Allison Rohan's Blog, page 3
March 25, 2016
Double Book Review: The Prince of Fishes + The Bells of Paradise, by Suzannah Rowntree
I know I spend a disproportionate amount of time gushing about author Suzannah Rowntree on this blog, but I seriously like this author. She combines the technique and refinement of classic writers with the ease and readability of modern ones.
As you may remember, she won Best Character and Best Author in the 2015 Blogger Awards, the latter for her novella, The Prince of Fishes. I read it as a contest judge, wrote a miniature review, and promised Suzannah a full-length one.
That was last December. This February, Suzannah contacted me about reviewing an ARC of her new novella, The Bells of Paradise . I agreed on the spot. (Suzannah is clearly a wonderful person who still trusts me despite my complete lack of promised book reviews.)
It's March now. Sorry, Suzannah. Here are your book reviews.
In Constantinople, the Queen of Cities, poverty-stricken Michael the Fisherman and his wife Eudokia dream of a better life for their family. When Michael catches a fish that is able to grant wishes, he and Eudokia finally get their chance to taste the wealth and power of their wildest dreams. But will their ambition destroy the city and cost them everything they hold dear?
From the first pages, Rowntree paints a gorgeous, vivid portrait of Byzantine life and politics. I cannot fathom the amount of research Rowntree must have done, because she captures it all: the clothes, the architecture, the poverty, the theology. Rowntree has a full, decadent style of writing that brought out the decay and charm of Constantinople and the exotic, brutal politics of the time.
Obviously, the plot follows the original fairytale, The Fisherman and his Wife, but Rowntree takes beautiful liberties with it. She overlays it with the Byzantine debate about the sanctity and correctness of icons. If you're like me, you have absolutely no idea what this debate is. Don't worry. Rowntree's got you covered. She covers both sides of this debate with grace and equanimity, although I detected a preference for one side.
Easily the best part of the novella for me was the relationship between Michael and Eudokia. They do not have a peaceful marriage. Their relationship is a tempest of Michael's opportunity, Eudokia's ambition, and a slew of good intentions that lead to bad decisions. What makes this couple so rare and effective for me is that neither has an upper hand in the struggle. I couldn't side with either, because the balance of power was so evenly distributed. They were kind, vicious, and romantic in equal parts. I adored their relationship.
A few criticisms necessarily accompany every work. A few characters, like Michael and Eudokia's daughter slipped through the cracks for me, to the point where I barely registered their presence in the novel. For every character like that, however, there are another twenty exemplary ones.
If you want a simple read, don't read this. If you want a straight-up historical romance, don't read this. But if you want to read about the dusty, forgotten corners of history that are nonetheless powerful and beautiful, then read this novella.
The one thing John the blacksmith loves more than his peaceful, hardworking life in Middleton Dale is the tailor's free-spirited daughter Janet. But unlike John, Janet dreams of adventure beyond the Dale. And when her dreams lead her into Faerie to be captured by a dangerous witch, John realises he must dare the perilous realm of the Lordly Folk to free his bride.
As for The Bells of Paradise, my initial impression was that it has perhaps my favorite title of this year. It takes its name from the English folk song Down in Yon Forest, whose ethereal view of Heaven colors the whole novella. I adore English folk music, and I appreciated how many more songs than just the titular one influenced this work. I have not read The Faerie Queene, which Rowntree cites as an influence, but I recognized many familiar themes and faces from the Child Ballads, particularly Tam Lin.
Rowntree uses her trademark full, rich writing style to particularly good effect here. With her poetic word choice, she not only mimics the patterns of the songs and poems that influenced her, she also writes something that is beautiful in its own right. Her language subtly adjusted and captured the change of scenery as the action moved from the human Dale into Faerie.
On the topic of Faerie, Rowntree did a ridiculously good job capturing the wild, other Faerie of English folklore. She peopled it with strange, half-familiar faces, with just the right blend of Here and There. The supporting characters especially had a wild grandeur about them that belonged in a border ballad. It was like drinking a shot of fairytale concentrate.
I feel, however, that as good as the supporting characters are, the main characters, John and Janet, don't do as much for me. They both read as blank characters to me, existing as passive observers with either honorable or flighty characteristics, respectively. Part of me understands why Rowntree did this. Faerie is so rich and otherworldly that I can understand why two less prominent main characters might have accentuated, instead of confused, the action. But I know Rowntree has a superb gift for characters, and especially for relationships, so I can't help be disappointed.
Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed my foray into Faerie, proving, according to the novella's logic, my own madness. But there you go.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Any opinions expressed are my own.
As you may remember, she won Best Character and Best Author in the 2015 Blogger Awards, the latter for her novella, The Prince of Fishes. I read it as a contest judge, wrote a miniature review, and promised Suzannah a full-length one.
That was last December. This February, Suzannah contacted me about reviewing an ARC of her new novella, The Bells of Paradise . I agreed on the spot. (Suzannah is clearly a wonderful person who still trusts me despite my complete lack of promised book reviews.)
It's March now. Sorry, Suzannah. Here are your book reviews.
In Constantinople, the Queen of Cities, poverty-stricken Michael the Fisherman and his wife Eudokia dream of a better life for their family. When Michael catches a fish that is able to grant wishes, he and Eudokia finally get their chance to taste the wealth and power of their wildest dreams. But will their ambition destroy the city and cost them everything they hold dear?From the first pages, Rowntree paints a gorgeous, vivid portrait of Byzantine life and politics. I cannot fathom the amount of research Rowntree must have done, because she captures it all: the clothes, the architecture, the poverty, the theology. Rowntree has a full, decadent style of writing that brought out the decay and charm of Constantinople and the exotic, brutal politics of the time.
Obviously, the plot follows the original fairytale, The Fisherman and his Wife, but Rowntree takes beautiful liberties with it. She overlays it with the Byzantine debate about the sanctity and correctness of icons. If you're like me, you have absolutely no idea what this debate is. Don't worry. Rowntree's got you covered. She covers both sides of this debate with grace and equanimity, although I detected a preference for one side.
Easily the best part of the novella for me was the relationship between Michael and Eudokia. They do not have a peaceful marriage. Their relationship is a tempest of Michael's opportunity, Eudokia's ambition, and a slew of good intentions that lead to bad decisions. What makes this couple so rare and effective for me is that neither has an upper hand in the struggle. I couldn't side with either, because the balance of power was so evenly distributed. They were kind, vicious, and romantic in equal parts. I adored their relationship.
A few criticisms necessarily accompany every work. A few characters, like Michael and Eudokia's daughter slipped through the cracks for me, to the point where I barely registered their presence in the novel. For every character like that, however, there are another twenty exemplary ones.
If you want a simple read, don't read this. If you want a straight-up historical romance, don't read this. But if you want to read about the dusty, forgotten corners of history that are nonetheless powerful and beautiful, then read this novella.
The one thing John the blacksmith loves more than his peaceful, hardworking life in Middleton Dale is the tailor's free-spirited daughter Janet. But unlike John, Janet dreams of adventure beyond the Dale. And when her dreams lead her into Faerie to be captured by a dangerous witch, John realises he must dare the perilous realm of the Lordly Folk to free his bride.
As for The Bells of Paradise, my initial impression was that it has perhaps my favorite title of this year. It takes its name from the English folk song Down in Yon Forest, whose ethereal view of Heaven colors the whole novella. I adore English folk music, and I appreciated how many more songs than just the titular one influenced this work. I have not read The Faerie Queene, which Rowntree cites as an influence, but I recognized many familiar themes and faces from the Child Ballads, particularly Tam Lin.
Rowntree uses her trademark full, rich writing style to particularly good effect here. With her poetic word choice, she not only mimics the patterns of the songs and poems that influenced her, she also writes something that is beautiful in its own right. Her language subtly adjusted and captured the change of scenery as the action moved from the human Dale into Faerie.
On the topic of Faerie, Rowntree did a ridiculously good job capturing the wild, other Faerie of English folklore. She peopled it with strange, half-familiar faces, with just the right blend of Here and There. The supporting characters especially had a wild grandeur about them that belonged in a border ballad. It was like drinking a shot of fairytale concentrate.
I feel, however, that as good as the supporting characters are, the main characters, John and Janet, don't do as much for me. They both read as blank characters to me, existing as passive observers with either honorable or flighty characteristics, respectively. Part of me understands why Rowntree did this. Faerie is so rich and otherworldly that I can understand why two less prominent main characters might have accentuated, instead of confused, the action. But I know Rowntree has a superb gift for characters, and especially for relationships, so I can't help be disappointed.
Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed my foray into Faerie, proving, according to the novella's logic, my own madness. But there you go.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Any opinions expressed are my own.
March 16, 2016
Fun News from a Friend
I'm sure you all have seen this already, but Emmarayn Redding released a short story collection today, titled "The Madman of Elkriahl and other Fairytales," and the cover art is by none other than Hannah Williams of the Writer's Window!
Isn't it sooo pretty? Congratulations to everyone involved in this project!
Isn't it sooo pretty? Congratulations to everyone involved in this project!
March 12, 2016
March: What I Have Been...
... Doing
It has been sooo busy on the home front. This is my last semester of high school (huzzah!), so I'm trying to wrap up all my classes and have a fun senior year. I was accepted to the college of my choice, UNC Chapel Hill, so that's a weight off my shoulders. I've also been taking community college classes, which will transfer to UNC, so I'm starting as a freshman with twenty-eight credit hours. I cannot tell you. How. Happy. This. Makes me.
In other news, I will be Confirmed in the Catholic Church this Easter. For those of you who don't know, Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament that is usually considered a coming-of-age. Because you are baptized into the church as an infant, it's your chance to confirm that, as an adult, you're still part of the church. You also choose a saint name, which for many Catholics serves as a second middle name and patron saint. I chose Miriam of Nazareth as my saint name, which is the original Hebrew name for the Virgin Mary.
I also cut off six inches of my hair, which is unbearably exciting. It's now barely shoulder length. I would post a picture, but I'm not feeling that ambitious today.
... Reading
I have been enjoying the exquisitely lovely The Bells of Paradise, by Suzannah Rowntree. I owe her a review for this and The Prince of Fishes (recipient of the 2016 Best Author Blogger Award), but I've been so swamped I haven't gotten around to it yet. Sorry, Suzannah. It's coming. The Bells of Paradise is based on an English folk song, and I'm a folk song addict, so clearly this novella and I were meant to be together.
... Writing
I am a perfectionist by nature. I hate to start a new project before I have a clear idea of how it will go, so as to minimize the amount of frustration and rewrites. Which is all very good-- except that if I wait to write something until I feel ready, I will never write it.
I realized that this month when I was hunting through my old notebooks to find the origin of a story I've been stewing on for a while now. To my shock, I realized it had been two years since I'd had the idea, and I didn't feel any more prepared to write it now than I did then. So on my 18th birthday, I tossed precaution to the winds and started the first draft of my new novella. It's titled Gloucester's Eyes, and it's a mash-up of Rapunzel and King Lear... in space! I love it an unbearable amount. Writing is so much more fun when I don't worry about the quality of the draft and simply enjoy myself. The final product is better, too. Here's a snippet from the very beginning:
When the crew of the HMS Buckingham discovered two thieves in the king’s private kitchenette, they did not arrest them. They did not attack or secure them. They did not, in fact, do anything that might legally be construed as a threat. Instead, they made them a cup of tea. “Tea’s gotten better,” the first thief said affably. “Shut up,” said the second, a woman. She was sweating, hands clenched around the porcelain cup. When they finished their tea, the sailors escorted them through the cramped hallways. The HMS Buckingham did not use solar sails, so most of the space went for fuel. Very little fuel was left, the first thief noted. They wouldn’t need it for much longer. One way or another. “I feel sick.” The second thief pressed a hand to her stomach. “You’re just nervous,” he said. The average waiting time to see the king was two months. The thieves and their entourage breezed past the guards to stand before the king of England’s throne. He sat impassively, crown glinting in his white hair, fingers steepled, while the guards read the list of offenses. Trespass. Theft. Treason. “What,” the king said quietly, when he was through, “happened precisely?” “They broke into the royal suite, Your Majesty,” the sailor said. He was an air chief marshal. This was far beneath him. Nervous sweat gleamed on his brow; he did not wipe it away. “Did they kill the guard?” the king said dispassionately. The air chief marshal winced. “Er—no, Your Majesty. They replaced her tea with German craft beer and waited for her to fall asleep. It was a quality beer,” he offered. “She won’t have a hangover when she wakes up.” “How charming.” The king’s dry voice could have cut ice. “And she was unable to distinguish the beer from the tea?” The air chief marshal winced, as though he had hoped the king would not think of that. “Never mind,” the king sighed. “Did they raid the safe or leave a trap for our royal person?” “Er—no,” the air chief marshal said uncomfortably. “They—they went to the royal kitchenette. And ate all the cupcakes thereof.” Note from the author: I seriously contemplated making this last line the title but eventually decided it didn't match the serious tone of much of the novella. “Prima’s positively sick with guilt over it,” the first thief said cheerfully. The king cut him with his eyes. “I suspect she had very little to do with this. I suspect, George Gloucester, that she is sick from cupcakes, not remorse. Those were meant to last another full year!” “I always say, you never know what will happen tomorrow,” the first thief said. “Oh, I know what will happen tomorrow,” the king muttered. “And tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Leave them to me, air chief marshal,” he said, and the sailors left. When they were gone, Lear said, “Cupcakes, George?” “Cupcakes, Dad,” George, Duke of Gloucester, said cheerfully.
... Playing
I don't mention it much on this blog, but I play piano and violin. This month I've been playing the music of Beauty and the Beast, which I got myself for my birthday. The music is deliciously difficult, and I absolutely love it, despite the fact I've never seen this movie. I really want to, but Disney only sells the diamond-edition expensive version, and I can think of better ways to spend my money than that.
Here's a video my mom took of me playing. Can anyone guess the song? Oh, and you can see my new haircut here, too. Two birds, one stone.
... Drawing
The Goldstone Wood Fan Art Contest is coming up, and I've been preparing my entries. If you don't know the series (by Anne Elisabeth Stengl), you should read it, and if you do, you should enter! My main art skill is calligraphy, so pretty soon I'll break out my pens for this contest. The due date is March 28, so be sure to enter by then.
And that's what I'm doing this month! How about you, readers? What have you been doing?
It has been sooo busy on the home front. This is my last semester of high school (huzzah!), so I'm trying to wrap up all my classes and have a fun senior year. I was accepted to the college of my choice, UNC Chapel Hill, so that's a weight off my shoulders. I've also been taking community college classes, which will transfer to UNC, so I'm starting as a freshman with twenty-eight credit hours. I cannot tell you. How. Happy. This. Makes me.
In other news, I will be Confirmed in the Catholic Church this Easter. For those of you who don't know, Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament that is usually considered a coming-of-age. Because you are baptized into the church as an infant, it's your chance to confirm that, as an adult, you're still part of the church. You also choose a saint name, which for many Catholics serves as a second middle name and patron saint. I chose Miriam of Nazareth as my saint name, which is the original Hebrew name for the Virgin Mary.
I also cut off six inches of my hair, which is unbearably exciting. It's now barely shoulder length. I would post a picture, but I'm not feeling that ambitious today.
... Reading
I have been enjoying the exquisitely lovely The Bells of Paradise, by Suzannah Rowntree. I owe her a review for this and The Prince of Fishes (recipient of the 2016 Best Author Blogger Award), but I've been so swamped I haven't gotten around to it yet. Sorry, Suzannah. It's coming. The Bells of Paradise is based on an English folk song, and I'm a folk song addict, so clearly this novella and I were meant to be together.
... Writing
I am a perfectionist by nature. I hate to start a new project before I have a clear idea of how it will go, so as to minimize the amount of frustration and rewrites. Which is all very good-- except that if I wait to write something until I feel ready, I will never write it.
I realized that this month when I was hunting through my old notebooks to find the origin of a story I've been stewing on for a while now. To my shock, I realized it had been two years since I'd had the idea, and I didn't feel any more prepared to write it now than I did then. So on my 18th birthday, I tossed precaution to the winds and started the first draft of my new novella. It's titled Gloucester's Eyes, and it's a mash-up of Rapunzel and King Lear... in space! I love it an unbearable amount. Writing is so much more fun when I don't worry about the quality of the draft and simply enjoy myself. The final product is better, too. Here's a snippet from the very beginning:
When the crew of the HMS Buckingham discovered two thieves in the king’s private kitchenette, they did not arrest them. They did not attack or secure them. They did not, in fact, do anything that might legally be construed as a threat. Instead, they made them a cup of tea. “Tea’s gotten better,” the first thief said affably. “Shut up,” said the second, a woman. She was sweating, hands clenched around the porcelain cup. When they finished their tea, the sailors escorted them through the cramped hallways. The HMS Buckingham did not use solar sails, so most of the space went for fuel. Very little fuel was left, the first thief noted. They wouldn’t need it for much longer. One way or another. “I feel sick.” The second thief pressed a hand to her stomach. “You’re just nervous,” he said. The average waiting time to see the king was two months. The thieves and their entourage breezed past the guards to stand before the king of England’s throne. He sat impassively, crown glinting in his white hair, fingers steepled, while the guards read the list of offenses. Trespass. Theft. Treason. “What,” the king said quietly, when he was through, “happened precisely?” “They broke into the royal suite, Your Majesty,” the sailor said. He was an air chief marshal. This was far beneath him. Nervous sweat gleamed on his brow; he did not wipe it away. “Did they kill the guard?” the king said dispassionately. The air chief marshal winced. “Er—no, Your Majesty. They replaced her tea with German craft beer and waited for her to fall asleep. It was a quality beer,” he offered. “She won’t have a hangover when she wakes up.” “How charming.” The king’s dry voice could have cut ice. “And she was unable to distinguish the beer from the tea?” The air chief marshal winced, as though he had hoped the king would not think of that. “Never mind,” the king sighed. “Did they raid the safe or leave a trap for our royal person?” “Er—no,” the air chief marshal said uncomfortably. “They—they went to the royal kitchenette. And ate all the cupcakes thereof.” Note from the author: I seriously contemplated making this last line the title but eventually decided it didn't match the serious tone of much of the novella. “Prima’s positively sick with guilt over it,” the first thief said cheerfully. The king cut him with his eyes. “I suspect she had very little to do with this. I suspect, George Gloucester, that she is sick from cupcakes, not remorse. Those were meant to last another full year!” “I always say, you never know what will happen tomorrow,” the first thief said. “Oh, I know what will happen tomorrow,” the king muttered. “And tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Leave them to me, air chief marshal,” he said, and the sailors left. When they were gone, Lear said, “Cupcakes, George?” “Cupcakes, Dad,” George, Duke of Gloucester, said cheerfully.
... Playing
I don't mention it much on this blog, but I play piano and violin. This month I've been playing the music of Beauty and the Beast, which I got myself for my birthday. The music is deliciously difficult, and I absolutely love it, despite the fact I've never seen this movie. I really want to, but Disney only sells the diamond-edition expensive version, and I can think of better ways to spend my money than that.
Here's a video my mom took of me playing. Can anyone guess the song? Oh, and you can see my new haircut here, too. Two birds, one stone.
... Drawing
The Goldstone Wood Fan Art Contest is coming up, and I've been preparing my entries. If you don't know the series (by Anne Elisabeth Stengl), you should read it, and if you do, you should enter! My main art skill is calligraphy, so pretty soon I'll break out my pens for this contest. The due date is March 28, so be sure to enter by then.
And that's what I'm doing this month! How about you, readers? What have you been doing?
February 24, 2016
Happy Birthday to Me!
I interrupt your regularly scheduled blog-reading to wish myself a happy 18th birthday!
Photo credit Joey Gannon*confetti*
Photo credit Joey Gannon*confetti*
February 11, 2016
Top 7 Releases for 2016
Hello, readers! I hope you're having a lovely, quiet Thursday.
Perhaps because I had so much time to read on vacation, but I'm in a munchy, reading mood. I want nothing so much as to gulp down entire series, preferably in order, preferably in one sitting.
But sometimes, those pesky talented authors aren't writing quickly enough, and I have to wait for the next book! But that's also fun, in a way, because it lets me gather together my favorite upcoming releases.
(Note: these are in order according to how excited I am for their release, from least to most, not in chronological order.)
7. The Hammer of Thor, by Rick Riordan
Coming October 4, 2016It's no secret that I'm very hard on Rick Riordan. I went from loving the Percy Jackson series to negatively reviewing pretty much every book he ever wrote. (Sorry, Rick Riordan fans! I have my reasons.) That being said, however, Rick Riordan actually listened to the criticism (gasp!) and wrote a likable, surprisingly tragic and relatable book, The Sword of Summer, and I'm hoping he can pull it off again.
6. The Girl from Everywhere, by Heidi Heilig
Coming February 16, 2016I know nothing about this debut author and really don't know what to expect. But the compelling synopsis (read here) and the stunningly beautiful cover make me want to read it.
5. Bright Smoke, Cold Fire, by Rosamund Hodge
Coming September 27, 2016Rosamund Hodge's Cruel Beauty is one of my favorite novels ever, so it seems as though this should rank higher on my list, especially now that we have the lovely cover. I'm pretty indifferent to her other novel, Crimson Bound, though, so this could go either way for me, especially considering my dislike of overly romantic interpretations of Romeo and Juliet.
4. The Bells of Paradise, by Suzannah Rowntree
Coming February 27, 2016I love all of Suzannah Rowntree's work, but especially her fairytale retellings. They're short, beautifully crafted, and easily read. I'm totally unfamiliar with the fairytale in question (Jorinda and Joringel, for those of you who recognize it), so that should be a treat. And I got a review copy, so expect that post soon!
3. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by J. K. Rowling
Coming July 31, 2016This book's release has been plastered pretty thoroughly over the internet, so I'm sure you've seen it. In case you haven't, though, J. K. Rowling is writing a play that continues Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, picking up 19 years later with his son, Albus, and she's publishing the script. I'm honestly scared about this one. Harry Potter played such an integral role in my childhood that I dislike the thought of anyone tampering with his legacy, even his creator. But that doesn't mean I won't snap this up as soon as I can.
2. Ghostly Echoes, by William Ritter
Coming August 23, 2016
I honestly don't know why I like these books as much as I do. The rational, future-English-major prat of me recognizes that they fall into the same trap as Doctor Who: namely, setting up a mystery, then inventing an impossible solution that perfectly explains it. Like Doctor Who, however, the characters and the humor are so compelling that I like it anyway.
1. The Creeping Shadow, by Jonathan Stroud
Coming not-nearly-soon-enough (September 13, 2016)
Allow me to introduce you to my latest obsession: the Lockwood and Co. series, by Jonathan Stroud, chronicling the friendly adventures of your local group of ghost hunters. Sounds silly? It's not. I tore through the first three books in something like a week and now cannot wait until the fourth one is in my hands. But even then, the synopsis promises a cliffhanger and fifth book, so my agony may be prolonged.
What releases are you looking forward to in 2016?
Perhaps because I had so much time to read on vacation, but I'm in a munchy, reading mood. I want nothing so much as to gulp down entire series, preferably in order, preferably in one sitting.
But sometimes, those pesky talented authors aren't writing quickly enough, and I have to wait for the next book! But that's also fun, in a way, because it lets me gather together my favorite upcoming releases.
(Note: these are in order according to how excited I am for their release, from least to most, not in chronological order.)
7. The Hammer of Thor, by Rick Riordan
Coming October 4, 2016It's no secret that I'm very hard on Rick Riordan. I went from loving the Percy Jackson series to negatively reviewing pretty much every book he ever wrote. (Sorry, Rick Riordan fans! I have my reasons.) That being said, however, Rick Riordan actually listened to the criticism (gasp!) and wrote a likable, surprisingly tragic and relatable book, The Sword of Summer, and I'm hoping he can pull it off again.6. The Girl from Everywhere, by Heidi Heilig
Coming February 16, 2016I know nothing about this debut author and really don't know what to expect. But the compelling synopsis (read here) and the stunningly beautiful cover make me want to read it.5. Bright Smoke, Cold Fire, by Rosamund Hodge
Coming September 27, 2016Rosamund Hodge's Cruel Beauty is one of my favorite novels ever, so it seems as though this should rank higher on my list, especially now that we have the lovely cover. I'm pretty indifferent to her other novel, Crimson Bound, though, so this could go either way for me, especially considering my dislike of overly romantic interpretations of Romeo and Juliet.4. The Bells of Paradise, by Suzannah Rowntree
Coming February 27, 2016I love all of Suzannah Rowntree's work, but especially her fairytale retellings. They're short, beautifully crafted, and easily read. I'm totally unfamiliar with the fairytale in question (Jorinda and Joringel, for those of you who recognize it), so that should be a treat. And I got a review copy, so expect that post soon!3. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by J. K. Rowling
Coming July 31, 2016This book's release has been plastered pretty thoroughly over the internet, so I'm sure you've seen it. In case you haven't, though, J. K. Rowling is writing a play that continues Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, picking up 19 years later with his son, Albus, and she's publishing the script. I'm honestly scared about this one. Harry Potter played such an integral role in my childhood that I dislike the thought of anyone tampering with his legacy, even his creator. But that doesn't mean I won't snap this up as soon as I can.2. Ghostly Echoes, by William Ritter
Coming August 23, 2016
I honestly don't know why I like these books as much as I do. The rational, future-English-major prat of me recognizes that they fall into the same trap as Doctor Who: namely, setting up a mystery, then inventing an impossible solution that perfectly explains it. Like Doctor Who, however, the characters and the humor are so compelling that I like it anyway.
1. The Creeping Shadow, by Jonathan Stroud
Coming not-nearly-soon-enough (September 13, 2016)
Allow me to introduce you to my latest obsession: the Lockwood and Co. series, by Jonathan Stroud, chronicling the friendly adventures of your local group of ghost hunters. Sounds silly? It's not. I tore through the first three books in something like a week and now cannot wait until the fourth one is in my hands. But even then, the synopsis promises a cliffhanger and fifth book, so my agony may be prolonged.
What releases are you looking forward to in 2016?
January 31, 2016
Nightstand Books: January + Exciting News!
In which I share a picture of my nightstand.
Unfortunately, due to the aforementioned Great Possession Purge of 2016, I no longer own a nightstand.
Inspired by Jenelle Schmidt and D J Edwardson.
A nightstand. Not MY nightstand. But a nightstand.Welcome back to the blog, readers! I finally snatched some writing time while on vacation in California. Vacation also means lots and lots of delicious reading time, so I have some real treats to share with you.
I read Keeper of the Lost Cities, by Shannon Messenger, on the plane, at the recommendation of Emma Clifton. These books are perfect for vacation, or anytime: lighthearted, easy-to-read, and ridiculously entertaining. They're not high literature for you literary types, but they bring joy in my life, and that's what matters in a book. Also, I can get them in ebook form from my library, so I'm dashing my way through the series. My progress has stalled at book three, because someone had the sheer cheek to check out the library ebook. So now I have to wait.
Dear mysterious stranger,
Give it back. Now.
Sincerely,
Me.
While waiting for the third book, I've started The Screaming Staircase, by Jonathon Stroud. I'm only a few chapters in, but so far, it's utterly delicious, beautifully crafted, and witty. It's about ghosts, for those who may be uncomfortable with this, but it portrays them in a strictly secular light (so far, at least). The first line:
Of the first few hauntings I investigated with Lockwood and Co. I intend to say little, in part to protect the identity of the victims, in part because of the gruesome nature of the incidents, but mainly because, in a variety of ingenious ways, we succeeded in messing them all up.
It reminds me strongly of Jackaby, by William Ritter (only, dare I say, a little more polished?), and I love it so far.
As for the exciting news, I am pleased to say that I have been accepted to UNC Chapel Hill, to study English/journalism! I can't tell you what a relief this is to me, and I'm so glad to share it with you.
How's your month so far? Have any other seniors heard from colleges? What are you reading?
Unfortunately, due to the aforementioned Great Possession Purge of 2016, I no longer own a nightstand.
Inspired by Jenelle Schmidt and D J Edwardson.
A nightstand. Not MY nightstand. But a nightstand.Welcome back to the blog, readers! I finally snatched some writing time while on vacation in California. Vacation also means lots and lots of delicious reading time, so I have some real treats to share with you.
I read Keeper of the Lost Cities, by Shannon Messenger, on the plane, at the recommendation of Emma Clifton. These books are perfect for vacation, or anytime: lighthearted, easy-to-read, and ridiculously entertaining. They're not high literature for you literary types, but they bring joy in my life, and that's what matters in a book. Also, I can get them in ebook form from my library, so I'm dashing my way through the series. My progress has stalled at book three, because someone had the sheer cheek to check out the library ebook. So now I have to wait.Dear mysterious stranger,
Give it back. Now.
Sincerely,
Me.
While waiting for the third book, I've started The Screaming Staircase, by Jonathon Stroud. I'm only a few chapters in, but so far, it's utterly delicious, beautifully crafted, and witty. It's about ghosts, for those who may be uncomfortable with this, but it portrays them in a strictly secular light (so far, at least). The first line:Of the first few hauntings I investigated with Lockwood and Co. I intend to say little, in part to protect the identity of the victims, in part because of the gruesome nature of the incidents, but mainly because, in a variety of ingenious ways, we succeeded in messing them all up.
It reminds me strongly of Jackaby, by William Ritter (only, dare I say, a little more polished?), and I love it so far.
As for the exciting news, I am pleased to say that I have been accepted to UNC Chapel Hill, to study English/journalism! I can't tell you what a relief this is to me, and I'm so glad to share it with you.
How's your month so far? Have any other seniors heard from colleges? What are you reading?
January 11, 2016
My Top Ten
My favorite college application had a section for my Top Ten. It didn't specify Top Ten books, or Top Ten movies-- just my Top Ten. I loved this idea so much that I dug through my archives and found my Top Ten for 2015.
In no particular order:
Dorothy L. Sayers
Dorothy L. Sayers launched my love for the mystery genre. I adore her Lord Peter books, which are the perfect blend of technical mystery, genuine emotion, and great characters. If you haven't read her books yet, you should absolutely try them for 2016. The series begins with Whose Body? , but you can start with Strong Poison as well.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo
I've always loved having a clean, organized room, but I had to spend hours each week keeping it that way! This book on de-cluttering changed the way I live. I have so much space, and cleaning is easy now. Love, love, love this book.
Home and Garden TV
My dad and I discovered Home and Garden TV and cultivated an obsession with it. Our favorite shows are Love It or List It, Property Brothers, and Fixer Upper. Using the knowledge I've obtained from these shows, I've been redecorating my newly-decluttered bedroom.
Shopping
Because of my decluttering, however, I was down to two pairs of pants (eek!). I had to shop for more clothes, and I loved doing so. 2015 sparked an aesthetic taste in me, which led to all my redecorating and shopping.
Frasier
My mom and I both love this show, and we've taken to watching it in the evenings. It follows a snooty but lovable psychiatrist and his family. It's probably PG 13.
Till We Have Faces, by C. S. Lewis
A stunning look at the nature of humanity, truth, and love. It is not the easiest book to read, but the ending is perfect.
My Tea Kettle
I love loose-leaf teas, but they take so long to make. For Christmas this year, my grandmother got me a tea kettle, so I can brew loose-leaf tea in minutes. I've had tea every day since Christmas!
Yoga
I've always enjoyed yoga, but I never relied on it until 2015. It's the perfect way to exercise and unwind at the same time, and I can't get enough of it. And, um, I'm totally as flexible as the model in the picture. Yeah. Absolutely.
Jane Austen
I finished the novels of Jane Austen this year, which was bittersweet. Few authors observe life as keenly as she did or replicate it as sharply. I anticipate many happy rereads.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
My most recent addition to the list-- so recent, in fact, that I started watching it on New Year's Day, which technically disqualifies it for this list. But I love it so much that I thought I would share it anyway. It covers alternately hilarious and chilling Australian crime. Consider this one PG 13 or R.
Here's to 2016!
In no particular order:
Dorothy L. Sayers
Dorothy L. Sayers launched my love for the mystery genre. I adore her Lord Peter books, which are the perfect blend of technical mystery, genuine emotion, and great characters. If you haven't read her books yet, you should absolutely try them for 2016. The series begins with Whose Body? , but you can start with Strong Poison as well.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo
I've always loved having a clean, organized room, but I had to spend hours each week keeping it that way! This book on de-cluttering changed the way I live. I have so much space, and cleaning is easy now. Love, love, love this book.
Home and Garden TV
My dad and I discovered Home and Garden TV and cultivated an obsession with it. Our favorite shows are Love It or List It, Property Brothers, and Fixer Upper. Using the knowledge I've obtained from these shows, I've been redecorating my newly-decluttered bedroom.
Shopping
Because of my decluttering, however, I was down to two pairs of pants (eek!). I had to shop for more clothes, and I loved doing so. 2015 sparked an aesthetic taste in me, which led to all my redecorating and shopping.
Frasier
My mom and I both love this show, and we've taken to watching it in the evenings. It follows a snooty but lovable psychiatrist and his family. It's probably PG 13.
Till We Have Faces, by C. S. Lewis
A stunning look at the nature of humanity, truth, and love. It is not the easiest book to read, but the ending is perfect.
My Tea Kettle
I love loose-leaf teas, but they take so long to make. For Christmas this year, my grandmother got me a tea kettle, so I can brew loose-leaf tea in minutes. I've had tea every day since Christmas!
Yoga
I've always enjoyed yoga, but I never relied on it until 2015. It's the perfect way to exercise and unwind at the same time, and I can't get enough of it. And, um, I'm totally as flexible as the model in the picture. Yeah. Absolutely.
Jane Austen
I finished the novels of Jane Austen this year, which was bittersweet. Few authors observe life as keenly as she did or replicate it as sharply. I anticipate many happy rereads.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
My most recent addition to the list-- so recent, in fact, that I started watching it on New Year's Day, which technically disqualifies it for this list. But I love it so much that I thought I would share it anyway. It covers alternately hilarious and chilling Australian crime. Consider this one PG 13 or R.
Here's to 2016!
January 1, 2016
Year in Review
(This post would've been more dramatic yesterday, but I am laid low with the plague or some similar malady, so tough. Also, I stole/borrowed this layout from the effervescent Rachel Heffington from Lipstick and Gelato.)
2015 was an interesting year. It was, without a doubt, the hardest year I have ever experienced, and ultimately the most rewarding. So here, month-by-month, is What I Did:
January
I started off a semester of nine classes, which seemed like a good idea at the time.
I wrote a novella reimagining A Midsummer Night's Dream, called The Undying. It sank like a stone.
I checked the mailbox every day, waiting to hear from North Carolina Governor's School, to which I had applied in November.
February
My musician-sister left for her first national tour. My mother chaperoned her, which left me as Lady of the House. We ate out every day for three weeks.
I received an invitation from Governor's School to audition for their choral program. I chose Pie Jesu from Faure's Requiem as my audition piece.
I turned seventeen and threw myself a celebratory tea party. It was the first party I threw without my mother's help.
I suffered the first signs of a mysterious illness that bothered me most of the year.
March
I was accepted to the choral program at Governor's School. Yay!
I performed in the chorus for the Durham Savoyard Opera's production of Utopia Limited.
April
We received word that Hospice had been called in for my ailing grandfather. They gave him six months. The next day, my aunt noticed he looked pale and called the nurse back. They gave him twenty-four hours. He passed away that night.
I assistant stage-managed Cary Youth Ballet's production of Peter Pan.
My mystery illness worsened, and I finally went to the doctor, who diagnosed it as stress and gave me orders to rest.I finished my junior year of high school.
May
I went to prom with my two best friends.I rested, as per doctors orders.I became addicted to yoga.
June
I packed up and headed to Governor's School, where I studied music, philosophy, and ethics, and wrote for the paper. While there, I wrote the first draft of my Five Magic Spindles entry, inspired by the poetry I read in the school library.
July
I came home for break in time for my sister's birthday.We had an Austrian house guest for seven weeks, with whom we had many zany adventures.I returned and finished my session at Governor's School, where I had many wonderful teachers and friends.
August
I have positively no idea what I did in August. It was probably school.
September
I wrote the first draft of my second Five Magic Spindles entry. Although I loved the characters and setting, the plot needed work, and I decided to take the doctor's orders and scrap this project for the year.
October
I started prepping notes for NaNoWriMo.My lovely family visited for Halloween. Shenanigans and good times were had by all.I contacted the judges for the Blogger Awards, and we began planning this year's ceremony.
November
I won NaNoWriMo. Hurrah!I pulled together my entries for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, including my senior portfolio, the theme of which was Cowards and Courage.
December
I finished my Five Magic Spindles entry, it was approved by my lovely beta-reader, and I sent it in.My older, only sister moved to Los Angeles.We celebrated a quiet Christmas.
And there is my year, readers! I'm sure I have forgotten some details and misremembered others. 2015 was a hard but good year. Here's to 2016.
2015 was an interesting year. It was, without a doubt, the hardest year I have ever experienced, and ultimately the most rewarding. So here, month-by-month, is What I Did:
January
I started off a semester of nine classes, which seemed like a good idea at the time.
I wrote a novella reimagining A Midsummer Night's Dream, called The Undying. It sank like a stone.
I checked the mailbox every day, waiting to hear from North Carolina Governor's School, to which I had applied in November.
February
My musician-sister left for her first national tour. My mother chaperoned her, which left me as Lady of the House. We ate out every day for three weeks.
I received an invitation from Governor's School to audition for their choral program. I chose Pie Jesu from Faure's Requiem as my audition piece.
I turned seventeen and threw myself a celebratory tea party. It was the first party I threw without my mother's help.
I suffered the first signs of a mysterious illness that bothered me most of the year.
March
I was accepted to the choral program at Governor's School. Yay!
I performed in the chorus for the Durham Savoyard Opera's production of Utopia Limited.
April
We received word that Hospice had been called in for my ailing grandfather. They gave him six months. The next day, my aunt noticed he looked pale and called the nurse back. They gave him twenty-four hours. He passed away that night.
I assistant stage-managed Cary Youth Ballet's production of Peter Pan.
My mystery illness worsened, and I finally went to the doctor, who diagnosed it as stress and gave me orders to rest.I finished my junior year of high school.
May
I went to prom with my two best friends.I rested, as per doctors orders.I became addicted to yoga.
June
I packed up and headed to Governor's School, where I studied music, philosophy, and ethics, and wrote for the paper. While there, I wrote the first draft of my Five Magic Spindles entry, inspired by the poetry I read in the school library.
July
I came home for break in time for my sister's birthday.We had an Austrian house guest for seven weeks, with whom we had many zany adventures.I returned and finished my session at Governor's School, where I had many wonderful teachers and friends.
August
I have positively no idea what I did in August. It was probably school.
September
I wrote the first draft of my second Five Magic Spindles entry. Although I loved the characters and setting, the plot needed work, and I decided to take the doctor's orders and scrap this project for the year.
October
I started prepping notes for NaNoWriMo.My lovely family visited for Halloween. Shenanigans and good times were had by all.I contacted the judges for the Blogger Awards, and we began planning this year's ceremony.
November
I won NaNoWriMo. Hurrah!I pulled together my entries for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, including my senior portfolio, the theme of which was Cowards and Courage.
December
I finished my Five Magic Spindles entry, it was approved by my lovely beta-reader, and I sent it in.My older, only sister moved to Los Angeles.We celebrated a quiet Christmas.
And there is my year, readers! I'm sure I have forgotten some details and misremembered others. 2015 was a hard but good year. Here's to 2016.
December 25, 2015
Shameless Christmas Tag
Which I shamelessly post on Christmas, because I haven't posted in forever because of the Blogger Awards, and I'm raring and ready to go.
Merry Christmas, readers!
It is a balmy 78 degrees here.
Ten days ago, my only sibling moved three thousand miles away.
Needless to say, I need a little Christmas! (*cue Christmas carol*) And I'm soooo grateful that Sarah from Dreams and Dragons tagged me in this lovely Christmas post.
What is your favorite Christmas treat?
It wouldn't be Christmas without Christmas cookies. (Which I haven't made yet. Christmas has really snuck up on me this year.) I've already made gingerbread, but I still want to make shortbread, my personal favorite.
Are there any special traditions that your family has to celebrate Christmas?
In years past, we've always had Sloppy Joes for Christmas dinner. I do not care for Sloppy Joes. Now that a Certain Family Member has moved three thousand miles away, I get to pick Christmas dinner for a change, and I'm making enchiladas and guacamole. Which I really should be cooking, instead of writing this blog post. But hey.
How do you normally celebrate Christmas?
We begin with Christmas Mass, when the approximately four Church-attending Catholics in the south are joined by twenty-three squillion other Catholics, who pop out of the woodwork at Christmas and Easter to talk loudly during Mass, get in line too early for communion, and take all the seats, not that I'm bitter.
Do you enjoy getting presents for your friends and family? Do you buy your gifts or go the homemade route?
I love presents a ridiculous amount. It's not the actual object wrapped in paper; usually, I am (ahem) indifferent to that. But the anticipation is so delicious, as is the fact that it could be anything, wrapped in pretty paper!
Is it cold where you live? Have you ever had a white Christmas?
We normally have cold winters, although they're hardly ever snowy before January. I have never experienced a white Christmas. This year is a sort of opposite-white-Christmas: it's dangerously close to eighty degrees, pouring, and humid.
What’s on your Christmas list this year?
Well. Um. Because my sister moved earlier this month, we had an early Christmas, so we've already unwrapped our gifts. But the Christmas tree looked so lonely and sad that I made a great sacrifice and ordered myself some Christmas presents, which I personally wrapped. So even though I have a few presents still to open, some of the suspense has, how do you say, flown?
But I still have four beautifully wrapped presents from my Ratty and Mole Secret Santa that I can't wait to open!
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
I'm so glad you asked! My all-time favorite is Good King Wenceslas , especially if it has a baritone and boy-soprano soloist like the video, singing the roles of Wenceslas and the page. Runners-up include God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and In the Bleak Midwinter. I pretty much love any old, Anglican song.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
I love the few minutes between dinner and opening presents from family, when everyone polishes off their food and becomes excited for presents.
What does your Christmas Tree look like?
I don't have a photo of it on my computer, and I really do need to start making enchiladas soon, so I'll give you a hint. It's somewhere between this:
And this:
What are you reading in December? (Anything festive?)
I am currently rereading the novels of Dorothy L. Sayers to celebrate Christmas. They have nothing to do with Christmas, except that they celebrate the majesty of a higher power, in this case Dorothy L. Sayers. Can you tell I love her?
Are you an organised little elf or are you still shopping/preparing on Christmas Eve?
I am an organized little elf. Even if I haven't gotten around to recording any of tracks for the Christmas CD for my parents, I know what songs they will be... when I get around to recording it.
(At this point, the author went to make enchiladas.)
How early do you start to get into the Christmas spirit?
(Oh, my gosh, the enchiladas were good. The secret is cream cheese, readers.)
The holiday season begins late October, when my family visits for Halloween. It continues through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, my birthday, then Easter. Then there's a long, bleak summer until Halloween again.
Do you make any Christmas crafts? Decorations? Send physical Christmas cards?
I am not artistically inclined. I will spend any amount of money to not have to make crafts.
What’s the menu for Christmas Day?!
We are serving Turkey Divan with rice, one of my favorites. My mom is an excellent cook.
What makes it FEEL like Christmas for you? (Weather, specific tradition, food, smell, person, etc.?)
Family makes it feel like Christmas. Whining together about all the people at Christmas Mass, sitting around the table for dinner, digging under the tree for presents.
Do you have relatives coming? Excited? Nervous?
None, alack.
What famous Christmas character do you most identify with? (Scrooge, Elf, Tiny Tim, the Grinch, Santa, etc.)
I love Ralph from A Christmas Story. He's so realistically self-centered and lovable.
If you were to start a new Christmas tradition, what would it be?
I wish I decorated more. I tend to be lazy about Christmas lights and tinsel.
What Christmas movies do you like to watch this time of year or what’s your favorite?
We love A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Toy Who Saved Christmas, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone.
What’s your favorite Christmasy book or book with a favorite Christmasy part?
I am not *hides face* particularly attached to any Christmas books.
If you've made it this far, dear reader, you have the patience of a saint. Merry Christmas!
Love,Allison
Merry Christmas, readers!
It is a balmy 78 degrees here.
Ten days ago, my only sibling moved three thousand miles away.
Needless to say, I need a little Christmas! (*cue Christmas carol*) And I'm soooo grateful that Sarah from Dreams and Dragons tagged me in this lovely Christmas post.
What is your favorite Christmas treat?
It wouldn't be Christmas without Christmas cookies. (Which I haven't made yet. Christmas has really snuck up on me this year.) I've already made gingerbread, but I still want to make shortbread, my personal favorite.
Are there any special traditions that your family has to celebrate Christmas?
In years past, we've always had Sloppy Joes for Christmas dinner. I do not care for Sloppy Joes. Now that a Certain Family Member has moved three thousand miles away, I get to pick Christmas dinner for a change, and I'm making enchiladas and guacamole. Which I really should be cooking, instead of writing this blog post. But hey.
How do you normally celebrate Christmas?
We begin with Christmas Mass, when the approximately four Church-attending Catholics in the south are joined by twenty-three squillion other Catholics, who pop out of the woodwork at Christmas and Easter to talk loudly during Mass, get in line too early for communion, and take all the seats, not that I'm bitter.
Do you enjoy getting presents for your friends and family? Do you buy your gifts or go the homemade route?
I love presents a ridiculous amount. It's not the actual object wrapped in paper; usually, I am (ahem) indifferent to that. But the anticipation is so delicious, as is the fact that it could be anything, wrapped in pretty paper!
Is it cold where you live? Have you ever had a white Christmas?
We normally have cold winters, although they're hardly ever snowy before January. I have never experienced a white Christmas. This year is a sort of opposite-white-Christmas: it's dangerously close to eighty degrees, pouring, and humid.
What’s on your Christmas list this year?
Well. Um. Because my sister moved earlier this month, we had an early Christmas, so we've already unwrapped our gifts. But the Christmas tree looked so lonely and sad that I made a great sacrifice and ordered myself some Christmas presents, which I personally wrapped. So even though I have a few presents still to open, some of the suspense has, how do you say, flown?
But I still have four beautifully wrapped presents from my Ratty and Mole Secret Santa that I can't wait to open!
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
I'm so glad you asked! My all-time favorite is Good King Wenceslas , especially if it has a baritone and boy-soprano soloist like the video, singing the roles of Wenceslas and the page. Runners-up include God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and In the Bleak Midwinter. I pretty much love any old, Anglican song.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
I love the few minutes between dinner and opening presents from family, when everyone polishes off their food and becomes excited for presents.
What does your Christmas Tree look like?
I don't have a photo of it on my computer, and I really do need to start making enchiladas soon, so I'll give you a hint. It's somewhere between this:
And this:
What are you reading in December? (Anything festive?)
I am currently rereading the novels of Dorothy L. Sayers to celebrate Christmas. They have nothing to do with Christmas, except that they celebrate the majesty of a higher power, in this case Dorothy L. Sayers. Can you tell I love her?
Are you an organised little elf or are you still shopping/preparing on Christmas Eve?
I am an organized little elf. Even if I haven't gotten around to recording any of tracks for the Christmas CD for my parents, I know what songs they will be... when I get around to recording it.
(At this point, the author went to make enchiladas.)
How early do you start to get into the Christmas spirit?
(Oh, my gosh, the enchiladas were good. The secret is cream cheese, readers.)
The holiday season begins late October, when my family visits for Halloween. It continues through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, my birthday, then Easter. Then there's a long, bleak summer until Halloween again.
Do you make any Christmas crafts? Decorations? Send physical Christmas cards?
I am not artistically inclined. I will spend any amount of money to not have to make crafts.
What’s the menu for Christmas Day?!
We are serving Turkey Divan with rice, one of my favorites. My mom is an excellent cook.
What makes it FEEL like Christmas for you? (Weather, specific tradition, food, smell, person, etc.?)
Family makes it feel like Christmas. Whining together about all the people at Christmas Mass, sitting around the table for dinner, digging under the tree for presents.
Do you have relatives coming? Excited? Nervous?
None, alack.
What famous Christmas character do you most identify with? (Scrooge, Elf, Tiny Tim, the Grinch, Santa, etc.)
I love Ralph from A Christmas Story. He's so realistically self-centered and lovable.
If you were to start a new Christmas tradition, what would it be?
I wish I decorated more. I tend to be lazy about Christmas lights and tinsel.
What Christmas movies do you like to watch this time of year or what’s your favorite?
We love A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Toy Who Saved Christmas, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone.
What’s your favorite Christmasy book or book with a favorite Christmasy part?
I am not *hides face* particularly attached to any Christmas books.
If you've made it this far, dear reader, you have the patience of a saint. Merry Christmas!
Love,Allison
December 24, 2015
Concluding the 2015 Blogger Awards: Best Author!
In October, 2014, I wanted some way to draw our blogging community together for the holiday season. With the help of Hannah Williams, Ghost Ryter, and Clara Diane Thompson, the original judges, my dream became a reality: the 2014 Blogger Awards.
The Awards have come a long way in a year. We said goodbye to some judges and hello to others. I am so proud of the amazing judges this year. Thank you so much, Hannah, Ghosty, Sarah, Annie, and Schuyler. We couldn't have the Awards without you.
Thank you, also, to the authors and artists who created these amazing books: Kristy Cambron, Suzannah Rowntree, Nicole Sager, Julia Popova, Michael O, Rachel Rossano, Ashlee Willis, Shannon Messenger, Rae Carson, Hayden Wand, Jaye L. Knight, and Brandon Sanderson. Again, the Awards would not exist without you.
Without further ado, I am pleased to present the nominees for Best Author!
Suzannah Rowntree
I read The Prince of Fishes, and I. Was. Floored. The history was gorgeous. The detail was beautiful. The theology was through-provoking. But what made this novella for me was the relationship of and power-struggle between Michael and his wife, Eudokia. Each was a great character in their own right, but I came to love their feuding, their debates, their dreams, and their romance.
Kristy Cambron
I read A Sparrow in Terezin and sobbed. I enjoyed Sera's modern-day storyline. But easily my favorite part was Kaja's storyline in World War II. It was breathtaking. It was tragic. And it was so romantic. I had no idea if there would be a happy ending, and it kept me on my seat the entire novel. I did not want it to end.
Nicole Sager
I read Burdney by Nicole Sager and loved it. Most fantasy novels these day involve a quest, and I think people tend to underestimate the power of a story set at home. Not Nicole Sager. She did a terrific job drawing the action around a central location, pulling characters from all locales into one setting. It was lovely.
All three are great authors. But only one can win. And she is:
Suzannah Rowntree!
I loved all three authors. But while reading Suzannah Rowntree's book, I laughed. I sobbed. I fell in love a little.
Ultimately, what impressed me the most was the ever-shifting struggle for power between Michael and Eudokia. Neither dominated the relationship; each had different strengths and, most noticeably, different weakness that Ms. Rowntree drew to the audience's attention. They are not perfect. They are not always likable. But they are, throughout the novella, lovable. And that is why Suzannah Rowntree is the 2015 Blogger Award's Best Author.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, concludes the 2015 Blogger Awards. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed them! If you are interested in judging the awards next year, please e-mail me at aruvidich@gmail.com. On behalf of myself and the judges, have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
The Awards have come a long way in a year. We said goodbye to some judges and hello to others. I am so proud of the amazing judges this year. Thank you so much, Hannah, Ghosty, Sarah, Annie, and Schuyler. We couldn't have the Awards without you.
Thank you, also, to the authors and artists who created these amazing books: Kristy Cambron, Suzannah Rowntree, Nicole Sager, Julia Popova, Michael O, Rachel Rossano, Ashlee Willis, Shannon Messenger, Rae Carson, Hayden Wand, Jaye L. Knight, and Brandon Sanderson. Again, the Awards would not exist without you.
Without further ado, I am pleased to present the nominees for Best Author!
Suzannah Rowntree
I read The Prince of Fishes, and I. Was. Floored. The history was gorgeous. The detail was beautiful. The theology was through-provoking. But what made this novella for me was the relationship of and power-struggle between Michael and his wife, Eudokia. Each was a great character in their own right, but I came to love their feuding, their debates, their dreams, and their romance.
Kristy Cambron
I read A Sparrow in Terezin and sobbed. I enjoyed Sera's modern-day storyline. But easily my favorite part was Kaja's storyline in World War II. It was breathtaking. It was tragic. And it was so romantic. I had no idea if there would be a happy ending, and it kept me on my seat the entire novel. I did not want it to end.
Nicole Sager
I read Burdney by Nicole Sager and loved it. Most fantasy novels these day involve a quest, and I think people tend to underestimate the power of a story set at home. Not Nicole Sager. She did a terrific job drawing the action around a central location, pulling characters from all locales into one setting. It was lovely.
All three are great authors. But only one can win. And she is:
Suzannah Rowntree!
I loved all three authors. But while reading Suzannah Rowntree's book, I laughed. I sobbed. I fell in love a little.
Ultimately, what impressed me the most was the ever-shifting struggle for power between Michael and Eudokia. Neither dominated the relationship; each had different strengths and, most noticeably, different weakness that Ms. Rowntree drew to the audience's attention. They are not perfect. They are not always likable. But they are, throughout the novella, lovable. And that is why Suzannah Rowntree is the 2015 Blogger Award's Best Author.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, concludes the 2015 Blogger Awards. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed them! If you are interested in judging the awards next year, please e-mail me at aruvidich@gmail.com. On behalf of myself and the judges, have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
