aislynndmerricksson

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Little Of This, Little Of That

Chinese Proverbs Illustrated: The Wisdom of Cheng-yu translated by James Trapp Chinese Proverbs Illustrated is a delightful lesson in linguistics, namely proverbs/idiomatic phrases in Chinese. A cheng-yu is a series of four characters that represents an idiom/proverb, often derived from a story. Each has the Chinese characters, pinyin, pronunciation, both the literal translation and the…

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Joyful June Journeys: Month in Books

Jump into June with our Month in Books series! Explore joyful journeys as we feature a book for each letter of the month. Discover new favorites and add inspiration to your summer reading list. Just in Case by Laura McHale Holland Elegant, haunting, beautiful prose in short, short stories to savor and share. Imagine a world where shadows of enchantment instantly render ordinary experiences…

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Magical May Must-reads: Month in Books

Dive into May’s magical reads in our Month in Books series! Discover a book for each letter of the month, featuring captivating tales and inspiring journeys. Perfect for your spring reading list! Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. He lives alone on the streets of Boston, ever since his mom’s mysterious death. Magnus has survived by…

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Book Review: Watership Down (graphic novel) by Richard Adams, Illus. by James Sturm & Joe Sutphin

Richard Adams’ classic Watership Down is brought to lustrous life by James Sturm & Joe Sutphin in this new graphic novel. I first read Adams’ novel in ninth grade and absolutely loved it. Finding this graphic novel was a real treat. The story follows Hazel and his brother Fiver. Fiver is a bunny with the dubious gift of prophecy. Following a harrowing vision of the destruction of the Sandleford…

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Manga Blitz

Mimi’s Tales of Terror by Junji Ito Mimi’s Tales of Terror, penned by the masterful Junji Ito, definitely delivers bone-chilling narratives. The stories center on Mimi, a young woman with a penchant for seeing the paranormal. Ito weaves tales that unsettle and intrigue as Mimi faces off against eerily horrific encounters. One of my favorite quotes, from ‘Seashore’- “Nothing scary is going to…

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Celebrate the Emerald Isle: Must-Read Books for St. Patrick’s Day

Looking for a touch of Irish magic in your next read? Here’s a bevy of books that celebrate the Emerald Isle. You’ll find classic works of fiction that delve into Irish identity and culture. In addition, you will discover nonfiction tales that explore the island’s rich history and highlights its sense of humor. From heartfelt family sagas to gripping historical accounts, these stories are perfect…

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Book Review: Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl by Julie Kagawa

In Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl, Julie Kagawa follows the adventures of the eponymous Shinji. He embarks on a journey both blessing and curse. A monumental task. Shinji must return a purloined idol to its rightful place in a jungle temple. Along the way, he encounters antagonists eager to harness the idol’s power for their own ends. Shinji allies himself with the Society of…

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Marvelous March Must-Reads: Month in Books

Welcome to the March edition of the Month in Books series! This month, we’re excited to dive into a diverse collection of books that not only captivate and inspire, but also creatively spell out “March” with their titles. Whether you’re looking to cozy up with a mystery or explore a new world, these delightful March reads are sure to enrich your TBR. Morningstar by Pierce Brown Darrow would…

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Literary Time Capsule: The Enduring Legacy of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Introduction to Frankenstein Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus was published in 1818. This groundbreaking novel intertwines the Gothic and science fiction genres. At just 18 years old, Shelley crafted a narrative that explores profound themes. It looks at human ambition, ethical boundaries and the ethics and responsibilities of creation. Pop culture, starting way back with…

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Book Review: Why Do We Say That by Scott Matthews

Why Do We Say That? is one of several books of the same title by Scott Matthews. Each looks at various idioms of the English language. Or rather, American English to be more precise. The information with each idiom tends to be repetitive. Many do not completely convey the true meaning of the idiom as it is today. Case in point- ‘get your act together’ does not convey encouragement or positive…

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Book Review: Oracle by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Heuvelt’s Oracle starts when two students biking their way to school one foggy morning make an incredible discovery. They find the wreck of a ship from the 1700s in the middle of a tulip field. One student- Emma- enters the ship and vanishes. Others follow, before the government steps in and seals the area off. In a bid to solve the mystery of the ancient ship before the media gets hold of the…

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Book Review: Guillotine by Delilah Dawson

***Trigger warning- abuse, murder, contentious political opinions Dawson’s Guillotine follows fashion designer hopeful Dez, who’s playing would-be beau Patrick Ruskin in order to meet his mother. Marie Caulfield-Ruskin is editor-in-chief of the prestigious Nouveau magazine, and Dez desperately wants an internship. But an invitation to the Island, the ancestral home of Patrick’s family becomes a…

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Book Review: Morning Star by Pierce Brown

Morning Star is the last book in Pierce Brown’s Red Rising trilogy. I devoured this book as fast as the other two! It explores deep topics like the cost of friendship, the horrors of war and terrorism, the value of compassion over violence, and above all, humanity’s capacity to change, while maintaining a fast pace. The Colour schema of social stratification is the result of intensive genetic…

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Fabulous February Finds: Month in Books

Father Figure by James J Cudney Between the fast-paced New York City, a rural Mississippi town and a charming Pennsylvania college campus filled with secrets, two young girls learn the consequences of growing up too quickly. Abused by her mother, Amalia Graeme longs to escape her desolate hometown and fall in love. Contemplating her loss of innocence and conflicting feelings between her…

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Hidden Gems: Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig

Welcome to another installment of our ‘Hidden Gems’ series, where we uncover extraordinary books that deserve more attention. Today, we’re diving into the dark and mesmerizing world of Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig. This is a novel of wickedly delicious supernatural horror. Book Details Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig Publication Date: September 26, 2024 Genre: Horror, Supernatural…

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Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig

Black River Orchard has become one of my favourite of Wendig’s books. I love apples! My relatives called me an apple snob, and compared to them I guess to them I am. They are happy with Granny Smith and Delicious apples. Me, I am all about trying any new apple that comes into the grocery, or I find at a farmers’ market. I can pick up subtle tastes. On a good day, you can give me an apple from the…

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The Art of Saying 'No': Boundary Setting with a Chronic Illness

Welcome to the world of chronic illness, where “no” is not just a word—it’s a lifestyle choice. Whether you’re dealing with perpetual fatigue, unpredictable pain, or the delightful rollercoaster of symptoms that come with your condition, setting boundaries is your secret weapon. Let’s dive into the art of saying ‘no’ with flair and finesse, because your energy is precious, and it’s time to…