Book Nook: An Fans out There?

 I may have done this novel before, but I began rereading it again recently. (Nearly done once more.) It's a nice break from the other novels I've been reading. More light-hearted and what-not.

Here are a few of my favorite aspects of this novel

1. It was written during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) purely for fun

2. It plays with something every fan has encountered at least once.

3. It doesn't take itself seriously until it does

4. It covers more material than any book that size should (and does it well)

Rainbow Rowell's introduction is pure gold. She states how and why she wrote the book from the very beginning. At the end she then thanks everyone who's ever read or written FanFiction as well.

Ah, FanFiction. The art of taking something you love and writing a new character into the universe to meet the original characters. Taking the original characters and putting them into new circumstances. Slash.

WARNING PAST HERE BE SPOILERS!

This novel follows Cather through her first year of college and all of the awkward socialities that ensue.

We meet the following cast of characters in the regular narrative:

  Wren - her twin

  Regan - her upperclassman roommate

   Levi - The smiling guy who's always in their room

   Art - Cather's dad

   Nick - fellow student and story thief

Cather prefers to be alone. She goes to classes, engages when she has to, but people are not her cup of tea. (To which I can relate, hiding in my room and avoiding people in the safety of my book-filled bedroom.)

Her preferred method of coping is writing.

FanFiction.

Slash.

Simon Snow and Baz slash, to be precise.

She has been writing her fanfiction, Carry On for two years and has to have it finished before the final book in the series comes out. All while attending college and taking a writing course which wants a 10,000 short story as a final.

Between trying to focus on Simon and Baz and her courses is a bi-weekly meeting with Nick. He's in her Fiction Writing course and wants to "collaborate" *coughstealherstuffcough*. Then there's Levi who's constantly in their room because he's Reagan's boyfriend (or so we assume because Cather assumes).

This novel deals with new roommates, social anxiety, mental health, and abandonment.

I won't spoil it all completely, but the issues that it talks about definitely are not listed in the fun going title. This is an excellent read for anyone beginning college, moving away for the first time, and living with mental issues. It takes us through the steps from the point of view of someone who is coping with them firsthand.

I recommend reading this book. And fear not.

Carry On is next on my To-Read list....provided I don't get caught up in another Cozy Mystery.

What is your favorite novel to read? Any recommendations?

See you next week!

Book Nook: Summer Reading

This is a friendly reminder that, even though it's summertime and vacations run rampart, now is a good time to pick up that cool nifty novel you've been wanting to read.

It's okay to read fun books now. School's over.

That's it.

Go pick up that book off your "To Read" stack and read it.

Later.

Book Nook: The Architect of Song

Welcome to the wonderful world of Reading!

I will try and not completely take this novel apart today. I LOVED this book. I can't wait to get my hands on the others in the series (yup, I've once again stumbled upon a series. It must be a brick that's constantly in my path).

(Disclaimer: The image is not mine. The only thing that is, are my opinions of this novel.)

Title: The Architect of Song
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Haunted Hearts Legacy
Book Number One


First off, I will laud how much I love this author. Her novels are some of the best that I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. She can take a fairy tale, or previous novel, and embellish it in such a way that draws you in and literally keeps you up until the wee hours of the morning reading constantly.

There are two types of books she writes:
Y/A - taken from fairy tales, or amazing novels. (The Splintered series, and RoseBlood)
Adult Historic Fiction - original stories that are geared towards adults more than young adults.


I stumbled upon this novel after reading the Splintered Series and RoseBlood (my personal favorite, for phan reasons). I'd heard about it before and was eager to read it.

One of the things that intrigued me was the background of the characters. It kept me guessing if this was based on a Tale or not (it's not). The imagery used to conjure each background story for the main characters were compelling and vivid.

Through the novel I kept thinking about possible end scenarios, as I usually do. This one was compelling enough that I managed to be befuddled by the end game. When the final deck was revealed I found myself kicking my mental prowess for forgetting key hints that were given throughout. (In rather plain terms, I might add. Though I will defend this by saying I read only a few chapters each night for about a week, as I do have a busy schedule during the day.)

If you loved her previous novels I would definitely recommend this.

IT IS AN ADULT NOVEL, NOT A Y/A.

I cannot stress that point enough - she even states it on the GoodReads page for this book. Please, read that review before picking up the novel.

Well, this has almost everything I love most about a novel:
     History
     Fairy Tale elements
     Victorian Era
     Mushy Romance (not my favorite, but if done well, then yes)


Check out a copy at your local library. Or purchase your own via the nearest bookstore.

What are you reading this week? Any novel you think I should check out? Leave a comment below and I'll chat at you next week.

Volunteer!

Today I wanted to go over a few things that I do in my personal life.

While there is plenty of time for random videos based around the internet (I'm looking at you, YouTube), or looking at other things, there are other things which can occupy that time as well.

One of the things I was glad to begin back in the fall of 2015 was being a volunteer at one of the theater's in Atlanta. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to share my time and help out.

While ushering isn't a "glorified" job in any theatre, I find it a unique opportunity to help others .... and the benefit of seeing the show for free is the best reward imaginable. While volunteering my time - arriving two hours before the show is supposed to begin - it's a fantastic way to do something that I love while meeting new people.

I have also volunteered time at local theatre groups around my town, helping backstage with moving sets, props, and costumes into place. The techies and stage hands do most of the work for a show, making sure that the actors have everything they need and keeping them on time with their cues. They are the cogs of the show that you never see, but know are working.

During the summer our local library has a Summer Reading Program. Throughout the two months of no school, there are events for all age groups ranging from magicians, to reading with a rescue cat, to movies each week, and writing groups. Helping out at those events not only relieves stress from the librarians (who often have to go it alone without help). And who doesn't want to be a Librarian nowadays?

There are dozens of ways that you can volunteer your time. If you don't know where to start, ask your neighbor, or church leader. Guaraenteed there is someone close to you who knows of a project that needs extra hands helping.

What are some ways you give back?