I go bananas for books featuring female characters with agency. I go crazy for stories where the heroine’s story is her own, and she isn’t immediately (or at any point of the journey) chasing after a male stud. I go berserk for novels where the ‘strong’ female lead is something other than an Arthurian / … Continue reading
In honor of St. Valentine, and International Book Giving Day, (frankly a holiday I can get much more easily behind), I’m posting this fantastic treasury from the Amelia Bloomer Project, recommended feminist literature for birth through 18 years and beyond. Curated by an Avengers-style Feminist task force, part of the American Library Association’s Social Responsibility Round … Continue reading
*It is known* that I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary YA fiction around here. Actually, that’s kind of an understatement. Until recently I pretty much avoided this sub-genre like the annoying popular clique at my high school. Rolling my eyes as mentions of it passed me by on twitter, and scurrying down back alleys … Continue reading
Oh my goodness! I need to start learning Japanese A.S.A.P! Studio Ghibli recently announced that they will be venturing on to the small screen, and their first project will be based on Astrid Lindgren‘s Ronia the Robber’s Daughter. Set in a mythical Medieval Sweden, Ronia is the daughter of a chief of bandits, who spends … Continue reading
I love how this depiction of Red Riding Hood shows her wielding a knife, perched up in the branches of a tree where she’s defending herself against the wolves below. She reminds me of Katniss Everdeen in this pose, ready to take on whatever is thrown her way. A fairy tale heroine with agency: I’d like … Continue reading
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
