#damecatoe

[wordmage-girl]

Book asks: 6, 8, 10, 12!

Sorry it took me solong to replyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

6.what books have you read in the last month?

In no particular order:

The Terracotta Bride: charming, heartbreaking scifi/fantasy novellathat takes place in the Chinese afterlife. Zen Cho’s eye for human nature is assharp as ever.

Adaptation & Inheritance: scifi duology with a sprinkling ofqueer girls thrown in. Not Malinda Lo’s best work and I’m not sure I like hertake on aliens, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Jackalope Wives and Other Stories: T. Kingfisher has such a defthand with myth and fairytale. This time she went with American folklore and it’samazing.

A Queen in the North: royalty romance in analternate Britain. One of few straight romance novels that I enjoyed, even ifimho it was overly invested in the sexual tension and not enough in the FEELINGS.

Starstruck: I couldn’t finish this. Low quality writing, unconvincingrelationships, a thin plot and the kind of dialogue I expect from a teen at theirfirst creative writing class. At least it was free so I didn’t waste my money…

The Princess Who Stoodon her Own Two Feet: cute, short little feminist fairytale.

(reread) Strange Practice: Vivian Shaw could write a sequel thatwas just the characters going about their day and I’d thank her. Dr. GretaHelsing treats the supernatural citizens of London and gets into loads oftrouble, armed with good friends, a cool head and endless determination. I loveher???

(currently reading) Stolen Enchantress: this book is pissing me offbecause it’s making all the usual YA mistakes but the writing is good. Thepotential is there! But it’s bad!

8.what is the first book you remember reading yourself?

I read Heidi between kindergarten and first grade. It was a favoritefor a long time, and occasionally I find myself daydreaming a modern au whereHeidi is Clara’s nurse, or maybe a volunteer, and they fall in love…

10. do you have a guilty fav?

I’m pretty sure we’reall giving the same answer to this: no! What’s a guilty fave when it comes tobooks? Maybe fanfiction.

12. did you enjoy any compulsory high school readings?

You know, I actually did?I enjoyed both Antigone and The Glass Menagerie. We did dramatic readings ofboth in class, and with Antigone my teacher actually brought cloth for togasand we stood in front of the class and half-acted it out. It was really fun,especially since I got to play Antigone and Laura. I was an excellent Laura, ifI do say so myself. But I didn’t enjoy any of the novels we read.

[ladysophiebeckett]

damecatoe replied to your post: “i watched that papyrus sketch 10 times and my sister thinks im crazy...”:

that sketch was gold

@damecatoe

its just... SO GOOD 

memorable lines such as: 

‘and so now you’re worried about the sequels that are coming out?’

‘they’re making more???’

‘they clearly modified it’

‘whatever they did--it WASN’T ENOUGH’ 

‘where else do you even see this font?’

‘hookah bars. shakira merch. off brand teas’

i cant get enough of it. 

[aspiringpolymath]

damecatoe replied to your post “My Decade in Books”

I love, Love, LOVE that you used the term foreshadowing in your book journey description

LOL, it does seem like I was getting little hints along the way that only made sense looking back. :D

[greenangelheart]

Happy Birthday @damecatoe

This year I am aiming for most WTF birthday greeting

[fleegan]

@damecatoe the student grade Liquitex acrylics are in your hexagon fandom.

[the-forest-library]

Mug Tag ☕

Rules: Share a picture of the last mug you used and tag five people. 

I was tagged by @lilymaidofgallifrey to do this so, so long ago. I’m going to break the rules and post one of my favorite mugs, not the last one I used. My drinking mugs are a somewhat boring, coordinated set that you get to see in Tomes and Tea frequently anyway. 

Tagging (no pressure, just fun!): @freckles-and-books, @underthetweed, @damecatoe, @youthbookreview, @kandidlyrandom, and anyone else that wants to do this!

[attillathemum]

About Meme!

Bless you, @omarandjohnny, for tagging me. I am going crazy stuck at home and I needed this.

favourite colour — Cobalt blue, or TARDIS blue, which admittedly are very close to one another.

3 favourite foods — I am a fool for watermelon and will eat it until I'm sick. I also love my Mom's potato soup, and her spaghetti sauce.

song stuck in my head — Thunderous by Stray Kids. 소리꾼!

last thing i googled — a vanilla glaze recipe for cherry turnovers

dream trip — Ireland, land of my fathers (or rather my father's father's fathers -- they've been in the U.S. a long time)

time — 3:30 p.m.

tea or coffee — Johnny, me too! Hot chocolate and only hot chocolate.

last show i watched — Light On Me. The love triangle like to have killed me -- I would love to see some polyamory. They would be the cutest threesome.

currently reading — on AO3: HIStory4 fics featuring Mu Ren and Licheng. Book: The Corn Maiden by Joyce Carol Oates.

currently watching — oh, this is embarrassing... Schitt's Creek, Lovers of the Red Sky, Love and Redemption, You Are My Hero, Tale of the Nine-Tailed, The Crowned Clown, Given, and Prison Playbook. So many shows!

last song i listened to — Red Lights by Stray Kids

last movie i watched — The Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity.

ult groups — Music is my life, so this is a hard one. I love so many songs that span decades. Ultimate? Kansas, Dream Theater, Queen, and Twenty One Pilots. As I'm a fairly new kpop fan (since 2018) I'm loving SHINee, Vixx, Ateez and Stray Kids.

cravings — yesterday it was McDonalds fries, today steamed dumplings from Royal Kitchen.

hobbies — reading, writing, cooking, walking the nature trails a few yards from my house

feeling — very out-of-sorts because I should start up the Xanax again but I'm being stubborn. My son is recovering from the plague and my anxiety is through the roof.

Tagging @damecatoe, @timotey, and @rambleondear. No pressure, just if you wanna.

[worldofmages]

where did you get the pfp?

(I am assuming you mean profile pic; if not, let me know, ha) 

My profile pic is the famous book spines by the talented @damecatoe! See this post here for more info. 

[thegracelane]

preferred tropes

tagged by @ticklefightharry 💛

Rules: Bold your preferred trope

slowburn or love at first sight // fake dating or secret dating // enemies to lovers or best friends to lovers // oh no there’s only one bed or long-distance correspondence // hurt/comfort or amnesia // fantasy au or modern au // mutual pining or domestic bliss // smut or fluff // canon-compliant or fix-it // reincarnation or character death // one-shot or multi chapters // kid fic or road trip fic // arranged marriage or accidental marriage // high school romances or middle aged romance  // time travel or isolated together // neighbours or roommates roommates to pining to lovers: my #1 favorite trope! // sci-fi au or magic au // body swap or genderbend // angst or crack  // apocalyptic or mundane (both is good!)

i’ll tag @bethanyactually, @damecatoe, @jenndoesnotcare, @loveyourskinnyties if you want to!

[bethanyactually]

Fanfic reader asks: 6, 9 & 10!

6: what’s your least favourite fanfic category?

Probably whump, hurt/comfort. Along those lines. 

9: what are your favourite ships to read fics for?

I realized as I read these questions that I’m kind of in a weird place to reblog a meme like this, because I’m actually not reading much fanfic right now, not compared to any time in the last six years. I’m always ready to read good fic for Jeff/Annie or Cormoran/Robin, but most of the fic-reading I do right now is tied to specific authors. Like, I don’t seek out Hinny fic, but if @annerbhp is writing one you better believe I’m gonna read it. I don’t feel a need for Rethaniel fic, but I’ll happily read it if @catty-words writes it. If @ponyregrets is writing...uh, basically anything, I will read anything she writes and enjoy it, but especially Bellarke. @actuallylorelaigilmore is my sole current source of Alvareider fic, bless her. If @greatestheights ever wrote more Josh/Donna fic it would be a happy day, but I’m happy to re-read her old fics if the need ever strikes. If @pepperf writes anything at all, I’m definitely gonna read it (and probably beta it). And so on.

10: have/would you read a reader-insert fic?

I was going to say I had never read such a thing, when I remembered that @jeffwik wrote me a hilarious self-insert fic for my birthday last year. :) So I guess I have, and I would---but again, this is probably tied more to specific authors than anything else.

Thanks, Laura! :)

want to send me some fanfic reader asks?

[mattygrovesfic]

Rules: Without naming them, post 10 gifs of your favorite tv shows, then tag 10 people.

thanks for the tag @damecatoe​!

i feel like a lot of people have already done this, but if you haven’t and want to, i tag you!

[ladysophiebeckett]

damecatoe replied to your post: “im sister had an office potluck tomorrow and im supposed to provide...”:

glasses or no glasses, we read tumblr speak: it made perfect sense. ha, I love the idea of taking something lowkey like "WHY did you bring this" to make a statement. My 10-year-old son learned to make Taco Dip a couple months ago, so now we've taken it to like three gatherings. But it is tasty. And vegetarian. AND gluten-free. Mashed potatoes are lovely but if she doesn't like her officemates, THEY DON'T DESERVE GOOD POTATOES.

lol she’s not even the one cooking, so she doesnt deserve good mashed taters either.

[aspiringpolymath]

Quarantine Bookshelf

While you’re at home, working or not, reading or not, let’s visit your bookshelf!  

I was tagged by @bethanyactually​, and I ALSO have two bookcases that I consider mine, so I’m following her example and will have two answers for each question. (The right side of the downstairs gray bookcases are Mark’s so I’m not including those.) Pics of both are included, as well.

1. If you go top-to-bottom, left-to-right, what is the very first book on the top shelf?

Downstairs bookshelf: Silence by Endo

Upstairs bookshelf: Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh

2. Did you buy it yourself, or was it a gift?

Downstairs bookshelf: gift from my Japanese friend

Upstairs bookshelf: bought it at a rummage sale

3. Now take the book that’s fifth-from-the-right on the second shelf. What book is it?

Downstairs bookshelf: Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Upstairs bookshelf: Eleventh Hour by Elin Gregory

(Two of my faves, coincidentally!)

4. What’s the first complete sentence on page 100 of that book?

Downstairs bookshelf: “Well, come on,” Alex says. “I’m already two whiskeys in. You’ve got some catching up to do.”

Upstairs bookshelf: Briers stepped out of the shadows, his hands clasped on the crown of his hat, narrowing his eyes against the light.

5. On the last shelf, choose a book that’s close to the middle, at random. Flip to page 50-51. What’s the first line of dialogue to catch your eye, and who says it?

Downstairs bookshelf: Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley - “You know, Mr. Mason, you certainly owe it to these youngsters of yours to put a few really good books in their hands.” Roger Mifflin

Upstairs bookshelf: “Apparently not. I think we both have bedrooms that connect to this loo. I guess we’re loomates.” Henry Young

6. Describe that character in three words:

Downstairs bookshelf: bookseller, adventurous, chivalrous

Upstairs bookshelf: reckless, charming, musical (cheated a bit, bc I haven’t read this yet)

7. Middle(ish) shelf: what’s your favourite book on that shelf?

Downstairs bookshelf: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Upstairs bookshelf: Think of England by KJ Charles

8. Back to the top! Who is a literary crush from one of the books on the top shelf? (Go down one shelf if you have to.)

Downstairs bookshelf: Barbara Pym

Upstairs bookshelf: Cat Sebastian

9. If you go top-to-bottom, left-to-right, what is the very last book on the bottom shelf?

Downstairs bookshelf: A Sentimental Journey by Laurence Sterne

Upstairs bookshelf: See San Francisco by Victoria Smith

10. Have you read this book? If yes, did you like it? If you haven’t read it, why not?

Downstairs bookshelf: No, haven’t read it yet. It’s an old one, and for some reason, I have to work up to the capital C Classics, and get distracted by new shininess.

Upstairs bookshelf: Yes, for the most part. It’s a photo book, and I’ve looked at all the pictures. :D

* * * * *

Downstairs bookshelves pics (yes that’s a sign with my name that my husband bought for my 40th birthday party and I just kept on top of the shelf):

Upstairs bookshelf pic (which has no real order, and is mostly filled with books I haven’t read yet):

Tagging with NO PRESSURE: @lilaviolet​ @redprairielily​ @otherlil​ @damecatoe​ @greenangelheart​ and anyone else who’d like to do it (tag me if you do!)

[greenangelheart]

I was tagged the other day by @carpe-libris, thanks very much!

LAST SONG: Haven't listened to any music yet today, so probably Encore by GOT7 when I checked out the MV yesterday. Jinyoung's sunglasses left the biggest impression 😂

LAST MOVIE: Toy Story 2. Currently doing the Toy Story series with friends over video-calls as very much still in full lockdown here

CURRENTLY READING: Nothing 🙈 But let me take this opportunity to reccomend the podcast 'You're Dead To Me' on BBC Sounds app if that is available to you. I have been flying through this historical series from one of the Horrible Histories writers

CURRENTLY PLAYING: I don't really play computer games - Microsoft Solitaire lol

CURRENTLY WATCHING: So first lockdown I really lost the binging TV shows mojo which I was so surprised about, but this lockdown it has been back with avengeance. What am I not watching?! But off the top of my head just started the new Netflix kdrama Vincenzo. Also started Mr Queen yesterday as I'd been seeing loads of talk about that on here. Have Parks & Recreation on a constant loop, but need to start the American Office as my bestie said she'll defriend me if I don't watch it 🤷‍♀️😂

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: My first ever embroidery!!! For my new baby niece who I can't see at the moment, but hope I will get cuddles with soon. If anybody is looking at this and think dear God what are those stitches, please send tips lol!!

I tag @burnslikeice @redprairielily @busstop @starkchesters @aspiringpolymath @anitavalija @damecatoe @lilaviolet @wonwonron

[fanbows]

Today’s Eleanor & Park news feels Kismet. I brought four new Tatty Devine pieces today including this cassette pendant (very similar to the one I gave you @damecatoe 😆). It’s s little mix tape! I need to look up if Park wrote anything on the strip and see if I can add it on.

[the-forest-library]

My Decade in Books

I was tagged by @aliteraryprincess. Thank you!

The rules: respond to the prompt “my decade in books” however you want, & then tag some ppl! I chose a book or series to define each year of the decade, some w/a little description. You can do that, or make up your own response.

2010: This was the year of The Hunger Games. I read all of the books in a rush. And, I was reading Catching Fire or Mockingjay when we were on vacation to Washington DC when we got engaged. :) I read my first Maggie Stiefvater book (Linger) and Little Women & Werewolves (all I really remember about it was Mr. March holding a prostheses/fashion show with werewolf Civil War veterans???). It was a big year in non-fiction, too, with Friday Night Lights and a couple of Michael Pollan’s books. 

2011: I read the delightful His Dark Materials prequels, Once Upon a Time in the North and Lyra’s Oxford, but this was a year of horrible reads. The worst of which was One Day. I detest this manipulative book, and I was in a complete funk for days after finishing it. I read it in the summer and went to a picnic the day after finishing it and just remember sitting on a picnic table absolutely fuming over it. 

2012: This was a much better reading year featuring two all-time favorites: A Discovery of Witches and Among Others. If you at all like science fiction or fantasy, please read Among Others. It is a love letter to those genres and will introduce you to other books you’ll want to read. I also read The Night Circus, Beautiful Creatures, and The Maze Runner this year. 

2013: I read the first three Earthsea books and the first two books in The Raven Cycle this year. If those had been the only books I read that year, I would be completely happy. I also read a whole bunch of popular YA (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Anna and the French Kiss, Divergent, The Fault in Our Stars, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares). I also read my first Rainbow Rowell book, Attachments. I don’t actually remember that being the first RR book I read, but apparently it was. This year was when I read A Light that Never Goes Out (a history of The Smiths that I absolutely adore).

2014: More Earthsea and more Rainbow Rowell. I read Eleanor & Park and Fangirl, where I was introduced to Simon Snow and Baz Pitch for the first time. This was a pretty great reading year, as well. I also read these other favorites: The Scorpio Races, I Capture the Castle, Rilla of Ingleside, Code Name Verity, and The Wind in the Willows. 

2015: Personally, this was a big year of upheaval, but a standout in reading. I started the year with A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver, which introduced me to my girl, Eleanor of Aquitaine. I came across it browsing in the used books section of Barnes & Noble, for which I am forever grateful. I read my first Tamora Pierce (Alanna) and Robin McKinley (The Hero & The Crown and The Blue Sword). Charlotte Sometimes, Station Eleven, and Lolita were important reads, and I also started The Dark is Rising series. And most important of all - Carry On was published in October. I had been eagerly awaiting this book since the Simon and Baz parts of Fangirl were my favorites. Carry On is also the fandom that brought me to tumblr. 

2016: Dove headfirst into more Robin McKinley (Rose Daughter, Spindle’s End, Sunshine) and also finished The Dark is Rising. So many of my reads this year were clearly influenced by tumblr: The Rest of Us Just Live Here, Everything Everything, The Book Thief, Illuminae, Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Six of Crows, Salt to the Sea, The Song of Achilles, The Secret History, and Solitaire. The reading experience I remember the most was reading The Raven King (Steifvater) at the hospital while my fiancé was having surgery. I also got to see Maggie Steifvater speak for the first time. 

2017: This year was defined by The Books of Pellinor (eternally indebted to @all-these-paperback-dreams for introducing me to this series), more Robin McKinley (Beauty and Chalice, which ignited my love for bees), and My Lady Jane. My Lady Jane made me want to read more about horses, which led me to another all-time favorite, Black Beauty, which led me to going to a horse farm. Other favorites: The Secret Horses of Briar Hill, If We Were Villains, An Unnecessary Woman, All the Light We Cannot See, The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, and Fire & Hemlock (my first Diana Wynne Jones). Happened upon an Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity) event while on vacation. 

2018: I started listening to a lot of audiobooks this year (mostly non-fiction) - When Breath Becomes Air, The Bright Hour, The Happiness Project, and Better Than Before are standouts. More McKinley (Deerskin and Outlaws of Sherwood). The Blue Castle (thank you @lilymaidofgallifrey). I read Hattie Big Sky, which stoked a fire in me for pioneer stories. In Other Lands (thank you @bookcub). I read 29 Gifts, which inspired me to do my own 29 Gifts projects for the last two years, and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, which was probably the most-impactful book I read of the year. I finished the year with the first three Poison Study books. 

2019: I listened to Just Kids and M Train by Patti Smith at the beginning of the year, which set the bar really, really high. My reading year was a little weird because the two main themes were Little House on the Prairie and Royalty Romance. I never read the Little House books when I was younger (I tried once but it didn’t click); however, reading Hattie Big Sky in 2018 really inspired me to try the series again. I read the whole series, finished two non-fiction books about it, and started a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder at the end of the year. My deep dive into Royalty Romances started with Red, White & Royal Blue (sandwiched between two Little House books, LOL, and during a crazy time when I was packing to move), which really was the best of them. I also read Prince Charming, American Royals, The Royal We, Her Royal Highness, and Bringing Down the Duke. I read 97 books in 2019 (my most ever).

Tagging (no pressure, just fun!): @all-these-paperback-dreams, @lilymaidofgallifrey, @bookcub, @bvkspine, @thefandomtreatment, @therealprincesszeanah, @damecatoe, @brightbeautifulthings, @the-haunted-pencil, and anyone else that would like to do it (please tag me if you do this).