#reviewing Georgia's writing through time

[redgoldsparks]

July reading and reviews by Maia Kobabe

I post my reviews throughout the month on Storygraph and Goodreads, and do roundups here and on patreon. Reviews below the cut.

Practical Anarchism: A Guide For Daily Life by Shuli Branson 

I picked this up after listening to the author's excellent interview on Gender Reveal. I'd never read an explanation of anarchy before and found this one accessible, intersectional, and rich with references to follow up on. Branson's basic argument is for recognizing that the state exists only to perpetuate its own power, and aids citizens only incidentally and when doing so doesn't conflict with maintaining control. In light of this, citizens should seek to gain as much freedom in daily life as they can by supporting community and mutual aid, by refusing hustle culture and separating self-worth from productivity, by spending as much time as they can on things that bring pleasure, joy, peace, and stealing from corporate workplaces among other things. Many sections of this book I found myself simply agreeing with, while other chapters (especially the sections on Work and Art) really challenged a lot of my internalized beliefs. I'm very glad I read this and imagine I will return to it in the future, especially when I'm able to read more on this topic.

How I Attended An All-Guy’s Mixer vols 1-6 by Nana Aokawa (fan translated) 

College students Tokiwa, Asagi, and Hagi are invited to a mixer with some college girls, but when they arrive they are greeted by three handsome boys at their reserved table. It turns out the girls they planned to meet at all work at a cross-dressing bar! Suo is a devastatingly charming and confident prince; Kohaku has a prickly exterior but a soft, shy interior; and Fuji draws smutty fan comics in her free time and is constantly on the lookout for new models. This goofy premise turns into a very sweet and funny slice of life comic as three couples with very different dynamics begin to develop. Sadly, I cannot find these books available in English so I am reading them at a sketchy online site, lol. I hope they get translated at some point because I've been completely sucked in and read four volumes in like 24 hours :3

Barda by Ngozi Ukazu

Barda is the captain of a soldier unit from a torture/hell world called Apokolips. Her backstory includes being kidnapped as a child and tortured into serving as the perfect weapon in a very black and white interplanetary war. Her torturer is an old woman named Granny Goodness. They work for a classic evil emperor named Darkseid, who has the son of his major enemy locked in his dungeons. At the beginning of the book, Barda is told to investigate how this guy, named Scott Free, keeps managing to almost escape. This is challenging material to make something out of. It feels so ridiculous, so campy, so over the top, I had a hard time taking the premise seriously- especially as this torture world has to obey PG-13 movie rules about not showing any blood or actual human mutilation. All that being said, I think Ukazu wrote about the best modern take as you possible could with these characters. The writing is quippy, smart, empathetic; I enjoyed the page layouts, color palette choices, and the emotional arc she takes Big Barda on through the book, even though I wanted it to go a little farther at the end.

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds

Avery is a queer biracial teen, uprooted from her DC home just before senior year of high school by a family emergency which relocates her and her parents to Bardell, Georgia. Avery's grandmother, Mama Letty, has cancer and the prognosis isn't good. Avery is also fresh from a breakup with her first ever girlfriend. Her early years of high school were ruined by Covid, and she doesn't want to waste her last year as well in a back-woods town. But despite herself, Avery is drawn towards the people of Bardell and the ways she learns their histories tangle with her own. There's Carol, the woman next door, who was Avery's mom's best friend in high school but who know barely speaks to her. There's Carol's daughter, Simone, whose colorful locs catch Avery's eyes immediately. There's Jade, Simone's best friend at school whose family is linked to more than one tragedy in the town's history. And there's Mama Letty herself, who Avery wants to get to know, but time is running out. I read this book in just under a week while on vacation and really enjoyed it! It felt refreshingly grounded and real after some of the YA I've tried and DNFed recently.

Yotsuba vol 10 by Kiyohiko Azuma

Utterly charmed by the entire chapter that's just Yotsuba learning how to cook pancakes. What a good reminder that fine motor control is a learned skill! I also liked how Yotsuba's dad handled a lie about some broken dishes. This is such a great series.

Sunhead by Alex Assan 

In Tel Aviv, teenage Rotem spends her free time hanging out with friends and obsessively re-reading her favorite book, Sunrise, a vampire romance. She doesn't know anyone else into the series and has to wait for the next book to come out in Hebrew. But she does meet another reader, Ayala, who sits out of gym class every single week, sometimes with a Jane Austin novel. Rotem lends Ayala the vampire book and suddenly she has a fandom friend. This book very delicately, and at times wordlessly, explores the way a fictional story can act as a lens for teen questioning of gender and sexuality. The book feels almost memoir like with its groundedness in very real teen emotions and relative lack of external conflict. It's a simple story but beautifully illustrated and relatable.

Witch Hat Atelier vol 12 by Kamome Shirahama

This is an action packed volume that sticks more closely to Coco, which is what I want out of the series. I'm still frustrated by the overload of new characters who I'm struggling to keep tract of. But the art is so stunning I'll probably keep reading.

Otonari Complex vol 1 by Saku Nonomura (fan translated)

Akira is a tall tomboy who befriended a shorter, prettier boy named Makoto in elementary school. In college, they are still inseparable, and many people mistake them for a straight couple- though usually they think Akira is the boy and Makoto the girl. Makoto only adds to this confusion by frequently cross-dressing. I enjoyed the friendship and gender mix-ups, but I don't love how every single secondary character either wants to date one of the two leads, or whats to separate the two leads because their close friendship might prevent them from dating in the future. Get out of their business, randos! They are clearly on a very slow friends to lovers arc, leave them alone to figure out their shit.

Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen read by Vikras Adam 

At the start of this book, in 1959, Andy Mills is at rock bottom. The former San Francisco cop was fired after being discovered in flagrante with another man at a gay bar. He is seriously considering suicide because he can't see any other options. Then a well dressed older woman, Pearl, sweeps into his life and asks him to solve a weeks old murder that occurred on her private Marin estate. Pearl is a lesbian and widow; her wife was the owner of a well known floral soap company and she died under mysterious circumstances. Pearl was unable to call in the police at the time because nearly everyone who lives on the soap flower farm estate is queer. A small group of biological and found family has made a safe, gated community for themselves- safe, that is, until one woman fell to her death from a second floor balcony. Andy isn't too hopeful about solving a case with little to no evidence, but he gives it a try, and he is blown away by seeing multiple queer couples living opening together in the same household. This was a solid story, though it didn't have that magic spark that sometimes captures me in murder mysteries. I was all ready to say I probably wouldn't continue the series, and then a 15 minute sample of the second book played after the end of the first in the audiobook. The second one already sounds MUCH more fascinating than the first, in part because Andy starts the sequel in touch with an intriguing queer community and setting up a new PI business. So I might try the next book after all!

Mabel McKay: Weaving the Dream by Greg Sarris 

A wonderful, lively memoir of Pomo basket weaver and medicine woman Mabel McKay, as written by Greg Sarris, who knew her for most of his life until she passed in the early 1990s. Sarris is currently the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria based in Sonoma County which serves the local Pomo and Miwok populations. Sarris is very much also a character in this story, which lays out many conversations had on long car rides up and down the California coast, while Sarris drove McKay to give talks at universities and museums or to visit her relatives. The story is non chronological but still immersive, telling of McKay's childhood, her early years doctoring and making baskets, and her life-changing friendship with Essie Parrish, another basket weaver and important figure in Sonoma county. I'd highly recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in West Coast history, and very especially if you grew up in California.

[jimjamkagaricci]

((not a “review,” just some quick thoughts on loveless by alice oseman))

FINALLY!! finally finished reading loveless (it only took a couple years!) and all i can really say is i absolutely loved it. georgia warr, rooney bach, pip quintana, jason farley-shaw, sunil jha…i am holding each and every one of you so gently in my hands 😭

i was obsessed with the complexities of the friendships georgia had and formed throughout this story, as well as the hardships that come with figuring out your sexuality.

i’ve said it in plenty of posts before, but i’ll say it again: this story definitely hit closer to home for me than other osemanverse books have, which is why i’ve put off reading it for so long. but i’m so, SO glad i finally sat down and read it.

i really love georgia as a whole. her fanfic obsession, anxieties, interests, all of it! she’s such an interesting character and i can only hope alice will write more stories or even just drawings involving her and her journey of being aroace. it’s something that, outside of isaac from heartstopper, is so important to me. having a character so clearly talk about their journey being aroace has been so meaningful to me.

i think my only qualm with it thus far is the pacing felt a little odd at times and pip and rooney’s relationship (IN MY OPINION!!) felt a tad bit rushed. BUT this is all from georgia’s pov, so i can’t be too mad at it and obviously understand it from that perspective.

i have the same issue with how rooney’s mental health and struggles weren’t really talked about at length, but again, this is more of georgia’s story, so i’ll let it slide.

overall, i loved this book. i can get why some people don’t like it (i’ve seen a lot of people say that, for a book being about asexuality and aromanticism, there’s a LOT of romance, and i get it!), but i personally found it to be so refeshing to read about a character strugging through coming to terms with asexuality and aromanticism and the complexities and sometimes mourning that comes with it. leaving the ending not wrapped up nicely with a bow was so, so nice to me and i’ve always loved that about alice’s books; they always feel so human at the end of everything.

will definitely re-read it sometime!

[virtualitythegamer]

The Murder of Santasia by georgia sanders: A Look Into The Horrors of Hollywood (a story review)

I just recently finished TMOS yesterday when I wrote this and dear lord the story has me on a chokehold. Like, this was definitely worth the read! But first off, let me write up an honest, no-filter review about it because I need to get it out of my system lmao so let's get to it! (This is my first time writing a serious review so bear with me haha)

THE PLOT

In this story, we play as Caroline Reid who gets scouted by the infamous Hugo Lloyd (a well known celebrity in Hollywood who owns the Lloyd Studios) primarily to act as a replacement for the world famous Hollywood actress Santasia Evergreen who was mysteriously murdered in her own home, specifically so that Lloyd Studios can finish wrapping up a movie that Santasia was supposed to star in. The catch here is that Caroline was specifically picked because she "looks like" Santasia; she's a "spitting image" of her. And so she gets hired into the studio, gets proper acting training, and gets transformed into a first year up-and-coming actress under the name of Celine Reyes.

The bad thing however is that the longer Caroline/Celine sticks around in Hollywood, the more she finds out the film industry isn't all that glamorous and the more she learns that there's more to Santasia's death than it seems...

THE LOVE INTERESTS

The story introduces two love interests to choose which will influence the story branch you'll play through and the ending you'll get.

First is Nicholas Lloyd. He's one of the beloved famous actors in Hollywood and he's the son of Hugo Lloyd. Not only that, he was Santasia's boyfriend back then and he was very close to her back then. Considering what happened with Santasia, Nick starts off as the typical grumpy distant guy who sometimes comes off as rude and cold especially to MC (although it's kinda understandable considering she looks like her dead girlfriend) but is later revealed to be more of a sweet guy who cares about his loved ones the more you learn about him in the story. I loved their friendship in the story so much and how they help each other with the conflict in the story regarding the mystery of Santasia's death. Plus, grumpy characters tend to be amazing when they're well written!

And the second LI is Donovan Crawford, a popular singer who is known as "America's male sweetheart". In a way, he is kinda like Justin Bieber but in the 1900s: very beloved by the female population. If Nick is the black cat, then Donovan is considered as the golden retriever. A sweet, caring gentleman who is a literal ray of sunshine. I really love how he's always there to support the MC every single time and how he radiates so much green flag energy that you can always trust that this guy can't do anything bad. He's basically the dream guy, if you ask me. (I love both Donovan and Nick, don't come at me please)

WORTH THE READ?

I can positively say that yes it is worth the read!

The story was beautifully written. The mystery of Santasia's death was handled so well and the love interests are so amazing that it was hard to choose. Even certain side characters like Lauren for example get good development as well. Not to mention how god-tier the advanced directing which made scenes like the dance scene during the date with Donovan feel so cinematic. That specific scene was even animated! It was clear that the story was handled with so much care, and kudos to the author for all the hard work considering how coding is very hard in writing Episode stories.

TO SUMMARIZE

PROS:

Best advanced directing. It makes most of the scenes feel so cinematic.

Well-written love interests

Well-written main character

An entertaining murder mystery thriller that will get you hooked til the end.

CONS:

Limited customization on MC and LIs. This is due to the story using advanced overlays which are necessary to properly experience the advanced cinematic-like directing. This is also because the story heavily emphasizes how MC is supposed to be a spitting image of Santasia so drastic changes can't be made.

Gem choices. Although they're not exactly much of a con because they don't affect anything at all. They're there because this story was written as a contest entry, and contest entries were required to include gem choices in order to qualify. Treat them as a way to support the author, by the way!

Overall, I recommend this story to people who:

Love the mystery, suspense, and thriller genres

Is interested in stories that take place in Hollywood

Love a strong female lead

And, love murder mysteries

TLDR: this story is an amazing read, writing and directing wise!

[raccoon-eyed-rebel]

Part 24 - Sy

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Part 23 -- Part 25

Pairing: Sy x trans!ofc (Alicia)

Summary: The guys throw a New Years Eve party at 179th Crescent Street...

Warnings: SMUT, NSFW, 18+, MINORS DNI, oral (m and f receiving), anal fingering (m receiving), an interesting case (if I do say so myself) of phone-moaning (look it up if you have to). Brief mention of transphobic parents and mention of (child) abuse.

ETA: PLEASE, if I missed any tags/warnings, let me know. (Always let me know, but let me know for this one in particular. It's way more likely I accidentally missed something that can be triggering for someone here.)

Word count: 3.6k

A/N: I'm on the verge of having a panic attack over posting this. Not because I think it's bad - I personally love this chapter - but because Sy is such a crowd favorite and I'm a little nervous about how this will be received. Also: Liz is the first trans character I've written at this point. So much research went into this, which is part of why I struggled with writing this so much. We're still horny on main, though, as always.

It's obviously a first for Sy, too, and he says some stupid shit - he also really likes this girl, which doesn't help with foot-in-mouth-disease, obviously. Bear with him, please.

@deandoesthingstome @geralts-yenn @summersong69 @peaches1958 @fvckinghenrycavill @keanureevesisbae @livisss @sillyrabbit81 @ellethespaceunicorn @ylva-syverson @poledancingdinos

Charles punched a guy. We’d all love to get through a night out - or in, apparently - without something like that happening, but it doesn’t seem to be in the cards for us. That said, I think he was right to do it, and if I’d been within arms reach of the guy, he’d have had me to deal with, too. Harassing Dani was wrong, but to do it right in front of our eyes… That’s just plain stupid. When everyone’s back to their business, I turn back to Alicia and watch her as she takes a sip of her beer. 

“What?” she asks. 

“Nothing,” I say. I huff quietly when I hear myself speak. Little too much emphasis on that ‘g’ at the end. I’m hiding my accent. I like this girl. 

I first noticed it when I talked to Mike after the chaotic house meeting from a few days ago. I say ‘chaotic’, but it wasn’t exactly out of the ordinary for us. It’s not our fault! Who puts eight guys our age in a house and calls it a day? Anyway, he told me one of Dani’s roommates wanted to find out if Dani had been lying about my… Let’s go with ‘skills’. Apparently, the review was pretty good. Now, I’ve seen Sloane. She’s on the hockey team, and I normally wouldn’t dream of passing up an opportunity like that, but I just… Couldn’t care less, to be honest. And then Liz texted me and Mike caught me grinning at my phone like an idiot. Which he pointed out while also grinning like an idiot. And now here we are. 

“Say that again,” she teases. Fuck, I’m busted. How about I don’t answer her, and just shake my head instead? Will that work? “I like the way you talk, Sy.” 

There’s a hint of a drawl to her voice. It’s definitely subtle, but it’s there. At first I wonder if she’s messing with me, but when she asks where I’m from, I have my answer. She’s not mocking me, she’s from Georgia. Which my stepfather would say is even worse, but I stopped listening to him right around the time I turned six. The longer we talk, the clearer her accent becomes. Makes me wonder when she lost it. And why. Takes me a while longer than I care to admit to ask her that… 

“My aunt from New York took me in when I was twelve,” she answers. “Parents kicked me out for… You know… What about you? What made you move away?” It doesn’t bother me that she doesn’t finish her sentence, because I have a perfectly good idea of what she would have said if she had. I feel like everybody would have known. When Mikey found out Liz and I were texting, he asked me if I knew. I told him I did. Then he asked me if I cared, and I told him I didn’t. I meant what I said. 

“The short version is that I tried to hit ma’s scumbag boyfriend back, hit ma instead. Can’t come home unless I apologize to him. Which I ain’t gonna do.”

“Ouch, you win. More beer?” She’s on her way to the kitchen before I can even answer. 

Now that I’ve got nothing else to do, I look around the room. Charles has disappeared - probably with Sloane - and Leon is still chatting up Ariel, Dani’s other roommate. They seem to know each other, which means she might be the same Ariel he always competes with to be first in his class. Marshall is up to something that involves Vivienne Chase. I know the type. We all do. I know Marshall has referred to her as a ‘puck bunny’ before. He seemed pretty annoyed by her at the time. Guess that’s over now. I don’t know what’s been bugging him, but it can’t be good. I reckon there’s an eighty percent chance that this ain’t the way to solve it, either, but it’s none of my business, and I’m gonna treat it that way. 

Alicia and I play a few more rounds of horrible childhood bingo, until people around us start counting down. It’s a countdown to a first kiss I’m shockingly nervous about. Luckily, she’s braver than I am, putting her bottle down while reaching for mine. Then, when that’s put to the side as well, pulling me closer to her by hooking her fingers into the pockets of my jeans. I expected to not have to lower my head: she’s nearly six feet tall. What I didn’t expect was that I’d be looking up slightly. She’s wearing heels, too, fucking hell. It takes everything I’ve got to keep with a certain level of decency. Yes, practically everyone in this room is doing the same thing I am, but that don’t mean… Alright, she doesn't seem to care about propriety half as much as I do. 

“I’ve got a perfectly nice room upstairs, with a lot less prying eyes.” Why am I not surprised she’s coming with me?

Goddamn, this girl can kiss. I’m already dizzy, and something just tells me I ain’t seen nothing yet. The way she’s clawing at my back makes me think she likes it rough. I don’t mind it one bit: I ain’t exactly built to be gentle. She moans loudly when I pin her against the door. Her dress was already creeping up her thighs when I walked her upstairs, but is now only inches away from exposing that gorgeous ass completely - I didn’t let her go first on the stairs for no goddamn reason, and now that we’re in private, whatever fabric stands between me and that ass is frustrating me to no end. 

“Hm, eager,” she chuckles as my hands push her dress up further. I groan as she makes a point of grinding her hips against mine. 

“Well, you’re a hot piece of ass, so…” She laughs when I pull her away from the door, towards my bed. 

That dress comes off easily, but not before she pulls my shirt over my head. That look in her eyes as they glide over my chest, the way she takes her bottom lip in between her teeth… This chick is driving me fucking nuts. I enjoy the way she looks at me for a while too long, apparently, because she reaches behind her back to undo her bra and tosses it aside. Now it’s my turn to stare and her turn to revel in the attention. ‘Great tits.’ That’s it. That’s the only thought I have. Anything else, my brain just refuses to process - like the ringing of her phone, which I hear faintly in the background somewhere. The only reason I know I’m not making it up, is because I watch her pull it out of the purse she dropped next to my bed, and hang up on whoever is on the other end. Other than that faint notion, that rack is really my whole world right now. Fucking magnetic. I mean it. It’s as if gravity in this room has somehow shifted, and everything is now pulled towards her chest. Alright, maybe not everything, but God knows I am, for sure. 

The few quick kisses on her neck are out of a kind of twisted courtesy - pure pretense, to separate myself from a fucking caveman by a hair or two. As much as I hate to admit it, all I really want right now is to get more closely acquainted with these boobs. They’re far from the biggest I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t say they’re the nicest, either - although they’re definitely up there. But, damn, I’d be lying if I said there had ever been a pair I’d been more curious about. I have a strong feeling she won’t appreciate it if I say something about that, but unfortunately there just ain’t enough blood going to my brain right now for me to think straight…

“Can’t believe these are fake.” Once I realize what I’ve said, I look up at her like a deer in headlights. 

“No worries, you’re good,” Alicia laughs when she sees my face. “I mean… They are fake.”

“How ‘bout I just try ‘n’ keep quiet from now on?” It’s gonna be tough, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I accidentally say something really stupid and ruin this.

“Oh no. They say you’ve got a dirty mouth. I wanna hear it.” That’s all good ‘n' well, but I’m gonna keep my mouth otherwise occupied for the time being. I sincerely hope she won’t mind.

My nerves about saying something stupid end up on the back burner when her phone rings again. I fucking hope it's a protective friend or something.

"Jesus, who keeps callin' ya?" This is the third time in ten minutes. I gave it a pass the first two, but now… Why doesn’t she turn the damn thing off?

"My ex," she groans. Not what a man wants to hear, honestly. The phone stops buzzing for a minute, and then it picks up right where it left off with call number four. The good news is that she seems as annoyed as I am. The bad news is that continuous phone calls from the ex of the girl you're trying to nail are a really effective boner killer. Liz sighs and hangs up again, while I give up on trying to ignore this issue. 

"Bad breakup?" I ask lightly, barely taking my lips off her skin. I'm fixing to get as much quality time with these tits as I possibly can, ex be damned. 

"The worst," she groans. "She cheated." There's two words in that sentence, and I have no clue which one confuses me more. 

"Cheated? On you? Now that's just stupid." She laughs in reply - a sound that turns into a moan when I bite down on her nipple. 

I’m a little disappointed when one of her hands reaches for my chin and pulls me back up. I was having a great time! Must’ve looked sad, too, because she laughs and looks at me with feigned pity in her eyes before kissing me. I wonder if that’s the only great way she has to cheer me up… My hands continue their exploration. It’s almost impossible to move on from her boobs, but I eventually make it further down, and my hand finds its way between her legs. Hm. 

"Sy," Liz has clearly picked up on my… surprise? Is that the right word? It's a good thing there’s a hint of a chuckle to her voice, because I'm just confused at this point. 

"Yeah?"

"This vagina was brought to you by the wonders of modern medicine. Doesn't get as wet as you’re probably used to." That actually explains a lot - and nowhere near enough. It sounds like lube would fix most of that problem, and I have some, so we’re good there. Thing is: it tastes horrible. Luckily, Liz manages to solve my dilemma before my indecisiveness really gets to me. 

“I’ve heard too many good things about that allegedly incredible head game of yours,” she says coyly. I chuckle as a grin spreads on my face. Knowing her expectations are high should probably make me more nervous than I already am, but it doesn’t. I know what the girls I’ve been with say about me, and I take pride in that particular skill. Does that make me a cocky jerk sometimes? Absolutely. They don’t seem to care when they’re screaming my name, so why should I?

I kiss my way down Alicia’s body. Slowly. I may be impatient but I enjoy teasing ‘em a little too much to skip that part… She clearly disagrees, trying everything in her power to push me down faster. It’s cute, and it makes me laugh. 

“Ain’t gonna work, sugar,” I say in between kisses pressed to her stomach. “The more you try, the longer I’m gonna drag this out. Be good for me, okay?” She agrees - reluctantly - meaning I can continue my journey south. 

Not being able to use my hands is going to be a challenge. One I’ll gladly accept, that’s for sure, but a challenge nonetheless. It takes me a minute to find something she likes. Thank God she’s not shy! Actually, she’s pretty loud, which is fantastic. I love a woman who just offers up the intel on what she likes unprompted. Makes me look like I know what I’m doing, because… well… I’ll know what I’m doing. She’s all moans and whimpers and ‘right there’-s and breaths hitching as my fingertips dig into her hips. Her hand is on the back of my head, pulling me closer to her… I can’t wipe this smug grin off my face - she’s gonna cum in no time.

Fuck! That goddamn phone again! I stop what I’m doing, raise myself up on my elbows and look at Liz. 

“Pick up the phone,” I growl. I’m done with this bullshit. 

“What?” Liz asks me, slightly dazed. I understand her confusion, but I’m seriously over this. 

“Pick up the goddamn phone,” I repeat. My grin widens as I watch Alicia accept the call and put the phone to her ear. 

“Kelly. Hi," she says. She’s clearly not happy to even speak to her. Doesn’t matter. I’m gonna try my best to make this the best phone call they ever had. I can’t help but chuckle as my mouth finds its way back to where it was a minute ago, and goes right back to doing exactly what it was doing before we were so rudely interrupted. When I look up, Alicia stares back at me, eyes wide with shock, begging me… to keep going. 

“Eh, no. I - ah - I’m not home.” She’s trying hard to keep her voice steady, I’m trying hard to break her. Neither of us have it easy right now. And ultimately we’re both still playing for the same side. 

“Why do you even give a - fuck!” Honestly? Nice timing. Kelly’s voice - which I can barely make out from where I am - starts to sound more agitated. Apparently, the answer to that question is a long one, because Kelly keeps talking for a while. That gives me just the right amount of time to really drive Liz nuts. 

“It’s literally - hng - none of your business - hmm - what I’m doing,” Liz suddenly snaps. “Or who I’m doing.” I almost choke on my own spit when she adds that last bit. 

“Because we broke up, remember? Jesus.” There’s no way she can last long now. 

“Kelly, seriously, stop bothering m-oh my god, Sy!” It’s a good thing she can’t see my face, because I’m grinning like crazy.  

“That was fun,” I tease when I lie down next to her again. “Turn that thing off.”

“I doubt she’ll be calling back,” Alicia says, but she turns her phone off anyway before turning to me. “You really are as good as they say.” 

It’s a reputation I never asked for, but I can’t say I mind having it. And I certainly don’t mind honing my craft, so to speak. Besides… most girls are willing to trade good head for good head - in my personal experience, at least. I can't complain about that. 

Her fingers leave goosebumps on my skin wherever they move - and they move absolutely everywhere but the place I actually want them in, while she kisses me fiercely. It’s far too easy to lose myself in her touch, especially when she finally does go where I need her most. 

I’m prepared for the soft gasp I hear when she wraps her fingers around my cock - anything else there is to notice gets lost in the sensation of her lips all over my chest and abs as she makes her way down. Her tongue feels amazing as she slowly swirls it around the tip of my cock before taking me all the way down with no issues. 

I'm staring. I know I am, and I don't give a damn. It's been a while since I've been this impressed with a girl's skills. Fuck me, she's good. Her eyes are on me the whole time she's down there, slobbering all over my dick - pardon my French - and I'm in absolute heaven. Until… 

"Whoa!" Those fingers are headed directly where no man - or woman, for that matter - has gone before. Not on me, at least. 

"What's the problem, Sy?"

I curse softly under my breath and pray Geralt isn't listening in. "I'd say somethin' along the lines of me not bein' used to a girl tryin'a stick a finger up my ass," I mumble. Judging from the grin on her face, she heard perfectly. She slowly climbs up until she's lying next to me again. 

"I strongly recommend that you give it a try," she says in a sultry tone, with eyes that put 98 percent of pornstars to shame. 

"Normally I'd ask ya why I should trust a girl on this," I sigh, "but I reckon you would know…" 

"First-hand experience," she replies. I don't know what it is, but something about this is intriguing. 

"Is it good?" I ask carefully. I'm not saying I will… just that… I might.

"Like you wouldn't believe," she purrs in my ear. That's it, I'm blaming her. It's her. She is impossible to resist. 

"Alright, I'll bite," I say, and I can't believe my own ears. "I'll try it." She's made me fucking curious. Dammit. Oh well. If I don't like it, I don't ever gotta do it again, right?

"Told ya," she grins. I'm still dizzy. That was hands down the best fucking orgasm of my entire life. Fucking hell. And there she is: smug smirk firm on her face, and soft lips torturing my earlobe.

"Gimme a break, sugar," I moan softly as I gently pull her head away from my face by her hair. She seems to like that. 

"That good, huh?" Yeah, yeah, missy, you're awfully proud of yourself. Well… she's not wrong. It really was that good. 

"Yeah," I sigh. "But why not go for the… more traditional…" What I want to know is why she didn't…

"You want to know why I didn't let you stick me." That would be one way of putting it, yes. 

She takes a deep breath and looks at me.

“Cards on the table, Sy: There’s no way you’re gonna fit,” she says. Are my eyes deceiving me or does she look embarrassed by that? 

“Alright, that explains that,” I say, pulling her into a hug. 

“You’re not disappointed?” she asks, her voice as full of disbelief as the expression on her face. I shrug. Of course not! Why would I be? 

“Nah.” It’s the truth, however hard that may be for her to believe. It’s not even the first time this has happened. You never know what the reaction is going to be when girls first find out what you’re blessed with. At this point, I’ve seen everything from nerves to sheer terror to excitement - sometimes on the same face, within the same minute. This ain’t nothing new to me. But it bothers her. And it bothers me that it bothers her. 

“Hey,” I say as I put a finger under her chin and make her look at me, “I’m okay with it if we don’t have sex.” That’s not what I should have said, but I hope she doesn’t jump on it…

“We are having sex,” she says, one eyebrow raised. Fuck. 

“Yeah… I know that. Sherlock pointed that out a few days ago, I’m just… I’m still… adjusting my vocabulary.” The grin on her face spreads slowly while I scramble for words, and I glare at her. 

“I’m sorry, Sy, I shouldn’t be teasing you like this,” she laughs. 

“No,” I reply, “you shouldn’t. You’ll have to make it up to me.”

“Well, there’s always anal,” she says. There’s no way she doesn’t actually hear the record-scratch in my brain. That whole thing came out a little too point-blank for her to be joking. I think. At the same time, I’m not even sure she said what I think she said. I have to have made that up, right? There’s no way… 

“What?” I blurt out. And lo and behold: She repeats herself. There it is again. ‘There’s always anal.’ She really said that. Alright.

“Hold on… Your pussy can’t handle me, but your ass can?” I don’t mean to sound as surprised - or crude - as I do, but I can’t help it. This is very… counterintuitive to me. To say the least. 

“The downside of designer pussy is that it doesn’t really… stretch easily,” she says softly. I can’t stop myself from letting out a chuckle when she says ‘designer pussy’ - two words I’d probably never expected to hear that close to one another. 

“Hey, I’m not opposed to the idea,” I say. It would be another first for me. Definitely something I wouldn’t mind crossing off the list. But not tonight. Not after that blowjob - that's what we're gonna call it for now, I'm still getting comfortable with that other thing that happened. Not after that orgasm. Not after all those beers. She seems to understand perfectly.

"Do you want me to leave?" she asks. I look at her, completely confused.

"Literally not even one bit, darlin'. You're stayin' right here." 

[bibliophileiz]

2023 in Books, Part 2

(posting a day late, oops)

This was a pretty great literary year for me. Even the books at the end of this list I enjoyed reading. I left out an anthology I read for class (Peach Pit is ... interesting) and a book of poetry written by someone I know, just because I don't know anything about poetry and don't want my personal feelings about the poet (she's great) to muddle it even further. I also already posted a separate list ranking the six children's/YA books I read. That still leaves thirty-one books to rank, though.

As usual, this is based entirely on personal preference/enjoyment and not necessarily on quality of writing or story. I reserve the right to change my mind about this ranking as soon as I post it because I am fickle like that. (Although I don't think I'm going to change my mind about my number 1 choice.) Here ya go.

31. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling Dates Read: Dec. 12-13 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: A witch accidentally curses her ex-boyfriend, and by extension her small magical Georgia town. She and her ex have to lift the curse without falling in love (which of course they do anyway). One-sentence review: (directly from my GR review) Cute and witchy, just the thing to get you through finals week.

30. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld Dates Read: April 28-May 7 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: A musician and comedy writer seem to hit it off when the musician guest stars on the comedy writer’s late-night show, only for the writer to blow it by assuming the musician is a shallow womanizer. A few years later, they rekindle their connection during pandemic lockdowns. One-sentence review: I liked the characters, but as usual Sittenfeld is more interested in commenting on whatever she saw on Twitter while she was writing this then she was on, like, writing a dramatic plot.

29. The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray Dates Read: Aug. 19-27 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: All of Jane Austen’s beloved couples (except the Tilneys), plus the Darcys’ son and the Tilneys’ daughter, attend a house party at the Knightleys’ where Mr. Wickham turns up and is immediately murdered. One-sentence review: This is what P.D. James’ Death Comes to Pemberley SHOULD have been.

28. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Dates Read: May 24-27 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: It’s the 1960s, and chemist Elizabeth Zott was kicked out of her Ph.D. program for reporting her supervisor for rape, and then loses her job after she becomes pregnant outside wedlock, and ends up starting her own STEM cooking show and some other stuff happens, look, I know you already read the reviews of this one. One-sentence review: It was fine, I just thought it was overrated.

27. The Paris Deception by Bryn Turnbull Dates Read: Aug. 23-Sept. 7 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: Two women immersed in the French art world in the 1930s and ‘40s defy their German occupiers by hiding, documenting, and sometimes copying “degenerate” art to keep it from the hands of high-ranking Nazi officials and sympathizers, or to keep it from being destroyed. One-sentence review:  The main characters were great and I really like the focus on protecting art and culture from extermination, but the constant time jumps drove me nuts.

26. Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid Dates Read: April 3-5 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: Less than two weeks into her marriage, a young woman is widowed and only meets her mother-in-law at the hospital. The two strangers find a way to navigate their grief together. One-sentence review: While the grief could be gut-wrenching due to Reid’s fantastic writing, the characters were nothing spectacular.

25. Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, America’s First Serial Killer Family by Susan Jonusas Dates Read: Jan. 29-31 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: The Benders were a creepy family in late 19th Century Kansas who murdered people who stayed at their boarding house and then disappeared before they could be arrested. One-sentence review: I’m not super into true crime—it has to be historical for me to even start it--but I did like the look at life in the Midwest.

24. Galatea by Madeline Miller Dates Read: Jan. 6 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: Madeline Miller retells the Pygmalion myth in a way that doesn’t suck. One-sentence review: Miller smartly skips the gender misery by making this a short story and then delivers an extremely satisfying ending.

23. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Dates Read: July 26 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: Korede and Ayoola are sisters who fall for the same man. Ayoola is hot and a serial killer, and Korede is getting pretty tired of covering for her. One-sentence review: Despite (or perhaps because) all the characters are awful, this book STAYS with you, and I feel like it would be a blast to talk about in a drunken book club. Note: I listened to the audiobook and want to give narrator Adepero Oduye a shout out.

22. The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec Dates Read: July 24-Aug. 17 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: Three friends in Medieval Scandinavia find themselves in the middle of a Game of Thrones-esque rivalry for the crown and a deadly battle between supernatural forces. One-sentence review: Good story and I liked the characters, but it moved too slowly sometimes.

21. The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan Dates Read: May 7-10 GoodReads Rating: Four stars (I was feeling more generous about Grace marrying Hugh than I am right now) Summary: A sewing circle in a small English village in the 1940s decide to pool their talents and resources to help English brides wear the perfect white gown to their weddings, clothing rations be damned. One-sentence review: Ryan excels at writing about women and civilians in wartime, and I would have ranked this so much higher if it hadn’t ended with the best character marrying the worst one.

20. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Dates Read: Jan. 31-Feb. 8 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: Aging actress Evelyn Hugo (who is not Elizabeth Taylor, by which I mean she absolutely is Elizabeth Taylor) invites a young journalist to write her life story. One-sentence review: The plot was engaging and thought-provoking, but I never could decide how I felt about Evelyn.

19. A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher Dates Read: Oct. 28-Nov. 1 GoodReads Rating: Three stars Summary: An archaeologist visits her mother at the family home in North Carolina only to find that her grandmother’s ghost is haunting it. But how do you banish a ghost once you learn it’s keeping something far worse at bay? One-sentence review: Of all the haunted house books I read this year, this one was the worst, and yet it was still great.

19. To Swoon and to Spar by Martha Waters (That’s right, I ranked a trashy Regency romance above both Romantic Comedy AND Lessons in Chemistry) Dates Read: May 17-24 GoodReads Rating: Four stars (Objectively, this was too many, but I also don’t care.) Summary: When Viscount Penvale’s uncle promises to sell him back the family estate for a steal if Penvale marries his uncle’s ward Jane, Penvale reluctantly agrees. He and Jane make an agreement to leave each other alone, but Penvale didn’t expect to fall in love with her. Nor did he expect his family house to be haunted. One-sentence review: The Regency Vows series just keeps getting better, honestly.

17. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson Dates Read: Aug. 31-Oct. 13 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: Humor writer Bill Bryson and his on-again-off-again friend Katz decide to hike the Appalachian Trail, and Bryson tells you all about its history and natural resources along the way. There are moose, but no (confirmed) bears. One-sentence review: This book got me really into nature and hiking again.

16. The Shining by Stephen King Dates Read: Dec. 1-4 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: I know you know what this book’s about. One-sentence review: Super tense, riveting look into the mind of a toxic, self-absorbed abuser who doesn’t need to be anywhere near blizzards, haunted houses, or children.

15. Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid Dates Read: July 12-23 GoodReads Rating: Five stars (Objectively, this book probably deserves that. Subjectively, I like Regency romances and journalists better than sports stars.) Summary: A retired tennis star full of rage and ambition makes a comeback to keep a younger player from breaking her record. One-sentence review: An absorbing, balanced take on the pressures women athletes face, plus a heart-warming father-daughter story, with some romance and female friendships to round it out.

14. Swamp Story by Dave Barry Dates Read: Dec. 30 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: There is actually too much going on to summarize this book, but suffice to say it involves a desperate single mom, her shirtless fame-hounding ex-boyfriend, a failed journalist with a drinking problem, and a lot of people in the Florida Everglades looking for a cryptid OR Confederate gold OR pythons. One-sentence review: Dave Barry writes about Florida like it’s a drunk, eccentric relative who everyone hangs around at the family reunion even though he smells bad, because he has the best stories.

13. Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas Dates Read: Oct. 15-28 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: During the Mexican-American War, a Wuthering Heights-esque couple learn their homeland is being stalked by vampires. One-sentence review: You root for the couple, you root for the Mexicans, you even root for the vampires once or twice, but you never root for the Texas Rangers. Note: The couple is Wuthering Heights-esque in the sense that he is poor, she is rich, they were childhood sweethearts, and then they were separated—not in the toxic incest way.

12. A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall Dates Read: July 12-23 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: A trans woman believed to be dead at the Battle of Waterloo reinvents herself and returns home to England, only to find that her best friend has been consumed by grief over her death. As she helps him heal—and he slowly falls for her—she battles with whether to tell him who she really is. One-sentence review: I'm a sucker for love stories in which the couple are torn asunder, believe they will never see each other again, and then are reunited unexpectedly. Note: This actually would have ranked a lot higher if all the main couple’s angst wasn’t basically resolved in the first half. The second half is fine but not as good.

11. The Lover by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Dates Read: Dec. 26 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: A young woman must choose between two potential “lovers” who come from the woods in this dark fairy tale novella. One-sentence review: Finally, a good werewolf book.

10. The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World by Shelley Puhak Dates Read: April 4-14 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: Puhak writes about the feud between rival Merovingian queens Fredegund and Brunhild in sixth century western Europe. One-sentence review: It’s like Game of Thrones, but real, shorter, and with more women and less sexual assault.

9. Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell Dates Read: Dec. 14-25 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: Vowell writes Lafayette’s biography, focusing on his and the larger French role in the American Revolution, all while musing on our country’s inability to agree on anything. One-sentence review: Vowell’s irreverent essay style is just the tone needed to tackle the oft-romanticized American Revolution.

8. The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas Dates Read: July 23-26 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: In the aftermath of the Mexican War for Independence, a young bride moves to her landed husband’s country estate, only to find that the house is super haunted and her new in-laws super racist. One-sentence review: Your standard haunted house story, except the ghost is colonialism.

7. Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune Dates Read: Oct. 29-31 GoodReads Rating: Five stars (was probably generous, but the ending had just made me cry, so) Summary: When workaholic Wallace dies, his spirit is sent to a teashop for transition to the afterlife. But after a few weeks of hanging around teashop owner and “ferryman” Hugo, his reaper, and the ghosts of Hugo’s dog and grandfather, Wallace realizes he doesn’t want to leave what he’s coming to think of as his family. One-sentence review: A lovely mixture of funny and sad, this book is a nuanced look at death and found family.

6. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Dates Read: Nov. 1-6 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: A debutante from Mexico City visits her cousin’s haunted house in the countryside where she’s pulled into a mystery surrounding her cousin’s eugenics-obsessed in-laws. One-sentence review: Noemi is a fantastic character, and the plot is engrossing, which is good because you will hate all the other characters.

5. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer Dates Read: Aug. 9-29 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: In 1996, Outside magazine sent Jon Krakauer to cover the burgeoning commercialization of Mount Everest. When Krakauer climbed the mountain himself, he and his team got caught in a freak snowstorm that resulted in what was then the worst disaster in the history of the mountain. One-sentence review: Apart from being a really tense and riveting account of a brutal natural disaster in an already brutal environment, Krakauer’s account of the 1996 storm on Everest raises questions about who should be on the world’s highest mountain and whether money and fame have blinded guides and climbers to the risks of tackling the summit.

4. The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty Dates Read: Nov. 20-30 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: Amina al-Sirafi, a retired smuggler and single mom on the Arabian peninsula, has to get her old band crew back together for the promise of more money than they’ve ever dreamed of when wealthy grandmother hires Amina to rescue her kidnapped granddaughter. But things go awry when the crew learns the girl is with an evil crusader with plans to unleash dark magic and monsters on the world. Inspired by the rich mythology, religions, and history of the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean. One-sentence review:  I have not had so much fun reading a fantasy novel since I was a kid reading Harry Potter and I can’t wait for the sequel.

3. Lone Women by Victor LaValle Dates Read: Oct. 5-12 GoodReads Rating: Four stars Summary: In the early 1900s, a woman burns her parents’ mangled bodies in their California farmhouse and flees to Montana with a secret locked in a heavy trunk. One-sentence review: Frankenstein meets Calamity Jane in this horror Western about race and female friendships.

2. We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian Dates Read: Oct. 28-Nov. 9 GoodReads Rating: Five stars Summary: Two men reporting for a progressive newspaper in 1950s New York fall in love. One-sentence review: I mean, it’s journalists in love in the 1950s, and one of them is investigating police corruption and the other covered a Civil Rights meeting in DC, so of course I loved this book.

1. The Correspondents: Six Women Writers on the Front Lines of World War II by Judith Mackrell Dates Read: Nov. 27-Dec. 26 (during finals and holidays with family—I don’t think I could have finished the book if it wasn’t so good) GoodReads Rating: Five stars Summary: Mackrell covers the WWII careers of six journalists—a correspondent in Berlin who ingratiated herself in the Nazi Party to tell America about Hitler’s plans for world domination; a photojournalist for Vogue who took pictures from the Blitz to Dachau; a young American whose coverage of both sides of the Spanish Civil War catapulted her to journalistic stardom; Martha Gellhorn whose fury at her husband (you’ve heard of him) compelled her to illegally stow away on board a hospital ship and cover the invasion of Normandy from Omaha Beach while helping wounded soldiers; a rogue freelancer who broke the story of the invasion of Poland and whose thrill-chasing career took her from there to Greece to North Africa and beyond; and Helen Kirkpatrick, who covered the liberation of Paris while Hemingway was getting plastered at the Ritz.

Review: There is too much to say about this book. Mackrell did an incredible job. These journalists’ triumphs and tragedies play out alongside the triumphs and tragedies of the world’s biggest conflict. Each woman had different motivations and goals, from thrill-seeking to career-making, from spite to idealism to simply a love of journalism and dogged search for the truth. While Sigrid Schultz’s Chicago editor applauded Hitler’s control of Germany, Sigrid warned his readers of Hitler’s ambition. When the world turned a blind eye to Hitler’s military build-up and annexation of half of Europe, Virginia Cowles and Helen Kirkpatrick wrote furiously against Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement. And while the rest of the world celebrated the end of the war in Europe, Lee Miller swept through Dachau taking pictures and refusing to ignore the human cost of fascism and war.

All of this was at great personal risk. The Nazis tapped Sigrid’s phone and searched her house until she was finally forced to flee to America in the early 1940s (where her editor promptly benched her for three and a half years). Virginia dodged bombs in Madrid, and Helen dodged bullets in Paris. And Lee Miller defiantly washed off the stink of Dachau in Hitler’s own bath, which was immortalized in a photo her equally defiant boyfriend took in the days after the Fuhrer’s death. Mackrell’s prose also gets into the nitty gritty of correspondent life, how the reporters all camped out in hotels and spent their days chasing stories and their nights drinking whiskey. She discusses the friendships and rivalries—Marth and Virginia became great friends in Spain and eventually wrote a play together satirizing the misogyny they faced during the war. And while the stars are the six I mentioned above, cameos include Mary Welch (Hemingway’s wife after Martha), Dorothy Thompson, Vogue editor Audrey Withers, and “Maggie the indestructible” who convinced an American commander to let her go on a bombing mission over North Africa, paving the way for other women correspondents on the front line after the US entered the war. Plus there are appearances from Picasso, both Randolph and Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, David Lloyd George, the Duke of Windsor after he abdicated, Hemingway of course, and half the Nazi high command. Mackrell uses the women’s own words to describe the bombing of Madrid, the mass evacuation from Paris, the refugee crises in Eastern Europe, and the Night of Long Knives in Germany. Every moment is riveting as Mackrell and the women she writes about pull you into Europe of the 1940s.

[ingravinoveritas]

So I have question and I thought maybe you would have insights. I'm not British or American, so maybe things work differently than I understand. Michael's new drama on BBC Best Interests had started this week. I was surprised there was no interview with Michael about it from what I've seen. Usually when a TV show go on air there are at least some articles or talk shows with the main actors, so why he is so silent? He also didn't post anything about it or good omens s2, which also made me a bit worried. I know he's directing a series now but I expected he would at least post something about them. I don't want to be pessimistic but I'm preparing myself for a letdown with GO s2 promoting. Neil already said something about the fact that second seasons don't get the same level of events if I remember correctly, and he wouldn't be able to promote it due to the strike, and I was really excited about all the new Michael and David content we will get but what if there will be nothing almost? Is it a possibility? If best interests isn't being promoted by him maybe GO will not be promoted too? That will break my heart a little.

(Also I saw one episode of BI and I thought it was interesting, moving and Michael and the actor who played his wife were incredible. It is such a different character for him, his range is truelly incredible).

Hello, Anon! Again, apologies for being a bit delayed in answering this, but I appreciate you writing in to me.

So yes, Michael's show Best Interests did air a few weeks ago (I've seen almost all of the episodes and am hoping to write a review of it as I make my way through all my Anons). I can tell you that he actually did do some interviews for it--this one here in the Guardian, and this one in the Telegraph, and there might have been others that I've missed, though @invisibleicewands would probably know for sure.

I think there are a couple of things that happened with these interviews, which is that any promotion to BI unfortunately got overshadowed by the clickbait headline on the Telegraph article that ultimately led to a few clashes on Twitter between Michael and Laurence Fox (Billie Piper's ex, of all people?) about Michael's comments related to non-Welsh actors playing Welsh roles. So that, along with Michael continuously working on The Way (the series he was directing) nonstop is what I think kept him off of social media up until now.

(I will say, though, that it is curiously worth noting that Michael didn't do any kind of promotion for Staged 3, and all of that seemed to fall to Georgia and AL to repeatedly post about on their socials instead...)

As for GO 2, yes, it is true that the Writers' strike and possible impending SAG strike have thrown multiple wrenches into the proceedings (for instance, the GO 2 panel that was to have taken place at SDCC has been cancelled, as has the signing that was scheduled there). But there have already been snippets from an interview with Michael and David in SFX magazine floating around (along with another article in Radio Times that has invoked the ire of much of the fandom). Also, with any luck, you've been on Twitter today, because our Michael seems to have returned to form with a vengeance. His header photo is now one of the GO 2 photos of Aziraphale and Crowley:

And he's been tweeting up a gloriously chaotic storm this evening, after months and months of silence (and probably being locked up in Neil's basement):

My guess is that whatever kept Michael from talking before now--probably an NDA, per the contract he signed for the second season--has expired, and now he's coming out swinging. I've previously talked about the kinds of things Michael tweeted when the first season came out, but if you weren't here for that, it was basically a level of feral that he seemed to strive to surpass with every successive tweet. Given how much has happened since then, I think we are in for fandom-breaking tweets the likes of which probably go far beyond what any of us have imagined.

And--perhaps best of all--we do have one confirmed talk show appearance with Michael and David, on the One Show on BBC 2 tomorrow! (I've gotten an intriguing Anon about that as well, which I will be answering shortly.) So take heart, Anon, for all is undoubtedly not lost. It's likely that these interviews were planned well in advance, which means there could also be more interviews still to come. This press tour may not have the breadth and scope of the first season, but if Michael and David together, it's more than guaranteed to be something special.

I hope this has lifted your spirits some, Anon. Thank you for writing in! xx

[saraiayutthaya]

Character Name: Sarai Ayutthaya

Character Age: 30

Birthday: February 20th, 1994

Faceclaim: Yaya Urassaya Sperbund

Neighborhood: Downtown

Occupation: Restaurant Critic

Biography

Sarai Ayutthaya was born in Seattle, Washington, to Thai immigrant parents who placed great importance on hard work and education. Being the youngest of three children, she always felt the pressure to match her older siblings' achievements—they both received academic scholarships to prestigious universities. When she was 6, her father’s job transferred the family to Covington, Georgia. The move was difficult for her, who missed the bustling energy of Seattle and her friends from kindergarten. However, her parents saw Covington as a great place to raise here—a small town with good schools, affordable housing, and a tight-knit community. Despite her initial shyness, she eventually adapted to her new environment in the South.

She was incredibly close with her older brothers, Daw and Sud, despite the age difference. They spent weekends exploring the woods near their home, teaching her about nature and whittling small figurines out of wood to decorate her room. Throughout the week, they would help her with her homework and were always cheering her on. Although she was a serious student, Sarai also expanded her social horizons during high school. Sarai joined the track team and student newspaper, developing a tight-knit group of friends who shared her quirky sense of humor. Through her friendships, she discovered a passion for creative writing, where she filled countless notebooks with poetry and short stories.

During her time at Emory University, she fully immersed herself in the world of journalism. She joined the university newspaper as a staff writer—where she had the opportunity to cover a wide range of topics, from campus events to local news stories. Her passion for writing and storytelling grew with every article she wrote, and she quickly became known for her insightful and engaging pieces. Additionally, she took on a role as a radio show host at the university's station, where she interviewed local artists, musicians, and activists, giving her a platform to share their stories with the community. These experiences not only honed her writing skills, but also solidified her desire to pursue a career in journalism. She realized that through writing, she could inform, inspire, and make a difference in the world.

After graduating from Emory, Sarai stayed in Atlanta where job prospects for aspiring writers were plentiful—much bigger than it would be in Covington... She landed a columnist gig at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writing restaurant reviews. What started as a pay-the-bills job quickly became a passion. The idea of tasting the different food, and writing about it was really appealing to her. However, her tendency to speak her mind and be honest about her thoughts made her unpopular with certain restaurant owners. Still, Sarai didn't let it bother her.

Following a devastating breakup with her longtime boyfriend, six months ago, Sarai decided to move back to Covington to be closer to her parents. Even though she was still a restaurant columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she worked from home unless they needed her. The rest of the time, Sarai was thrilled to call Covington home again. Being back in the warmth of her hometown and finding solace in home-cooked meals and family was just what she needed to start healing her broken heart. She recently adopted a kitten, a boy she named Gizmo.

Personality

Hard-working and driven: From a young age, felt pressure to match achievements of high-achieving siblings

Close with family: Especially her older brothers.

Sociable: She makes friends easily, though she tends to be quiet until she gets to know someone.

Opinionated: When she's passionate about something, she tends to run her mouth and get into a lot of trouble because of this.

Wanted Connections

High school best friend: They were inseparable in high school who Sarai reconnects with after moving back to Covington. They drifted apart when both of them left Covington and went to college, but when they saw each other again, it was as if time never passed. Georgie Abhrams

Best Friend: Reyhan Solmaz

Love Interest: She is the older sister to Sarai's late best friend, Jenna. Following Jenna's death, Sarai swore to protect and watch over Lily. The two kept in contact over text and social media, until Rain walked back in her life and fixed a part of Sarai she thought was irreparably broken. Her ability to love someone romantically. Rain Taylor Stahl

Crush: He was always the boy next door, her older brother's best friend who was over constantly when they were kids. Sarai used to follow them around with a hopeless crush. Now 29 and freshly single, they bump into each other at the neighborhood block party. The old sparks reignite as he shows her around town, reminding her of the Covington she left behind. His boyish charm makes her feel young again, and before long, Sarai's old crush returned. Drew Parrish.

Friends: Pretty self explanatory.

Enemies: This could be anything from professional to just bumping heads since she's so opinionated.

[sfsucw]

Georgia Review Prose Prize

We’re reaching out to let you and your creative writing program know about The Georgia Review’s upcoming Prose Prize, judged by Danielle Evans!  

The Georgia Review Prose Prize opens November 1 and closes January 15. The best short story and essay will both be published in The Georgia Review. This year the overall winner, chosen between the two, will also receive $1,500. The runner-up will receive $600. We invite writers from all backgrounds to submit. 

Submissions must be sent either through Submittable between November 1 and January 15 or by regular mail postmarked within the same span of time. An entry should include either one short story or one essay. Only one entry per writer. Submissions cost $30, which includes a one-year subscription to The Georgia Review. Current subscribers will receive a one-year renewal. All entries will be considered for publication. 

For more info and guidelines: https://thegeorgiareview.submittable.com/submit

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: M. Sage

Colorado musician, artist and educator Matthew Sage produces a unique form of ambient music, one that focuses on personal experience rather than obscure intellectual objectives or new age mysticism. Through both his own sounds and those he curates via his Cached Media imprint his goal is to unearth the beauty within the seemingly mundane. With Paradise Crick, his latest and most fully formed release, he casts his gaze on the great outdoors, envisaging a camping excursion. In his review, Bryon Hayes found that the record was “his most visceral work, as he ornaments his typically ambient palette with an assortment of palpable shapes, colors, and textures.” In addition to making music, Sage also enjoys seeking it out, often from non-traditional sources. For this edition of Listed, he runs down some of the more interesting records that he picked up on recent thrift store diving excursions.

10 recent thrift store finds in no particular order — I hit the flea markets and thrift stores once or twice a month and get weird CDs and cassettes. I like buying stuff that I would otherwise listen to on streaming… or never listen to from these local companies. We have CD players in our vehicles and I listen to CDs a lot driving. Cassettes mainly happen in my office when I am writing or drawing. So… a lot of what I look for is sort of “functional music” that I can do stuff to. I also snag up favorites from bands I love… I found 3 Wilco CDs at one shop last week!

Anyway, here are some recent favs.

Bonnie “Prince” Billy — Master and Everyone

Found in Longmont at the thrift store with the curated CD selection. Long time BPB fan, and I especially like how subdued this one is. Maybe not my all-time fav Oldham out there, but it’s great and the CD is in great shape.

The New American Orchestra — Blade Runner Soundtrack

Found at one of the flea markets in Fort Collins. Maybe the one with the lavender? This is an orchestral adaptation of the original Vangelis score, and it is about as smooth jazz as it gets. Incredible sweeping melodies. This version of “Blade Runner Blues” feels like something hiding on “In a Silent Way.” Ambient jazz for sure.

Chet Baker — Let’s Get Lost

Another one from the Longmont spot. Been obsessed with Chet Baker for a while now in that when I don’t know what I want to listen to, I just throw on any Chet’s greatest hits album and feel content. I love the arrangement on “My Ideal” with the toy piano and Chet’s voice and trumpet.

John Coltrane — The Gentle Side of John Coltrane

Also from the Longmont spot. I, of course, love wailing Coltrane. But I also think his sweet songs are some of his best. “After the Rain” is especially informing some of the arrangement choices I’ve been making on some new Fuubutsushi songs.

Shanghai Film Symphony Orchestra — An Dun (Calming the Emotions)

I buy a lot of random CDs like this, and I can’t remember where exactly this one came from. But yeah, foreign/new age/private press, etc. weird CDs… and most of the time they aren’t great… but this one is very good. When I find something like this that I like I google it later. When I did that with this CD, I found it on YouTube and this is my favorite comment about it: “Whenever I play this on a construction site, at first the guys complain. Then later they thank me for playing it. Saying they've never felt better.” My toddler seems to enjoy it in the car… I do too.

Claude Debussy — Images pour Orchestre. Preludes: La Fille aux Cheveaux de Lin

70 minutes of Debussy from Longmont ARC. Lots of solo piano from Peter Schmalfuss. I like that these recordings feel soft. Sometimes classical piano feels really hard, lots of attack, almost like microscopic. These recordings are more spacious. Chris from Fuubutsushi swears by Ravel, but I am team-Debussy.

Georgia Kelly — Seapeace: Music for Harp

Can’t remember where but found this in Colorado in a stash of pretty heady new age tapes. Later found out it’s a cult classic. It is a self-released one — the album was later reissued on other formats by new age labels — so I love knowing Ms. Kelly herself released this copy into the world and it has since ended up in my possession. The whole thing is on YouTube!

English Meadow: Environments — Environments 1, 4, 12: Slow Ocean, English Meadow, Intonation

I have all the Environments titles on LP and have since started collecting cassettes when I see them in the wild. These 3 are specifically my favorite Environments, so finding them all in one go felt like a thrifting triumph. I feel like English Meadow specifically sounds nice on cassette.

[crow-caller]

first off, i absolutely adore your channel. i think ive fully listened through your lightlark review twice every day since its come out. i play it in the background while im doing the dishes or doing homework or writing (its great motivation, really “if this could get published, then by god some poor fellow on Ao3 will like my story”)

i left a youtube comment on your latest video about sweet evil that has the same premise as this ask, but either it just didnt go through or you deleted it yourself (which i kind of doubt, but if it did bug you then please disregard this ask lol) because i cant find it anymore.

your love for angels in literature is a very nice breath of fresh air among the booktube community, and that paired with your love for bad books made me wonder, have you ever read Georgia McBrides PRAEFATIO?

if you have, oh my god i thought i was alone in experiencing this horrendous novel, but if you havent i really do recommend it.

actually. “recommend” isnt the right word. i dont recommend this book to anyone at all. save yourself

the writing is so JUVENILE its painful to read, imagine my immortal but with zero edge and thats almost exactly the writing style of the first few chapters. at some points the book gets so insanely hardcore (like lightlark but the violence is somehow even more unnecessary to the plot) but then the mc is reacting to these things with such eloquent phrases such as “OMG” “WTF” and “OW”

the mc, grace ann miller, is (from my memory) newly seventeen and is also the most specialist nephilim to ever exist because she was actually the will of GOD, so that makes her better than the other nephilim.

she falls in love with a Hot Rockstar Fallen Angel™ named gavin who is absolutely not also 17, after he totally didnt kidnap her and when shes eventually saved— i mean ripped away from her one true love by the police— shes deemed INSANE and a victim of stockholm syndome. the entire book is meant to be her giving her police statement which georgia seems to forget for most of the story.

tale as old as time really.

id love to hear your thoughts on it if you ever get your hands on this garbage fire (or if you have already).

(also, georgia mcbride is totally in love with gavin and its a little weird, you can see her ramblings here)

I def didn't delete the comment, I've only deleted 1 spam comment the entire time I've done youtube, but I probably haven't seen it or it got caught somewhere in the web. I TRY to read and respond to every comment or at least like it to show I've read it, but as I get more videos and views that's increasingly hard to do. I'm bad at time management to begin with and now I have hundreds of comments to respond to!

The name Georgia McBride sounds very familiar but I can't tell why. I have never heard of PRAEFATIO, it doesn't seem very notable or wide spread but you're right in that it looks similar. And sounds bad. And the cover looks.... wrong.

They.... look so wrong. They both look extremely photoshopped and severely uncanny, the girl in particular looks like a doll and honestly, it really really creeps me out. It definitely is going on my list of books to read though because it sounds gloriously bad, and yes, I love angels and bad angel books a lot.

(It's the autism if anyone couldn't guess by everything about me... special interest: angels (and demons). Longest lasting special interest maybe I've had)

[t-tex-edwards]

THE STASH DAUBER

RANTS OF AN UNRECONSTRUCTED MUSIC GEEK WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

https://stashdauber.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-nervebreakers-face-up-to-reality.html

The Nervebreakers' "Face Up to Reality"

[This time it's personal. My second most anticipated release of the millennium (after the Peter Laughner box) is here. I'm not going to review it, because I wrote the liner notes, which are reproduced in full below, including the part that wouldn't fit on the jacket. To say these guys are important to me would be an understatement. If my drummer from college hadn't seen them open for the Sex Pistols, I might not have moved from New York to Texas. Between 1978 and 1981, I saw them more times than any other band besides the Juke Jumpers. Mike Haskins remains my guitar hero, and Barry Kooda my human being hero. Bob Childress once surprised me with a message on the RadioShack corporate net after I'd written something about them online. My wife and I once made a pilgrimage to Austin to see Tex Edwards play a bar gig. And I'm proud to say that Carl Giesecke once played sleighbells on "I Wanna Be Your Dog" with Stoogeaphilia. But enough about me. I've got to go listen to this again.

]Think of this record as a follow-up that took a while to emerge.

It was 1980, 40 years ago as I write this, when the Nervebreakers -- who’d bossed the nascent Dallas punk scene from its inception, opened for every punk/”new wave” touring act that passed through Big D (Ramones, Sex Pistols, Clash, Police, Boomtown Rats), and made the pages of Rolling Stone via the image of guitarist Barry Kooda with a fish in his mouth onstage at the Pistols show – recorded their sole long player, We Want Everything!, which then took 14 years to make it onto vinyl.

The Nervebreakers coalesced in 1975 when Kooda, a junior college theater major back from Army service in Korea, managed to insinuate himself into the “arty rock band” Mr. Nervous Breakdown, formed by his high school best friend, guitarist Mike Haskins, with fellow record store employee Thom “Tex” Edwards. Haskins and Edwards bonded over their mutual appreciation for the Raspberries’ combination of tuneful songcraft and rock crunch. Drummer Carl Giesecke was a moonlighting symphony percussionist, while bassist Bob Childress, who’d joined after the Ramones show, held the distinction of having seen both the Stooges and the New York Dolls every night for a week at Richard’s in Atlanta while attending Georgia Tech.

Onstage, they had a formidable presence, honed over years of four-set gigs, with frontman Edwards draped rakishly over the mic stand, Kooda in his Army helmet and pistol belt, Haskins looking like Donnie Osmond’s axe-slinging twin, Childress bouncing around like the Uberfan who got to join his favorite band, and Giesecke pounding out a solid pulse. Their repertoire included covers as diverse as We Five’s “You Were On My Mind,” George Jones’ “The Race Is On,” and the Troggs’ “Strange Movies.” More to the point, they penned potent originals: “Hijack the Radio,” “Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls,” “My Girlfriend Is a Rock.” Haskins and Edwards were the main writers, with occasional contributions from Kooda, but drummer Giesecke claims credit for their best known song.

When the sessions for We Want Everything! were complete, Haskins and Childress left to form Bag O’ Wire, while the Nervebreakers recruited replacements for an East Coast tour, after which the band folded. Edwards and Kooda followed different musical directions, while Giesecke toured with Roky Erickson (whom the Nervebreakers had backed in 1979).

Fast forward to 2008, when the Nervebreakers reconvened in Haskins’ home studio to record some songs they’d never gotten around to documenting back when. The energy and excitement of the band in its heyday were still in ample supply, along with tunefulness, crunch, and sardonic wit. Highlights include the title track’s snaky rifferama, the leg-twitching rockabilly of “Just Yawn,” the splenetic snarl of “Don’t Wanna Be Used,” and the sprightly punk-country of “I Don’t Wanna Hold Your Hand.” Kooda penned the ennui anthem “Wake Me Up,” and co-wrote the dance-craze theme “They Were Doing the Pogo.” The closing triptych of “It’s Obvious,” “Breaking Down,” and “I’d Rather Die” provides a rousing conclusion to a rockin’ set of tunes that’s long overdue, but right on time.

POSTED BY STASHDAUBER AT 1:30 PM

[mydetheturk]

I posted 10,112 times in 2022

That's 5,808 more posts than 2021!

142 posts created (1%)

9,970 posts reblogged (99%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@corellianflyboy

@spelviin

@ghostmisfits

@amemait

@citizen-zero

I tagged 7,145 of my posts in 2022

Only 29% of my posts had no tags

#this is not the queue you are looking for - 4,068 posts

#video - 831 posts

#pfft - 780 posts

#dc - 356 posts

#writing - 336 posts

#long post - 273 posts

#dracula - 267 posts

#dracula daily - 214 posts

#myde talks - 168 posts

#art - 167 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#and my other main ttrpg character is just a half-orc cowgirl who got raised by dwarves; canonically shes a dwarf and thanks to the dm's wor

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

anyway have some space whales

~~

The whales have a song; it is long and slow and old as time itself. The whalers add to the song with their ships, cresting in the starry wake. The whalers sing their whaling songs, punctuating the whales’ low cries. The whalers’ cries are more jubilant when they find the ambergris nestled in the star wake. The ambergris is passed around, each taking a tiny sliver before the composite is turned into fuel for the ship.  These slivers will be crafted into jewelry, into directional nodes, into pieces that will become inherited by the whalers’ children.

It is not the ambergris that the whalers are after, though it is a nice side effect. Instead, the whalers are after the dust the whales stirred in their wakes. There was purity in the stardust, valuable to everyone, and only the whalers had been able to collect it without harming the whales.

40 notes - Posted January 5, 2022

#4

As someone who's already read dracula and am rereading it through dracula daily, today's entry fills me with a sort of dread. Renfield's getting better, yes, and I know how someone who hasn't read dracula before would be cheered

But dracula is a horror novel. Renfield getting better is just a calm spot in the hurricane that is Dracula Himself coming to London. Biding his time before Dracula really strikes, and tips the scales once more.

64 notes - Posted September 5, 2022

#3

“Hey, Guy.” Hal’s flipping through Justice League reports while floating in space with Guy. Oh boy. Never a fun sign.

“What, Hal?” Guy doesn’t wanna know. He doesn’t. Last time Hal asked questions while they were doing paperwork Guy scraped him off the bottom of the Marianas Trench.

“What’s gayer – being gay or whatever your friends Ted and Booster have going on?” Guy’s gonna kill Kyle, he fucking swears.

“Whatever’s going on between you and the Flash at any given moment,” Guy says. He bolts before the stunned look on Hal’s face twists into fury, laughing the whole time.

“Guy!”

67 notes - Posted August 18, 2022

#2

I keep thinking about that The Devil Went Down To Georgia (and then went down on Johnny) fic and I just

I'm so enthralled. The words, the imagery, both Johnny and the Devil being taken with one another? Absolutely breathtaking, incredibly sublime, haunting my thoughts continuously forever

85 notes - Posted June 3, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

So I'm reading today's entry for Dracula right? And the line, "At length, we saw a four wheeler drive up" has me cracking up. Because I know - I KNOW - it's some sort of carriage but all I can imagine is Arthur and Quincy on a modern ATV in their late victorian menswear. And it's the FUNNIEST mental image

114 notes - Posted October 3, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[novumtimes]

DEAR ABBY: Apartment staff has made life terrifying for tenant

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content DEAR ABBY: I live in an apartment building. I am quiet and keep to myself. There’s a concierge here who is incredibly nosy. When I pick up my package, she asks, “So, what’s in the package?” as if I’m doing something nefarious. She’s also a terrible gossip and a liar. Article content At the front desk, as well as to management, she has accused me of doing things that never happened — sexual impropriety, drug and tobacco use, etc. I started receiving strange, unsigned text messages with the same accusations. I can usually recognize who contacts me. My contact information was available in the office. This woman recently accessed my apartment using a master key. Fortunately, I was home at the time. She was fired, but she was back last weekend. Our manager said she is here “temporarily” until he can find a replacement. There are multiple copies of these keys out there, and I no longer feel safe in my own home. What would you do if you were me? — INVADED IN GEORGIA DEAR INVADED: Document all the incidents that have happened. If they continue, write down the time and date they occur. This will prove beneficial should you need to escalate the matter. That the manager rehired a fired employee because of a staff shortage is disappointing. (It shouldn’t have happened, and there are better ways of augmenting staff needs.) Article content Because your manager has been unresponsive, reach out to the property owner or management company and report what has been going on. If that isn’t effective, report the matter to the police. Your safety and well-being must come first.If you can afford to engage an attorney, consult one for advice on legal options you can consider to protect yourself from harassment, hostility or bullying. If the situation doesn’t improve, consider finding a new place to live. RECOMMENDED VIDEO We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Play Video DEAR ABBY: I am currently married, but I’m looking to get an annulment or divorce. I have met a woman I am falling for. She knows my marital status and feels the same way about me. I promised her my marriage would be over within eight months, but she feels that with my divorce, my wife should leave even if I move out and rent out my portion of the house. (My soon-to-be ex and I currently live on opposite sides of the house.) Do you agree? — MAKING CHANGES IN NEW YORK DEAR MAKING CHANGES: Whether or not I agree is irrelevant. The person who should be answering this question is the attorney who will represent you in the divorce. If you really plan to leave the marriage, make an appointment NOW to discuss it. P.S. And, please, give yourself time after the divorce is final rather than tie the knot again on the rebound. — Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Share this article in your social network Source link via The Novum Times

[pagebypagereviews]

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric charm and deep-rooted secrets of the Southern landscape as "Shakedown in Savannah," the twenty-third book in the "Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series," invites readers into another captivating adventure with the intrigue and wit that fans have come to adore. This installment unravels yet another tapestry of deception and sleuthing in the heart of Georgia where our familiar and beloved amateur detective, Carlita Garlucci, alongside her band of quirky companions, delves into the underbelly of Savannah's shady dealings. Authored by the adept Hope Callaghan, the series has consistently delivered cozy mystery staples—small-town vibes, charming characters, and clever whodunnits—which retain readers and attract new fans, reinforcing the genre's relevance and modernity. Consider this review your exclusive invitation to join the Garlucci family escapades, as they navigate through a labyrinth of corruption, family drama, and murder. "Shakedown in Savannah" not only promises to provide the quintessential cozy mystery experience but also tackles the complexities of familial bonds and community ties within the narrative's suspenseful unraveling. Each page turn is a testament to Callaghan's ability to balance light-hearted dynamics with the gravity of solving a crime. The book stands as a beacon in the cozy mystery genre, ensuring that justice is served with a side of Southern hospitality, all while posing the question: how well do you truly know your neighbors—and your city? Plot The plot of "Shakedown in Savannah" revolves around a new mystery that the protagonist and amateur sleuth, Carlita Garlucci, must solve within the historic city of Savannah, Georgia. As part of the long-running "Made in Savannah Mystery Series," this installment depicts a gripping narrative where a local business owner finds themselves in the grip of an extortion scheme. The story unfolds as Carlita, along with her family and close friends, uncovers clues and navigates complex relationships with various local characters, each possibly harboring secrets that could be pivotal to solving the case. Complications arise when the criminal elements in the city begin to sense that their plans are under threat, leading to increased tensions and a race against time to prevent any harm from befalling the community. The narrative is typically cozy in its approach, steering clear of gory details or explicit content, focusing instead on the puzzle-solving element that keeps readers engaged until the satisfying resolution. Characters The character dynamics in "Shakedown in Savannah" are at the core of its appeal. The series protagonist, Carlita Garlucci, is portrayed as a strong, intuitive woman with a knack for getting to the bottom of the most puzzling mysteries. Her Italian heritage and tight-knit family are essential aspects of her character and contribute significantly to the story. Supporting characters include Carlita's children, who assist her in the investigation, and a colorful cast of locals, each uniquely contributing to the development of the narrative. The interactions between the characters are warm and often contain a humorous undertone, yet there is a depth to their relationships that adds to the richness of the narrative. These recurring characters have grown over the series, and readers who have followed the story from the beginning will enjoy deeper insights into their personalities and backstories, while new readers can still appreciate the dynamics at play within this latest mystery. Writing Style The writing style of "Shakedown in Savannah" is characteristic of cozy mysteries, where the prose is light, engaging, and accessible. The author employs a storytelling method that balances dialogue with descriptive passages, immersively capturing the essence of Savannah with its historic charm and southern flair. Language used is conversational and friendly, making the book a comfortable read for a broad audience. Attention to detail

in scene-setting allows readers to visualize the setting and action without overpowering the narrative flow. The pacing is well-managed, with moments of tension and revelation interspersed with calmer periods that give readers a chance to piece together clues alongside the protagonist. This approach ensures that the novel is both a page-turner and a pleasurable, easy read. Setting The setting of the novel is a character in its own right, with Savannah, Georgia, providing a lush, atmospheric backdrop to the story. The city's historic districts, beautiful parks with Spanish moss-draped trees, and antebellum architecture are not just mere locations but contribute to the plot's ambiance and authenticity. The author skillfully uses the setting to add suspense and intrigue to the story – the charm of the old city juxtaposed with the undercurrents of mystery and danger as the protagonist navigates its streets to solve the crime. Mention of real locations, such as famous squares and landmarks, lends verisimilitude to the narrative and can be particularly engaging for those familiar with Savannah or interested in its heritage. Unique Aspects One of the unique aspects of "Shakedown in Savannah" is its incorporation of Italian-American culture, seen through the protagonist and her family, which adds an extra dimension to the storytelling. The family's warm, open-hearted approach to life and business contrasts appealingly with the darker elements of crime and suspense. Furthermore, the book's commitment to the cozy mystery genre—eschewing graphic violence and explicit content—appeals to readers looking for a more gentle approach to crime fiction. Another distinctive feature is the strong sense of community within the book; despite the presence of crime, the relationships and mutual support among the characters uphold positive themes. Lastly, the series' longevity allows for satisfying development of character arcs and relationships, a draw for longtime fans and a mark of depth for newcomers, who may be enticed to explore previous books to experience the full progression. Similar to Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 23) Book Review ```html Shakedown in Savannah Book Review Analysis table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; .pros color: #2e8b57; /* Green color for pros */ .cons color: #8b0000; /* Red color for cons */ Pros of Shakedown in Savannah Book Review Engaging Plot The book offers an engaging plot that keeps readers invested in the storyline and eager to see what happens next, enhancing the reading experience. Familiar Characters Long-time fans of the series can enjoy the consistent presence of familiar and beloved characters, creating a sense of comfort and continuity. Humor The occasional infusion of humor provides a light-hearted balance against the mystery, adding to the overall charm of the book. Setting The Savannah setting is vividly described and adds a rich backdrop to the mystery, giving readers a virtual tour of the historic city. Cons of Shakedown in Savannah Book Review Predictable Plot Points Some readers may find certain plot twists predictable, potentially diminishing the suspense and excitement. Formulaic Elements The book may not deviate much from the series formula, which could lead to a sense of repetition for some readers. Character Development Regular readers might feel that character development is lacking or stagnant, as little may have changed or evolved from previous books. Genre-specific Restrictions As a cozy mystery, the book may not provide the level of depth or challenge that enthusiasts of more complex narrative styles seek. ``` Evaluating the Genre and Sub-genre When selecting a mystery novel such as "Shakedown in Savannah," start by assessing whether you enjoy the broader genre and its specific sub-genre – the cozy mystery.

If you're drawn to stories that include a murder or mystery to solve, where violence and sex are treated with a lighter touch than in hardboiled detective stories, this might be the choice for you. Cozy mysteries often feature an amateur sleuth, rather than a professional detective, and they focus heavily on character development and community. Checking out the previous books in the Made in Savannah Mystery Series may give you a sense of the recurring themes and style of the author. Consider the Series Continuity Picking up a book that is well into a series, such as the 23rd installment, might be daunting. Look at how dependent the story is on prior knowledge. While some series can be read out of order as each book stands alone with its separate mystery, others are sequential with character relationships and overarching stories. Research whether "Shakedown in Savannah" requires familiarity with earlier books for full enjoyment or if it's crafted to welcome new readers as well. Author's Reputation and Reviews Research the author's reputation and reader reviews. An established author like Hope Callaghan, creator of the Made in Savannah series, often has a loyal following. Reading reviews of the first 22 books might reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the series, and whether the author's style aligns with your reading preferences. Be wary of reviews that contain spoilers but look for comments about pacing, character development, and plot to guide your buying decision. Book Length and Pacing Consider the book's length and pacing. Cozy mysteries like "Shakedown in Savannah" can range from quick reads to more substantial volumes. Think about the amount of time you want to invest in a book and look into whether the pacing is fast or leisurely, as this can influence your overall reading experience. Check the Quality of Writing and Editing Another important factor is the quality of writing and editing. In the realm of cozy mysteries, and self-published works in particular, this can vary significantly. Look for a sample of the book if possible, to get a feel for the writing style, and also to spot any potential recurrent editing issues. Price and Format Availability Consider your budget and the format in which you prefer to read. "Shakedown in Savannah" might be available in various formats such as hardcover, paperback, e-book, or audiobook. Each format comes with a different price tag. Electronic versions are often less expensive and more portable, while print editions offer the tactile experience that some readers prefer. Look for Promotions and Discounts Lastly, be on the lookout for promotions and discounts. Publishers often offer deals on ebooks, and sometimes even print books, particularly when a novel is part of a long series. Signing up for the author’s or publisher’s newsletter, joining reader groups for the genre, or visiting book deal websites can be beneficial in finding a good price. Availability in Libraries and Bookstores If you are not quite ready to purchase, check if "Shakedown in Savannah" is available at your local library or bookstore. This can be a cost-effective way to explore a new author or series without committing to a purchase. Borrowing the book first may help you decide whether you would like to invest in your own copy or further explore the series. FAQ for Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Book 23) Book Review Is "Shakedown in Savannah" suitable for readers new to the series? While "Shakedown in Savannah" is the 23rd book in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series, the author provides enough context for new readers to jump in. However, for a better understanding of recurring characters and relationships, it might be more enjoyable to start with earlier books in the series. Do you need to read the Made in Savannah series in order? While each book in the Made in Savannah series can usually be enjoyed on its own, reading the series in order can provide a more enriching experience as you can observe character development and overarching storylines.

Is "Shakedown in Savannah" appropriate for all ages? As a cozy mystery, "Shakedown in Savannah" is generally considered suitable for a wide age range. However, it's targeted primarily at adults and may include some minor adult themes and references that might not be suitable for very young readers. How long is the book "Shakedown in Savannah"? The exact length of "Shakedown in Savannah" can vary depending on the format (e.g., paperback, hardcover, e-book). You may want to check the product details on the retailer's page for the most accurate information on the number of pages or word count. Can "Shakedown in Savannah" be read as a standalone novel? Yes, "Shakedown in Savannah" can be read as a standalone novel. The author usually includes enough back story and character introductions so that readers can follow along without having read the previous books. What is the main genre of "Shakedown in Savannah"? "Shakedown in Savannah" is a cozy mystery novel, which is a subgenre of crime fiction. These types of books are known for their light-hearted and non-violent approach to mystery-solving, usually taking place in small communities. Are there any graphic scenes or explicit content in "Shakedown in Savannah"? Cozy mysteries, including "Shakedown in Savannah", are known for their lack of graphic violence and explicit content. Therefore, readers can expect minimal to no graphic scenes or explicit language. Will readers who enjoy "Shakedown in Savannah" find other books in the series similar in tone and style? Yes, readers who enjoy the tone and style of "Shakedown in Savannah" are likely to find the rest of the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series consistent in delivering a similar reading experience. Is there a cliffhanger in "Shakedown in Savannah" that leads into the next book? Cozy mysteries often resolve their main plot within each book. While there may be ongoing character development that bridges between books, "Shakedown in Savannah" typically wraps up its central mystery by the book's conclusion. Any potential cliffhanger would likely pertain more to character relationships than to unsolved crimes. Where can readers find more information about the author and future books in the series? Readers can find more information about the author and future books in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series by visiting the author's official website, social media pages, or by looking at their profile on online book retailers and author platforms like Goodreads. In conclusion, "Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Book 23)" stands out as an enthralling addition to the much-loved Made in Savannah Mystery Series. For devotees of cozy mysteries, this book not only promises a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns but also transports readers to the charming southern ambiance of Savannah. Through vibrant character development and immersive storytelling, author Hope Callaghan has once again delivered a must-read novel that combines humor, suspense, and engaging family dynamics. The book shines with its intricate plot that keeps you guessing until the last page, showcasing its value for those who relish solving puzzles alongside relatable protagonists. The author's skill in weaving together the cultural richness of Savannah with a riveting mystery is even more reason for readers to consider this novel a worthy addition to their collection. Whether you've been following the series from the beginning or are just discovering the world of the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series, "Shakedown in Savannah" offers insights into the beautiful city's landscape and the benefits of a tightly-knit community facing challenges together. With its charming setting, engrossing narrative, and captivating characters, this book is not just another cozy mystery; it's a testament to the genre's ability to entertain and engage readers in a meaningful way. If you're in search of a cozy mystery that combines a sense of place with intricate plotting and lovable characters, "Shakedown in Savannah" is a perfect choice.

It's a book that will entertain, intrigue, and leave you eagerly anticipating more adventures with the Made in Savannah family. Other Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 23) Book Review buying options

[marjaystuff]

Guest Review: This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter

This is Why We Lied

Will Trent Book 12

Karin Slaughter

William Morrow Pub

August 20th, 2024

This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter is a book that has all the trademarks including twists, and intensity. A word of warning there is child abuse, domestic violence, brutal treatment of women, incest, substance abuse, and rape as part of the story, but it is done in a very empathetic way for the victims.

“The them of the book is about safety. Mercy never felt safe.  Sara felt safe because of her family and Will.  The realization for Will is that he can trust Amanda, Faith, and Sara. He has a support system he never had as a child. The victim was in an abusive relationship, and I wanted to show how someone in an abusive relationship lives with no one to turn to, no one to help them, and in complete isolation.”

The plot has GBI investigator Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton, going to McAlpine Lodge to celebrate their honeymoon. Set on a gorgeous, off-the-grid mountaintop property, it’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect. Until a bone-chilling scream cuts through the night. They investigate and find out that Mercy McAlpine, the manager of the Lodge, is dead. With a vicious storm raging and the one access road to the property washed out, the murderer must be someone on the mountain. But as Will and Sara investigate the McAlpine family and the other guests, they realize that everyone here is lying. 

“It was a locked lodge mystery.  I go up to my cabin in the North Georgia mountains when I write my books. I want to lean into it to write about the woods and the mountains. Of course, I must bring in a murder and not have people just being happy. Sara is comfortable in the woods, while Faith hates it. Sara and Will see nature as beautiful and amazing.  Faith complains about there being too many birds, the heat, not to mention how many mosquitoes.  She is not an outdoor person by any stretch.”

Every member of this family is despicable. They are cold, unfeeling, manipulative, abusive, and controlling.  There are suspects galore because almost everyone in the story, not just the family, has some sort of motive to kill Mercy. 

“The title of the book becomes so appropriate because everybody is lying.  Some lie because they want to be helpful and exaggerate. But exaggeration is a lie.  Some are hiding something that has nothing to do with the crime. Some are lying because they know about the crime and are complicit.”

The story unfolds through the dual points of view from Will and Sara. Mercy's point of view and backstory are revealed in the letter entries written to her son over the years that chronicle her mental and physical abuse as well as the resentment festering within her toxic family.

“Women like her tend to be presented in black and white. She needed to get away from her family, protect her son, break the cycle of abuse, and get away from her lover, Dave. As readers find out more about her, they will realize she has no money, no friends, no place to live, no driver’s license, and no car. Questions to explore: if in that situation could someone walk away and take their child with them? For Mercy the answer is no.  Dave has always pulled her back each time.  For her, it is easier to just give in and stick with the devil she knows. She is really cut off from the world.  She makes bad decisions for herself. She does not feel anyone is looking out for her. She is very aware that her job is to protect her son and not the other way around.”

This is a great crime procedural.  As Faith, Will’s police partner, says about the crime, “an Agatha Christie locked-room mystery with a VC Andrews twist.”

[clickedbait]

🧍🧍 could i get to pleaaaase

send 🧍‍♂️ to hear about an obscure character on my list!

Cinephile and critic, Spencer Wilson, runs a youtube channel with his best friend Graham ( @whatscanon ) where they review films of any genre and type... but mostly ones that peak their interests like superhero films. There is nothing these two love more than seeing their comics come to life right in front of their eyes. Unfortunately for them one of their prized comics was given a movie adaption-- a terrible one.

In their canon lore, Spencer and Graham are sent back in time by a woman who works for Supreme Studios and under the likes of a man named Mac Schneider (HA). She sends them back to before the movie is even pitched so they can kill the man. Sadly, for them, they are unable to follow through and therefore go back further in time to the man who created the heroes they love so dearly. With a gun raised to kill their comic book hero-- they're talked down and assured that despite what happens... they can be their own heroes and that it'll be okay. That what happens happens.

In my canon there is no time traveling, but there's a lot of jabbering and cracking jokes at the expense of movie creators. Their youtube channel is NOT for young viewers due to language and jokes, but... regardless of that warning-- most of their fans are fifteen year olds and then some neckbeards. It's hard out here for two nerds just doing their absolute best.

Spencer is very much an empath and calmer than his friend. When they are put face to face with Mac it's Spencer who tries to think up a different, better plan to save them from making Mac a martyr. He's very proud of what he knows, but at the end of the day he's aware that despite all his love for movie and the knowledge there... it's all just fiction. Every aspect of a movie isn't real and it can't be taken too seriously.. even if it is how they make money. Mainly, he doesn't let movies consume his life. That's for comic books.

Conman aged thirty-five and in denial about getting closer to forty. He's from Boston and makes sure everyone knows it-- be it in the accent, the way he talks, or the fact he hates being in the South. The only reason he heads downstate to the likes of Georgia is riverboat gambling and even then he's not there to make friends or even acquaintances-- often running his mouth about terrible things regarding those from the area he's in. He's not one to apologize either and won't shy away from a fight... should one ensue. See, he's very good at running his mouth beyond insults. It comes with the title of being a conman.

He's from a video game (Left 4 D.ead 2) which means his canon is zombie apocalypse based with a found family trope that kills me. He winds up getting stuck with three other survivors that are far from his crowd of people. Rochelle, a mouthy woman wanting to be an anchorwoman before the world went to hell. Coach, a man with a boisterous laugh and an appetite for an snacks that come along. And Ellis-- god, if he had to pick between saving Ellis or his five thousand dollar WHITE suit? He'd choose the suit. Every. Goddamn. Time. Or so he thought...

Fun fact: Nick is my longest running muse. I've been writing him since the game came out and continue to. I have so many headcanons and lore about him, but these are supposed to be sort of brief. To put it into a tl;dr-- he's a conman with an attitude that doesn't want to admit he needs other people. Because once he has people-- they're his and he'll protect them. BUT FUCK does that take time. He's very much "the name's nick, but don't bother learning it because i'm not sticking around" only to stay with the same three people and save their asses on different occasions.

@badsteps