#spectacular china

[awesomechsblog]

Exploring the Rich Cultural Tapestry of Chinatowns Around the World

Chinatowns are vibrant and bustling neighborhoods that offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and heritage. Found in cities around the world, these enclaves are known for their bustling markets, delicious cuisine, and colorful celebrations.

The history of Chinatowns dates back to the mid-19th century when Chinese immigrants began to settle in various parts of the world. These communities served as a melting pot of different Chinese dialects, traditions, and customs. Over time, they have evolved into dynamic cultural hubs that continue to attract visitors from all walks of life.

One of the most alluring aspects of Chinatowns is the wealth of cultural attractions they offer. From ornate temples and traditional Chinese gardens to lively festivals and parades, there is never a shortage of things to see and do. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the arts by exploring galleries showcasing Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and handicrafts.

No visit to a Chinatown is complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. Whether you're craving dim sum, Peking duck, or spicy Sichuan fare, you'll find a wide array of authentic restaurants and street vendors ready to tantalize your taste buds. The lively atmosphere and tantalizing aromas make dining in a Chinatown an unforgettable experience.

Chinatowns are not just tourist attractions; they are home to thriving communities with rich traditions. From traditional Chinese medicine shops and martial arts studios to family-owned businesses that have been passed down through generations, these neighborhoods are a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Chinese people.

Chinatowns offer a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, and a visit to one is an opportunity to experience the essence of Chinese culture on a global scale. Whether you're interested in history, art, cuisine, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, there is something for everyone in these dynamic enclaves.

[billowingangel]

New Chapter! ♡

These were just some interesting panels I saw from the new chapter

[ukdailymail]

Seven suns appear in the skies of Chengdu, Sichuan in China

[grymmdark]

do other people also have random collections of money from countries youve never been to? cus i do

[dinosaurwithablog]

These photos are gorgeous!!! I love the way the sky can be sooooooo beautiful and incredible!! Nature is, definitely, the greatest artist ever!! 😁😍 Look at those clouds formations!!! Phenomenal ✨️ ✨️ ✨️

snow mountains in dali, yunnan province of china by wuzhijing1360

[helladventurers]

started watching godzila minus one with mom, and goddamn, what a good fucking movie 😳👏 we're gonna finish it tomorrow, but so far I really enjoyed it

[andredias95]

864. Great Wall Classic Edition Spectacular No.3

Gifted by Great Wall Cigars.Location: This review was made indoors in a cigar lounge.Information:Wrapper: Undisclosed Binder: Undisclosed Filler: Undisclosed Origin: ChinaFactory: Great Wall Cigars (China)Box: Sold in 10 count boxes. Release: 2017Availability: Regular Production Size: 5×50, Robusto.Wrapper: Milk chocolate brown, silky smooth texture with tiny veins.Construction: Firm and even…

[m1male2]

The largest and deepest sinkhole in the world is Xiaozhai Tiankeng, in Fengjie, China. Its name means something like "well of heaven" or "heavenly."

With its 662 meters deep, 626 meters long and 537 meters wide, it is one of the most impressive natural attractions on Earth.

In addition to a great variety of fauna and flora, it is home to an underground river that measures a total of 8.5 km that ends in a spectacular waterfall. In the rainy season, a waterfall is also generated at the mouth of the sinkhole.

[shadykazama]

Hello! Your headcanons on Wukong/Destined One had me giggling so much 😊 they're so great, couldn't stop rereading.

Um, if it's alright, can I ask for some Wukong/Destined One x Reader with their baby? Feral daddy monkey in his nesting phase with his mate and baby is so— 🤭

Absolutely! I have a lot of thoughts and the people demand more monkey business- so let's get down to it.

❤ Wukong

Starting with the pregnancy~

He is ELATED.

The idea of a proper heir had never crossed his mind because well- he's immortal. He doesn't need one. But that doesn't mean the idea of his own flesh and blood isn't positively exciting.

There's a chance he knows you're pregnant before you do. What with all of his special powers and heightened senses.

Celebrates privately with you of course but it becomes a mountain-wide event very quickly.

You are showered with praise and blessings by all the monkeys.

He will never miss a chance to brag that he's going to have a baby. And he's definitely smug about it too, thinks your child is going to surpass even his power.

When you start showing he gets more smothering.

Don't forget our king's fatal flaw! He thinks he knows what's best.

Will limit how much you travel and makes sure you always have at least two attendants by your side while he's gone.

Which, once you get further along, isn't often. There were plenty of superstitions about pregnancy in ancient China, as well as a high infant mortality rate- and that's not even counting what complications could happen due to the magical nature of your child. So he'd be stressed.

He expresses stress through aggression (canon), though it's never pointed at you. He'd be fiercely protective over the mountain, but especially any of the areas you regularly stay in. He'd be very snappy at everyone for the entire second half of the pregnancy, except you of course, who he'd be showering with praise and reverence.

Likes holding your stomach while you rest and tells your baby about the great lineage they're being born into, recounting his titles and strength and promising them they'd be greater.

He's hoping for a boy, but he's assured his child will be spectacular regardless of the gender.

When you give birth he will be extremely focused. He can't afford to be weak in a moment when you need him most. (Though your cries of pain and effort will certainly make his heart ache.)

As you're holding your baby for the first time, his teasing, smug attitude is nowhere to be seen. He just looks at you as if you'd given him the universe itself.

Cutest baby ever might I add 👆.

It's a Chinese tradition that only immediate family is allowed to meet the baby for the first 100 days after it's born, so it'd just be you and him for a majority of three months unless you invite your family to meet them.

In traditional fashion, on the 100th day a banquet is held to officially introduce the baby to everyone. And MY GOD would it be an event...

Besides all of the monkeys on the mountain who want to celebrate their new prince/princess, I can't even imagine how many celestials and demons would come to pay their respects and blessings- be it out of fear or respect.

Either way, expect a very long day and a LOT of gifts.

^ Wukong doesn't leave your side for the entire day. I dare someone to try and pull something.

You'd expect with his trickster personality that he'd be a very lenient dad, but Wukong is surprisingly dutiful in making sure your child doesn't turn out lazy or ignorant.

That by no means is to say he wouldn't be a wonderfully playful father. He'd have a wonderful connection with his child, and his most important lesson to them would be to respect their mother ;)

More of a one kid kind of guy, so he'd probably stop after the first, unless you had twins or triplets.

As protective as he was with you when you were pregnant, he's pretty chill with the actual kid. He knows they're durable and will let them get roughed up doing dumb stuff.

Carries them around hanging off his tail and will pretend like he doesn't know where they went.

It's like how cats will let their babies 'sneak up on them' to encourage them to keep trying. He does the same thing with your kid when they try to trick him.

Your baby would be the most respectful little shit ever. A little shit nonetheless, but would do anything for you or their father.

All the monkeys on the mountain help keep an eye on the little sage so you'll never feel lost or alone in parenting. It's very much a joined effort and your baby will see the other monkeys as their family as well!

This wonderful piece of Sun Wukong was done by @kanade-howl here on tumblr! They post their work on Twitter as well at @kanaade_ and @_liehuzuo please support them!

💙 The Destined One

Give him a bunch of babies I beg you.

He'd get addicted, he wants a big family for SURE.

When you first tell him you're pregnant he'll probably take some time to fully soak it in.

You'll be used to being patient with him at this point, but I imagine something like this is really nerve wracking so don't feel bad if you rush him for a response.

He'll put a hand on your stomach as if he's checking for himself before picking you up and smothering you with love.

He's not a chatty guy but he'll let you know how happy he is!

^ That being said, during your pregnancies is the most talkative he'll ever be.

He doesn't want you to stress about communicating and knows your body is going through a lot so he pushes himself to talk more to make sure you get everything you need.

That doesn't mean he'll be a chatterbox by any means. More than nothing is still very slim :')

Expect a lot of one word questions.

Trusts you more than he trusts his own instincts. His instincts tell him you shouldn't be climbing or moving around much- but if you want to, who's he to tell you what to do? He's not the one pregnant 🤷‍♀️

Follows you around like a guard dog when you do though, doesn't matter what you're doing.

Somehow even more physically affectionate than normal. Will insist on holding your hand when you walk so you can lean your weight on him.

When you start showing he'll be amazed. It's not that he's never seen a pregnant person before but like... That's his baby in there and he can't believe it.

His favorite thing to do is lay his head against your stomach while you're resting. Will kiss your skin and adore the life you're making.

You can catch him whispering things to your baby while he's resting his head on your stomach.

Your body is going to ache and he is more than happy to massage it for you. He doesn't even need an excuse to touch you, but he'll find them anyway.

Once you get further along and it gets harder for you to get around, he'll pick you up and take your wherever you want to go- within reasonable distance from your home of course. Not because he can't take you further, he just doesn't want to in case something happens.

But he wants to make sure you get fresh air and still see the beauty outside of your bed.

Doesn't trust anyone to watch you. It's him or nothing.

Makes offerings and prays to the goddess of childbirth. He does this a few times before you catch him and start helping.

He's a bundle of nerves when you're giving birth. If you weren't preoccupied, it'd probably be painfully obvious how nervous he was.

Holds you while you hold your baby and will not stop telling you how much he loves you and how perfect the baby is.

Gets baby fever bad.

Baby will be spoiled, and so will any other baby after that.

Huge advocate for carrying the baby. If you're not opposed to it, he probably carries them more than you.

Has the most deadpan look on his face as he looks at this baby but he has so much adoration for his little miracle.

Stressing over your baby crying in the middle of the night? Not with him! He's at that babies beck and call.

Watching a nearly mute man deal with a curious child is definitely amusing and you get a front row seat.

Your children kind of just accept that their dad doesn't talk much, but he'll always tell them he loves them if they say it to him.

Takes them everywhere with him so he can teach them. Is SO proud when the oldest starts helping teach the younger ones.

He's proud of them in general honestly.

Your kids are going to be super loving and curious. I think he'd foster really healthy relationships between all of them.

You'd have a whole team taking care of you if you ever got sick.

[awesomechsblog]

The Tradition and Craft of Sesame Oil Production by Chinese Manufacturers

Sesame oil is a staple in Chinese cooking, beloved for its rich, nutty flavor and aromatic qualities that bring depth to a variety of dishes. But beyond its culinary use, sesame oil holds a deep cultural significance in China, where traditional methods of processing and manufacturing this golden oil have been passed down for generations.

The History of Sesame Oil in China

Sesame oil production in China dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its use during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). In Chinese culture, sesame oil is more than just a cooking ingredient; it is also valued for its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for skin care, hair health, and overall wellness due to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Over the centuries, Chinese manufacturers have perfected the art of sesame oil production, combining time-honored techniques with modern technology to ensure high-quality oil that is not only flavorful but also nutritious.

Traditional Methods of Sesame Oil Processing

In rural parts of China, sesame oil is still produced using traditional methods that have been handed down through generations. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Roasting the Sesame Seeds: The sesame seeds are carefully roasted to bring out their full, nutty flavor. The roasting process is critical, as it enhances the aroma and richness of the oil.

2. Grinding the Seeds: Once roasted, the sesame seeds are ground into a paste. Traditionally, this was done using stone mills, but modern manufacturers use more advanced equipment while maintaining the integrity of the traditional process.

3. Extracting the Oil: The paste is then pressed to extract the oil. In traditional methods, the paste is placed into a cloth bag and manually pressed. Some manufacturers use hydraulic presses today, which allows for a more efficient extraction process without losing the oil’s rich flavor.

4. Filtration: The extracted oil is filtered to remove any impurities. In some cases, the oil is left to settle naturally, allowing the impurities to sink to the bottom, after which the pure oil is siphoned off.

5. Bottling: Once the oil is ready, it’s bottled and sealed for distribution. High-quality Chinese sesame oil is often unrefined, preserving its natural flavor and nutritional benefits.

Chinese Manufacturers Leading the Way

Today, many Chinese companies have expanded their sesame oil production to meet global demand, blending traditional techniques with modern, eco-friendly methods. Some well-known Chinese sesame oil manufacturers include:

- Lao Gan Ma: Famous for its chili sauces, Lao Gan Ma also produces a line of sesame oil products that are loved for their robust flavor and authenticity.

- Szechuan Sesame Oil Co.: Based in Sichuan province, this company is known for producing high-quality, traditionally processed sesame oil with a focus on preserving its natural health benefits.

- Jiangxi Hairong Sesame Oil Factory: This factory combines modern technology with time-tested processes to produce premium-grade sesame oil for both domestic and international markets.

Why Chinese Sesame Oil Stands Out

Chinese sesame oil is renowned for its distinct flavor, a result of the precise roasting process and the careful attention to quality at every step of production. Here are a few reasons why it remains a favorite in kitchens worldwide:

- Rich, Nutty Flavor: The traditional roasting process enhances the natural oils within the sesame seeds, creating a deep, nutty flavor that adds complexity to dishes.

- Aromatic: Sesame oil is prized for its aroma, which infuses food with an inviting fragrance that complements stir-fries, marinades, soups, and dressings.

- Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy fats, sesame oil is not only a flavorful ingredient but also a health-boosting addition to any diet.

Popular Dishes Using Sesame Oil in Chinese Cuisine

Chinese sesame oil is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of traditional dishes, including:

- Cold Noodle Salad (凉拌面 - Liáng bàn miàn): A refreshing dish of cold noodles mixed with vegetables and drizzled with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic.

- Sesame Oil Chicken (麻油鸡 - Má yóu jī): A classic comfort dish, especially popular in Taiwan, where chicken is stir-fried in sesame oil and ginger, then simmered with rice wine.

- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A splash of sesame oil at the end of cooking elevates simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or spinach, adding both flavor and fragrance.

The tradition of sesame oil production in China continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of manufacturers who respect the age-old processes while embracing modern innovation. Whether you're cooking a hearty stir-fry or seeking a natural health boost, Chinese sesame oil remains a trusted and beloved ingredient in kitchens around the world.

#SesameOil #ChineseCuisine #TraditionalMethods #SesameOilProduction #ChineseManufacturers #NaturalCookingOils #HealthyEating #AsianCooking #PlantBasedOils #SustainableFood #ChineseCulture

[stardust-swan]

Why You Should Always Use Your Best Now Instead of Saving it for Later

🌹 Because you deserve to feel your best every day, not just on occasions.

🌹 Because "later" rarely comes.

🌹 Because you're just wasting your own money if you buy some high-quality makeup or skincare products just for them to expire barely used because you wanted to save them for an occasion.

🌹 Because life is unpredictable. What if a guest drops by unexpectedly and you're eating from a chipped plate or a tupperware container? What if you see your ex, or your crush, or meet the love of your life, or see your boss, or see someone who was mean to you in school, and you're wearing a worn-out hoodie and sweatpants with a hole? Many of us would feel self-conscious if something like that happened, but it can be avoided if you wear nice clothes and use your good china instead of keeping it hidden away for some possible future special event.

🌹 Because what's the point in having beautiful floral china, just for it to gather dust while you eat off of chipped plates and mismatched mugs? What's the point in owning silk blouses and cashmere jumpers, just for them to stay in your closet for months or years while you wear ratty t-shirts and sweatpants? What's the point in buying high quality makeup, just for it to spoil while you wear cheap stuff that's hard to put on and makes your face look cakey? Why own beautiful belongings just for them to never see the light of day?

🌹 Because using your best every day will show that you genuinely live well, instead of coming across as a phony when you meet the Joneses.

🌹 Because it's sad, after someone passes away, to see their fancy china, beautiful clothes, and other treasures in storage, rarely or never used, always waiting for an occasion that never came. If you won't use your best, who will? Life is short.

🌹 Because using your best everyday doesn't have to mean that special occasions will feel less special. Instead of only bringing out the good dinnerware for guests, use it everyday, but make occasions feel different with a spectacular floral arrangement, or with classical music on in the background instead of the TV. Wear your good foundation and mascara everyday, but wear a bolder makeup look for an event.

🌹 Because people's tastes change throughout the years. What if you buy something, keep it for later, and by the time later comes, you don't like it at all anymore?

🌹 Because special occasions still feel special even when you don’t use your best for them.

🌹 Because using beautiful items instead of settling for mediocrity elevates a normal day from feeling mundane to feeling decadent and luxurious.

Wear your good makeup. Wear your chic clothes. Put on your good skincare products. Doodle in your pretty notebooks. Burn your fancy candles. Spray your expensive perfume. Drink the expensive gifted wine. Eat the gourmet chocolates. Live in the now, not the uncertain future. Honour yourself by allowing yourself to use these special treasures.

[voxslays]

Overcast Morning

Featuring >>> Alastor & Rosie x Reader (Separately)

Warnings: AFAB! Reader, Smut on Alastors part, way too much fluff in the beginning.

A/N: I know I’m posting this much later in the day than I normally would, but I’ll try to post it earlier tomorrow.

Rosie

It was an overcast, dim, and foggy, fall morning. A cold breeze carried leaves onto the doorstep of Rosie’s mansion, right beneath your feet. Rosie's expression softens as she gazes at the falling leaves, a reminiscent smile tugging at her lips. “Fall has always been my favorite season.” She turns to you, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “Mine too.” You say compassionately. Rosie nods, her silver hair shimmering in the dim light. “There's a certain melancholy beauty to it, don't you think? The way the leaves change color before falling, as if nature itself is putting on a final, spectacular show before the long winter's sleep.” She says gently, like a mother calming her children before bed. 

You take a sip of your tea, which is in one of Rosies’ beautiful fine china teacups. Rosie's gaze follows your movements, observing the way the tea steams in the chilly air. She reaches out, her cold fingers wrapping around the teacup as she lifts it to her lips. “Perhaps we could sit by the window and watch the leaves dance in the breeze?” She asks tenderly. “Of course.” You love the window seat, usually sitting there when you need to get work done, or to wind down before going to sleep. ​​Rosie's face lights up with a gentle smile. She leads you to the grand window seat, draped with plush, velvet cushions. Together, you sit and watch the world outside slowly transform, the air growing crisper and the leaves more vibrant. Rosie's shoulder leans against yours, seeking warmth. 

Rosie nestles closer, her voice barely a whisper. “I remember fall days like this from my childhood. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot...” She trails off, her eyes distant with memories. “It was a simpler time.” Rosie turns to you, her black eyes searching yours. Rosie's hand reaches out, her cold fingers intertwining with yours. “I often wonder if things would have been different if I had lived longer, been a better person maybe...But then again, I might never have met you.” Her tone is filled with the warmth of a thousand hugs. 

Rosie's thumb gently caresses the back of your hand, her touch light and gentle. “You bring a warmth to my life that I've never known before. Like the sun peeking through the clouds on a cold autumn day.” She leans in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Kiss me?” Your lips meet hers, as your tongues dance together, exploring the depths of eachothers mouths. Suddenly Rosie pulls away. Rosie's thumb traces patterns on the back of your hand, her touch light and gentle. “You bring a warmth to my life that I've never known before. Like the sun peeking through the clouds on a cold, overcast day.” She speaks softly. 

“I love you.” You place your hand on her now rosy red cheek. Rosie's eyes widen slightly, her breath hitching softly. A shy smile spreads across her face, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. “And I love you.” She leans in, pressing her cold lips to yours in a gentle, tender kiss.

Alastor

It was a foggy autumn morning. It was cold and miserable, a sign that winter would be soon approaching. You sit by the window seat, a cup of hot chocolate in your hand, as you read ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Alastor walks into the room, his presence silent as a whisper. He approaches you, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light as he takes in the scene before him. He reaches out a hand, gently taking the book from your hands and scanning through it. “Ah, Fitzgerald, one of the greats of American Literature.” Alastor notes as he closes the book and sets it down. He then reaches for the cup of hot chocolate, his fingers brushing against yours as he does so. He brings the cup to his lips, taking a sip and humming in approval at the warmth.

“Is it good?” You ask softly. Alastor's gaze meets yours over the rim of the cup. He smirks, taking another sip before answering. "Quite. Though, not as warm as you were last night." He sets the cup down, his hand reaching out to touch your cheek gently. "You're cold now." He notes. He stands up, his long coat flowing behind him as he walks over to the window. He pulls back the curtain, revealing the foggy autumn morning outside. He turns back to you, his eyes gleaming with an eerie light. "Let me warm you up." You walk over to him. He unbuttons his shirt, his muscled torso visible underneath. He steps closer, his hands reaching out to pull you into his embrace. His body was warm as he held you close to him, his arms wrapping around you tightly. As you lean into his warmth, you feel his lips pressing against the top of your head. He holds you like that for a moment, his heart beating steadily against your cheek. "There, that's better." He whispers, his breath tickling your hair. You are a blushing mess.

He grins, nuzzling into your hair. "Mhm. He kisses your forehead, his hands caressing your back soothingly. His fingers tracing patterns on your back. His hand slowly lowering. He lifts you up and sets you on the windowsill. He unzips his pants. His hands grip your thighs, parting them as he steps between them. He leans in, capturing your lips in a passionate kiss. His hands roam your body, leaving goosebumps in their wake. He breaks the kiss, his breath hot against your neck. "Wrap your legs around me."

His voice is commanding, he holds onto you tightly, his hands supporting you as he slowly enters you. His face buries into the crook of your neck, his hot breath against your skin. "So warm... just like before..." His voice drips with dark promise as he grips your thighs, pulling them apart further and wrapping them around his waist. He presses against you, his hands gripping your hips tightly. His eyes meet yours, filled with a raw, intense desire. "Hold on, love." 

He thrusts into you with a low groan, his hips snapping against yours. He sets a relentless pace, each thrust hitting deep inside you. His lips find your neck, kissing and biting as he takes you hard against the windowsill. He grins, nipping at your earlobe, his pace quickening. His hand tangles in your hair, gently tugging your head back to bare your neck to him. His hips pistoning into yours. His hand gripping the windowsill as he continued to slam into you. He captures your lips in a bruising kiss, swallowing your moans. His tongue delves into your mouth, dominating you completely. He reaches down, his thumb finding your clit, rubbing in tight circles. The dual stimulation proving too much as he feels you tightening around him.

He groans into your mouth as he feels your climax approaching. With a final hard thrust, he buries himself deep inside you, finding his own release. His body shuddering against yours as he spills himself within you. He holds you close, both of you panting and trembling in the aftermath. He slowly unwraps your legs from around his waist, his hands caressing your skin gently. He helps you down from the windowsill, his arms wrapping around you to keep you steady. His forehead rests against yours, his eyes filled with warmth. You spend the rest of the morning in eachothers arms.

[ladyloveandjustice]

My Favorite Books I Read in 2023

I read a ton of good novels last year- 36 in all (and uh, 78 manga/graphic novels, but we'll examine that in another post). Here's a link to my Goodreads year in books (the manga is at the beginning, the novels start with Siren Queen) and my storygraph wrap up.  

I reread a ton of Discworld this year, and it's as spectacular as ever. But what about new reads?

Well, here are my favorite books I read in 2023!

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

This is an autobiographical memoir about the abusive relationship the author went through with her ex-girlfriend. It's absolutely gut-wrenching, and at times, achingly beautiful. Machado uses the house she shared with her girlfriend, which she calls the "dream house", as a back drop. It's a place she always wanted and also a place she became trapped in, Machado's language is beautiful as she explores the relationship from different lenses-- The Dream House as Lesbian Cult Classic, the Dream House as Noir, the Dream House as Creature Feature, the Dream House as Stoner Comedy....All facets of the relationship are explored in a way that grips you by the throat and makes you remember everyone who ever tried to suffocate you-- but it also explores the hard work of moving on, of picking up the pieces, of living and embracing tenderness along with hardship.

I especially related to Machado's struggle to talk about abuse between queer lovers because of her fears of giving homophobes more ammunition...and when she says "we deserve to have our wrongdoing represented as much as our heroism, because when we refuse wrongdoing as a possibility for a group of people, we refuse their humanity", I felt that deeply.

This wasn't just one of my favorite books this year, it goes on the list of all-time favorite books. I wish I had this kind of writing style. I'll be returning to this again and again.

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao

A middle-grade novel about a Chinese-American teen who feels a bit alienated from his heritage, which becomes a bit of an issue once he finds out the First Emperor of China has possessed his A.R. Gaming Headset. Now he needs to close a portal to the underworld with the help of other kids possessed by emporers.

This was a whole lot of fun, and often quite poignant. I was unsure if I could really enjoy middle-grade books as an adult, and this absolutely proves I can. There's a lot of really interesting Chinese history blended with action-packed fantasy, and exploration of the complicated feelings a kid can have about their own heritage . The dynamic between Zachary and Qin Shi Huang was so entertaining with the Emperor being villainous, heroic, charismatic, detestable-- and Zachary realizing how his complicated feelings about him mirror his relationship with his culture at large. There was also a lot of fun with other historical figures, and Xiran's take on Wu Zetian is a joy. (Also, if you like Yu-Gi-Oh!, you'll probably like this, since Xiran says it was one of their influences).

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

Rose is young woman who's raised in a fundamentalist Christian household, and she's a devout, obedient daughter. But some weird things are happening. She's seeing a terrifying demon everywhere, insects are coming out of her mouth....and she's possibly having feelings about other girls. What's going on?

Yes, this is by the Chuck Tingle who makes all those Tinglers. But THIS one... will make you tingle with fear! It's a great horror novel! It's skin-crawlingly creepy at times, but also does a great job digging into how fundamentalist dogma harms queer people, and the hypocrisy of such beliefs. The conversion camp aspect is handled tastefully, and overall it was a great spooky read that's also ultimately very affirming, cathartic, and hopeful.

Qualia the Purple by Hisamitsu Ueo

You might go into this thinking it's just a quirky yuri light novel about a schoolgirl and her crush who sees everyone around her as robots (like literally, when she looks at someone she sees a robot instead of a human). But it quickly becomes surreal queer psychological horror steeped in absolutely wild applications of quantum mechanics and thought-provoking time travel.  Some of the quantum mechanics  exposition dumps were a bit much but I deeply enjoyed having my mind cracked open by this book. 

It's one of the most interesting takes of time loop stories I've seen. But it definitely covers a lot of rough subject matter, including a relationship with a serious age gap and extremely messed up relationships, so be cautious if you have triggers.

Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield

This book follows Miri, whose wife goes missing on a deep-sea submarine mission for six months. Miri thought her wife dead, but she miraculously returns one day...but her wife has changed. She's like a stranger. She may have bought the horrors of the sea home with her.

This is a gripping exploration of grief and loss combined with a delicious, slow horror that creeps under your skin. There's excellent Lovecraftian and body horror elements to the novel, but it works very effectively as a metaphor for a loved one going through trauma, and a relationship starting to crumble because everything seems different. A moment that really stuck out to me is when Miri copes with her wife's disappearance by frequenting an online community where women roleplay as wives with husbands missing in space. The way the online drama of the community interacted with her grief was  both funny and heartbreaking. 

This is another example of a book that makes me deeply jealous with its lyrical writing, and another one for the ever-lengthening all time favorites list.

Otherside Picnic Volume 8: Accomplices No More by Iori Miyazawa

The latest entry in a series about two girls exploring an alternate dimension full of creepypasta monsters, while also falling in love with each other. See my other reviews here and here.

This volume has the payoff to a lot of careful character work and relationship building, and it was completely satisfying. In fact, it was...show-stopping. Spectacular.  Incredible. I loved the exploration of how love, sex, and romance are so different for different people and it's impossible to put it in neat boxes. The frank and messy conversation our leads have about their relationship was perfect and so was that absolutely  bonkers, wonderful finale. This is another one for the all times favorite list, and I loved it so much I wrote a extremely long review/recap here. 

Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer

This was a well-researched, well-crafted, easy to read book that explores queerness (mainly homosexuality, bisexuality, trans and genderfluid expressions in animals, and even the question of if and how animals can related to gender) in the animal kingdom. Though it's definitely aimed at teens, I learned a lot from it (who knew female bonobos were such life goals) and it presented its information in a fun way. It included some interesting examinations of how proof of homosexuality and bisexuality in animals was historically suppressed and filtered through homophobic assumptions. If you want to learn a little animal science in an accessible format, definitely check this out.

Night’s Edge by Liz Kerin

The story follows Mia, a woman in her 20's living with her vampire mother. Her whole life revolves around not drawing suspicion towards her Mom. She also has to make sure to feed her Mom some of her blood every night--lest her mother fall back in with her abusive boyfriend and start hunting humans.  But when Mia meets a cute girl, she starts to dream of living her own life...

It was a really interesting use of vampirism as a metaphor for both living with a parent struggling with addiction and having an abusive parent. It's just a well-told, heartwrenching tale that got deep into the character's mindsets. I thought the ending was bit abrupt and rushed, but it did make more sense once I realized this was the first in a duology. It's a fascinating take on vampires, and I'm interested in seeing more.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

This novel follows a middle-aged Muslim female pirate living around the Arabian Peninsula. She's supposed to be in retirement, but wouldn't you know it, she's lured in for one last job! I she rescues a kidnapped girl,  she'll have all the riches she needs to set her family up for life. So Amina begins her adventure of fighting demons and monsters and ex-husbands. But the job might not be all it seems.

This novel is full of all the entertaining swashbuckling action and shenanigans that any pirate story should have. It's a rollicking good time, and feeds my craving for middle aged women going on quests and kicking ass. Amina's journey is a fun, wild ride full of dynamic characters and interesting mythology!

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Juniper is friends with a successful Chinese-American author, Athena Liu, and has always been deeply jealous of her. When Athena dies in front of her, Juniper decides to steal her manuscript rooted in Chinese history and claim it as her own. But plagiarism might catch up with her...

This is a strong example of a book I thought was really well-done, but one I'm probably never going to read again. The way it depicted Twitter drama is just too accurate and I got anxiety. It did such a good job putting you in Juniper's awful shoes so you can feel the pressure close in along with her. The book's commentary on the insidious racism of the publishing industry was effective, and it made a horrible character's journey fascinating to follow. I was so intrigued yet anxious I had to force myself to finish the last few pages.

Bonus read:

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldtree

A very cute novel about an orc named Viv who decides to retire from the violent life of a bounty hunter and run a coffee shop instead. She ends up getting a lot of assistance from a succubus named Tandri...and my, is that a slow-burn coffee shop romance brewing? This book reminds me a lot of various cozy slice-of-life anime, and it's nice to be getting more of that feeling in book form. I wish there was a little more specific to the fantasy world rather than making it a coffee shop that line up 1 to 1 to a modern day shop, but it was definitely a sweet read.

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Ruan Lingyu (The Goddess, New Women, Love and Duty)—icon of chinese silent cinema known for her luminous beauty, her exceptional acting talent, and her tragic life story

Barbara Stanwyck (Ball of Fire, The Lady Eve, Double Indemnity)—I hope someone else has submitted better propaganda than I because I don't want my girl's prospects to rest on me just yelling PLEASE VOTE FOR MY TERRIBLE HOT GIRLFRIEND. She is a delight in everything! She is often a sexy jerk! (It's most of the plot of Baby Face!) Even when she plays a "good girl" (as an example, Christmas in Connecticut, which more people should see) she's still kind of a jerk and I love her for it! She won't take men's shit and she sure wouldn't take mine!

This is round 3 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Ruan Lingyu:

silent era chinese actress who had a subtlety in her acting ability that was way ahead of her time. huge star but her career and life was sadly cut short by damaging publicity

Widely considered one of the best actresses of Chinese silent film

Ruan Lingyu had an eight year movie career, starting at 16 and ending with her suicide at only 24. Despite this, she made some of the most widely acclaimed films of early Chinese cinema and the BBC called her "China's Greta Garbo." In "Love and Duty," she plays her character as a teen, a young mother, and an older woman beaten down by life AND her teen daughter in an early application of split-screen technology. Lingyu is absolutely unrecognizable as the older woman, yet emotionally the transition is seamless because she does such a good job. Lingyu had a hard life and killed herself after ination [sic] of media scorn and private problems. Her funeral was three days long, the procession was allegedly four miles long, and three women killed themselves during her funeral. The New York Times called it "the most spectacular funeral of the century." I'm adding this to show what kind of hold she had over the public at the time, much like Rudolph Valentino's raucous funeral. I would rather she had lived.

Barbara Stanwyck:

"THE leading lady of the golden age of hollywood. One of the only actresses to work independent of a studio, making short-term contracts that enabled her to make movies wherever she wanted. She had so much range, and could act in basically any genre. She's been rumored to be a lesbian literally since she was active in Hollywood; most notable is the rumor that she had a long time on-and-off relationship with famously bi Joan Crawford, her "best friend" for decades (They lived right next door to one another). She also lived with Helen Ferguson, her "live-in publicist" for many years. She was the quintessential femme fatale in Double Indemnity, and really pushed sexual boundaries in her pre-code films like Baby Face, and the famous screwball The Lady Eve, where she plays basically a downlow domme. Allegedly, when a journalist asked her if she was a lesbian, she straight up threw him out of her house. She even played a lesbian in Walk on the Wild Side"

"THE queen of screwball comedies. I adore her, I'd kill for her, I will cry if she's not gonna win this poll."

"listen ok she had awful politics she was a mccarthyist right wing wacko BUT she's so incredibly hot that i've deluded myself into believing i could fix her. if you see her onscreen she carries herself in a way that's just so effortlessly sexy AND she has just a stunning face. imo she was at her hottest in the 1940s but even as early as the late 1920s she had a rly captivating screen presence and just a beautiful face, and then post-1950 she was just irresistibly milfy so really she was just always incredibly hot. she was also an incredibly talented actress who was equally stellar in melodrama, film noir, and unhinged screwball comedy. the blonde wig they made her wear in double indemnity is notoriously silly looking but she still looks sexy in it so that's gotta count for something. i've watched so many terrible movies just for a chance at seeing her that i think her estate should be paying me damages."

"Not often thought of for her sultriness, Barbara Stanwyck was incredible in that she could actually choose to be hot if the role called for it, and then have a glow-down to look ordinary for another role. She wasn't the most beautiful or effervescent, but damn did she have rizz. Watch her with Gary Cooper in Ball of Fire teaching him about "yum-yum" or with Henry Fonda in The Lady Eve whispering huskily into his ear."

"She is always the smartest woman in the room. Watching her play Henry Fonda like a befuddled fiddle in The Lady Eve was a highlight of my life. Femme fatale in Double Indemnity, comedy queen in Ball of Fire. She can do anything."

"She was part of my gay awakening"

"SHE'S A PRE-CODE QUEEN. She did everything, drama, comedy. The most beautiful woman in the world to watch weep. Beg for to step on you with those legs. Fun Babs story: Ginger Rogers was offered the role in Ball of Fire but said, “Oh, I would never play that part, she’s too common.” So they called Barbara Stanwyck and they said “We offered this to Ginger Rogers but she’s turned it down, would you be interested?” And she read the script and she said; “You bet! I LOVE playing common broads. [link]"