of us.”

The Book of Silence by SilentAuror (E, 60,056 w. || S4 Fix It / Post S4, Virgin Sherlock, Rosie / Parentlock, Domesticity, Fluff, Praise Kink, Sex Toys, First Person POV) – As spring blooms in London, John and Sherlock begin to take new cases and cautiously negotiate this new phase of life with John living at Baker Street again. Despite how well it’s all going, John struggles to forgive himself for the way he treated Sherlock following Mary’s death as well as trying to figure out how to finally put his long-time feelings for Sherlock into words. Part 1 of The Book of Silence/Rosa Felicia

[dianadragonfly]

Blogging “The Sign of Three”

I’m noticing that I’ve been reading so much amazing fan fic that my sense of the characters has changed. There are so many layers to Sherlock Holmes —all of the fan fics I’ve been I’ve been reading layered on top of Gatiss/Moffat’s Sherlock on top of all the cultural ideas of Sherlock and all the adaptations down the the ACD canon. ACD lost control of his Sherlock almost as soon as he brought him into creation. Most art is like this but Sherlock has an impressive number of layers.

So the beginning — I love Lestrade and Sally.

Ugh, I hate the fact that it’s a cheap joke that calls Greg to miss his big moment. Amusing tho. Lestrade would have phoned or called before bringing the helicopters.

Is it bad that my heart sort of hurts to see only 1 tea cup on the tray?

Ugh. Mrs. Hudson’s lecturing on marriage reminds me of me in my 20s. All my friends were getting married and settling down and having babies. I wanted zero to do with it all and was made to feel like a freak for it. There was one particular bridal shower that might have been the low point of that time of my life. The sort of smug assumption that one who was not married has no valid opinions ... I recognize that. Why does everyone treat Sherlock like he’s incapable of being hurt?

THE LOOK AT THE CHAIR! My heart! That’s the sound of my heart cracking! Isn’t there a .gif someone of Sherlock and John staring at empty chairs? @simplyclockwork has said something to the effect that this fandom stans staring at empty chairs.

I’m sure this is boring for the 10 followers I actually have, but it’s fun to me to take notes and recall how the episodes are out together.

I love Sherlock and Jannine. Too bad he wrecked this cute little friendship in the next episode.

David is obviously terrified of touching Mary. Hahah

If Mary has only had this identity for 5 years and John pretty much doesn’t have family, where are all these guests from? Here (Midwest US) there is a wedding, sometimes a meal for the wedding party, then a party/reception for everyone. One can attend any combination of the three that you are invited to and not seem rude. The British weddings that I remember have been an all day affair. Not something you do for a causal friend.

“Oh Sherlock, neither of us was his first.” This partnership between Sherlock and Mary is so cute and so pure. I freakin hate where it went. She recognizes that Sherlock and John’s relationship was the most important relationship in Sherlock’s life. She is aware he feels pushed to the side and uses that knowledge to comfort him, not torment him.

Mycroft of course uses it to torment him. That “Redbeard” reference was pretty heavy-handed, Mycroft. Might as well have blinking lights saying “Foreshadowing!”

When the room goes silent for Sherlock, I cringe so hard. Thank you for cutting away...

Oohhh the reaction Mary has to the name “Cam.” That’s how you foreshadow.

Considering how subtle the writing is and how understated so many things are, I don’t believe the continually clunky references to Series 4 ideas are just badly done. There’s something else... I’ve read the meta about it and I believe that I’m missing something huge, but that’s a conversation for another DVD.

I love the “asking Sherlock to be best man” scene. The look on his face. It’s so different from his blank blink when Molly says she sees him. Oh! wedding planning scene. Mary’s shirt is covered with little thumbs up emojis— I didn’t notice that.

Sherlock’s face. He doesn’t understand why John would want to not be involved with the minutiae of wedding planning.

Has anyone explained why Bainbridge was targeted?

Sherlock in the fuzzy hat - squee.

There are so many jokes online about Sherlock having a military kink. I don’t see it. I mean maybe ... he looks somewhat amused at soilders — but he does at all humanity. Oh, the look he gives John when John pulls rank. Maybe. . .

Oh no, here comes Meat Dagger! There are several Sherlolly fan fics where Sherlock calls him “Meat Dagger.” Not in a complementary manner.

“Stories worth telling” - the storytelling theme emerges again.

Uh.. why is John’s face on Vitruvian man? That’s just bizarre. Fandom seems to see it as proof that Sherlock sees John as an ideal man. I’m not sure. But bizarre.

Those cylinders aren’t phallic at all... nope.

Ohhh ... curled up on the stairs. So cute.

The scene. The scene. The knee touch is coming up!! They are so funny and relaxed with each other. I never noticed Johns feet on Sherlock’s chair. This scene has been analyzed to death but it’s so amazing. They are just enjoying each other’s company, making each other laugh, and maybe? drunk enough to flirt in ways they won’t let themselves do when sober.

The first few times I watched, I missed Sherlock suddenly being interested and awake when the client references “taking it further.”

From where do I know the “I’m just going to whip this out?” joke? Pink Panther?

I buy that Sherlock has little experience with alcohol, but not John. John wouldn’t let himself get that completely drunk — he’s a drinker. Even though he has cheated on Sherlock’s system, I think he’d know the difference. Unless he just decided “screw it. It’s my last night with Sherlock.” Which would help explain the knee touch. He’s not planning on getting drunk and sleeping with Sherlock or anything, but . . . It would have to be deliberate for John to drink enough to end up in the slammer. Or buzzed on the staircase. Or maybe he’s somewhat faking his buzz to see what happens.

Dear Lestrade: I love you.

Mrs. Hudson presenting the full English breakfast. Oh my god! I feel sick for John.

Watching on a TV with a Blu Ray is so awesome. I was able to pause and read the little blurb about Major Sholto that Sherlock pulled up.

Back to the wedding ... we’ve been away from it for a while. It’s kind of a shock.

— note : small children had the phone and big child (spouse) got the TV for a bit. —

Oh the scene where his speech goes off the rails. I cringe so hard for him.

Irene in his mind palace... naked ... my son walked by, looked at the screen, said “Not watching!” Hehehe

Mycroft is sort of a god/Greek chorus figure in fandom and in this version of the mind palace. He provides the exposition, he is all knowing, he is the God-in-a-box. Interesting how he has evolved.

Molly is shooting daggers at Sherlock when they leave to rescue Sholto. Cute.

Of course Mary knows his room number. I would have loved for their partnership to last longer.

That kiss on Mary’s forehead.

There’s a theory that Major Sholto and John were lovers or that at least he wanted to be John’s boyfriend. The “neither of us were the first” quip is mostly taken as just a cute joke by me most of the time. But “Mr. Holmes, you and I are similar, I think.” And “We wouldn’t do that to John Watson.” There is great love and admiration shared by both of them at the least.

Sherlock and Janine dancing. “I wish you weren’t.. whatever it is you are.” line. I interpreted it as Sherlock being a genius/ aloof / etc. But maybe it’s more of a reference to his sexuality, as fandom insists.

That might be the whitest wedding I’ve seen outside of my hometown. Not one friend or associate of color?

The pregnancy reveal. So much fandom analysis of this. I am unable to pause and really look at it because again, although there are many electronic devices in the household, whenever I’m on a TV, it gets comandeered. WHY DO I HAVE TO HIDE MY FANDOM IN MY OWN DAMN HOUSE! ?

But the pregnancy is a big thing. Life cannot go back to how it was. This a significant departure from ACD canon as well. There’s no going back to being just Sherlock and John and hoping Mary just disappears.

I see Sherlock’s sadness for real this time and it’s not just because I let all the theories influence me. I didn’t realize how much time it takes to establish the shot before Sherlock leaves. He looks around. John and Mary are dancing and Mary exchanges a look — a “thank you” type of look. Like she understands Sherlock but she will not ever give up John. Sherlock catches Janine’s eye and starts to move toward her. Then it’s revealed Janine is dancing with one of the men Sherlock pointed out as a good candidate for sex. He sees Molly. She’s dancing with Tom. He’s pushed her away and she’s stayed away. It occurs to him that he is, as Janine says, “whatever it is” he is. But he no longer belongs with John and Mary (“We can’t all three dance”) and so he leaves.

I feel for him so so much.

[rainbows-fanfics]

Two Dearest Friends (Chapter 4)

Summary:

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, meets Sally, a ragdoll created by Dr. Finklestein. A friendship blossoms between them as he introduces her to the world outside of her tower. Sally is falling for him as their relationship grows into something more, and Jack finds the same is happening to him.

A story where the Christmas incident never happens, and Jack and Sally find their happiness on their own.

Pairings: Jack Skellington/Sally

She returns to Finklestein's tower just before the pumpkin sun sets. She makes sure to open the door as quietly as possible, trying not to make a sound as she shuts it and starts heading towards her room. "Back late again, I see?" Sally freezes. She spins around to see the Doctor eying her with disappointment. He isn't in the good mood that he had been when she left. Innocently, she holds her hands behind her back, hoping a coy approach will save her from the scolding. "Yes, Doctor." He motions his mechanical wheelchair forward. She doesn't move when he stops it in front of her. He snatches the basket out from her hands and inspects the inside. The sight of herbs and twigs catches him completely off guard. He scowls and throws the basket back into her hands, which she barely manages to catch in time. "So you actually went through with your word..." He mutters. "Of course. I think you'll enjoy tomorrow's breakfast." This statement intrigues him. She sees a glimpse of interest past his dark glasses. With difficulty, he spins the wheelchair around. Despite how wrong it feels, she can't spill her secrets about the meeting and Zero. She doesn't want her discoveries in the outside world to be hushed away from her again. Now that she has them, she wants to hold onto them forever. "Very well, then." Finklestein motions to the ramps. "Get ready for bed, dear. Igor is going to take care of dinner tonight." The ragdoll can't question his term of endearment. The thought of the marriage certificate wanders into her mind when she does. Instead, she climbs the ramps back into her room. Finklestein's stare doesn't go away until she is fully secluded behind her door. Back to the room of emptiness. She sets down her basket carefully before taking a seat on the edge of her bed in thought. She gazes out of the window and looks at the stars in the sky. The longer she stares at them, the more her thoughts come back to Zero in the graveyard. She misses him already, as odd as it may be. Making a new friend at the meeting was wonderful, but it felt very...right to meet Zero. And it feels right want to want to see him again. She peels off her shoes and wraps herself under the blankets, letting her thoughts of the graveyard, the meeting, the Hanging Tree, Jack, and Halloween wander in her mind for the rest of the night. -- The next day is very average for Sally, doing her usual chores and cooking the usual meals. She doesn't think much while she does any of these things, but when she is left with a small break, she decides to recollect the events of yesterday. Her mind cannot leave her meeting with Zero in particular, and she thinks of that cute little dog wagging his sheet and his glowing pumpkin nose. She gets an idea just then - an awful, distasteful one for her nature, but her wish to see the outside world again overcomes her. She peeks into the Doctor's laboratory, finding him caught up in his work as usual, taking X-Rays of creatures with Igor by his side. She takes this chance to sneak out of the front door and close it very gently behind her. As she faces the pumpkin sun setting in the sky, Sally is completely frozen in place. She's at a loss for words and, quite frankly, is unsure what to do now. She's outside. And no one else knows.

That was way too easy. But this is bad, isn't it? She shouldn't be out here - she should go back right inside and finish her chores. But now that she's out...every part of her just wants to run off and scream into the sky. Except she doesn't do that; she can't attract attention while she's doing something very bad. So she walks down the stairs carefully and checks her steps are as quiet as the next. It must be late because no one else is out. The only ones she finds is the band hanging around the gates, who greet her as she passes by. She faintly remembers the direction of the graveyard and goes by her memory. Whenever she passes by a gate, she tugs on the end to check if it's unlocked. She ends up testing three locked ones before she finds one wide open. She passes through them and finds that it's the same spiral hill and graveyard as last time. -- She begins searching for the ghost dog. The last time she was here, he was out and about sniffing around the pumpkins. She can't seem to find find any trace of Zero today. Coming to the conclusion that he is no longer here, Sally sighs and trudges on, rubbing her arm in disappointment. She doesn't see the small grave in her way and nearly trips on it. She takes a hold of the side so she doesn't fall. She notices that the grave resembles a miniature house, with a little roof and chimney. There is a word engraved at the top reading "ZERO", and a small decoration of a dog's skull on the door. Sally places a hand to her lips curiously. Is this Zero's dog house? It would only make sense that it was a grave itself, what with him being dead and all. Maybe he was just sleeping and didn't hear her come in? "Zero!" She calls. No response comes. She tries her best to whistle. Still nothing. She knocks on the top before peeking inside the chimney. It is much too small for her to go inside. She realizes the predicament now. Can she even get him out at all? "If you want to lure him out, pat your leg twice." Everything in her brain stops the moment she hears a voice. She turns to find a tall skeleton looking back at her from afar. Jack Skellington has his large hands stuffed in his pockets and is leaning against a tombstone. She stands up straight and gawks at him in awe for a moment. His presence feels overwhelming, as if straight out of a picture book. She didn't imagine him being here - why is he here? Was it to get her? Does he know she snuck out? Or is she not allowed to be here? "Oh, I was just-" "Go on." Jack motions to her. "Pat your leg twice. He'll come out." A part of her still feels like something is wrong about this situation, but the other part wants to question his knowledge on this. Yet, she knows better than to doubt the Pumpkin King - Finklestein tells her that explicitly. She does what he says and pats her leg two times. An apparition surfaces from the grave. Zero's collar chimes as he barks out a greeting. "Arf! Arf!" He sees her and flies forward to lick the side of her face. When he notices the other figure standing across from them, he lets out three excited yelps and leaves her side right away. He zooms over to Jack and bows down in front of him. Sally pieces two and two together and gasps loudly. "Oh! I-I didn't know he was your dog!" He says nothing as he pats his head once. Zero's excitement alone is a good sign that he is excited to see his owner. When the skeleton gives him a nod, he barks back and returns to her side. He nuzzles her shoulder while she gawks at her King. Things are starting to make sense, but they are much too sudden for her to take in at the same time. "He's well trained," He explains. "And he seems to like you." She isn't sure what to say. Zero looks between the two and goes back to his master's feet. He looks up at the skeleton expectantly and Jack grins. He reaches inside his shirt and snaps one of his ribs out from its place. He turns and tosses it carelessly into the graveyard, to which the dog goes after and barks happily. The ragdoll observes the scene before playing with her hands nervously. "I did something similar yesterday..." "I wouldn't be surprised. He really enjoys fetch." Zero comes back with the rib in his mouth. He returns it and the skeleton tosses it farther this time. The dog is all too happy to go back chasing it and dig his nose through the thorns. Sally feels both overwhelmed and guilty. She knows she isn't supposed to be here, but now she feels so improper for playing with someone else's dog without their permission. That wasn't mannerly of her, and the Doctor would surely be shaking his head right now. An apology is in order. "I'm very sorry; I should have asked you before I did something like that." He turns to give her a curious look. "Hm? Oh, don't worry about it. Zero loves playing with people he likes. If anything, I should apologize for not introducing him to you earlier." She gains the courage to look up at him and finds an understanding look in his hollow eye sockets. A feeling of calmness envelopes her. He has this gentleman-like and caring aura about him that intrigues her. He also smells of pumpkins, now that she knows what they smell like. Him. She finds her body leaning towards his but pulls herself back, tugging at the end of her collar. Zero returns once more with the rib. Jack takes it and holds it above the dog's head. He yips and grabs it again. He flies around their feet for a moment or two with his mouth wide open. She can't help but laugh. "That's really cute!" Her mind processes back to the book she read. "Does he do any tricks?" At the sound of the word, Zero's ears perk up. Jack takes the rib from his mouth and holds it in the air again. He spins it around in a circle and stuffs his other hand in his pocket. He instructs, "Dance." The dog lifts up the ends of his blankets that she could only assume were his "paws". He twirls around in circles before jumping in the air. She doesn't notice the big smile growing on her lips. She claps her hands to applaud the dog's trick, naturally. "Now, fly over." Zero turns around and flips in the air. He whips back to his owner and awaits the next instruction. She admires his attentiveness. He certainly is more collected and alert around Jack. Which makes sense because he is his owner while she is a new friend. "I have never read about a dog doing things like that." She admits slowly. "How did he learn to do those?" "He's smart. Zero's been doing tricks like these ever since he was a puppy." He stops speaking and thinks of something. "-But if you really want to see something unique, ask him to get you a rose." It's such an odd suggestion that she thinks she doesn't hear him right. "A rose?" "A rose." He repeats. Although improper, Sally gives her King an inquisitive look. His smile doesn't falter. She hesitantly leans down in front of Zero and braces herself for whatever is about to happen. She finds he's giving her an eager look, the tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth. She isn't so much as scared, but she can feel the presence behind her pressing against her back. "Can you get me a rose, boy?" The dog doesn't hesitate. He flies right through her and sniffs around. He plucks one of the dead roses from the bushes and goes back to present it to the ragdoll. Her mouth hangs open as she takes it from the dog, twirling it around in her hands. She has never touched a rose  before until now. Her hands trace over the petals and she notes it's very soft. She can feel it's fragile and the thorns are very prickly. The words escape her mouth. "It's...beautiful." He pats him on the head. "Good boy, Zero. Now, get some rest." The dog replies with a usual yap and goes back into his grave. He sinks into the bottom of the ground and disappears. Jack decides to observe the rose for himself and lingers his hand over it. She gets the message and allows him to take it from her hand carefully. For a split second, their fingers touch. She practically melts at the contact. He pays no mind as he takes the flower from her hands, twirling it around in his fingers to admire the black petals. Normally dead flowers would be far wilted, but this one is still beautifully developed. He gives it back to the ragdoll and goes silent. She fears this very much - has she done something wrong? Said something wrong? "What's the matter?" She asks. He shakes his skull and places his hand on his hip. "I just realized it's been awhile since we've properly talked, Sally. I'm very sorry about that." The moment her name slips off his tongue, her muscles relax. She wants to hear it over and over again for the rest of eternity. But she can't hide her surprise. "-You remember my name?" "Of course I do. We've met before, haven't we?" His smile stretches and her knees grow weak. She feels her legs almost give out - to the point where they feel like jelly. He doesn't notice this and tilts his skull to the side. Eventually his smile fades and he looks at her carefully, giving Sally the chance to regain her wits. "-I don't mean to be so forward, but what are you doing out here at night?" "Oh, I....I was, just, um...." She clasps her hands together in thought. Would it be appropriate to say she came back for his dog? She can't tell him she snuck out of the tower, that would surely leave a bad impression! "I was just taking a stroll." "You're a night owl, too, huh?" He points to her and she shivers. "I was just getting some fresh air myself." He starts to walk on the trail again, and she feels obligated to follow him. "I should warn you, though. Many things come out at night. Many... unwelcoming things." She remembers the last time they walked together. "I thought you said Halloween Town was full of friendly creatures?" "Of course. But that doesn't mean there aren't unfriendly ones." Nervous butterflies emerge in her stomach, but they disappear as he laughs. "-I'm just kidding with you, Sally! It's very good you came here. No one seems to comes around the Graveyard nowadays." She says nothing, still trying to get over this sudden fear he introduced her to and took away from. He notes her silence and continues the conversation, gesturing around them. She follows the directions his hands go in and looks at the graves surrounding them. "-That's because they think there's not much here. It mostly just homes the hundreds of ghosts that rest here for a long time. But I think it's just so peaceful. There's a lot more to it if you just take time to look around." She suddenly remember yesterday. "Zero showed me some herbs here the other day...I wanted to thank you, for-for that." "Oh, they grow here because of the muggy weather, fog and all. You should get them later this year. They're mostly rich by then." They continue down the trail and she looks around to compensate for the sudden silence. She realizes how big this graveyard actually is. If Zero hadn't been here yesterday, she surely would have gotten lost. They come by the Spiral Hill and she can't help but admire it again. It's very beautiful and very big... "That's Hallowen Town's famous landmark." He motions to it from beside her. "The Spiral Hill." "I didn't know it was called that." She scrunches up her nose. "Is that because...it is shaped like a spiral?" "What a good guess. Because that's right." He snickers. Her cheeks grow hot at the sound. "Would you like to climb it?" This suggestion catches her off guard, and when she looks back at him to see if she's serious, she finds he's motioning her forward. She obliges and carefully approaches it. She hasn't taken a step near it so far, so she feels a little nervous. She can sense his hand come around her back and freezes when it comes beside her. "Oh, do be mindful of the gate right there. It's a little high...actually, here, take my hand." In one easy movement, the skeleton circles around her and easily climbs over the gate. He offers her his hand and she doesn't hesitate to take it. He lifts her up carefully so her legs come over the pointed edges. She can see why this would be troublesome to do it by herself - her seams would've caught on it without his help otherwise. Still holding her hand, Jack guides her on the top of the hill. She grows even warmer the longer their palms are touching, but realizes he's only stopping her from falling. The hill is a lot steeper than it looks. Once they're at the top, he lets go and turns away to gaze at the pumpkin patch. She follows suit and looks at the hundreds of pumpkins sitting along the fence. She marvels at the sight, stepping forward and nearly falling in. He notices and catches her, moving her back. A blush comes onto her clothed cheeks as she looks away in embarrassment. She almost fell right down into that patch! She must be making a horrible impression to him... "Careful there." He chuckles nervously. "The hill can't catch you if you fall down too fast. Always make sure your steps are slow - that's what I do." "Oh...well, thank you. For helping and-and catching me." "It's no problem, Sally. I don't want you to get hurt." Neither of them move, which relieves her because she does not want to get down so soon. Her eyes focus on all the little orange spheres below. Her gazes shifts between Jack and the pumpkins a few times before she makes a connection, suddenly remembering something. She feels tingly having to start conversation again, but braves through it by holding her breath. "Jack? You're the Pumpkin King, right?" "Yes, I believe I am." "D-Doesn't that mean that you're the king of...pumpkins?" The sound of his laugh nearly wipes her off her feet. Her knees buckle as the sound blesses her ears. She's heard him chuckle and give a few pitiful snickers here-and-there before, but this was the first time she genuinely heard him laugh. It does wonders to her heart as he wipes the side of his skull, finally calming down. The smile he wears is very contagious. "Would you believe me if I told you you're not the first to ask me that?" She shakes her head, feeling unusually calm. "In all seriousness, I technically am the king of the pumpkins. But not just the Pumpkin Patch, either, mind you." "Then what does the Pumpkin King mean, then?" "The 'Pumpkin King' is just a loose term I've used for years. In technicality, I'm the King of Halloween itself! That includes Halloween Town, pumpkins, creatures....everything that comes with the holiday, really." The...King of Halloween? She feels everything in her body stop at this revelation. The Doctor has told her before that he rules the monarchy that is Halloween Town, but she had no idea he is appointed to more than that. She knew so little of the holiday, but would haven ever guessed, in any circumstance, that Jack ruled it. She knew he was important, yes, but...not THAT important. Her mind defaults back to what Finklestein taught her. She drops to her knees and bows in front of him, feeling so ashamed of what she has done. How could she have acted so improper to the King of Halloween? She repeats the gesture a few times, muttering several 'I'm sorry's while she does so. She may not see it, but the confused look on his skull is substantial. He leans down to her level and offers a humble smile, unsure of what to do. He's had plenty of people bow down and worship him like a God, but that was the last thing he expected from her, of all people. "Sorry for...what, exactly?" He asks. "For-for not staying in my place!" She exclaims, finally breaking out of her trance. "I'm so sorry, your highness, I didn't mean-" "Sally." "-If I'd have known..." "Sally." "It was just so improper of me to-" "Sally." She stops in the middle of her frantic speech, alarmed at his stern tone. Without any warning, he reaches forward for her wrist and helps her climb back to her feet. She has an awestruck expression while he does this, not ever removing her eyes from him. He isn't wearing a scornful expression, but one that looks...despaired. "My name isn't 'your highness' or 'Mr. Pumpkin King'. It's Jack. And there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to act around me. Don't see me as just your King...I'd rather you think me more as your friend." "Friend?" She repeats. "You...want to be friends? With me?" She points to her chest weakly. "But-but you don't know anything about me." "Then I'd like to learn more about you." He places a hand on her shoulder, and she feels as if her legs are going to go out any second. She's stunned by his response and cannot find the words to argue. He withdraws his hand and attempts to gather his words but comes with nothing. The two of them stand there awkwardly, both of them taking in the situation. He...wants to be her friend? But he is her King! He is so high above her. All Finklestein lectured her to do is to treat him like he is high and mighty, but...he is treating her like his equal. She realizes now that she isn't a slave or a citizen to him - she is a friend. That thought alone causes her insides to tingle, and she shivers. "I think I would like that." She decides finally, her lips wobbling. "I'm sorry, Jack. I-I don't know how to thank you." He is visibly relieved at this response. "It's fine. It's not everyday I get to meet someone like you, you know." Her breath hitches in her throat. "Like...me..?" The skeleton goes to reply until he notices the moon high in the air above them. He winces when he realizes how late it has gotten. It was one of the few things that made Halloween Town truly frightening. Night time offers more shadows for creatures to hide in. He really wasn't joking with her earlier, but she seems so frail...the last thing he wants is to scare her. "It's getting late. Shall I bring you back to Finklestein?" "N-No!" She waved her hands frantically. She realizes her outburst and nervously corrects her tone, holding her breath. "It'd be best if I went alone." A big part of her is longing for him to understand. To not question why she's here or thinks she doesn't want his company. Because she does. She does very, very much. The skeleton stands there for a moment or two until he nods slowly. She gets relieved when he starts motioning her down the hill. They arrive at the gate, where they part for the night. She  doesn't want to leave him, but she has no choice. She starts heading towards the Tower and turns to wave goodbye to her new friend. Just thinking of him like that makes her feel very ticklish. And she feels even warmer as she finds the tall skeleton waving back. She picks up her pace to disappear from his sight, on her way to get back as quickly as possible. Jack, meanwhile, watches her silently as his grip on the gate tightens. He slowly brings his hand down as a frown grows on his skull. He locks it without a word and starts his way back to the Skellington Manor. He passes by the band and throws a coin down James' saxophone. The band stops playing to watch him continue on. The three of them then turn to the right and notice Sally sneaking through her front door. In an instant, the situation clicks. "Do you think..." Jimmy brings up. "Yeah." James finishes. "I do think." "How much to bet?" John asks. "I'm gonna' bet 10 on our Bone Daddy." James looks at his band members. "He hasn't settled down, but ya' never know." "I'm bettin' 15 on ragdoll..." John chuckles. "I'll bet you guys each 20 it doesn't happen." Jimmy shakes his head. "He's never had himself a lady. Why would he now?" James rests his chin on his saxophone and eyes the Finklestein Tower. He looks over at the Skellington Manor before letting out a thoughtful hum. Something is telling him these two will be connected very, very soon. Jack's been out of it lately and Sally is a fresh new face for Halloween Town. Why wouldn't it happen? "We'll just wait n' see, boys." He tells them. "We'll just wait n' see."

[rachelbethhines]

The Antoine and Bunnie Retrospective - 131

“Hero to Zero In No Time At All” Sink or Spin I - Sonic the Hedgehog #150

Great, now I got that song from Hercules stuck in my head. 

Today’s story involves Sonic taking a sudden interest in the ladies. Only it’s not really Sonic, it’s Scourge the Anti-Sonic. He hits on a bunch of the women of Knothole, including Bunnie. 

I see Bunnie’s self esteem issues popping up again.

 Also, why do you care Tails? What does “Sonic” and Bunnie dating have to do with you? Do you secretly have a crush on Sonic as well? Or are you just a hard core Buntoine shipper? 

Now, logically you would think Bunnie would call things off here insisting “Sonic” go talk with Tails. But nope. 

Now there’s a pretty popular interpretation of this scene, suggesting Bunnie and Scourge had sex during the time skip. It’s an interpretation that I fully reject for several reasons and here’s why. 

I don’t give two shits what Penders’ original intent was, what he said after the fact, and/or weather or not he failed to deny this headcannon. At the end of the day I’m the one reading this. At the end of the day it’s my head cannon that counts when I’m reading. Not the one someone else came up with. And at some point you have to separate the author/artist from the work itself. 

If sex was the original intent it’s very poorly presented. Like, I was a full grown adult when I first read this scene and it didn’t occur to me that that was what the writer was trying to convey, and I highly doubt any little kids reading at the time would have considered it as well. 

I mean Bunnie’s not an idiot. Sure she makes knee-jerk decisions at times but sex on the first date seems pretty off. Especially when she was just berating “Sonic” for trying to make out after Tails got upset. What kind of sense does that make? Also, I’m no expert, but I don’t see any articles of clothing removed or mussed up hair or any of that messy stuff that comes with sex. It just seems like a leap in logic to me to automatically assume they did it, is what I’m saying. 

We’re not even sure if Bunnie can have sex. Like we do find out later she is physically intimate with her husband, but in what way or to what extant is still left in the air. This is in part due to comic’s target audience being children and also because Bunnie’s robotics have never been clearly defined in how they work. And granted there is an interesting discussion to be had about her cybernetics and how they effect her love life but I’m saving that for a future review when its more appropriate.  

This is still a kid’s comic! If Scourge did have sex with Bunnie it would qualify as rape because of false pretenses. Rape has no place in children’s media. Now I fully realize that Penders is oblivious to that fact and can’t tell his ass from his elbow, but the rest us know better. Why make yourselves more miserable then you have too by insisting this a thing that happened? The comic by no means shoves this interpretation down you’re throat, nor does it make any claims to be edgier than it is. If you see something that isn’t actually there than that’s all on you. 

Now a head cannon is still a head cannon, and you’re allowed to keep which ever ones you want. Even if it flummoxes me personally as to why you would keep this particular one. However for myself, personally, I just see it as Bunnie and Scourge making out and nothing more. Sure it’s still sleazy on Scourge’s part and it’s still a stupid decision on Bunnie’s end, but at least it’s something everyone can walk away from with some amount of dignity.  

Anyways now that that’s out of way, let’s get down to the real reason why we’re here. No doubt, if you haven’t figured it out yet, Ken Penders is today’s author and we finally get the reveal that “Antione” has been Patch all along. 

Also pretty convenient that you shaved off his goatee with that sonic spin as well.

Now this is where I was getting at when I said you have to separate the creator from the work sometimes. I’ve noticed a growing trend where people let what an artist did or say in real life retroactively ruin a piece of art that they once enjoyed. Does that mean we should give creators a free pass when they do awful shit? Of course not! By all means continue calling Penders out on his bullshit, don’t let anyone forget that Woody Allen is a pedophile and a rapist, and always let the Chris Brown apologists know they are in the wrong. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop watching Annie Hall if you like it, or that you can no longer sing loudly to "No Air". (Note: I hate Annie Hall and I enjoy “No Air” but I don’t really listen to Chris Brown regularly. I’m just providing examples) 

Nor does it mean you have to rip to shred every single thing Penders writes. I don’t care if Penders made a sexiest comment about Lupe once, I still think  "Lupe: Family" is a decent story. I don’t give a damn if he claimed Rotor is gay, I’m still going to headcannon him as ace anyways. And I will always defend Ken’s decision to retcon Evil-Antoine into Anti-Antoine. Even if the way he went about it was extremely douchey. 

Ya see, Penders didn’t “win out” because he had the best idea, he won because he went behind Bollers’ back and published this story before Bollers could even start on his original plans. Like, is that not the epitome of dickbaggery you’ve ever heard of? Hell yeah! Does that mean I wish Bollers got fair chance to tell his story? Hell no! 

I’ve discussed in length back in issue 137 why Bollers plans for Antoine were crap, but the long and short of it is; if Bollers had his way Antoine’s character would have been assassinated beyond repair. Years of character development down the drain all for the sake of cheap, forced drama. But with Penders idea, not only does it keep Antoine’s development intact but actually builds upon it; adding new backstory to potentially explore and new hardships for Twan to overcome and grow from. 

There’s also the added bonus of creating a new and very effective villain in Patch, while simultaneously giving Ant an arch nemesis. The fact that this all can be traced back to Scourge seeking revenge on Antoine for his embarrassment in #122 is just icing on the cake. 

Now that doesn’t mean this story is without flaws. I’ve already talked about Tails’ weird freak out and that poorly laid out scene involving Bunnie and Scourge, but there’s also an icky romance between Rouge and Locke (eww) made even worse by later writers trying to pair her with Knuckles, and a confusing lack of continuity. Like with Sally suddenly having short hair or this scene.....

Umm...Antoine was trapped in Anti-Mobuis for at least 6 months or more and Scrouge only just now got the idea to come over to Mobius and take Sonic’s place. It also took Patch several months to earn King Max’s favor. Why would Twan just randomly be in Scourge’s room spying on Patch? Shouldn’t the scene with Patch receiving the promotion from King Max be after the whole threatening Ant scene? Doesn’t that flow better? Or is Scourge just torturing poor Antoine by forcing him to helplessly watch Patch ruin his life. Yeah you know, I wouldn’t put it past him to do that. 

Oh man, does this mean Scourge has been forcing Twan to keep the disguise on this whole time? Like I just thought he did it as a way to keep the Suppression Squad from killing him out right, but nope apparently Scourge has been threatening him all for his own personal amusement. I guess that explains why he didn’t just run away or try to receive help from the good Doctor. That’s kind of horrifying, especially considering that he would have been forced to join in on the Suppression Squad’s escapades. And considering that they’re villains, well you can imagine that their idea of fun involves lots of violence.  

That’s sadly why we’ll never see Antoine’s time in Anti-Mobius fully explored. To do so would get very dark and disturbing very quickly. But still, my poor baby! 

The second story this issue is the second half of “The Chosen One” arc. The whole Tails is the Chosen One thing started way back in the Tails mini-series. Penders and company thought it would be a good idea to wrap up the sixth milestone by concluding this dangling plot thread and tying up the loose ends of the Zone Wars series. Not a bad idea in of itself, but it falls apart when the whole thing turns into a retread of “Night of a Thousand Sonics”. 

I can fully understand why someone would hate this story, but for me it’s one of those “so bad it’s entertaining” type tales.   

I mean just look at this! That is a thing of beauty right there! You couldn’t ask for a more shitposting meme worthy image even if you tried! 

Next week will do the usual 25 recap and then continue on with the Sink or Swim arc after that.  

[floraexplorer]

2019 Reading Challenge: What Books Did I Read Last Year?

2019 was the year I finally got myself back into reading.

It was the year I re-discovered the joys of owning a library card. The year when going to bed with a book became one of my most treasured ways to both fall asleep and practice a bit of self-care.

So when I read Candice’s 2019 reading challenge post I immediately wanted to write one for myself! I’ve never done one of these challenge summaries before, but I’ve spent the last few years becoming increasingly obsessed with adding books to my Goodreads account so it makes a lot of sense.

Besides, I’d like to write more blog posts which make me happy in 2020 – especially those I can write and publish in the same afternoon.

My 2019 reading list

Number of books you read: Thirty three.

Number of re-reads: Zero.

Number of books you stopped reading: Six. I’ve only recently decided that if I don’t engage enough with a book after fifty odd pages then I’ll stop reading. This year that meant I abandoned Jog On by Bella Mackie, The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar, and Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.

Genre you read the most from: A good mix of fiction and memoir. Quite a few relating to grief. A couple of travel narratives in there too – and a few crime novels!

Midnight Chicken & Other Recipes Worth Living For – Ella Risbridger

Red Snow – Will Dean

My Brilliant Friend – Elena Ferrante

A Manual for Heartache – Cathy Rentzenbrink

The Lucky Ones – Julianne Pachico

I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death – Maggie O’Farrell

The Brief History of the Dead – Kevin Brockmeier

All The Hidden Truths – Claire Askew

Grief is the Thing with Feathers – Max Porter

Departures – Anna Hart

Everything I Never Told You – Celeste Ng

The Gloaming – Kirstie Logan

Room – Emma Donoghue

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves – Karen Joy Fowler

The Shock of the Fall – Nathan Filer

Everything I Know About Love – Dolly Alderton

Educated – Tara Westover

This Must Be the Place – Maggie O’Farrell

The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir – Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender – Leslye Walton

Elizabeth is Missing – Emma Healey

This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor – Adam Kay

Normal People – Sally Rooney

Traveling with Ghosts: A Memoir – Shannon Leone Fowler

Places I Stopped on the Way Home – Meg Fee

The Other Sister – Elle Croft

The Chronology of Water – Lidia Yuknavitch

The Immortalists – Chloe Benjamin

Circe – Madeline Miller

The Lido – Libby Page

A House Full of Daughters: A Memoir of Seven Generations – Juliet Nicolson

Goodbye, Vitamin – Rachel Khong

My Year of Rest and Relaxation – Ottessa Moshfegh

1. Best book you read in 2019?

It’s a tie between Educated by Tara Westover and I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell.

Educated was a book I thought about constantly. Westover’s style of writing is exactly what gets my creative juices flowing, and her story of a Mormon upbringing in the Idaho mountains with survivalist parents is simply extraordinary.

I Am, I Am, I Am is similarly extraordinary, in part thanks to O’Farrell’s imaginative structure. Each chapter focuses on one of her ‘seventeen brushes with death’ but they jump around in time, gradually building up an impression of how each moment has defined and redefined her life. Plus her language is utterly gorgeous.

2. Book you were excited about & thought you were going to love more but didn’t?

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. Even though my best friend had highly recommended it, I couldn’t see what was so compelling about the story.

Yes, the writing is lyrical and paints a good picture of Italian life in the 1950s, but that didn’t change the fact that I was completely apathetic to the progression of the girls’ lives and their relationships. It felt like the same idea spooled out multiple times: Lena wished for Lila’s approval in various situations and either got it or didn’t, and meanwhile various boys appeared on the scene (all of whom fell for Lila immediately).

I pushed through for a good 200 pages without any real desire to keep reading, then skimmed through the final 50 pages with no more enthusiasm than I’d had for the rest of the book.

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?

In a good way: Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton. After seeing this mentioned repeatedly on Twitter I found a copy at the library, but made a snap decision that it would be quite a fluffy, Instagram-caption kind of book. Instead, I devoured most of it on a long coach journey (coincidentally, on route to visiting one of my best female friends) and kept finding myself nodding along with a smile on my face – I particularly loved that it was about female friendships rather than looking for a romantic relationship to make her ‘whole’.

In a bad way: Normal People by Sally Rooney. This book has such rave reviews that I kept rereading pages to see if I’d somehow missed the point. Strangely this is one of those books which does stay in your mind afterwards – and perhaps that’s part of its appeal – but overall the writing felt sparse, two-dimensional and disconnected.

4. Book you “pushed” the most people to read (and they did)?

Educated by Tara Westover. I raved about this book to so many people (and often reminded them multiple times until they actually read it) because I felt so strongly that Westover’s story needed to be shared.

5. Best series you started in 2019?

Will Dean’s Tuva Moodyson series. I practically inhaled Dark Pines and Red Snow – both of which take place in a remote Swedish town surrounded by creepy forests and alarming characters – and I’m chomping at the bit to read the third instalment of this deaf reporter’s exploits later in 2020. Black River, here I come!

6. Favourite new author you discovered in 2019?

Maggie O’Farrell. I randomly picked up I Am, I Am, I Am off the library shelf because the subtitle of Seventeen Brushes With Death intrigued me. I quickly fell in love with her non-fiction writing, only to discover on finishing it that she has a lengthly back catalogue of fiction too. I’m trying hard to limit myself to one or two of her books each year so I don’t read them all too quickly!

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

For some reason, I’ve always assumed that crime novels weren’t my kind of books. I thought they were cheap lit for reading on a flight – but this year I happily discovered that the crime genre can be complex and totally compelling.

Thanks to The Other Sister by Elle Croft, Red Snow by Will Dean and All The Hidden Truths by Claire Askew, I’m now properly converted to the crime and mystery genre!

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

This is a tricky one, as nothing I read this year was ‘action-packed’ per se – but there were a few books which felt utterly unputdownable.

I read Room by Emma Donoghue in a single afternoon, curled up on the sofa one Sunday, completely enthralled by the book’s young narrator and the horrific situation he and his mother find themselves in.

I daydreamed about My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh whenever the book wasn’t open in front of me, fascinated by the darkness, apathy and self-destructive nature of the central character.

And then there was The Fact of a Body by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich, which did strange things to my insides. A combined murder investigation and intensely vulnerable memoir, I still can’t believe what she achieved with this book. In terms of my favourite reads of this year, it’s probably a close third.

9. Book you read in 2019 that you would be MOST likely to re-read next year?

Educated, hands down – but that’s probably so I can feel re-inspired with my own book writing!

10. Favourite cover of a book you read in 2019?

Midnight Chicken by Ella Risbridger. I’ve followed Ella on Twitter for years and was so happy when she finally managed to publish this book of memoir-style recipes – and the hand-drawn cover is absolutely gorgeous. It really reflects her style of writing too; nourishing, detailed, and heartbreakingly humorous.

11. Most memorable character of 2019?

My Year of Rest and Relaxation. I’ve never read a character like this unnamed woman before: someone I found immeasurably frustrating and yet also strangely familiar. In the year after my dad died I felt myself exhibiting many of the same behavioural quirks so I had a strong sense of empathy towards her.

But then there’s also Circe, from the book of the same name by Madeline Miller. Her retelling of the Odysseus story from Circe’s perspective is beautifully written, and although I started reading with the idea that it’d feel too historical to feel relatable, it didn’t take long before I was totally absorbed in her journey. Plus her solo lifestyle on the island is awesome.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2019?

Grief is the Thing With Feathers by Max Porter. I find it hard to get through a whole year of reading without at least a few grief-related texts, and this is one of the most highly reviewed – yet a little confounding – grief books around at the moment.

Grief is the Thing tells the story of a recently widowed father, his two young sons, and ‘Crow’, who is the embodiment of their grief. The text is sparse, poetic, piecemeal: it’s a quick read in theory, but it stays with you long after you’ve closed the book. I read this while at an Airbnb in Berlin but already know I need to buy my own copy.

13. Most thought-provoking/life-changing book of 2019?

The Fact of a Body by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich. This book made my brain ache with the realisation of how many twists and turns the legal system – and the lawyers, police, friends and enemies of the accused – have to take when deciding on a single person’s guilt. Similarly, the ways in which my own opinion could change drastically depending on the facts I learned was surreal.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited until 2019 to finally read?

This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay. I went to school with his younger sister and I’d seen her sharing his memoir about working in the NHS on Facebook – but it’s such a popular book that the library was constantly out of copies. Despite being written with a comedic slant, Kay’s book is nonetheless a stark look at what’s happened to the UK’s healthcare system, and it’s something of a sobering read.

Nonetheless, everyone should read it.

15. Favourite passage/quote from a book you read in 2019?

“Perhaps the point is not to resist death. Perhaps the point is that there’s no such thing. If Simon and Saul are contacting Klara, then consciousness survives the death of the body. If consciousness survives the death of the body, then everything she’s been told about death isn’t true. And if everything she’s been told about death isn’t true, maybe death is not death at all.”

– The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin.

16.Shortest and longest book you read in 2019?

Shortest: Grief Is The Thing With Feathers by Max Porter (114 pages)

Longest: This Must Be The Place by Maggie O’Farrell (496 pages)

17. Book that shocked you the most (plot twist, character death, etc)?

The Lucky Ones by Julianne Pachico. Not because of a plot twist but simply because her set of loosely connected short stories set in the conflict years of Colombia took my breath away in a dozen different ways. This book stayed with me for a long time.

18. Favourite non-romantic relationship of the year?

It’s a heart-wrenching relationship, but my most memorable is the connection between Maud and her sister in Elizabeth is Missing. And, in fact, the connection between Maud and the titular Elizabeth too. I didn’t expect this novel to hit me the way it did but I definitely cried at the end (and it’s probably just as worthy of the shock question above this!).

19. Favourite book you read in 2019 from an author you’ve read previously?

I’d only read Will Dean and Celeste Ng previously – everyone else was a new author to me this year – and both of their books were fantastic.

20. Best book you read in 2019 that you read based SOLELY on a recommendation from somebody else?

Probably Everything I Know About Love. Turns out constantly saving Twitter recommendations to my Goodreads account is a good idea after all!

21. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2019?

Circe. That girl is COMPLEX, and I always wanted to know what she was going to do next. Also I just wanted to hang out in the island kitchen with her and learn about witchy herbs and potions.

22. Best 2019 debut you read?

I don’t think anything was published in 2019 so I’ll go with The Other Sister by Elle Croft – a blogging friend who’s doing fantastical things in the crime genre. Her third book is out in 2020 and I can’t wait to delve into it.

23. Best worldbuilding/most vivid setting you read this year?

The Gloaming by Kirsty Logan. I’m not hugely into fantasy but there was a lovely mix of reality and strange magical touches in this book – and the image of the cliff edge scattered with stone statues will stay with me for a long time.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. Set in a small Ohio town in the 1970s, the intricacies of how a Chinese-American family cope with their daughter’s death had me hooked. There’s something about a ‘mundane’ book setting which, when written well, can be so much more compelling than a huge extravagant adventure narrative. Ng absolutely nails this in both novels of hers which I’ve read (like Little Fires Everywhere which blew my mind!).

24. Book that put a smile on your face/was the most FUN to read?

This question made me realise I don’t often read ‘fun’ books..! Which is a bit of a downer.

That said, I really felt like Everything I Know About Love was a smile-inducing book – as was Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong. Despite the topic (a novel detailing how dementia affects a family), it’s a short, sweet and beautifully funny read.

25. Book that made you cry or nearly cry in 2019?

Room by Emma Donoghue. I hadn’t seen the film so didn’t know the storyline, and there were multiple moments which both lifted and broke my heart.

26. Hidden gem of the year?

The Fact of a Body by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich. I don’t think this book is getting the exposure it deserves!

27. Book that crushed your soul?

Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter.

28. Most unique book you read in 2019?

The Fact Of A Body. I’m still in awe of her ability to construct such a compelling narrative from little more than police reports and news footage.

29. One book you didn’t get to in 2019 but will be your number 1 priority in 2020?

Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino. My friend’s copy has been beside my bed for months and I keep meaning to start it!

30. Book you are most anticipating for 2020?

Will Dean’s third instalment of Tuva Moodyson’s Swedish adventures. I even made my first attempt at a Netgalley review copy for Black River but was sadly unsuccessful!

What books did you love in 2019? Anything you can’t wait to read in 2020? I’d love any and all recommendations – and hopefully I’ll get through more than 33 books this year! 

Many thanks to Perpetual Page Turner for these challenge questions!

The post 2019 Reading Challenge: What Books Did I Read Last Year? appeared first on Flora The Explorer.

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