#th eyre so funny

[miicachii]

okay i lied THIS IS ?!

[murray---adam]

Why .do you w/ant to s3e n.ine. what are y0u planning. NOTHING! NOTHING AT ALL! W/HY WOUKDNT I, WANT TO, S3,3 HIM?! ..because y0ur a.bitch...OWFUCKIMSORRY,,,DONT SAY THAT.. /s0rry. But why d0 y0u w4nt to see h1/m?

I ENJO*Y THE FACT TH4T YOU.RE 1N PAIN AND TH$EYRE HELPL3S. E.EVERYONE JUST H4S TO WATCH. WHILE Y0U SUFFER 4ROUND THEM. ....NOTH1NG TO SAY MURRAY? GOOD ILL CON.TINUE. WATCHING Y0U WITHER 4AWAY WH1LE IM STILL /AT FREE CONTR0L TO WHA/TEVER PART OF YOU 1 SO WISH, IS EX1LLERATING! 1 LOVE IT! N0 ONE CAN HELP YOU. 1M THE ONLY PERSON W^HO TRUELY UNDERSTANDS YOU. 1TS SO FUNNY! AND..1M ALSO THE M4IN REASON WHY Y0U ARE GOING TH,ROUGH ALL TH1S! HAHA! ......aare you don3? YEAH! THAT WAS FUN.

[algumaideia]

Rereading THE chapter 54

Such a gold mine. I'm gonna comment on it later, but for now some highlights:

"We’d long ago freed our slaves in the Night Court. We didn’t trust the humans to keep our secrets, not when they bred so quickly and frequently that my forefathers couldn’t hold all their minds at once."

The way R/hys cares and respects humans is different.

"I hadn’t wanted C/assian or A/zriel or anyone else there that night to witness what I was to do—"

A/zriel job is to torture people, I really don't get it.

“And as I felt my powers being ripped away by that spell she’d put on it at the toast, I flung them out one last time, wiping Velaris, the wards, all that was good, from the minds of the Court of Nightmares—the only ones I’d allowed to come with me. I threw the shield around Velaris, binding it to my friends so that they had to remain or risk that protection collapsing, and used the last dregs to tell them mind to mind what was happening, and to stay away"

Wow, it is almost like he didn't need to do such bad things to protect Velaris because he city was already protected.

“Every night that I spent with Amarantha, I knew that she was half wondering if I’d try to kill her. I couldn’t use my powers to harm her, and she had shielded herself against physical attacks. But for fifty years—whenever I was inside her, I’d think about killing her. She had no idea. None. Because I was so good at my job that she thought I enjoyed it, too. So she began to trust me—more than the others. Especially when I proved what I could do to her enemies"

I think S/JM made Amarantha too dumb. Or R/hys thinks he is way smarter than he is

"I’d wake up with your scent in my nose, and it would haunt me all day, every step"

I just think this is disgusting.

“So I let you walk away"

And I think this is creepy and obsessive and R/hys does not own F/eyre!!!

"I made them confess to conspiring to find other rebels that night. I made them lie and claim that they hated her. I watched her carve them up while they were still alive, protesting their innocence. I enjoyed it—because I knew what they had wanted to do to you. And knew that it would have paled in comparison to what Amarantha would have done if she’d found you.”

I just think it is funny because then he sexually assaulted her.

“And I decided that I had to scare Tamlin. I had to scare you, and L/ucien, but mostly Tamlin. Because I saw how he looked at you, too. So what I did that day … ” His lips were pale, tight. “I broke into your mind and held it enough that you felt it, that it terrified you, hurt you. I made Tamlin beg—as Amarantha had made me beg, to show him how powerless he was to save you. And I prayed my performance was enough to get him to send you away. Back to the human realm, away from Amarantha. Because she was going to find you. If you broke that curse, she was going to find you and kill you. But I was so selfish—I was so stupidly selfish that I couldn’t walk away without knowing your name. And you were looking at me like I was a monster, so I told myself it didn’t matter, anyway. But you lied when I asked. I knew you did. I had your mind in my hands, and you had the defiance and foresight to lie to my face. So I walked away from you again. I vomited my guts up as soon as I left.”

There is a lot to unpack here, so later.

"I told Amarantha the name of that girl, thinking you’d invented it. I had no idea … I had no idea she’d send her cronies to retrieve Clare"

He confessed it was his fault and at the same time he didn't acknowlegded it was his fault.

“I decided, then and there, that I was going to fight. And I would fight dirty, and kill and torture and manipulate, but I was going to fight. If there was a shot of freeing us from Amarantha, you were it. I thought … I thought the Cauldron had been sending me these dreams to tell me that you would be the one to save us. Save my people"

R/hys does like to contradict himself and to make no sense whatsoever.

"A way to defy Amarantha, to spread the seeds of hope to those who knew how to read the message, and a way to keep you alive without seeming too suspicious. And a way to get back at Tamlin … To use him against Amarantha, yes, but … To get back at him for my mother and sister, and for … having you. When we made that bargain, you were so hateful that I knew I’d done my job well. So we endured it. I made you dress like that so Amarantha wouldn’t suspect, and made you drink the wine so you would not remember the nightly horrors in that mountain. And that last night, when I found you two in the hall … I was jealous. I was jealous of him, and pissed off that he’d used that one shot of being unnoticed not to get you out, but to be with you, and … Amarantha saw that jealousy. She saw me kissing you to hide the evidence, but she saw why. For the first time, she saw why. So that night, after I left you, I had to … service her. She kept me there longer than usual, trying to squeeze the answers out of me. But I gave her what she wanted to hear: that you were nothing, that you were human garbage, that I’d use and discard you. Afterward … I wanted to see you. One last time. Alone. I thought about telling you everything—but who I’d become, who you thought I was … I didn’t dare shatter that deception."

A lot to unpack here too.

"All I could see was you, in your stupid wedding dress—so thin. So, so thin, and pale. And I wanted to kill him for it, but I had to get you out."

Hypocrisy

"I didn’t want you to think that everything I did was to win you, just to keep my lands safe. But I couldn’t … I couldn’t stop being around you, and loving you, and wanting you. I still can’t stay away"

Hummmm.

Best regards,

Me.

Ps. He didn't apologized, no I'm sorry or anything like that. Idk why but I thought it would have at least a shy sorry in the middle of this mess, but nothing.

[cowboisadness]

Hang ‘Em High {Arthur Morgan x FemOC} Chapter 10

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x FemOC Summery: Belle Hawthorne is high society looking to escape her mean husband. A robbery by the Van Der Linde gang could be her chance. Can she escape his cluches and possibly discover what love should feel like?

Warnings: None

.....

The next morning was blissfully quiet, everyone going about their business and doing camp chores as per usual. Sitting with Mary-Beth, hand deep in laundry buckets overflowing with soapy water I couldn't help but wonder why there wasn't a sense of urgency after the meeting with those Pinkertons yesterday. With how worried Arthur seemed I was under the impression it was a serious matter that would need to be dealt with in some way. Maybe they were used to this happening, maybe it wasn’t as big of a deal as I perceived it to be.

“Do you read, Miss Bella?” Mary-Beth asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. 

“Sure. Used to always read as a kid.”

“Any of those being romance and love stories? Those are my favourite to read.”

“A few. Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Madame Bovary, although that one is tragic in the end.” I wring out a shirt covered in dirt and even blood from a recent stagecoach job a few of the men went on. I didn't even want to ask whose blood it was. Scrunching my nose in slight disgust and plunging the shirt back into the water to work at it some more.

“I’ve written a few little stories of my own, hoping to write a novel someday.” She smiled sheepishly to me then looking back down to the bucket. Violently scrubbing at something that must also look in the same state as the shirt currently in my hands.

“Haven’t you ever thought of leaving and making a true love story of your own?” I shift my legs from below me to sit more comfortably. The knife I hadn’t yet given back to Arthur after being at the lake slightly stabbing into my ankle from its position in my boot.

“I have once or twice. It’s too dangerous for us ladies being out in the world alone. I don’t know where I would be if Dutch and Hosea didn’t find me a few years ago.”

“What happened?” I look at her now. I had a genuine curiosity when it came to knowing these peoples stories and how they all came together. They all had lives I would only ever hear about in story books or newspapers so being a part of their lives and this merry band of fools was still rather surreal to me. Like one of those dreams that feel so real until you woke up, only I hoped I wouldn’t wake from this due to the fear of waking up back in that house, Frank at my side

“I was getting chased by a few men I had stolen from. I’m a damn good pickpocket but I must have got a bit too confident. Dutch and Hosea saw and helped me get away with them.”

I shot her a smile, both of us continuing with our tasks before Miss Grimshaw made her rounds and scolds us for slacking.

By mid-afternoon when some sense of quiet had fallen within the camp, I made my way to the edge of the camp, sitting upon a rock and looking out over the overlook, coffee in hand. My fingers still shriveled up, resembling raisins from the seeminly never-ending laundry this morning.

“Not thinking of jumping again are you?” Arthur pulls me from my thoughts as he approaches. 

“Not funny. Besides, why would I jump when I have a gun in my possession now?”

He huffs at that, coming over to stand beside me and pulling out a pack of cigarettes from his satchel. Lighting one with a match strike to the rock I was sat on. “You okay after yesterday?”

“Yeah, just,” I bite my lip, thinking of the right words to say “Is nothing going to be done about it? Seems like a serious issue.”

“Dutch says he’s dealing with it.”

I hum at this, trusting his word on the matter.

“Busy today?” I ask, taking a brief sip of my coffee, feeling it flow down my throat and burn slightly.

“Well, had to collect some debt not far from here on behalf of Strauss. Fella was dead already.”

“Have you told Strauss that you didn’t get the money?”

“Nah not yet. Should have forced it from the widow but I couldn’t. Might be legal work but it don’t sit right with me,”

“How so?” 

“Robbing banks and stealing from rich folk is one thing, they have all the money they need while others starve. Strauss picks out those that are starving, those with nothing.”

“Don’t do it then.” I shrug, seemingly pointing out the obvious.

“We need the money.” He shrugs too, taking a drag and blowing out the plume of smoke.

“So do they. Help people as need helping. That’s what you said to me.”

“Ain’t that simple.” he huffs again, this time in frustration.

“I’m still not accustomed to your way of life yet. But, I do have a few questions.”

“Shoot.”

“Five thousand dollars. How on earth did you get a bounty that high?”

“Numerous things. Robberies, killings, hostages.”

“Oh, I’m familiar with that one.” I nod before turning to face him. Arthur swaying slightly with a hand resting on his gun belt before continuing.

“Being Dutchs’ main gun, so they call me, is probably a reason too. I wasn’t involved with the job in Blackwater but my name was mentioned regardless.” He takes another drag before flicking the stub out over the edge.

“What happened in Blackwater?” I ask, my coffee now cooling and long-forgotten, still in the clutches on my hands and perched on my lap. 

And so he told me of what happened. That he had a job with Hosea that seemed like it would work out fine without needing to rob a ferry full of bank money. That the robbery turned into a massacre, swarmed by Pinkertons with no way but to shoot their way out and everyone fleeing for the hills. The hushed words of Dutch killing an innocent woman. Having to escape from Blackwater and the Great Plains and up into the deadly icy mountains, losing most of their possessions, all their money and a few members along the way. Then they ended up here, trying to lay low until they had enough money to leave again. That’s why they planned to rob Frank. Strike up a false business deal and then take what he had at the party all those weeks ago. It was risky but with being so far from Saint Denis they thought it would be worth a shot. They are desperate. “I know plenty of rotten rich folk. If any opportunity comes up for you to rob them. I’m more than happy to give over whatever information I have.”

“Really? You would help us to rob your fancy friends?”

“They ain’t my friends. Like I said, some of them are rotten and deserve it.”

“Sure.”

There were a few moments of silence as he shifted on his feet again. I turned back to the view ahead and then down to the cold cup in my hands, huffing as I flung the liquid out onto the grass at my feet. Might as well get another cup.

“I best go see what John wants in town.”

I nodded with a smile and with that he left and made his way to the horses. Giving his horse a few gentle pats on the neck before mounting up and leaving camp towards Valentine.  

Sitting with Abigail and Tilly at the fire a few hours later, laughing amongst ourselves and sharing a bottle of whiskey, enjoying the easy day it had been. That was until rumbling hoof beats came thundering down the eastern path. Dutch, John and an injured Strauss shouting for everyone to get started on packing up the camp now. Dutch made his way to his tent, Hosea following in quickly behind him. 

With the sudden sense of urgency, everyone stood and started gathering whatever they could around the camp, preparing wagons and disassembling tents. I didn’t really know what to do, so I sought out Grimshaw for orders as she was swiftly moving about the camp, making sure everyone was doing something. She soon presented me with one, helping Pearson pack up the food wagon and to make sure nothing is left behind. I turned on my heels and made a beeline towards the wagon in question wondering what the hell had happened for us to be moving so quickly. Questions for later I told myself as I helped Pearson empty water barrels and pack up all food wares.

It wasn’t long until everything was packed up, evidence that this had been done probably a few times in the past. Dutch had us all follow him in the front wagon, telling us all of a place that has been cleared out for us thanks to Charles and Arthur. I mounted Orion instead of sitting in a wagon with the other girls, staying close behind everyone as we made our way. The new camp sat right by Flat Iron Lake and it didn’t take long to reassemble everything again. Everything back up and running by nightfall.

The next morning everyone seemed to be woken by the brightness dawn brought upon us but the heat that Lemoyne was known for. Everyone was already sweating and agitated, although that agitation could also be down to having to run once again. Getting themselves into more trouble and some worried that it was going to be simply impossible to get themselves out of this hole they are digging for themselves. They believed Dutch would get them all to brighter pastures. A blind loyalty that hasn't failed them before. We were all filled in on the goings-on the day before by word of mouth. A shootout with Cornwalls men, John and Strauss lucky to get out with their lives if it wasn't for Dutchs’ way with words and Arthurs’ way with guns.

A few others planned on heading into the town nearby, Rhodes. To get a feel of the place and scope out any potential jobs or leads. Karen and I sat in the wagon, Arthur and Charles upfront as we made our way to the new town with new possibilities. I had mentioned a previous visit to Rhodes to sell a few horses to the Braithwait family that live nearby. Once at the dusty town of Rhodes, a thankful change from a soiled and shit foul town of Valentine, we all decided to split. Arthur and Charles made their way to the station, Karen towards the parlour house and I made my way to the general store. We were under strict orders not to ask too many questions to prevent bringing any unwanted attention to ourselves. Strangers turning up to this small town asking strange questions would spread quickly here. Three men sat on the stairs of the store, making my way past them without a second thought and entering the small store. A chime above the door alerting the owner as I made my way inside. The place didn't have much but it had the basic necessities. Sauntering around I took in what they had. Coffee, salted meat, tinned fruit, fresh produce, a few tonics and...chocolate bars. The corners of my mouth lifted in a bright smile at the sight of something sweet, oh it had been a good while since I had chocolate and I'm sure $2 for one bar would be worth it. 

I picked up a bar and a box of oatcakes for Orion, swiftly making my way to the counter to ring up my purchases. 

I exchanged pleasantries with the owner, a thin man with sparse hair on his head but an impressively large moustache. He asked if I was staying in town long when the door charm rang out behind me. I paid no mind to the various footsteps I could hear instead y attention was caught when one cleared their throat, prompting me to turn to face them. It was the three men previously sat outside, their attention solely on me.

“You look awfully familiar, Miss” One man said with a slight Irish accent from what I could tell.

“I’m new to town. Just passing through.” I smile slightly 

“A lady shouldn’t be passing through town on her own.” Another man said, stood by the door.

“Oh, I’m not…”

“Why don't you come with us?” The first man drawled, taking slow but confident steps towards me. Instinctively I moved back each time he made a step forwards, quickly being stopped by the serving counter digging into my back. “I...I assure you gentlemen I am... not alone” I stuttered, my eyes swiftly looking towards the windows in the hopes someone, anyone, would make their way over.

“I don't see anyone else here. You're coming with us, missy.” With that, he lurched forward to grab my arms. His grip digging into my flesh as I tried helplessly to push him off. Mentally scolding myself for not bringing my gun with me.

“Get off me!” I squealed, my thrashing no use as one of the other men appeared beside me, tying a cloth around my head and pushing the fabric into my mouth to quell my protests. A black sack following soon after to cover my full head. 

I trashed as hard as I could, kicking the man still gripping my arms so hard I'll for sure be left with bruises. 

“You're making this worse for yourself, missy. And you... say a word of this to anyone and this place will be burned to the ground with you in it!” With that, they began to drag me away through what must have been through the back door, away from the main street. 

My hand got tied together swiftly, the rope burning into my flesh and tears burning down my face. Trying to pull back was useless, digging my heels into the dry dirt a weak attempt to escape their relentless grasps. Hauling me up and onto the back of a horse, the three men laughed as they mounted. Taking me away to god knows where to do god knows what to me.

“Any funny business and I’ll punch seven shades of shit outta you. Give you something to cry about.” The man whose horse I was upon shouted back towards me, thundering hoofbeats ringing out in my ears.

@kashasenpai​

[cbcdiversity]

Author Interview with Makiia Lucier

Both Isle of Blood and Stone and its standalone companion, Song of the Abyss, are about mapmakers and explorers. Why did you decide to write about these topics?

It really came down to writing what interests me. I’ve always loved adventure stories and historical fiction. The Count of Monte Cristo, Jane Eyre, and Anne of Green Gables were favorites growing up. Additionally, I’ve always loved old maps, the beautiful ones with the sea serpents and sailing ships painted onto them. And growing up, I was obsessed with the Indiana Jones movies. With this duology, I wanted to create characters inspired by Dr. Jones, young men and women who were smart and funny and who used their intellect to solve the mysteries that were at the heart of these stories.

 Did any particular place inspire the maps in your book?

Most definitely. The map at the front of Isle of Blood and Stone depicts the fictional island kingdom of St. John del Mar. But if you were to google the island “Guam,” where I was raised, you would see that they are a near perfect match. Why not? I needed an island and I thought it would be fun to use the one I know best.

 How do you choose your character names?

For Isle of Blood and Stone, I was looking for old-fashioned names that were Spanish in origin. I started with ‘Mercedes,’ which I first came across in Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. Then I followed up with Elias, Jaime, and Ulises. Some names had a more personal connection. Reyna is the hero in Song of the Abyss. Reyna also happens to be my favorite cousin’s name. The village of Esperanca is named after my grandmother. And the Sea of Magdalen…well, Maggie was my mother’s name.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?

I have a library degree so I would most likely head over to the nearest public library if they’d have me. But part of the reason I became a writer is because there are so many things that fascinate me and, as a writer, I get to explore them all within the pages of a book. I would like to try my hand at being a spy, a time traveler, an arborist, an architect, a medieval military engineer, a 20th century physician. So many things!

 What does being a diverse author mean to you?

I am part African American, part Pacific Islander, born on the Northern Mariana island of Saipan and raised on the neighboring U.S. Territory of Guam. I didn’t know a single Guamanian children’s author as a child. No island version of Laurie Halse Anderson or Jennifer Donnelly where I could say, “When I grow, I want to be just like her.” I hope that my story helps change that. That an island kid, thousands of miles from the New York publishing houses, will see that writing stories for a living is a possibility for them, if that is their dream.

 Can you recommend any recent diverse lit titles?

I really enjoyed Sleepless by Sarah Vaughn. You rarely see people of color as the main characters in medieval fantasy lit, and this graphic novel, about a king’s daughter protected by a member of the elite Sleepless Order, is just so well done and lovely to look at.

 Makiia Lucier grew up on the Pacific Island of Guam and holds degrees in journalism and library studies from the University of Oregon and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She is the author of A Death-Struck Year, Isle of Blood and Stone, and Song of the Abyss.

[radvera]

i die every time any member of the knd refers to TDCFDTL as any variation of: -Delightful Dorks -Delightful Dweebs -Defeated Children From Down The Lane -Losers

[keepthefrank]

tagged by @deathswells honestly im lov u thank u

part 1 last song i listened to: I’m listening to this playlist while I do this  last book i read: i’ve been reading jane eyre!!! and picking through various volumes of poetry favourite colour: maroon, peachy pink, jade green, teal top 3 shows: the x-files, i’ve watched yuri!!! on ice 6 times so probably that, sense8 top 3 characters: christophe giacometti, mercutio, princess mononoke top 3 ships: viktuuri, patrochilles, me and lynz way....

part 2 rules: bold all the statements that are true for you

appearance

i am 5'7 or taller i wear glasses i have at least one tattoo i have at least one piercing i have blonde hair i have brown eyes i have short hair my abs are at least somewhat defined i have or had braces

personality

i love meeting new people people tell me im funny helping other people with their problems is a big priority for me i enjoy physical challenges i enjoy mental challenges im playfully rude with people i know well i started saying something ironically and now i cant stop there is something i would change about my personality

ability

i can sing i can play an instrument i can do over 30 pushups without stopping im a fast runner i can draw i have a good memory im good at doing math in my head i can hold my breath underwater for over a minute i have beaten at least 2 people in arm wrestling i know how to cook at least 3 meals from scratch i know how to throw a proper punch

hobbies

i enjoy playing sports im on a sports team in my school or somewhere else im in an orchestra or choir in my school or somewhere else i have learnt a new song in the last week i work out at least once a week  **caveat: i work in a dressage barn so honestly i’m riding horses all day and i consider that working out ive gone for runs at least once a week in the warmer months i have drawn something in the past week i enjoy writing fandoms are my #1 passion i do or have done martial arts

experiences

i have had my first kiss i have had alcohol i have scored the winning goal in a sports game i have watched an entire season of a tv show in one sitting i have been at an overnight event i have been in a taxi i have been in the hospital or er in the past year i have beaten a video game in one day i have visited another country i have been to one if my favourite bands concerts

relationships

im in a relationship i have a crush on a celebrity i have a crush on someone i know i have been in at least 3 relationships i have never been in a relationship i have asked someone out or admitted my feelings to them i get crushes easily  i have had a crush on someone for over a year i have been in a relationship for over a year i have had feelings for a friend

my life

i have at least one person i consider a best friend i live close to my school my parents are still together i have at least one sibling

i live in the united states

there is snow right now where i live i have hung out with a friend in the past month i have a smartphone i have at least 15 cds i share my room with someone

random shit

i have breakdanced i know a person named jamie i have had a teacher with a last name thats hard to pronounce i have dyed my hair im listening to one song on repeat right now i have punched someone in the past week i know someone who has gone to jail i have a broken bone i have eaten a waffle today i know what i want to do with my life i speak at least 2 languages i have made a new friend in the past year i have been given flowers before

tag 9 people: i barely have friends irl so this is people i like one-sidedly, probably... you guys dont have to do this if you don’t want to!! @i-ero @vampire-gutz @alienlynz @hurtfulz @francesfarmer also if anyone has any questions about my answers or whatever or wants to use them as prompts for an ask meme idk just do it because i fucking th riv e on interacting with people 

[the-haven-of-fiction]

I have not seen Crimson Peak because I heard it's so scary and gory. But I heard this from people who don't love Tom like I do. What are your thoughts. I know you're the Expert! (My husband watched Night Manager and ISTL with me and didn't even realize they were both Tom!)

Hi there!

That’s so funny aboutyour husband!  I think that is a perfectexample of how amazing Hiddleston is.  Hereally is a chameleon.  

Regarding Crimson Peak…

I understand thatthere are people who love it the way I love ISTL, so if anyone is reading thisand they don’t want to hear criticism of it, please, stop reading.  I am here to give an opinion and my goal isnot to carelessly trash a film.  I don’t think anything I say is necessarily hugely spoilerish, but for these reasons, I’m going to put the rest as a Read More.

Yes, it is gory.  There is a lot of blood.  A lot. The ghosts are extremely unpleasantlooking.  It is very violent.  I literally closed my eyes during parts (notthe ghosts really, just other violence).

I know that those involvedwith the film tried to categorize it as a Gothic Romance in the literarytradition of the 18th c.  Butit isn’t.  It just really isn’t.  And I say that not to scoff or to imply thatwhat GDT created is not worthwhile or valid. I say it because I think he basically invented a different genre and itshould be recognized as such.  The studiochose to market it as a horror movie.  Ifind that to be closer to what the film contains.  Maybe Gothic Romantic Horror?  

In my opinion, thereare a couple key points that bar it from being accurately categorized as aGothic Romance.  The supernatural elementin Gothic romance is very much that – supernatural.  It is psychological.  It is about terror of the mind.  It is about the possibility of a monster (orghost or whatever the creature may be).  Itis about something you feel that is just beyond your physical reach or vision.  GDT absolutely crosses that boundary.  You see his supernatural.  It interacts with and has power over thephysical world.  His fear is not based onthe possibility of a monster, his fear is based on the realness of the monsterand that the monster is really yucky looking and seems like it wants to hurt you.  

The majority of GothicRomance eventually offers a physical explanation for what appears to be supernatural.  GDT also turns that on its head in away.  In fact, he talked about Jane Eyreand Rebecca, which helps to prove my point in that both of those novels do notactually contain ghosts or spirits or monsters – everything is human.  The fear or unknown has a physicalexplanation.  And really, what Daphne deMaurier did in Rebecca is quite amazing, but that’s something for anotherconversation. (GDT also plucked some dialogue practically right off the pagesof Jane Eyre, but that’s also something for another conversation!)

Anyways! I feel like Ineeded to say all that in order to address your “scary” comment.  I suppose it might be scary for some people,but GDT shows you and flat out tells you right away that “ghosts are real” andin a sense, he completely eliminates the fear or scary aspect right there forme.  Frankly, it just winds up beingunpleasant and gross to me.  

Aside from that wholeissue, I find the crux of the Big Secret to be a major disappointment and anincredible missed opportunity.  Based onthe clips that were released and the press that came out before the film, I wasreally hoping that there was some kind of larger metaphor going on about thehouse itself and the human responsibility to the Earth.

There are some verywell done aspects of the film.  The scoreis nice, the costumes are stunning and it is ridiculous that they weren’tnominated for an Oscar.  The locationsare wonderful.  Hiddleston and Chastainare terrific, as is most of the cast. Mia Wasikowska is a total miss for me. She looks like she’s acting.  Idon’t believe her for a second. Hiddleston and Chastain appear to me as though they are feeling andexperience every moment.  Wasikowskalooks like she’s simply trying to emote and even that doesn’t work.  

So, if you’re in the rightmood, give it a go.  :)  Thanks for the message!

[justasmallbloginabigklainefandom]

Glee 6x08 liveplurk

Yuè [glee 6x08] i still can't believe RIB thought it was a good idea to get Klaine back together and have them get married... in less than half an hour

Yuè don't get me wrong Yuè i've wanted these two kids to get married to each other since the minute the two of them made eye contact Yuè i've wanted this even before i realised it wasn't legal in America Yuè but not like this Yuè never like this Yuè man, since i was mostly on tumblr you might not know, but when the entire wedding storyline started in 4x21, i was totally against it and watching the proposal, as beautiful as that speech is, pains me Yuè and then all that useless crap happened, only to make them break up again Yuè really, why couldn't they just elope??? Yuè i watched this in the middle of the night, since it was still their wedding and i remember being overly conflicted, but a minute before the ep started, i told myself to push it all away for 45 minutes and just watch my boys and girls be happy, but i'm still somewhat bitter Yuè they deserved better Yuè all four of them Yuè you know what I do like? Yuè how much things have changed in such a small time Yuè because you know, this wedding takes place in 'November 2015' since glee decided to do a time jump, even though it aired in Feb 2015 and shot in 2014 Yuè and Santana tells her how gay marriage isn't legal in America, because back when they were shooting it, they didn;t dare to hope that in less than one year, gay marriage owuld be legal Yuè i am so emotinal Yuè hi Tina Yuè KURT IS WEARING RIPPED JEANS Yuè how are those parents okay with giving away their children to their teachers to go to a random wedding in another state Yuè BRIDEZILLA BRITTANY Yuè "well this isn't about me" oh honey Yuè "it's my dad" "it's his dad" Yuè THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY LOOK AT MY GIRLS Yuè WONDERFUL Yuè Brittany's wedding dress might be one of the most beautiful dresses in the show Yuè you know I love how their Brittana dresses definitely fit their personalities Yuè Brittany's dress is light and airy and sweet Yuè Santana's dress is stylish and simple and modern Yuè Mercedes let it go Yuè this went from slaughtering a chicken to sadness Yuè really the way Santana sees Sue keeps changing rapidly it's stupid Yuè Oh no Walter Yuè btw again props to the costume department for a blue shirt and green pants Yuè the parallels between the scene that's about to happen and the one in McKinley from last episode are stunning and well thougjt Yuè THIS SCENE WITH THIS MUSIC IS GREAT Yuè OH JESUS Yuè LOOK I SURE AS FUCK LOVE THIS SCENE BUT Yuè "... everything is fine now" KURT ARE YOU KIDDING ME THAT'S BULLSHIT Yuè I AM SO SAD THEY NEVER GOT A REAL CONVERSATION Yuè since when is Puck one of Tina's boys Yuè Blaine you look cute but this is stupid Yuè Puck and Blaine... wtf Yuè Tina why the fuck did this happen Yuè ... Santana please Yuè Oh this place is beautiful Yuè "he's fragile be careful" Yuè HONESTLY PAM AND CAROLE MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME IS BULLSHIT Yuè Kitty your dress!!! Yuè SUGAR Yuè KLAINE Yuè MIKE Yuè hey did I just stop Jenna's tattoo Yuè shit Carole is right they really look great in those white suits Yuè some people saw this as using Finn's death to manipulate Kurt into marrying but as someone whose family is kind of in a crisis right now, I get them and I think it's very normal Yuè Burt and Carole are hilarious Yuè "where the hell am I going to find a lizard" Yuè Brittany. .. sweetie Yuè "cannibalism" Yuè again their wedding outfits sure as fuck match their personalities I mean.. Brittany's diamond headband and Santana's earrings Yuè KISS KISS KISS Yuè NO BUT REALLY TWO KLAINE AND TWO BRITTANA KISSES IN ONE EPISODE #BLESSED Yuè "I can't marry you if I'm in jail for killing this bitch" Yuè you know I didn't cry during the ceremony but I was on the verge of tears during this reunion cause it made me and Santana so happy Yuè thanks Sue Yuè shit I'm about to cry again Yuè waot where is Brittany's sister at??? Yuè KLAINE Yuè really boys you suck at weddings Yuè Wemma wedding? Let's fuck Yuè Brittana's wedding? Let's also get married Yuè "I promise on Will Schuester's future grave" Yuè honestly Brittany this is very touching, but also really random Yuè "... okay I still don't get what you're talking about though" Yuè really glee Yuè this was bullshit Yuè they all deserved better Yuè sure I don't think they will regret this for one second but it's just stupid and like.. KURT AND SANTANA WOULD NEVER SHARE THEIR WEDDING DAYS Yuè Oh hod Yuè I can't call this romantic, Kurt Yuè "I. .. don't know... I don't know..." THIS IS EXACTLY HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS ENTIRE STORYLINE BLAINE Yuè I'm happy you love each o th er but Blaine you're right this is crazy Yuè AND LOOK AT THAT, THEY SKIPPED ANOTHER IMPORTANT CONVERSATION. IT'S THE SECOND TIME THIS EPISODE Yuè really glee why Yuè glee why Yuè Remember how Kurt and Blaine were supposed to make out in the backseat of a car while this song was playing ah jesus praise Yuè same for Kurt and Blaine tho Yuè their wedding suits just absolutely fit them Yuè sure for Kurt I expected more accessories but it still fits Yuè EVERYONE'S FACES Yuè look at my boys... so handsome Yuè such a coincidence Blaine's mum happened to be in Indiana righr??? Yuè MY HUSBAND IS IN THE BATHROOM AND HE MISSED THE WHOLE AISLE THING Yuè Mason and Madison are wearing the same colour!!! Yuè thank you Burt for this speech Yuè GAY MARRIAGE IS MARRIAGE LOVE IS LOVE Yuè no but really where are Santana's dad and Brittany's sister?? Yuè AND COOPER Yuè MY HUSBAND IS IN THE BATHROOM AND HE'S MISSING ALL THE VOWS Yuè honestly just. like the Klaine proposal the vows are beautiful but it pains me to watch it Yuè Remember how they cut "Roll away with me!!!!" Yuè I'M A WORK IN PROGRESS Yuè SO. IMPORTANT. Yuè shit I think this is the first time this wedding actually hits me holy fuck what is thos Yuè "by the internet" Yuè THOSE KISSES HOLY SHIT Yuè i can't believe Celeste the Neckbrace Cheerio is there Yuè .. they're married Yuè just like tat Yuè They're married Yuè holy shit Yuè "I just called Target and they're closed" Yuè this speech is trash Yuè it's not even funny it's just trash Yuè NO ONE IS UGLIER THAN YOU WITH YOUR CLOTHES OFF Yuè this is so trash and yet I'm laughing cause it's so stupid Yuè I want that cap Yuè Y'ALL ARE MY OTPS Yuè shit son Kevin killed that song Yuè and shit son Hemo is going to kill it on DWTS Yuè I also didn't know Becca could dance like that Yuè I love how Mike just dances with the ladies Yuè BLAINE AND HIS WHITE MOMMA DANCING Yuè (sorry I will forever be bitter. Gina was a wonderful addition to the cast but uhm Lea Salonga? ??) Yuè Tina wtf Yuè "what kind of idiot does this???" "...you" Yuè I am also happy that they really are friends but yes Mike is right holy shit even Harry said how sometimes realistic stuff needs to happen in this show Yuè I'm happy Mike is such a chill guy Yuè okay a couple of things, because this song, as amazig as it is, is totally unreal Yuè Carole and Pam never met, and yet they've fully rehearsed a song together Yuè it must've been planned with 4 woman, because they all wear those matching awful dresses, even Carole nad Pam, even though they didn't know their sons were going to get married Yuè with other words: PLOT HOLE GLEE WTF? Yuè no but really I once redesigned all these dresses for the mums Yuè SUGAR Yuè I think filming went a bit wrong here tho Yuè I also love these Brittana wedding outfits Yuè CAROLE!!! Kurt S FACE Yuè WHITNEY Yuè MARIEL Yuè PAM Yuè Oh Blaine facepalming Yuè also I misspelled Santana's mum's name: Maribel Yuè HUSBAND Yuè TH EYRE HUSTBANDS Yuè OOOH Tina and Kitty and Rachel Yuè SUGAR DANCING WITH HERSELF AND PUCK DANCING WITH BLAINE'S MOMMA WHO'S WASTED AF Yuè honestly Klaine and Brittana deserved a first dance Yuè after 6 years we finally got a Gay Squad group number Yuè Jane you're beautiful Yuè Puck must thing Blaine's momma is amusing Yuè you know even before they started dating, Sam and Rachel were so close to the Hummel-Hudsons Yuè ah yes a random Tartie scene Yuè preach Artie Yuè I love how Kevin wanted them to be endgame Yuè guys this is so stupid and yet so them Yuè BACK UP FIANCE Yuè "Tartie" "Artina" well it's better than Chang-Chang Yuè KLAINE WHAT A HANDSOME COUPLE WITH KURT WEARING THAT KITTY SWEATER AND BLAINE LOOKING FANCY AF Yuè I am Sue Yuè you know as crazy as this wedding storyline was, this garanteed that Klaine and Brittana are connected for life and honestly that was all I ever wanted and never dared to dream about Yuè Look at them Yuè THEY'RE SO HAPPY

[lenady]

Pride and Prejudice - Book Review

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Genres- British Literature, Regency era, Novel of Manners, Romance

Synopsis- When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited, while he struggles to remain indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes the friendships, gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life.

My Thoughts- I’ll be honest, straightaway, and admit that this is a re-read, so this is by no means a first impression of the book. Nor am I a Janeite- not to say I dislike her work, just that I don’t connect with it in the way that some other readers do. I’ve heard it said that there are three types of readers- in regards to 19th century women’s novels: fans of Pride and Prejudice, fans of Jane Eyre, ands fans of Wuthering Heights. Considering how attached I became to Jane Eyre in high school I guess you could count me in the Charlotte Bronte camp. Jane Austen is an author I’ve had to grow into.

Grow into her though, I have, thanks largely to the characters. They are are some of the most interesting I’ve ran into, both loveable and loathable, in classic fiction.  Of course, a couple stand out, rightfully: Elizabeth- intelligent and headstrong, who stands by how she feels even if it puts her into a disadvantageous situation and Darcy- awkward, haughty, and unsociable- too prideful for his own good. They both stole my heart in a way, watching as the two of them grow to realize their own folly and admit that they were wrong, about themselves and about each other.

The stand-out scenes are their verbal battles- biting wit and subtlety wielded like a weapon. Even when Elizabeth hates Darcy, and Darcy is trying to his best to be indifferent to Elizabeth, there’s a chemistry there. One’s just not certain at times if it’s going to cause an explosion. This is thanks to Austen’s dialogue. It’s largely this which is used to pull these characters up from the pages.

Unfortunately, the problem comes in when the dialogue is missing. Even if I have no interest in balls or such, the character’s interaction manages to pull you along- it’s engaging and funny. Then however, the dialogue stops and the narrative takes over and it all starts to get a little dry. Austen isn’t one for superfluous details or overly flowery language, and while I appreciate the cleanness of her writing style in this regard one can tire a little during those pages in which the reader is being ‘told’ what’s going on in the story.

Overall though, I’ve enjoyed the book enough to read through it twice and actually purchase a copy instead of simply reading a copy online (a rarity for me as far as books found in the public domain). 

4/5

Warnings- Illness (very minor- akin to the flu)—I think that’s about it- this book is pretty mild, perhaps classism and period-matching sexism, but that would be all

[scarletwelly-boots]

Books of 2016

I read 39 books in 2016. I decided to try a Reading Challenge (unfortunately the source escapes me), and I enjoyed it so much that I’m doing another one in 2017. I’m going to briefly review the books I read in 2016, and whether I would recommend you read them. Hopefully I can figure out how to make the cut.

Haha I figured it out! Okay, let’s get started. Each entry will be numbered with its title and author. In parentheses I will put the entry of the reading challenge it fell under, so you can do the reading challenge too, if you like. I will not be including entries I didn’t read a book for. I will review each book briefly and end each part with whether or not I recommend the book.

1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by JK Rowling (A book with more than 500 pages): Okay, I’ll admit I’ve already read this book. In the spring I decided to reread all the Harry Potter books. The reread helped me come to terms with how misguided I was as a Snape-pologist and showed me that I should absolutely hate the emotionally manipulative ass Dumbledore actually is. Order of the Phoenix still remains my favorite book in the series. Yes, I recommend it, but it would help to read the previous four books.

2. Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen (a classic romance): I have already seen a movie adaptation, but it was more interesting to read. The language is tedious but well worth the read. I do recommend seeing the movie first, because it helps with comprehension if you have an adaptation already in mind. It was Austen’s attempt at a gothic-esque thriller but of course maintains her Georgian marriage-for-love, empowered females themes. If you like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, I recommend Northanger Abbey, though I preferred the previous two novels.

3. Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell (a book published this year): Guys, I’ll admit it. I’ve read this twice this year. It’s not great, mostly watered-down, generic-brand Harry Potter mashed into a single novel. Awesome? No. Gay? Hella. If you ship Drarry and wish it was canon, this is the novel for you. If you’re very HP-snobbish, I have a list of better drarry fanfiction for you that is cheaper, longer, and more fulfilling. It was interesting, cute, and the Dumbledore-like character gets his comeuppance for being an emotionally manipulative ass, which was satisfying. However, the novel pretends that the word ‘bisexual’ doesn’t exist, which for a bisexual reader was irritating. Do I recommend it? If you like shitty drarry fanfiction that lasts for 500 pages, sure. If you want better fanfiction that’s just not in a book form, I think you’ll have much better luck reading the complete works of Saras_Girl on AO3.

4. Testament of Youth, by Vera Brittain (a book that became a movie): I started this World War 1 autobiography in 2014 in anticipation for the movie starring Colin Morgan. I had to set it aside for the remainder of that year and the next due to emotional exhaustion. It’s not a happy book. If you lost six close people in your life in the course of three months that you still hadn’t recovered from, and then the love of your life dumped you over email, you would have to stop reading too. It’s also six hundred pages, which is intimidating. If you don’t like sad books, you won’t like this book. I highly recommend it, though, even if nonfiction or autobiographies aren’t your thing. Just do yourself a favor and don’t see the film, the talented and attractive Colin Morgan aside. I should’ve known consolidating six hundred pages into two hours was gonna be shitty. Please read the book. You don’t need to see the movie.

5. Letters from Skye, by Jessica Brockmole (a book written by someone under 30): I guessed to make this one fit on the challenge list. In reminding myself the name of the author (aka googling the book), I noticed that this has also become a movie. I have not seen it, but I think this is more adaptable to film than the previous book. Two timelines intersect in this epistolary novel that I listened to on tape: Elspeth from the Isle of Skye and her American beau Davy during World War 1, and Elspeth’s daughter Margaret during World War 2. It wasn’t bad. It was cute with a happy ending. And the audiobook was great because every character was a different reader, and their accents fit the character’s nationality. I recommend it.

6. Let’s Talk About Diabetes with Owls, by David Sedaris (a funny book): I’ll be honest with you. I read a lot of Sedaris this year and I can’t keep them straight. I will say this, however: the audiobooks, voiced by Sedaris himself, are better than just reading the novel. And he’s very funny in everything he writes. I don’t remember which stories are in this book, but I recommend it.

7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, JK Rowling (A book by a female author): See #1. Book 6 of the HP series. Yes I recommend it.

8. Wicked, Gregory Maguire (a book with a one-word title): I’m not done with this one yet, but I’m close so I’ve included it. I’ve seen the musical and have had the songs memorized for close to ten years now. Guys, the book is so much better. It’s more interesting, has more characters, Morrible is horrible. Fiyero is POC, Elphaba is implied to be bi or pan (at least that’s how I see it), Elphie and Nessarose have a little brother named Shell, implied gay munchkin college boys. Guys, it’s wonderful. I’m not done yet, I kind of hate all the characters for some reason or other, and I highly recommend it anyway.

9. Green but for a Season, CS Pacat (a short story): Don’t read until you’ve read the Captive Prince trilogy. This short story follows two side characters in the middle of Prince’s Gambit, and it makes what we know about Jord and Aimeric so much more tragic. It’s actually changed some of my opinions of Aimeric. It’s really short and I wish it was longer, but I recommend it (AFTER you’ve read the trilogy, guys, seriously!)

10. When Marnie Was There, by Joan G. Robinson (a book set in a different country): This is a young adult novel that was recently adapted into a really great film by Studio Ghibli. The film is on par with Howl’s Moving Castle, which is my favorite movie, animated or otherwise, and I love the book even more (which was my experience with Howl, too). The twist towards the end had me sobbing all over the book. Aspects of it could be construed as queerbaiting, but the message and the bond between Marnie and Anna is so sweet that even I can forgive Robinson for some probably unintentional queerbaiting. This book is so wonderful I could wax poetic about it for ages. Highly, highly recommend.

11. The Marquis Lafayette Reconsidered (a non fiction book): I am in love with Lafayette, guys, and it’s not just because of Daveed Diggs. I read two books about him this year. This one was tedious, mostly because I am a slow-ass reader of non fiction. Lafayette was a prominent figure in two revolutions, and if that interests you then I recommend this book. If Lafayette isn’t really top of your priorities when it comes to non fiction this might bore you. I liked it though. Recommended.

12. The Dark Wife, by Sarah Diemer (a popular author’s first book): Yeah, I know I’m reaching with the “popular author” part. This is the story of Hades and Persephone as you have never seen it before. It restores the original myth in which Persephone goes to the underworld of her own free will. I mean, she goes to save herself, but she chooses to go. Hades is actually a woman. Lesbian retellings are the best retellings. But it’s so heartfelt. Persephone’s love for Hades is boundless. I highly recommend this one too.

13. When You Are Engulfed in Flames, by David Sedaris (a book from an author you love that you haven’t read yet): Another Sedaris book. See #6. Recommend.

14. Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters, Rick Riordan (a book a friend recommended): Rec’d by @hermioneisthegreatest. I think this is Percy Jackson book 2? I’m not done with the series, but I do recommend it. 

15. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Saenz (an award-winning book): Guys, guys. You don’t know beautiful until you’ve read this book. Two teenage boys who couldn’t be more different meet and come of age. And, though they hardly realize it as it happens, fall in love. It’s sweet, and cute, and heartfelt. And I fucking NEED you guys to read this book. Better yet, Hamilton/Moana/In the Heights fans, get the audiobook, like I did. Seven hours of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice, guys. Highly, highly, recommend.

16. The Devil in the White City, by Erik Larsson (a book based on a true story): I also listened to the audiobook for this one. Narrators read non fiction faster than I do, and it was an engaging book to listen to while driving four hours home for breaks. Recommend.

17-20. The Raven Cycle, by Maggie Stiefvater (four books: a book set in high school, a book with a love triangle, a book with a color in the title, and a book at the bottom of your to-read list, respectively): This series was really interesting, with a lot of twists and turns. Three chapters into The Raven Boys and I had promptly adopted the four boys and one girl that are the main characters. One of the main characters is bisexual and another is gay (they get together. It is glorious). It also dealt a lot with Welsh mythology, which has caught my interest ever since studying abroad in Swansea, Wales a few years ago. I read Shiver by Stiefvater, too, a few years ago, but didn’t really like it. I think Raven Cycle is way better. I recommend all four.

21. Irish Verse Anthology, various authors (a book based entirely on its cover): This is just what it sounds like: a collection of Irish poetry by a variety of poets from early times until the present. It wasn’t bad. It just took a long time to read such a small volume. If you like poetry or Irish literature, I’d recommend it. Otherwise, probably not.

22. Letters to my Daughter, by Maya Angelou (a memoir): This was the first book by Angelou I read. I’ve read some of her poems, but I really liked this. I got it on audiobook, too (going to school four hours from home and driving twenty minutes each day to student teaching will do that to you). This was a memoir of Angelou’s life and the lessons she’s learned over the years. It was really interesting, and I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if it wasn’t an audiobook. But it was good, and I recommend it.

23. Crush, by Richard Siken (a book you can finish in a day): I’ve read this innumerable times, so I knew I could finish it in a day. This is a collection of LGBT (more specifically, gay) poetry, and OH MY GOD. This is in my top five favorite books. I read it all the time. This is the book that made me fall in love with poetry, back in high school. I probably wouldn’t have read Irish Verse Anthology if I hadn’t read this amazing work. Forget the other highly, highly recommended books, put down the book(s) you’re currently reading, and read this book RIGHT NOW.

24. Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, by Sarah Vowell (a book with antonyms in the title): The second Lafayette biography I read this year. This one just focuses on Lafayette’s impact on the US. Vowell is much easier to read, and she’s funny, too. The only tedious part was that there are no chapter breaks. I recommend this if you want to read a biography about an unsung American Hero.

25. Atlas of Remote Islands, by Judith Schalansky (a book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit): This was really interesting. Each entry was on a different remote island, some deserted and some with very few inhabitants. Each entry had the map of the island, who owns it, the name for the island by the owning country and the native people, a timeline of history of the island, and a short story about it. I heard of this book on a podcast, I believe “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know.” I really enjoyed it. It was easy to read. Recommended.

26-28. Captive Prince Trilogy, by CS Pacat (a trilogy): THIS. THIS is what you have to read before Green But For a Season. You don’t even have to read the short story if you don’t want to. But you really need to read this trilogy. It’s awesome. It’s fantasy and gay and romantic. But the romance isn’t even the central part. Laurent is my favorite asshole. Damen is so sweet and sassy as fuck. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Seriously. I can’t do this series justice.

29. Charlotte’s Web, by EB White (a book from your childhood): I read this with my student teaching class. It’s a classic. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s definitely worth the read. Recommend, especially with young readers.

30. Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller (a book that made you cry): The highly acclaimed retelling of the Illiad from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ lover. Yes, it made me cry, and yes, it was worth it. It’s so wonderful and well written, and heartbreaking at the end (you know how it ends). Seriously, it was really good. Highly recommend.

31. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by JK Rowling (a book with magic): Last book in the HP series. See #1 and 7. Recommended.

32. The “Hamil-tome”, by Lin-Manuel Miranda (a book by an author you’ve never read before): I don’t remember what it’s actually called. Everything you wanted to know about the musical, the lyrics, the cast, the crew, and the Hamilton Story. If you love this groundbreaking musical, this is definitely a book for you. Recommend.

33. The Distance to Home, by Jenn Bishop (a book that takes place in your hometown): Okay, so this doesn’t take place actually in my hometown, but it’s implied to be a suburb of Chicago, so close enough. This is a middle grade novel about baseball, family, and loss. Also, I have known this author for ten years (personally. It’s her first novel). Please read. Recommend, especially for 5-6th graders. 

34. War of the Foxes, by Richard Siken (a book of poems): I made up this category so I could read this book. I didn’t know Siken had another book published. I found his tumblr this year, and flipped shit basically. This book takes on a much darker tone than the last one, and isn’t as gay and romantic. It’s mostly about war and the consequences it brings to civilians, soldiers, and the environment of the war zone. It was really interesting, but it was such a huge emotional shift from Crush that it was hard for me to understand. But see, I get different things out of Crush every time I read it, so I think when I reread this I’ll get more out of it. I recommend, just keep in mind that it’s very different from Crush. 

35. The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry (a book set during Christmas): I love this story. I try to read it every year. It’s such a heartfelt parable about love and sacrifice. If you haven’t read it, I really recommend it. It’s very short and worth the time. 

36. The Night Circus, by Erin Morganstern (a book written by an author with your same initials): Also an audiobook. I picked this as filler. I wasn’t really interested, but guys. It exceeded my expectations. I was invested in almost every character, it was interesting, and I really enjoyed listening to it. Recommend.

37. In Search of Ancient Ireland (a book based on or turned into a TV show): This was long and tedious, but I liked it. It covers Irish history from prehistoric times until the Norman invasion in the eleventh century. It was really pretty good. Recommend.

38. The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan (a book you started but never finished): I finally read this. It was really good, much better than the movie (not much of a shock there; most books usually are). I recommend it. If you’re hinging your reasons for not reading the book on the quality of the film, I strongly recommend you give it a try.

39. The Cursed Child, by JK Rowling (a play): This book/play has received mixed reviews. Yes, there’s a lot of unnecessary plot holes. Yes, we were queerbaited. Yes, certain parts were like tropes out of a crack fanfiction. But the storyline itself was very interesting. And the clear love (brotherly, platonic, romantic, however you want to look at it) between Albus and Scorpius is just the sweetest thing. And what made me so happy because we really didn’t see this with a Malfoy in the books, is that Scorpius is KIND. And you just know Draco had to instill that into this little eleven-year-old child. Scorpius is so gd kind it’s the sweetest thing. In spite of the not so awesome points, I highly recommend this.