#crystal mooncakes

[transbookoftheday]

Trans Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are real books! Here are ten beautiful trans graphic novels you should read:

Book titles:

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

The Ojja-Wojja by Magdalene Visaggio and Jenn St-Onge

Rabbit Chase by Elizabeth Lapensee, KC Oster and Aarin Dokum

Deadendia: The Watcher's Test by Hamish Steele

Magical Boy by The Kao

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu

Welcome To St. Hell by Lewis Hancox

Girl Haven by Lilah Sturges, Meaghan Carter & Joamette Gil

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti

[corkylecorko]

i binged the first five seasons of MLP and decided to turn heiyaoshi into a unicorn (⁠ﾉ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠.⁠✧

meet crystal mooncake! (⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🩷 Sapphic Friends to Lovers Books 🩷

💖 By now, you surely know that friends-to-lovers stories (especially sapphic ones) have a special place in my heart. To celebrate those epic love stories built on such a strong foundation, here are a few sapphic friends-to-lovers stories to add to your TBR before the end of pride month. Remember to #readqueerallyear!

🩷 Girls Like Girls - Hayley Kiyoko @hayleykiyoko ❤️ Imogen, Obviously - Becky Albertalli @beckyalbertalli 💖 Sizzle Reel - Caryln Greenwald @carlyn_gee 🩷 Stars Collide - Rachel Lacey @rachelslacey ❤️ If Tomorrow Doesn't Come - Jen St. Jude @jenstjude 💖 Count Your Lucky Stars - Alexandria Bellefleur @a.m.bellefleur

🩷 On the Same Page - Haley Cass @authorhaleycass ❤️ Don't Want You Like a Best Friend - Emma R. Alban @eraofemma 💖 Legends & Lattes - Travis Baldree @travis_baldree 🩷 Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh - Rachael Lippincott @rachaellippincott ❤️ The Dead Take the A Train - Cassandra Khaw @casskhaw and Richard Kadrey @rkadrey 💖 Meeting Millie by Clare Ashton @rclareashton

🩷 Here We Go Again - Alison Cochrun @alisoncochrun ❤️The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Deya Muniz @deyathemuniz 💖 She Gets the Girl - Rachael Lippincott @rachaellippincott & Alyson Derrick @whoisalysonanyway 🩷 Melt With You - Jennifer Dugan @jl_dugan ❤️ Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms - Crystal Frasier, Oscar O. Jupiter, Val Wise @ValKWise 💖 A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins @chenciachiggins

🩷 How You Get the Girl - Anita Kelly @anitakellywrites ❤️ Mooncakes by Wendy Xu @artofwendyxu and Suzanne Walker 💖 Damned If You Do - Alex Brown @madethisforlu

[bluelockhalloweek]

Blue Lock Halloweek 2023 Prompts are here—can’t wait to see what y’all create!

👻 Reblog with your favorites prompts & share with your Blue Lock crew!

👻 Find the event on Twitter @/BllkHalloweek

👻 See below for more info, typed-out prompts, & prompt examples if you need clarification or inspiration

👻 Feel free to mix and match, and take prompts as literally or as tangentially as you want!

👻 Work doesn’t have to be specifically Fall / Halloween themed as long as it fits a prompt. (If you’re writing a superhero fic for “Mask,” don’t feel like you have to stick a 🎃 in a corner unless you want to.)

👻 Work can be as lighthearted, scary, or spicy as you want as long as you follow the updated guidelines!

👻 Thank you to everyone who submitted prompts, & credit to the anons who suggested The Witching Hour & Mischief Night! A lot of suggestions were already on my longer list or were very similar, or might be better saved for next year. If your favorite isn't on the list, the “Free Prompt” finale is your day!

👻 Find event Archive of Our Own here!

👻 The event is on Tumblr, Twitter, and AO3, so share your contribution on all three!

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Blue Lock Halloweek (+ 2!): October 23 - October 31, 2023

Monday 23: Pumpkin spice + Do you believe in magic?

Tuesday 24: Masks + Heartbeat

Wednesday 25: Things that go bump in the night + Festival

Thursday 26: Firelight + Dark Waters

Friday 27: Paranoia + The Witching Hour

Saturday 28: Monster’s Ball + Hunter’s Moon (actual full moon date & name!)

Sunday 29: Angels & Demons + Castle

Monday 30: Spirit + Movie / Mischief Night (actual night)

Tuesday 31 🎃: Sweet Tooth / Sucker + Free Prompt!

-

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Now for Prompt Examples + Explanations 

I’ve had people ask for prompt examples in past events I’ve hosted and this event is open to any language, so here you go! These are the quick brainstorming notes (now expanded with links & definitions) I took while narrowing down the list to be sure the final prompts were unique enough / without toooo much overlap, and covered enough areas. Only some of maaaany interpretations—go wild!

Your host is a fic-writer with ADHD, so…you’ve been warned.

Day 1: 

Pumpkin Spice: Cozy Autumn vibes. Putting up Halloween decorations, carving Jack-o-lanterns, coffee / tea shop, pumpkin patch, scented candles, baking, fall sangria, sweaters and beanies and flannels, momijigari (Autumn Hanami 🌸, basically) / admiring gorgeous fall foliage, fresh hot apple cider in an orchard. Itoshi Bros and their love of turtle/mock-neck sweaters. Pumpkin Farmer Aiku and Karasu scarecrow!

Do you believe in magic?: Revealing their magical powers for the first time. Crystal ball, tarot. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc. AU. Non-literal magic in relationships (feeling understood, chemistry, humor matching up perfectly, etc). Wands, spells, magical objects, magical creatures, etc.. Making a wish. Alexis "The Magician" Ness.

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Day 2:

Masks: Costumes, super heroes, putting up a front, acting like something you’re not, classic masked Halloween meet-cute, secret / concealed identities, spies, ninja and samurai and assassins (Karasu and Otoyaaa!) Niko hiding his eyes / face.

Heartbeat: Racing heart from excitement, fright, romance, spice. No heartbeat like undead, zombie or vampire, etc.. Skip a beat, beat faster, beat slower (calm and comfort). Chigiri on the run from zombies, zombie Lorenzo!

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Day 3: 

Things that go bump in the night: unexplained (scary or otherwise) noises in the night, whispers or voices, ghosts and other supernatural entities, haunted house / place, anything scary, …spicy. Spooky Owl outside Rin’s window. 

Festival: String lights illuminating festival stalls, costumes, traditional attire (Aryu looking stylish!), food and drink, games, Isagi devouring fried fair food. Fall Music festival. Mid-Autumn Festival (with all the pretty lanterns and mooncakes 🥮), Harvest / Fall Fests in general. Bobbing for apples, caramel / candy apples, carnival rides and games, Ferris wheel. Oktoberfest; Kaiser and/or any Bastard München player in Lederhosen—please, I’m begging!! Fun house / haunted house. Day of the Dead festivities. 

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Day 4:

Firelight: Cauldrons, brewing potions. Candles, rituals, bonfires. Autumn camping trip, s’mores, spooky firelight shadows outside the tent, got lost on a hiking trip & have to make a fire to keep warm! Torches, candles, lanterns lighting the way in a definitely not-haunted place. Hell, your favorite circle (Dante’s Inferno) 😈

Dark Waters: merpeople, sirens, sea monsters, kraken, pirates (Kurona and Raichi, Bachira 🐬!), sharks, shipwreck, ghost ships, stranded on a deserted island, haunted lakes, lake spirits, Autumn fishing trip, swamp monsters, bogs and marshes, willowisps, alligators, snakes. Loch Ness Monster

(Fire and water, light and dark)

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Day 5:

Paranoia: Fear and suspicion, feeling like someone’s watching and you just can’t shake it (...Ego and his cameras), feeling like you’re losing your mind, etc.. Doesn’t have to be all bad! Maybe there was a misunderstanding before a fun surprise. 

The Witching hour: Wiki / dictionary. Depending on whom you ask, the hour is either midnight or 3am - 4am. Supernatural entities / practitioners of dark arts are the most active and powerful. These entities might feel compelled / drawn out into the world. Magic and danger, inexplicable happenings! Humans ought to be at home and safely tucked in bed at this late hour, or else... Fun fact, the Orionid meteor shower peaks juuust before this event starts (in my hemisphere, at least) but continue until November, and the best time to view meteor showers is generally around the witching hour (after midnight / 3-4am). Can also mean the time in which people get up to no good or questionable stuff. 

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Day 6:

Monster’s Ball: Monsters, creatures. Bachiraaa. Halloween party, masquerade, nightlife (going out in costume—or not—to bars and clubs). Reo buying a round. Literal ⚽ ball (Lil Isagi trick-or-treating in Noa’s kit), Halloween Practice (like in high school or college when your coach let you have a fun practice in costume before a holiday—absolute chaos and so fun!). Whatever chaos and debauchery y’all can imagine. Just follow the event guidelines and tag accordingly! Green eyed monster (jealousy), Cinderella’s Ball (Sae and Shidou!)

Hunter’s Moon: The date of the actual full Hunter’s Moon—lucky us! Sometimes called the Blood Moon. Full moon, werewolves, moonlight, on the hunt or being hunted, spells and rituals, Tsukimi / moon viewing + Tsukimi dango 🎑, moon myths and gods. Celestial things, Kurona and Isagi planetary hotline / astronauts, aliens.

(Monster vs Hunter day, ha)

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Day 7:

Angels and Demons: Demon and priest, hell, listening to the angel or the devil on your shoulder (making a questionable decision because it’s tempting), devilish fun or spells, sin, temptation, a deal with the devil. Ohhh, Sae and Shidou, your night has come! 😈

Castle: fairytales, knights, vampires, dungeons, Royalty (King Barou, Emperor Kaiser!). Also super Sae and Shidou.

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Day 8: 

Spirit: ghosts, haunted houses, GhostBusters, spirit entities like yokai, Ghost Adventures. Gagamaru as a friendly Yokai! Shaman. Possession, possessed or cursed objects. JJK. Ouija board game! Monk Igaguri. 

Movie Night: Watching a scary (or not scary) movie, series, anime, etc. So many movie/show Alternate Universes. Sendou living his Hollywood dreams. Barbie please!!! Nagi nodding off halfway through. The guys as a character from their favorite movie listed in the Egoist Bible.

Mischief Night: Wiki page. The night before Halloween for hijinks, pranks, scaring each other! Toilet papering Ego’s house. Can be more sinister, too. 

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Day 9: Halloween!

Sweet tooth / sucker: Trick-or-Treating, candy corn, so much candy, caramel corn, vampires or anything with fangs, bite, ‘sucker’ like 🍭 or vampires, or…

Free day / AU (alternate universe) Palooza!: 

Whatever Halloween stuff you want that doesn’t quite fit a prompt! Just listing some of the things I would draw (if I could) or write (if i had time):

Video game au for Hiori! Pokemon! Ego as a gangly cowboy, ⚽️ bolo tie and all. Barou as the "Cowardly" Lion in the Wizard of Oz. And finally, artists, if you're reading this, please, please consider Noel Noa (of the 🇫🇷 French National 🥖 Team!!) dressed as Bonjour Man from Life Lessons with Uramichi Onii-san (clip, manga cap). Please Omg. This image has literally been haunting me since starting this event and the manga/anime (even the dub!) is soooo funny. And technically, Bonjour Man is a cursed spirit sooo 👻

Okay, that's it. Hope y'all have fun. Please reblog and spread the word 🧡🖤

[ivyprism]

Undertale AU Characters

Undertale - Grillby, Riverperson and Frisk: Grillby (Grillbz), Riverperson (or RP), and Frisk

Underfell - Grillby, Riverperson, Undyne, and Frisk: Tyrian, Rivulet, Neve, and Tart

Underswap - Chara: Pudding

Swapfell Amethyst - Chara: Custard

Horrortale - Aliza

Dancetale - Frisk: Mooncake

Fellswap Amaranth - Grillby, Muffet, Fuku Fire, Undyne, Alphys, Asgore, Toriel, Asriel, Goner Asriel, Monster Kid/Temmie, Frisk, Chara, Napstaton, Hapstablook, Asgore’s Mother and Father, Toriel’s Mother, and Father: Vulcan, Eclair, Enya, Fujiko, Beryl, Elric, Alexandra, Victor, Nicole, Micah/M, Farin, Clare, Ryder, Hendrix, Theodora, Cedric, Octavia, and Claudius.

Swapfell Glaucous - Grillby, Muffet, Undyne, Alphys, Asgore, Toriel, Napstaton, Hapstablook, Chara, Frisk, MK/Temmie, and Asriel: Thyme, Candy, Rosette, Athena, Delray, Madeline, Xavier, Blake, Truffle, Strudel, Waffle/Cream, and Louis.

Mafiatale - Asgore and Toriel: Clyde and Pearl

Mafiafell - Asgore and Toriel: Harvey and Opal.

Mafiaswap - Asgore and Toriel: Lex and Garnet

Alluretale - Asgore, Toriel, Frisk, Chara, Asriel/Flowey, Monster Kid, Mettaton, Napstablook/Napstaton, Grillby, Muffet, Undyne, and Alphys: Heath, Joy, Honey, Aero, Graham/Gram, Toffee, Espresso, Latte, Whiskey, Mocha, Dagger, and Citrine

Allurefell - Grillby and Muffet: Vermouth and Sherry

Angels Fall - Undyne, Alphys, Asgore, Toriel, Napstaton, Mettaton, Grillby, Muffet, Frisk, Chara/Temmie, Asriel/Stuffy, and Monster Kid: Dina, Mieko, Alastair, Brea, Neo, Myles, Helios, Pastry, Halo, Cherub/Cece, Theodore/Theo, and Malachi.

The Mermaid Mercenary - Undyne: Blyze

Final Boss AU - Toriel, Asgore, Frisk, Chara, Flowey, Undyne, Alphys, Mettaton, Napstablook, Grillby, Muffet, and Monster Kid: Adrienne, Caderyn, Lowen, Moss, Griff, Valda, Dian, Ceol, Lalo, Ardere, Honoré, and Emery

The Visitor - Frisk: Vett

The Melody of the Universes - Asgore, Toriel, Asriel/Flowey, Chara, Frisk, Monster Kid, Muffet, Grillby, Mettaton, Napstaton, Alphys, and Undyne: Caprice (likes to be called Reese), Aria, Piper/Pip, Caprice, Symphony, Brio, Sonata, Jazz, Chord, Rhapsody, Allegra, and Lyra

Old AU - Grillby, Muffet, Fuku Fire, Undyne, Alphys, Toriel, Asgore, Asriel/Flowey, Monster Kid, Frisk, Chara/Stuffy, Napstaton/Napstablook, and Mettaton: Flint, Sherbert, Stella, Oriel, Della, Tara, Theodoric, Asher/Grey, Marlowe, Angel (also goes by Gem), Haven/Lyric, Kai, and Apollo

The Pirates of Vividus - Undyne, Alphys, Asgore, Toriel, Asriel, Chara, Frisk, Monster Kid, Grillby, Muffet, Mettaton, and Napstablook: Rivule, Exos, Typhos, Crystal, Marble, Flair, Illume, Fye, Sonus, Dusk, Aeranas, and Terberis

Royal - Undyne, Alphys, Asgore, Toriel, Asriel, Chara, Frisk, Monster Kid, Grillby, Muffet, Mettaton, and Napstablook: Ocea, Intris, Fernis, Tera, Entros, Rane, Hayle, Lec, Tinder, Vapora, Theuros, and Noxis

The Wandering SOULs - Chara and Temmie: Sailor and Quest (Q)

The Duet of Medieval and Modern - Toriel, Asgore, Asriel, Chara, Frisk, Monster Kid, Alphys, Undyne, Mettaton, Napstablook, Grillby, and Muffet: Celastrina, Aglias, Clodius, Papillon, Frey, Ellis, Diana, Louise, Herod, Riff, Ignatius, and Dulcie

[howdywrites]

Aside from narrowing down books for specific genres, I also have to come up with my own genre and find/read 10 books that fit it for this university class. I chose YA sapphic graphic novels and I've been knocking out my reading list SO fast AHHHHH

Sapphic graphic novels I've finished:

The Girl From The Sea by Molly Ostertag

Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash

Stage Dreams by Melanie Gillman

Stars in Their Eyes by Jessica Walton

SuperMutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki

Sapphic graphic novels I have left to read:

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

Lumberjanes: Volume 1

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki (reread)

I'm mainly posting this so I keep myself accountable lmao I feel like I'm losing my mind a little

[echizen-division]

Today, Kohaku Meguno received two box very different

One was a simple white box, strangely over it one could see a red rose

When Kohaku opened the gift his eyes glowed to the sight of his favorite candy,Kohakutou but this has a valentine motiv of hearts,roses and kissing lips,

But inside it was also threats like crystal lollipos and chocolate in different forms like brownies,cookies and chocolates, looking at the box again he saw a card by the rose side

"little Kasa obake! Iwant to wish you a very happy birthday, i know you preffer Kohakutou but i thought could be a good idea give you some of my favorite sweets,you can visite me when you want,i'm happy of see you again"-Kaede "Skullgirl" Iwasawa

The other gift is a little pink box with a black ribbon without a card or a name,intrigued, Kohaku opens it

The gift is a simple bug pine with a simple card

"happy birthday Kohaku"- the card has no names

-Somewhere in Aomori city-

In the bedroom of his lover's household,a petite youngman lays down on the bed,his hair is orange with pink highlights and his clothes and makeup are colorful but dark

Hisui blinked. he felt weak, feverish and nauseos,he throwed up by sick and anxious just s time ago but it was not by his "normally" health condition,it was because today was his birthday, Kohaku's birthday

Waiting for his lover Hisui can't help but wonders if Kohaku would like the birthday present. but he still thinking was a good idea not write the gift was from him. Hisui sighed trying to sleep

-"why i did that? he should hate me"-he murmured closing his eyes when heard a voice

-"you feel better,mooncake?"-the man who talked is a tall and musculous red-haired with hazel eyes,he has some scars and tattoo all around the body and looks like a type of delinquent. but look at Hisui with love and worry, touching his forehead and frowing when he felt Hisui's temperature

Hisui deny with his head-"i feel bad but not so much this time"-he said and moving, inviting Akai to the bed

Akai smirked (but he still worry) and joins his lover in the bed

“And it seems that the skull ‘lady’ still remembers me!!”

Plopping a piece of the kohakutou into his mouth, he began inspecting the beetle-shaped pin from the anonymous sender.

He was hit with a realization.

…

Ah, that can’t be him, can it??

[trvbblemaker]

MY 2023 BOOK LIST!

January

Neighborhood Girls by Jessie Ann Foley

The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver

The Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Jamie Green (graphic novel)

If You Change Your Mind by Robby Weber

Spells For Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Blaine For the Win by Robbie Couch

She’s Too Pretty To Burn by Wendy Heard

Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman

January Favorite: Spells For Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch

February

Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green (reread)

Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler (reread)

Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin

Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan (reread)

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord

This Is Not a Love Scene by S. C. Megale

Again, but Better by Christine Riccio

Better Together by Christine Riccio

The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

February Favorite: Again, but Better by Christine Riccio

March

Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood

The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund

Exactly Where You Need to Be by Amelia Diane Coombes

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli (reread)

Together, Apart by Various Authors (short stories)

Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie

Out of the Blue by Jason June

Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood

In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae

Heartbreakers and Fakers by Cameron Lund

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

March Favorite: See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

April

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

Planning Perfect by Haley Neil

Love and Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate

Afterglow by Phil Stamper

Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker (graphic novel)

Goodbye, Perfect by Sara Barnard

As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti 

     April Favorite: Noteworthy by Riley Redgate

May

I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman (reread)

Solitaire by Alice Oseman (reread)

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (reread)

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (reread)

Here the Whole Time by Vitor Martins

This is Our Place by Vitor Martins

Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney

Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levensen

Happy Place by Emily Henry

The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan

May Favorite: Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levensen

June

Divergent by Veronica Roth (reread)

Insurgent by Veronica Roth (reread)

Allegiant by Veronica Roth (reread)

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch

The Maze Runner by James Dashner (reread)

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner (reread)

June Favorite: If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch

July

The Death Cure by James Dashner (reread)

The Fever Code by James Dashner (reread)

May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June 

July Favorite: Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June

August

Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston

The Long Run by James Acker

Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman (reread)

Five Feet Apart by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott, and Tobias Iaconis (reread)

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

The Lucky List Rachael Lippincott (reread)

She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick (reread)

Indestructible Object by Mary McCoy

If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So

Remind Me to Hate You Later by Lizzy Mason

August Favorite: Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

September

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado

The Girl Least Likely by Katy Loutzenhiser

Faith: Greater Heights by Julie Murphy

Love Letters for Joy by Melissa See

Northranger by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo (graphic novel)

All This Time by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott (reread)

Loveless by Alice Oseman (reread) 

Coming Up For Air by Nicole B. Tyndall

Study Break by Various Authors (Collection of Short Stories)

September Favorite: Love Letters for Joy by Melissa See

October

The Night In Question by Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson

I’d Rather Burn Than Bloom by Shannon C.F. Rogers

Running by Natalia Sylvester

The Kate in Between by Claire Swinarski

10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston

Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu

The Meaning of Birds by Jaye Robin Brown

All Signs Point to Yes by Various Authors (Collection of Short Stories)

October Favorite: Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu

November

Lose You to Find Me by Erik J. Brown

Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler

Just Visiting by Dahlia Adler

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (reread)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (reread)

Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (reread)

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (reread)

November Favorite: Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler

December

How To Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

Look on the Bright Side by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann (graphic novel)

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester

Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson (Graphic Novel)

Sincerely, Confusingly, Yours by Hailey Gonzales

December Favorite: How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

2023 Book Total: 104

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i hope you all know that sharing this with you means a lot to me. this is who i am in a list. my book taste, the number of books i read, the authors i like. this is a part of me, and you are getting it. happy 2024

[lgcmjun]

i'll be your fan, with @lgcichika

it started nowhere - his curiosity was poked when people from his classes at snu started talking about how the crystallis leader looked more serious, more reserved. minjun, at first thought people were just overreacting, like fans being overdramatic about things or thinking they knew everything about their idols' lives, including their mood swings.

but it didn't seem to be the case when he noticed that something looked off - it wasn't obvious unless you were a devoted fan and he considered himself to be one; but as much as he would like to write a fanmail, it'd be lost among the many letters the group received, so he waited - his worry growing as he paid more attention to her recent appearances.

hearing the news that the girls were going to the company that morning made minjun kind of nervous, he wanted to approach her without looking like a complete creep but still wanted to make sure there was someone out there worried about her.

Luckily for minjun the cafeteria was nearly empty that morning when he entered, a small box in his hands and a decided look on his face when he spotted ichika sitting by herself on a table, far from curious eyes.

he approached her cautiously, keeping his distance before he called her, politely, with a low voice, not to startle her, "good morning nuna", he briefly made eye contact before he could bow down, handing her the small box, along with a note. "these are mooncakes, I told my roommate I could cook them better than him, but that's not important. i hope they can make you a little happy", he offered her a smile, bowing again, awkwardly, "I...gotta go."

[thehungrykat1]

City of Dreams Manila Highlights Mid-Autumn Festival at Crystal Dragon

Crystal Dragon at City of Dreams Manila presents Mid-Autumn Festival specialties until September 17 to celebrate a tradition steeped in symbolisms of unity, gratitude, and harvest’s bounty. A time for heart-warming reunions and togetherness, the annual festivity calls for a bountiful feast to share with loved ones and associates.

Crystal Dragon, which specializes in Cantonese cuisine and regional Chinese specialties, offers the season’s flavors in the Mid-Autumn special ala carte menu available for lunch and dinner. The menu consists of: Steamed Hokkaido Scallop and Vermicelli in ginger scallion sauce; Double-boiled Pork Rib Soup with abalone, lotus seed and lion’s mane mushroom; Jasmine Tea-smoked Crispy Roasted Duck; Tiger Prawn tossed in spiced pumpkin curry sauce; and Wok-fried Fragrant Taro Rice with slow-braised 13-spiced pork belly. As partaking of mooncakes is a time-honored tradition during Mid-Autumn Festival, Crystal Dragon is also highlighting its signature Snow Skin Mooncake served in a trio of flavors that combine tradition and creative renditions: lotus paste with salted yolk, purple ube with salted yolk, and red bean. 

Also known as the Lantern or Moon Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival has a rich cultural history, dating back over 3,000 years ago. Considered the second grandest holiday occasion in China and other parts of Asia following Chinese New Year, families usually gather to celebrate the festival and feast on dishes customarily served during the occasion including duck, taro, pumpkin, and mooncakes, the quintessential treat symbolizing family reunions and harmony. Crystal Dragon is open daily from 11 am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

[mssarahmorgan]

Book 54 of 2024: Crumbs by Danie Stirling

Ohmigoodness I really loved this one! It's unbelievably sweet and romantic, but in this clear-eyed kind of way that's pretty rare. Ray has the unusual power to see the present with crystal-clear accuracy. She's ambitious and is studying to win a place on the magical Council. Laurie works as a barista in his aunt's magical bakery, and dreams of being a professional musician. The two fall in love - but will Ray have to compromise her dream to be with him? Will Laurie be able to open up about his insecurities and be truly present with her? Definitely check this out if you like love, fantasy with baked goods, and/or graphic novels.

What to read next: Mooncakes, by Suzanne Walker & Wendy Xu, for another sweet and romantic fantasy graphic novel that prominently features baked goods.

[worm-priest]

Strawberry Shortcake, Ice-cream Cake, Mooncake, Birthday Cake, and Victorian Sponge Cake <3 I couldn't choose!

Strawberry Shortcake: Name five of your favorite fictional characters

☆ Neil Josten and Andrew Minyard from the AFTG series, Francis Abernathy from The Secret History, Sally Face from Sally Face, Carrie from Carrie

Ice-cream Cake: My go-to ice cream order

☆ My favorites are all the non fruity flavours. I really like ice cream that has nuts in it. I think I have the ice cream tase of an old person haha. I once ate poppy seed ice cream and loved it. I also love the very sweet ones.

Mooncake: Chinese zodiac sign

☆ Snake

Birthday Cake: What is on your birthday list

☆ Right now mostly photocards since it's something i can feell guilty buying for myself but i love getting them from other people. I also like little trinkets like crystals or pretty postcards ^^

Vicorian Sponge Cake: My favorite lotion/shower gel/soap smell

☆ anything sweet like vanilla for most of the year but cherry and grapes for summer

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 What to Read After Watching Heartstopper Season 2 🦇

🩷 Happy Saturday and, for those who haven't watched it yet, happy Heartstopper Season 2 weekend! I hope you get a chance to sit back, relax, and binge-watch and the adorable goodness the new season has to offer.

💙 In celebration, I've compiled a list of the FEW (because there are so many worth mentioning) books and comics you should consider reading after watching Heartstopper! Have you read any of these yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

🍃 So This is Ever After by F. T. Lukens @ftlukens 🍁 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz @benjamin.alire.saenz 🍃 A Complicated Love Story Set in Space by Shaun David Hutchinson @shauniedarko 🍁 The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott @rachaellippincott 🍃 Always the Most by Edward Underhill @edwardunderhill 🍁 The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch @robbiecouch 🍃 Bloom by Kevin Panetta @kevinpanetta 🍁 Autoboyography by Christina Lauren @christinalauren / Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings 🍃 I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre @aurianedesombre 🍁 Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales @sgonzalesauthor 🍃 Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan @jl_dugan 🍁 What If It's Us by Adam Silvera @adamsilvera & Becky Albertalli @beckyalbertalli 🍃 One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston @casey.mcquiston 🍁 If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So @cynthiasowrites 🍃 Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee @sherleeauthor 🍁 Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Booth @mollyhortonbooth & Stephanie Kate Strohm @stephkatestrohm 🍃 Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa @creamymarin 🍁 Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

[physicalhealth]

Exploring Vietnam: Festivals and Beaches to Experience

Vietnam is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Among its most captivating aspects are its vibrant festivals and stunning beaches. This article takes you on a journey through the best festivals and beaches in Vietnam, providing insights into why this Southeast Asian gem should be at the top of your travel list.

Festivals in Vietnam

Vietnamese festivals are a testament to the country's deep-rooted traditions and cultural heritage. Here are some of the most celebrated festivals that you should experience:

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)

Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is the most significant festival in Vietnam. Celebrated in late January or early February, it marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the lunar new year. The festival lasts for several days and involves various customs such as cleaning homes, paying off debts, and preparing special foods. Fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions are central to the celebrations. Tet is a time of joy and renewal, making it a unique cultural experience.

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Tet Trung Thu, takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, typically in September. This festival is especially loved by children who enjoy lantern parades, lion dances, and mooncakes. It’s a time for family gatherings and giving thanks for the harvest. The streets are adorned with colorful lanterns, and various traditional performances can be seen.

Hue Festival

Held biennially in the historic city of Hue, the Hue Festival is a grand celebration of Vietnamese culture and heritage. It features traditional music, dance, and drama performances, as well as modern art displays. The festival aims to preserve and promote the cultural values of Hue, which was the imperial capital of Vietnam. Visitors can enjoy royal banquets, boat races, and street parades during this event.

Best Beaches in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts an extensive coastline with some of the most picturesque beaches in Southeast Asia. Here are the top beaches you should not miss.Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s most famous beach destinations, known for its long stretch of sandy beach and clear blue waters. The city offers a range of activities from scuba diving and snorkeling to relaxing spa treatments. The vibrant nightlife and numerous seafood restaurants add to the appeal. Nha Trang is perfect for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind.

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Long Beach, Sao Beach, and Ong Lang Beach are among the most popular spots. The island also offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the local fishing villages. Phu Quoc’s sunsets are legendary, making it a romantic getaway as well.

Da Nang

Da Nang is known for its stunning beaches such as My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach. My Khe Beach, often referred to as China Beach, is famous for its smooth white sand and gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and surfing. The nearby Marble Mountains add a touch of natural beauty and adventure to your beach trip. Da Nang’s beaches are well-maintained and offer a serene escape from the bustling city life.

Hoi An

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not only known for its ancient town but also for its beautiful beaches. An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are the main attractions here. An Bang Beach is particularly popular for its laid-back atmosphere, while Cua Dai offers a more secluded and peaceful environment. The combination of cultural heritage and beach relaxation makes Hoi An a unique destination.

Combining Festivals and Beaches

A visit to Vietnam can be perfectly planned to experience both its cultural festivals and its beautiful beaches. For instance, you can start your journey by celebrating Tet in Hanoi, experiencing the rich traditions and vibrant street scenes. After the festivities, head to Halong Bay for a scenic cruise before making your way down to the beaches of Da Nang or Nha Trang.

Alternatively, time your trip to coincide with the Hue Festival and then relax on the serene beaches of Phu Quoc Island. This combination allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural fabric of Vietnam while also enjoying its natural beauty.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a land of contrasts, where bustling cities coexist with tranquil beaches and ancient traditions thrive amidst modern development. Whether you are drawn to the lively festivals that showcase Vietnam's rich cultural heritage or the serene beaches that offer a perfect retreat, Vietnam promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip to coincide with these cultural and natural highlights to fully appreciate the diverse beauty of this incredible country.

[kuihongfoodmachine]

Mooncake (mamoul) machine

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[catsbooksandbees]

Finally onto September! I finally did a reading challenge, and completed it! I went with Sapphic September (hosted by manicfemme). I had a lot of fun with this one, it was a real joy. This covers books 59-74 of 2022, if my math serves me well).

Favourite Romantic Subgenre - Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker with Wendy Xu

This is about romance, but it’s also about witches and magic! It’s different to what I thought the book was about, but I loved it nonetheless, and the artwork was gorgeous. I can’t wait to read more from this author (and if there’s more in this series, I want to read them too!) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recently Purchased/Recieved - The Henna Wars by Abida Jaigirdar

I don’t buy new books very often so this was the most recent I had. I really enjoyed it. I did go into it thinking it was going to be a cute romance, which it is, but it also covers some heavy topics as a warning. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lesbian Rep - Love, Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson

I don’t know if it actually specified that Frankie is a lesbian in this book but, if not, it’s very heavily coded. I was so excited about this as, growing up, Jacqueline Wilson was my favourite author and reading this book as a child would have changed so much for me and meant a lot. It had some problems, such as the generic misogyny I expect from Wilson’s books, but I enjoyed it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Indie or Small Press Author - Ida by Alison Evans

This is like a small parallel world kind of book someone keeps appearing as different versions of herself. It was good but I felt like the story was missing something, I’m still not really sure what. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lantix Author - Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

This was a fun little story about magic! I’m not sure if I’m going to continue the series yet, as I felt like some of it was a bit difficult to get into. I really loved the family bonds and the story though, it was really wholesome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

5 Star Prediction - Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

It wasn’t quite five stars for me but I absolutely adored it. It was a tale of fighting oppression and the roots of power. I loved the characters and, although I knew the plot twists were coming, I didn’t enjoy them any less. I just wasn’t as invested in the romance as I hoped to be, I wanted there to be some more time focused on them. I still loved it and highly recommend it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sporty Sapphics - Cheer Up! Love and PomPoms by Crystal Frasier, with Val Wise and Oscar Jupiter

This was extremely cute, about a trans girl that falls in love with an odd girl. They are in the cheer group at their school, and although there was some transphobia, it wasn’t the main focus of the graphic novel and it ended up just being really wholesome and uplifting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trope You Don’t Typically Like/Read - Failure to Communicate by Kaia Sønderby

Despite my love of science fiction, I very rarely read or watch it due to a lot of misogyny and other kinds of -isms being riddled into the trope over the years. This wasn’t like that, though, just for the relateability alone to the autism rep, this was a delight. I gave it less stars though because I found it so hard to get into, but I think you should absolutely read it if you can. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spooky Sapphics - Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

This ended up being one of my favourite books of the year (if not, of all time). It’s about these evil mermaids that killed an entire ship load of scientists and the sister of one of the scientists goes out onto a second ship to learn more about them and what killed her sister. It was absolutely incredible and I already had a pretty thick fear of the ocean, this only solidified it. So, so good and really well researched as well. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Single Sapphics (No Romance Plot) - House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

Another book I absolutely loved. This was like a dark fairytale retelling and even though it was extremely obvious what the plot twists were going to be, it again did not hinder my enjoyment of the book overall. I loved the atmosphere and the characters and the writing style! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Quick Read (Novella, Graphic Novel, Short Story) - Princess Princess Ever After by K O’Neil

I think this is the same person who wrote the Tea Dragon trilogy that I loved so much, although I didn’t realise that until after I finished this! I enjoyed it although I wasn’t so keen on the art style but I think it was originally an online comic. I thought it was pretty cute and wholesome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dual or Multi POV - Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Another book by this author this month, this one was amazing! I think my favourite of the two. I love a fake dating romance and I also love enemies to lovers, this contained them both. The characters were lovable and it had some wholesome moments but it also had some hard topics like racism and homophobia. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

New or New to You Author - Before You Say I Do by Clare Lydon

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to. I’m not sure what about this I didn’t gel with. I liked the writing styles but I wasn’t very invested in their characters or the romance. I also think they made some bad decisions and didn’t really face any consequences for them. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Booktok Made You Buy It - One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

I’m not really a fan of Booktok so I just went with book media in general and a lot of people I follow really liked this. Turns out, so did I! It took a while for me to get into but, once I did, it quickly became one of my favourites of the year. There was so much I enjoyed about it. I also read her book, Red, White and Royal Blue, so I already knew I’d love her writing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2022 Release - Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

I wasn’t sure I would like this as I heard mixed reviews and, also, one of the love interests is a parent to a child which normally turns me off romance (although I do think it’s nice that queer people have access to that kind of romance book, I know there isn’t that many of them). It wasn’t a huge focus, though, so I kept my enjoyment and I really enjoyed the characters and there wasn’t too much angst and drama. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ice Queen Character or Romance - A Curse of Illusions by Vivian Sader

I ended up not finishing this but I still added it because I read quite a lot of it before I gave up on it. I’m not even sure if it fits the prompt but it was the closest I had as I’m not really sure what a ice queen character or romance is, and it sounds interesting so I need to find some fun books relating to it. ⭐️⭐️