There’s a a spectacularly eerie song, called “Danse Macabre” composed by Camille Saint-Saëns, that is woven through the narrative of Samantha Shannon’s The Bone Season. You should definitely listen to it if you’re thinking about reading this book. It’s fevered, emotional, dark, at times frenzied, rich and innovative; a tone poem set for orchestra that is … Continue reading
“Female characters should be people. Flawed, glorious, interesting, enthralling people. Let them dye their hair and pierce their ears without going “wah wah wah I’m so bad at being a girl wait hey look suddenly I’ve gotten a makeover and I’m gorgeous.” Let them have female friends. Let them fuck up. Let them have bad days, and … Continue reading
At first glance, white tea appears soft and delicate, and one doesn’t expect any surprises from this subtle blend. However, once brewed the White Peony tea takes on another character entirely, as if its true strength is only emboldened when tested with hot water. It gives off a floral aroma, but a rich taste of … Continue reading
The title of Susan Dennard’s A Darkness Strange and Lovely essentially sums up my literary experience of this enriching sequel. While I read her first book, Something Strange and Deadly, and thoroughly enjoyed it, I knew at the end that there was much to be explored and I found myself waiting on tenterhooks for Part … Continue reading
I spent all of last week reading beside a beautifully serene lake, watching thunderheads make their slow climb over the surrounding hillsides, and this image reminds me of the creative energy that I gathered there.
Reading Leigh Bardugo’s writing is like sinking your teeth in to the most decadent macaron. Your palette is submerged in tantalizingly complex flavors and textures, your imagination is lit when your taste buds are left tingling. How is the shell at once crispy and feather light? What witchcraft is it that makes this palm-sized sweet, … Continue reading
There’s something so arresting about the fevered energy that this girl is putting in to the swing of her axe; it makes me think of fairy tales where so many female characters are in danger of the woods – except unlike Red Riding Hood or Gretel, this heroine is poised to strike at whatever might … Continue reading
It is Not Your Job by Caitlyn Siehl when your little girl asks you if she’s pretty your heart will drop like a wineglass on the hardwood floor part of you will want to say of course you are, don’t ever question it and the other part the part that is clawing at you will … Continue reading
