#it would look amazing on a litterature classes

[mabibliothequecontemporaine]

And so it began...

Bonjour à toutes et à tous!

Here is the start of my new adventure. Not up some mountains or across some lakes, which I do regularly, but sharing with you my latest reads when I’m recovering from my outdoor adventures. 

It all came about through a combination of things:

Firstly, over the last 30 years of living in Britain, I’ve ended up teaching French in a Sixth Form college in Yorkshire, where I like to encourage students to read French litterature. My students are young (16-18 years old) and are not always keen to read the classics of French litterature (neither am I!). We’re looking for modern stories with modern vocabulary and modern style of writing that they can re-use when writting an essay; stories we can relate to. 

Secondly, I’ve started leading a French conversation evening class with adults who were keen to read some French litterature. So within the lesson, we started a book club or “club littéraire” and this has been a real success. I’m very grateful to the many participants who have made me aware of some little gems of contemporary French litterature (to me anyway!). It has pushed me to find some more.

Finally, about 2 years ago, I joined the Club Francophone du Wharfedale where I’ve discovered an amazing little community; a community of people commited to encourage and share the French culture in Wharfedale. I’ve had the priviledge to listen to some fascinating presentations by some passionate members. It inspired me so much that I decided to join the committee and took charge of their library. Then Covid 19 struck and our social meets had to be cancelled. However, we carried on reaching out to our members through our monthly newsletter (Le Cocorico!) where my monthly column is a book review. 

Et voilà! It would have been a shame to keep these book reviews to only a handful of people and therefore I thought an easy way to reach more people would be to start a blog. 

In the days and weeks to come, you’ll discover my reviews (in French and in English) to give you and insight of the stories and the style of writing. The majority of the books are relatively short (less than 300 pages and sometimes less than 200). Remembering from when I started reading English books, a short novel feels an easier goal to achieve. 

Bonne lecture et à bientôt.

Anne Chevalier

[airariaira]

Final Thoughts - 24/04/2020

Here we are, at my very last blog entry... What an experience it has been. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me.

First of all, I would just like to thank NZIIU from the bottom of my heart for giving me this incredible opportunity. This would never ever have happened without all of the help I got from NZIIU. All throughout my exchange, the team at NZIIU was incredble. From their help during the application process, to their clear and helpful instructions and guidance for my travel and arrival, to their answering any questions or concerns I had while on exchange, even to how quickly they arranged my early travel home due to the current pandemic situation. NZIIU are a helpful organisation with a friendly personality, and I’m very glad I chose them to go on exchange with. They made the process of going on exchange a comfortable and very enjoyable one.

I have wanted to go on exchange for most of my time at high school, and decided to finally apply to go at the start of my gap year. My initial desire for going on exchange was fuelled by wanting to improve my French skills and knowledge, and being inspired by others I knew who had already been on an exchange. Another personal reason that I wanted to experience an exchange was because I wanted to have the opportunity to experience a new culture, living like a local, and meet some realy cool new people all the way on the other side of the world. The reason I decided to go on my exchange during my gap year is because I really wanted to be able to focus all my energy into getting the most out of my exchange experience, rather than feeling hung up on grades and school stresses from back home. In hindsight, it may have been nice to utilise my improved French skills in class, but for the most part I am very glad I made this decision. 

I went on exchange to France, and was placed in the beautiful and historic city of Troyes, in the Champagne region. Troyes was a really cool place to have been placed in, and I could not have chosen a cooler place myself. Because Troyes is so close to Paris (just a train ride away) I also had the opportunity to take a few day trips to Paris with my host family, which was so cool - I was very excited to be able to explore a bit of France. School was great, too - it gave me a chance to meet some really cool people who would become my peers, classmates, and friends. It was really awesome being able to speak and learn French with people the same age and in the same classes as me. I also loved having the opportunity to take new classes I hadn’t taken before back home in New Zealand. I was placed in the Litterature (L) stream, which meant I had lots of history and geography, English, Literature, art... And I even had the chance to learn philosophy! Though sometimes I felt pretty out of my depth at school (I didn’t have any French as a second language classes, and only recieved one tour of the campus on my first day in terms of exchange student support), the feeling of independence this gave me did help me feel like just a normal student at school.

One of the best parts of my exchange experience was my incredible host family.I feel so incredibly grateful for them - how they opened up their lives and home to me so that I could have a wonderful exchange experience. They were all lovely and supportive, always helping me to feel included in their family and encouraging me to practice and improve my spoken French at every opportunity. Some of my favourite moments from exchange I would have to say were mealtimes with my host family, sitting around the table and chatting and laughing casually. When I left, I didn’t know how to adequately express how grateful I felt for them in words. I wish I could have had a better opportunity to give them some more nice gifts before I left. Thank you so so much for inviting me into your lives with such open arms!

Now, while an exchange is as a whole an incredible and very rewarding experience, it (like most things in life) wouldn’t be without it’s drawbacks and challenges. I would say some things to be aware of before committing to going on an exchange would be these challenges. One of the main ones would of course be missing out in things back home. Personally, I missed being there for the birth of my half-sister, which was hard but we all decided that it would be okay for me to simply meet her a little later. Some other things one could be missing out on might be more minor things like school, jobs, hangs with friends, etc. But then again, I’d say to that, what good things don’t come with a little sacrifice? Another tough part of exchange for me would have been the language barrier. It was pretty overwhelming at the beginning feeling like everyone around me was speaking French at a million miles a minute and I could barely keep up... I will admit I also made a good number of silly mistakes! It does all get lots better and a whole lot easier with time, though. In addition to that, it can sometimes feel hard to fit into a whole different culture. We might experience some culture shock, or feel a little isolated at times because we come from a different background. However it’s important to remind ourselves that it’s our differences that make us so rad! Having mentioned all of these challenges, though, it’s important we’re not too discouraged from taking the leap and going on exchange - they’re simply challenges, not barriers, and the good parts outweigh the harder parts by far.

One of the best parts of exchange, as I already have mentioned, was the awesome people I had the opportunity to meet and get to know. These included my host family, my classmates, my friends... even other NZIIU exchange students I met through pre-departure orientation. I feel so lucky to have met all of these incredible people, none of whom I likely would have ever had grace my life without my exchange. Another benefit, of course, would be the immense improvement of my French. I feel a lot more comfortable and confident now speaking French than I ever would have been before going to France. I remember on the bus home after my last day of school, one of my classmates said to me how happy she was for me that my French had improved so much. I’m happy for me too! Now, just to maintain the motivation to practice without French being spoken all around me all day every day... (I kid, of course I don’t want to lose the valuable language knowledge and skills I’ve gained). A third incredible benefit of going on exchange would be the great experiences I had and the awesome memories I made. Trying to frantically take notes on Kant in philosophy class, getting confused by the metro system in Paris, goin skiing and falling on my butt many times, going to a local burger restaurant with my host family, getting bubble tea and going to the carnival with friends... The list goes on. I feel so grateful and happy that I was able to gain these amazing experiences, and I will treasure the memories for all time.

Before I finish off this last blog entry, I’d like to give some advice for anyone considering whether an exchange is for them, or anyone about to head off on their big exchange adventure. First of all, if you’re heading to a predominantly non-English speaking country, don’t be too hard on yourself when your language skills aren’t perfect. You’re still learning! It’s okay and completely natural to make mistakes, and you can’t expect yourself to magcally become fluent overnight (or really throughout your exchange, for that matter.) Don’t place your expectations too high, and be kind to yourself. Secondly, I’d like to remind you how important and kind and lovely your host family is! They are there throughout your whole exchange, looking after you, they’ve got your back and they’re providing for you so that you can have the best exchange experience possible. Appreciate them! I would definitely recommend getting them some really nice gifts. I think if I could recommend some gifts to my pre-exchange self, I would say maybe a book or something on native New Zealand birds, and perhaps some famous New Zealand snacks (everyone loves some jaffas or whittakers). Get things that to you really represent you and your Kiwi culture. And don’t stop being grateful for the support of your host family. Next I’d say, write a travel journal! I know for sure that my future self will feel so grateful for me because I wrote not only this blog, but my travel journal too. Having that journal is something special and personal that you will always have to look back on when you want to relive one of the coolest experiences of your life. Speaking of, I’d also say don’t miss any opportunities. Take charge and do anyting and everything you have the chance to do. An exchange is what you make it!

Finally, I’d like to say that I want everyone considering going on exchange to know that it isn’t as big, scary or impossible experience as we sometimes tend to convince ourselves it is. Anyone can do it if they have the desire and motivation to make it happen! It’s so weird to me now, thinking back on how nervous I was to apply to go on exchange, all the scary “what if”s that were floating their ways about my mind. I’d tell that anxious part of me, try to stop thinking “what if...” and instead consider; “why not?” If you want to make an exchange happen for you, why not just do it!?

Thanks again for reading and coming along on this super cool experience with me! This is me signing off. ❤️️

[fandomsfangirl-99]

Almost every time i see something about someone being and idiotic genius or whatever i think of my mother.

I mean the woman is definitely not an idiot, she has a doctorate in spanish litterature, specially cervantes and el siglo de oro (i have no idea if it's actually called "the golden century" in english or not so just let's leave it in spanish), she knows a fuck ton of stuff on her field and spanish history and a lot more of things related to that (mainly literature but also other random things), but that's it, that's as far as her knowledge goes (it's a lot i know but just bear with me for a second). She is what you would call a very cultured person but she is an idiot on so many things, especially if it involves numbers.

Once me and my dad spent a very long time trying to convince her that a third is more than a fourth (she eventually gave up bit i don't really think she got it)

Once we were gonna have pasta for dinner but we only had two half packages, not any full ones and nobody wanted to go out, so ofc we decided to just cook the two together. The problem, they were different kinds of pasta so once took 11 minutes to cook and the other 9, my dad spent some time explaining to her that we had to first out the 11 min ones and wait two minutes to put the other ones or they would cook wrong. My mum grabs the 11min package in one hand and the 9min in the other, looks at them and correctly states out loud which is which and dumps the entire 9min package in the boiling water. So ofc half of the pasta was uncooked, which bothered other members of my family but not me cause i will eat anything that tastes even vaguely like pasta

You know how it's easy to look at like four or three things together and counting them without really thinking? (at least everybody i know can do that idk) well she can't at all, she can spend a few minutes counting correctly like five things. I know this doesn't make sense, what i mean is that i might go "hey mum we need five glasses" so she grabs two, maybe three, and then i have to wait until she is able to count to five, most times she does give me four glasses (yes i do sometimes stand and just watch cause I'm not a perfect child but most times i do help her and if i laugh it's not in a mean way and i always end up giving her a kiss, I'm not a monster)

She also has a terrible memory, especially if it's anything that has a number on it, she knows a fuckton of history but don't expect her to remember a single year (probably won't remember a single name tho).

Also if somebody gives her her change wrong she will not know at all, and I'm not taking about small amounts, nooo she has absolutely no idea what her change should be, at all

Also she is a professor and rn she doesn't have many classes but years ago she did and my dad (who is amazing with numbers) would count the grades and make the average (i really have no idea how you say this in english, i mean you final note in a class, you sum up all your tests scores and/or your projects notes and devide them and you get your final grade? Idk "promedio" in Spanish) because it was a far too complicated ecuation for her.

Basically my mum is probably the smartest person in my family but she is a complete idiot at the same time, i spoke mainly about numbers i know but that's because there were more anecdotes i could think of rn related to that, she is an idiot in a lot of other things too, but you'll just have to take my word on that

[a-pretty-nerd]

Pages: Part 4

Devon bostick x reader smut

Concept: Devon is your stubborn Litterature professor in college.

A/N: I know I usually post this before my other series but that one was begging for my attention! As always, I am taking requests and recommendations! If you want to know more about me, and know when I’ll be mosting new stuff, please follow me on my Instagram @reck_em_ruby!

Warnings: NSFW (duh), cursing, all that Jazz.

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Something about having sex with your incredibly hot teacher made the whole class so much more fun. You loved to tease him during class like you had before, wearing a skirt and spreading your legs where no one could see but him. Wearing tight shorts, and shirts to outline your figure more and more. You’d become something of a slut for him. Just, for him. You reveled in the rush it gave you when his cheeks when a light red. Or when you caught him out of breath. But the best was when he would already be so painfully hard for you after class. When it twitched in your hand, needy for your touch and your pussy.

But above all else, his reactions were incredibly stimulating. The way his breath would hitch when you first touched him, or played with his most sensative areas. The sigh he’d let out when he first thrusted his cock inside of you. And his moans of pleasure as he fucked you. Some of his most aggressive moments were the best. When he was in a particular mood, and he’d had enough of your teasing and games. He’d push you against the wall, or bend you over his desk, and fuck you senseless.

It all gave you such an amazing high you’d never felt before. And you’d become addicted. Truly desperate.

It was the average class, and when everyone left once again you stayed behind. A few asked about you staying after so much. You lied and told them that as extra credit you helped grade papers. Once the last of them left, you quickly stood up, and made your way over to Devon. Catching him in a passionate kiss he returned with a soft moan. He gently held you by your shoulders in an attempt to slow you down.

“Mhh Y/N.” His voice was muffled between kisses. “Y/N, please. One second.” He firmly held you away by your shoulders. Giving a serious stare.

“W-What is it?” You asked, confused. He’d never denied you before. Oh shit, he’s ending it isn’t he? Your heart raced in fear.

“Look, we have to talk.” Oh fuck. “This has been…fun but-” He shook his head and looked down before back up at you. “The semester is almost over. Your final is coming up for my class, and I…After that this’ll be over.”

“This?”

“We won’t be able to see each other like this anymore. Besides…it’s beyond inappropriate.” He let go of you as he spoke, his eyes darting around the room.

“So what you’re saying is…this, is over?” You croaked.

“No! No, god, no.” He approached you, one hand instinctively cupping your face. “I don’t think I could end this even if I wanted to. I’m only saying that, our time, is limited.”

“So what? After my final, this is over?” He shrugged. “After I your final is over and graded, I’m technically no longer your student…right?”

“Yeah, I guess but-”

“Then it’ll no longer be inappropriate. You won’t lose your job, we’ll be free to fuck each other to our hearts’ content.” You purred as you took steps closer and closer as he backed up against the wall. You placed your hands on his hips and kissed him passionately once again. He melted into it, allowing you to fo what you pleased with him. Letting out soft moans as you kissed and nibbled on his neck. He gently slid his hand up the back of your shirt. His touch gentle, and seductive. He touched you in a way he almost never did before. As if he was savouring the feeling of your flesh. While your movements were wild and passionate, his were tender, and loving. He held you to him as if you were a fragile thing, rather than his toy like he used to. You paused, and looked up at him. His eyes met yours, and you felt yourself go weak. You gave into him. Letting him hold you, letting him kiss you lovingly. The feeling was like nothing you’d ever felt before.

“I have an idea.” He whispered into your neck softly. “I, want to take you home with me pet.” He cooed. You gave a questioning smile.

“What for? You can have me right here. I’m all yours.” He gave a soft smirk. One that stretched across his soft lips and tan skin.

“Are you denying me?” A hand snaked down to ass and he groped, forcing out a gasp and jolt towards him by you.

“I’d never.” You smiled with excitement before he kissed you again. He chuckled as he let you go, and reached for his things put away beside his desk.

“Come on then.” The two of you walking out of the classroom and out into the campus, and to the parking lot. At one point, he looked around curiously, and then used his free hand to smack your ass. You blushed, and bit your lip. He winked, and smiled back at you. But his smile was different. It wasn’t sly ot seductive in anyway. It was more or less, friendly. He didn’t live too far, the car ride was relatively short. Although you felt yourself slowly starting to become more and more needy. As Devon placed a hand on your thigh. You heart raced as he got out of the car and walked you to his apartment. Something about him taking you home made everything so, real. He unlocked the door, and let you in first. Allowing you to awkwardly look around as he put away his bag and fix a few things.

“Nice place.” You tried making small talk. He smiled, and walked over to you. Without a second wasted, he embraced you with a tender kiss. One that sent shivers down your spine. He wrapped an arm around you, pressing your clothed body against his.

“Allow me to she you the bedroom?” You nodded after another kiss. Before he took your hand down the small hallway to his room. He closed the door behind him, before he reached out for you. Passionately cupping your face in his hands as his lips met yours. You felt helpless in a sense. If he was rough, or intense about it maybe yoh would have felt more secure or something. But the way he touched you in this moment. The way he gently undressed you, and tossed aside your clothes. The way he caressed your curves, as if studying your form. It scared you a little.

He layed you down on the bed, and you watched as he undressed himself. Before he crawled over your naked body. He kissed up your legs, up your belly, to your chest, and then your neck. Where he stabled himself and enjoyed leaving marks that caused you to moan. This, encouraged you to let go. To let him kiss you, and touch you all he wanted. He leaned back, and opened your legs. He toyed with you as he kissed you again. Making you moan as his fingers rubbed your clit. He loved making you squirm, and moan his name. Before you knew it, you were cumming in his hand. He continued to kiss your neck and chest, easing you down from your high. He shifted, leaning back, and positioning himself at your entrance. Once again you felt needy for him, as you always did. But this time, he didnt tease you. He didn’t make you beg for him. Instead, he simply thrusted into you, slowly. Sighing as he savoured the feeling of you. He leaned forward as he continued to thrust, deep and slow. Hiding his face in your neck as he made love to you. You wrapped your arms around him, holding him close. His thrusts became harder, and fastee in no time. Soon, he had you gasping as he slammed into you. Making you cry out his name like he always did. Only this time, he made a point to be sweet. He kissed your shoulder, and nibbled on your ear. He kissed you lovingly, and rested his forehead against yours as you felt his thrusts became erratic. He was close, and so were you.

“Oh fuck..fuck Y/N.” He gasped, as you wrapped your legs around his hips. You felt yourself climax, and you threw your head back in pleasure. Letting him kiss your neck affectionately again before he came a few thrusts after. Leaving the two of you a panting mess. He chuckled after regaining himself a little, making you smile. “Goddamn.” He huffed. Taking deep breaths, he didn’t pull out or away. Instead he stayed for a moment longer, closing his eyes and taking in the moment of peace. It felt nice, to have him so close. He only pulled out and away to lay down beside you.

[tortugannastudies]

Thanks so much for answering my question! That is AMAZING!!!! Will you be reasearching litterature for children of all age groups or a more limited one? Introducing existence of and respect for marginalized groups was a majorly important topic for me during my three years teaching kindergarten in Japan (I taught 3-4 y/o, 4-5 then 5-6), especially since bullying and imposed confirming to the norm are so present here... The books I used to support discussion about lgbtq+ kids and families and really loved were Red, a Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall and The Family Book by Todd Parr.

Near the very end of Kindergarten we watched and discussed the elementary school scenes from the animated movie A Silent Voice (not litterature anymore, but the movie is adapted from manga) which show how a class interacts with a deaf classmate and how things degenerate into heavy bullying.

The topic of your research is so awesome and important!!! Introducing love and respect to children early is such a key element to make the world a more kind and tolerant place!!! I look forward to hearing more about it, if possible, and will probably be asking you more questions about it (though I would totally understand if there are some things that are confidential or questions that you don’t want to answer!) !!!

May 18th, 2020

Honestly, in the last week, I have had a hard time being productive and doing anything other than read, watch Youtube and play Animal Crossing! But I am starting a research project this week, so I will have more organization and productivity coming soon! It’s the start of a brand new week, so lets make it a good one ♡