#anyway if you like the film + you like christian i HIGHLY recommend true romance

[inkykeiji]

I'm not sure if you are familiar with it but i think meant to be yours from the movie/musical Heathers is so Touya coded

i am!!! i LOVE that song actually (the jamie muscato version (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝)), and JD (especially christian slater’s original JD) is extremely dabi/touya coded (*/ω＼)

i’ve never had the privilege of watching the musical but my best friend and i were OBSESSED with the film for a solid few months or so during our christian slater phase in uni HAHAHA

i mean COME ON. come onnnnnnnnnn. he’s my touya-nii in a different font <3 his mannerisms are 100% touya >.<

[lizziestudieshistory]

Books of 2021 - April

I have to say I had a lovely reading month - even if there is a part of my brain screaming 'you could have read more'... (I'm working on this) As always, here are my unplanned, gushy, and not proofread thoughts!

Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows #1)

I still have mixed opinions about this book - it was a reread and I definitely enjoyed it more this time around. However, I still don't love it as much as I thought I would... I can't connect to the characters and I don't know why?! Okay, I do adore Nina. But the rest of the Crows aren't doing it for me, possibly because of the disconnect between their ages and how they act... I don't know though.

It's a decent YA novel, and it is technically a huge step up from Grisha, but I prefer Grisha trilogy for both plot and characters. Maybe I should just give up on heist stories for good? I just found the whole plot a little bit too convenient and lacking stakes - and this is coming off the back of Grisha! I will be returning to Crooked Kingdom at some point though. Hopefully I'll be more on board then!

Lady Windermere's Fan - Oscar Wilde

This was the only 'bad' book of the month, tragically. I adore Wilde, especially his plays but this one didn't do it for me... I disliked the silliness of the resolution, I HATE the way Lord Windermere treats Lady Windermere (if he called her "child" one more time Inwas ready to riot), and I thought it was badly paced. The writing was stunning, as usual, but I didn't find it funny. This could be a case of it ageing poorly or that I haven't seen a production of this one, so I'm willing to.give it the benefit of the doubt for now.

Small Gods - Terry Pratchett (Discworld #? Honestly I've lost track)

I ADORED Small Gods! I thought I would, given that it's Pratchett's take on religion, but it astounded me. So the plot isn't particularly strong, but that's not the point. The point of this book was to explore the relationship between gods and their believers, organised religion and true faith, religious belief vs practice, and how religion can be manipulated and abused. It was Pratchett's exploration on religion, especially monotheistic religion (aka Christianity in this case), and it was handled so well. It was a nuanced and sensitive discussion, which showed both the positives and negatives of religion. Stunning!

Also, I do have to give a shout out to Brutha, our main protagonist, I didn't love him to start with but by the end he was up there with Moist, Vimes, and Granny Weatherwax as a favourite Discworld character! I loved his subtle strength, convictions, and how he changed while remaining fundamentally himself. Also the final scene was perfection. Would highly recommend to everyone, even if you don't read fantasy!

What Matters in Jane Austen? - John Mullan

So, the fact I actually finished this book speaks volumes. I rarely read non-fiction cover to cover, especially this quickly. I just read what interests me and then move on. But I loved this book, probably because I was also rereading Emma.

It was so well written (literally laughed in places?!), very well researched, and covered a broad selection of topics you wouldn't necessarily think of when reading Austen yourself. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the weather, blunders, and reading. However, I enjoyed the vast majority, expect the chapter on games which was a little bit dull for me. Would highly recommend if you like Austen or the regency.

Emma - Jane Austen

Okay, technically I finished this today (1st May) but I've been rereading Emma for ALL of April so I'm counting it! I also feel like I should say more about this, so I'll probably do a separate lengthy review at some point, especially as I annotated the hell out of this book, there isn't a single page without my scribbling all over it!

But safe to say I ADORE Emma, book and character. It's my favourite Austen! I will fight you on this book being both technically the best and most enjoyable of her novels. The writing and narrative voice alone is perfection, nevermind the character exploration and romance (before anyone mentions the age gap, I know! I don't care!)

Emma Woodhouse is the best realised of Austen's heroines, her character is both real and realistic. All her flaws are on display and she has to deal with them. They can't just be brushed under the rug in the name of a happy romance (*cough* Elizabeth Bennet *cough*) and she has to change for herself before she can be happy and get married. I know Emma, I understand her flaws and strengths, and I know she's not perfect. But, like Mr Knightley, I love her in spite of, and because of, her flaws. I am also a bit too much like Emma to be flattering, but let'snot go down that path for now...!

Anyway, read Emma, and then watch the 2020 film!