Monique Snyman's Blog, page 5

���Sunrise on the Reaping��� Will Devastate and Emotionally Traumatize Fans

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is the fifth book in The Hunger Games series, the second book if you read them in chronological order, but more importantly, it���s a cleverly written, emotionally traumatizing novel that reconceptualizes the original trilogy in ways that fans could never have dreamed possible ���

Table of Contents

ToggleReaping DayMeeting Old Friends for the First TimeIt is Painful and NecessaryPropagandaWhat Comes Next: A TheoryBack to Haymitch

Reaping Day

Sunrise on the Reaping starts with Haymitch Abernathy waking up on his sixteenth birthday, which just so happens to be Reaping Day, too. For those who don���t remember who Haymitch is, he would eventually go on to become the troubled, albeit beloved mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. But I digress ��� It���s Reaping Day, but Haymitch is more concerned about spending some time with his girlfriend, Lenore Dove, a Covey girl who has the same allure as Lucy Gray Baird.

Without giving away any spoilers, I can confirm that things don’t go as planned on the day of the 50th Hunger Games reaping. The theme of the Second Quarter Quell was choosing 4 tributes from each district. Here, we get to meet Maysilee Donner ��� the twin sister of the mayor���s wife in The Hunger Games, Merilee ��� and she���s a real treat! We also meet Wyatt Calloway, a self-proclaimed ���oddsmaker��� and Louella McCoy, Haymitch���s ���sweetheart.��� While we get to meet them, we also learn the names of Katniss��� parents, as well as, presumably, Peeta���s father.

That said, I will advise readers to be ready for the first of many jaw-dropping moments as Reaping Day commences.

Meeting Old Friends for the First Time

I need to skip ahead some, because a lot of lore gets dropped, but once our tributes from District 12 is in the Capitol, things happen quickly. We watch them get an insecticide shower before being prettified for slaughter, we meet new characters ��� some are nice, others are not ��� and we meet old friends for the first time. Now, full disclaimer, this is actually heart-wrenching once you realize that back in Haymitch���s day (the 50th Hunger Games), they were still ��� well ��� fully functional. So, you already get this horrible feeling that something happened, and that President Snow was somehow, some way, involved in said ���something.���

And then, author Suzanne Collins drops multiple bombs that start from the chariot section up until the very last page. Honestly, the words: ���Oh, Suzanne, darling ��� who hurt you?��� were uttered multiple times throughout my reading of Sunrise on the Reaping.

It is Painful and Necessary

In order to understand Haymitch in the original trilogy, we needed this book. More importantly, we needed this book to understand that the rebellion didn���t merely start or end with Katniss Everdeen. Don���t get me wrong, she was a pivotal puzzle piece to a successful rebellion, but overthrowing President Snow was a long, arduous, and extremely dangerous plot. What happened to Haymitch to make him who he is in the original trilogy is horrible and, I���m sorry to say, will wreck you. However, it���s necessary, because without sacrifice, true change doesn���t occur.

Propaganda

The most important theme that Suzanne Collins tackles with this book is that propaganda can, and will, brainwash the masses. What we see happening in Sunrise on the Reaping makes us question Katniss��� POV entirely in the original trilogy. She can, for all intents and purposes, no longer be seen as a reliable narrator because we only see her version of events and, thanks to Sunrise on the Reaping, we notice that she was kept in the dark for most of what happens.

This, in turn, makes us question whether the media today employs the same tactics as the Capitol to keep the people in line (spoiler: it does and we only see what governments want us to see) ��� So, this book definitely will make you question pretty much everything.

What Comes Next: A Theory

Already, readers are throwing around theories about whose POV the next book will be ��� and most are calling for a book from fan-favorite Finnick O���Dair���s POV. Well, firstly, we simply won���t survive a Finnick O���Dair book. I���m sorry, but it���s true. The things Collins merely alluded to in the original trilogy that Finnick faced since his victory in the arena is probably Diddy-level stuff. If she does write it, it will no longer be a YA book either, which is the point of this entire series (make information accessible to younger readers so they don���t fall into a trap).

Another prominent character���s story that folks are asking for is Tigress��� story. Again, Collins hinted at some non-YA things that Tigress had to do to keep her family alive. As much as we want it, it doesn���t fit in with the series��� overall goal.

So, who else is there?

My theory is that we will get a Caesar Flickerman POV book. It is completely possible that his predecessor, Lucretius ���Lucky��� Flickerman is Caesar���s father, and that Caesar was alive, albeit probably an infant, during the 10th Hunger Games when Lucy Gray Baird won. This means that he would have been around 15 or 16 during the 25th Hunger Games, which ��� if you���ll remember Peeta saying in Catching Fire that Effie may have forgotten to include the tapes for the Second Quarter Quell����� we know nothing about. And seeing as Lucky was the host, it stands to reason that fifteen-year-old Caesar may have been shadowing his father during these historic events ���

Perhaps he grew fond of, let���s say, a District 7 tribute (maybe her name was Aspen?) and maybe she became a victor nobody spoke of after her untimely demise when Caesar wanted to upset the status quo? I���m calling this tribute ���her��� for no other reason than the fact that Katniss said there was a previous female victor from Joanna���s district, so don���t come at me.

What���s more, Suzanne Collins is extremely intentional with her names, and our favorite peacock, Caesar Flickerman, may have ended up just like his namesake for being the mastermind of all of the rebellion.

Back to Haymitch

Theories aside, Sunrise on the Reaping is a brilliant book that will make you want to reread the original trilogy just to see how it changes everything ��� side-characters will become more appealing merely for the way they interact with one another and Katniss. What���s more, this book basically makes you realize the majority of the world is not rich enough to be Capitol citizens, is not brave enough to be rebels, and will rather do what we���ve all been programmed to do because we can���t see a different world. It���s sad, but it���s true ���

All in all, Sunrise on the Reaping is a must-read whether you���re a devoted fan of the franchise or not. If you love Easter eggs and Edgar Allan Poe, this is also a book for you. If you enjoy thinking for days, weeks, maybe even years about a book, you���re going to need Sunrise on the Reaping in your life pronto ���

Make sure you have your tissues and emotional support plushie with you, though, because you will need a helluva lot of comforting by the time you get to the end of the book.

 

���Sunrise on the Reaping��� Will Devastate and Emotionally Traumatize Fans

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is the fifth book in The Hunger Games series, the second book if you read them in chronological order, but more importantly, it���s a cleverly written, emotionally traumatizing novel that reconceptualizes the original trilogy in ways that fans could never have dreamed possible ���

Table of Contents

ToggleReaping DayMeeting Old Friends for the First TimeIt is Painful and NecessaryPropagandaWhat Comes Next: A TheoryBack to Haymitch

Reaping Day

Sunrise on the Reaping starts with Haymitch Abernathy waking up on his sixteenth birthday, which just so happens to be Reaping Day, too. For those who don���t remember who Haymitch is, he would eventually go on to become the troubled, albeit beloved mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. But I digress ��� It���s Reaping Day, but Haymitch is more concerned about spending some time with his girlfriend, Lenore Dove, a Covey girl who has the same allure as Lucy Gray Baird.

Without giving away any spoilers, I can confirm that things don’t go as planned on the day of the 50th Hunger Games reaping. The theme of the Second Quarter Quell was choosing 4 tributes from each district. Here, we get to meet Maysilee Donner ��� the twin sister of the mayor���s wife in The Hunger Games, Merilee ��� and she���s a real treat! We also meet Wyatt Calloway, a self-proclaimed ���oddsmaker��� and Louella McCoy, Haymitch���s ���sweetheart.��� While we get to meet them, we also learn the names of Katniss��� parents, as well as, presumably, Peeta���s father.

That said, I will advise readers to be ready for the first of many jaw-dropping moments as Reaping Day commences.

Meeting Old Friends for the First Time

I need to skip ahead some, because a lot of lore gets dropped, but once our tributes from District 12 is in the Capitol, things happen quickly. We watch them get an insecticide shower before being prettified for slaughter, we meet new characters ��� some are nice, others are not ��� and we meet old friends for the first time. Now, full disclaimer, this is actually heart-wrenching once you realize that back in Haymitch���s day (the 50th Hunger Games), they were still ��� well ��� fully functional. So, you already get this horrible feeling that something happened, and that President Snow was somehow, some way, involved in said ���something.���

And then, author Suzanne Collins drops multiple bombs that start from the chariot section up until the very last page. Honestly, the words: ���Oh, Suzanne, darling ��� who hurt you?��� were uttered multiple times throughout my reading of Sunrise on the Reaping.

It is Painful and Necessary

In order to understand Haymitch in the original trilogy, we needed this book. More importantly, we needed this book to understand that the rebellion didn���t merely start or end with Katniss Everdeen. Don���t get me wrong, she was a pivotal puzzle piece to a successful rebellion, but overthrowing President Snow was a long, arduous, and extremely dangerous plot. What happened to Haymitch to make him who he is in the original trilogy is horrible and, I���m sorry to say, will wreck you. However, it���s necessary, because without sacrifice, true change doesn���t occur.

Propaganda

The most important theme that Suzanne Collins tackles with this book is that propaganda can, and will, brainwash the masses. What we see happening in Sunrise on the Reaping makes us question Katniss��� POV entirely in the original trilogy. She can, for all intents and purposes, no longer be seen as a reliable narrator because we only see her version of events and, thanks to Sunrise on the Reaping, we notice that she was kept in the dark for most of what happens.

This, in turn, makes us question whether the media today employs the same tactics as the Capitol to keep the people in line (spoiler: it does and we only see what governments want us to see) ��� So, this book definitely will make you question pretty much everything.

What Comes Next: A Theory

Already, readers are throwing around theories about whose POV the next book will be ��� and most are calling for a book from fan-favorite Finnick O���Dair���s POV. Well, firstly, we simply won���t survive a Finnick O���Dair book. I���m sorry, but it���s true. The things Collins merely alluded to in the original trilogy that Finnick faced since his victory in the arena is probably Diddy-level stuff. If she does write it, it will no longer be a YA book either, which is the point of this entire series (make information accessible to younger readers so they don���t fall into a trap).

Another prominent character���s story that folks are asking for is Tigress��� story. Again, Collins hinted at some non-YA things that Tigress had to do to keep her family alive. As much as we want it, it doesn���t fit in with the series��� overall goal.

So, who else is there?

My theory is that we will get a Caesar Flickerman POV book. It is completely possible that his predecessor, Lucretius ���Lucky��� Flickerman is Caesar���s father, and that Caesar was alive, albeit probably an infant, during the 10th Hunger Games when Lucy Gray Baird won. This means that he would have been around 15 or 16 during the 25th Hunger Games, which ��� if you���ll remember Peeta saying in Catching Fire that Effie may have forgotten to include the tapes for the Second Quarter Quell����� we know nothing about. And seeing as Lucky was the host, it stands to reason that fifteen-year-old Caesar may have been shadowing his father during these historic events ���

Perhaps he grew fond of, let���s say, a District 7 tribute (maybe her name was Aspen?) and maybe she became a victor nobody spoke of after her untimely demise when Caesar wanted to upset the status quo? I���m calling this tribute ���her��� for no other reason than the fact that Katniss said there was a previous female victor from Joanna���s district, so don���t come at me.

What���s more, Suzanne Collins is extremely intentional with her names, and our favorite peacock, Caesar Flickerman, may have ended up just like his namesake for being the mastermind of all of the rebellion.

Back to Haymitch

Theories aside, Sunrise on the Reaping is a brilliant book that will make you want to reread the original trilogy just to see how it changes everything ��� side-characters will become more appealing merely for the way they interact with one another and Katniss. What���s more, this book basically makes you realize the majority of the world is not rich enough to be Capitol citizens, is not brave enough to be rebels, and will rather do what we���ve all been programmed to do because we can���t see a different world. It���s sad, but it���s true ���

All in all, Sunrise on the Reaping is a must-read whether you���re a devoted fan of the franchise or not. If you love Easter eggs and Edgar Allan Poe, this is also a book for you. If you enjoy thinking for days, weeks, maybe even years about a book, you���re going to need Sunrise on the Reaping in your life pronto ���

Make sure you have your tissues and emotional support plushie with you, though, because you will need a helluva lot of comforting by the time you get to the end of the book.

 

The Grace Year Unpacks the Dark Reality of a World That Wants to Break You

It���s taken me far too long to find the time to read Kim Liggett���s young-adult dystopian novel, The Grace Year. But I���m extremely glad that I did, because the truth of the matter is, we live in societies where equality is a fabulous notion we all pretend exists when, in fact, it doesn���t ���

Table of Contents

ToggleThe Grace Year by Kim LiggettInto the Great UnknownBlood will BoilIn ConclusionAbout Kim Liggett:The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

All sixteen-year-old girls are sent away to ���rid themselves of their magic��� in what���s called ���The Grace Year���. Some of those girls don���t return, and the ones who do come back are ��� changed. Some are missing limbs, most are now docile and ready to become wives, but nobody talks about what happened during that period of their lives. What���s worse is that if you don���t make it back alive ��� and your body isn���t recovered ��� your younger sisters are banished to the outskirts of the county, forced to fend for themselves.

There are ceremonies before they leave where they get ���chosen��� by the boys who have come of age as wives. The ones who aren���t ���veiled��� will become labourers, working in the mills, houses, or on the land.

It is a great honour to be veiled ��� for most.

In steps our protagonist, Tierney, a wild child with a mind of her own and who would prefer not to be anyone���s wife.

Into the Great Unknown

After the veiling ceremony, the girls ��� Tierney included ��� are off to spend their year in the wilderness, but due to events that were outside of Tierney’s control, she now has a target on her back. The popular girl, Kiersten, is livid about what occurred. You’d think this would take a backseat, considering the girls are already being followed by poachers who get paid handsomely for their heads, but you’d be wrong. Teenaged girls’ vendettas can be nuclear. So, even when they girls’ numbers are starting to fall during their journey, Kiersten has her eye on making Tierney’s life hell as soon as they reach the encampment.

Tierney, who has enough common sense not to believe in the “magic” they all supposedly harbour, tries to be practical in how she approaches her time during the grace year by gathering firewood and building items that’ll make their lives a little easier, but soon most of the others fall under Kiersten spell and Tierney is banished to the forest. Will she survive?

Blood will Boil

What truly irks me, though, is how even in the wilderness, away from their families and supposed leadership, these girls are hunted for coin by men. Poachers. Now, don’t get me wrong, it makes for an entertaining and gripping read, but it shows how much value is placed on women (girls, for that matter, too). And you know what? It resembles life and society now. Sure, we aren’t sent away to live in a dilapidated camp where we hack off pieces of each other … yet.��But��look at the news. Look how women are treated right around the world.

In other words,��The Grace Year��definitely got a response out of me while I read. It made me think about injustices, gender inequality, bodily autonomy, and so on and so forth.

Yet, this book isn’t feminist literature per se. At least, it’s not for me. There is definitely��The Handmaids Tale��vibes, but apart from the frustration the protagonist feels, the rage that boils within her, there are good male characters who are either 1.) actively trying to change society to be more inclusive, 2.) indirectly tries to look at things differently (and acts on those new ideas), and 3.) men who are supportive. So, don’t think that this book is a feminist rant. It’s not. If anything, The Grace Year is a cautionary tale with one foot in reality.

In Conclusion

It’s a scary read in its own right ��� not a horror, but scary nonetheless. Gripping, entertaining, and well-written, The Grace Year��is a must-read for anyone who liked��The Handmaids Tale��or who feels oppressed. Definitely a five-star read!

About Kim Liggett:

At sixteen, Kim Liggett left her rural midwestern town for New York City to pursue a career in music. Along with lending her voice to hundreds of studio recordings, she was a backup singer for some of the biggest rock bands in the 80���s.

Kim spends her free time studying the tarot and scouring Manhattan for vials of rare perfume and the perfect egg white cocktail.

Catch Me A Killer: A Profiler’s True Story by Micki Pistorius

Renowned criminal profiler, Micki Pistorius, is a household name in South Africa if you follow true crime in any way, shape, or form. As someone who follows quite a bit of true crime, both local and international, I was familiar with her work. However, it wasn’t until I watched the TV series based on her book, Catch Me A Killer (streaming on Prime), that I truly delved into the amazing life and extraordinary work of Micki Pistorius.

And when I finished binge-watching the show, you best believe I immediately bought the book!

Catch Me a Killer by Micki Pistorius

South Africa has dealt with���and I’m pretty sure are still dealing with���quite a few serial killers. Some of these serial killers are infamous around the world, whereas others are simply of interest to psychologists, criminologists, and law enforcers. They are chaotic, intelligent, brutal, and arrogant. They are broken human beings, who wants to inflict pain on the world in much the same way the world has inflicted pain on them …

Micki Pistorius, South Africa’s first criminal profiler, caught many of these serial killers during the 90s and early 2000s. Catch Me a Killer: A Profiler’s True Story revolves around some of the cases she worked on and, for lack of a better word, delves into the mind of those offenders.

The Minds of Serial Killers

Where I come from, most people know the name Moses Sithole, a.k.a the ABC Killer, who murdered at least 37 women and one toddler between 16 July 1994 and 6 November 1995. What most people don’t know, however, is that there were more serial killers active in the same areas at that time, all of whom Micki Pistorius were tracking.

David Selepe’s “killing grounds” overlapped with Sithole’s. But there may have been a third serial killer, too. Their modus operandi were similar, their victims alike. This connection was made by Micki Pistorius early on in the investigations, but would never be proven thanks to the death of David Selepe before she had an opportunity to interview him. Nevertheless, her profiles on these killers led to them being caught by the SAPS and, by sharing her theory on this, has inspired armchair detectives to maybe see if she’s on to something.

Then, there’s Stuart Wilken, a.k.a. Boetie Boer. While probably not as well known as Sithole, he is by far more interesting in a psychological sense (to me, at least). He killed individuals from two distinct victim types: female prostitutes and young boys. He also killed his own daughter … Wilken was convicted of 7 counts of murder and two counts of sodomy on 20 February 1998.

The abovementioned cases are just��some��of the ones Micki Pistorius discuss in��Catch Me A Killer: A Profiler’s True Story, and let me tell you, it is a fascinating journey.

The Mind of a Prolific Profiler

While the serial killer she talks about are without a doubt interesting, what I found especially intriguing was how she had coped. As Micki Pistorius entered the “abyss” to find those killers, to enter their minds, to see and understand them, was both remarkable and terrifying. At the time, Micki was 36. And while catching those killers, she was also training detectives like Piet Byleveld in finding killers based on their psychology, hanging out with Robert Ressler from the FBI, and presenting case studies at Scotland Yard. The woman was a machine and her compassion unprecedented!

Micki Pistorius reiterates often in her book that she doesn’t condone what the killers had done. However, she also doesn’t view the killers in the same way the media portrays them: Monsters. She saw them. Broken people who did terrible things. And yes, some were scarier than others, but the thing we forget is that they are human beings … and human beings are capable of heinous things.

Of course, all of this did take its toll on her (as it would anyone).

A Fantastic Book Worth the Hype

The show got me hooked, but the book surpassed my expectations by going in-depth into Micki Pistorius’ story, the cases, and the world of psychology. There is a tenderness in how she explains what happened with the victims, too. There’s nothing gratuitous about this book, which I also find very refreshing.

All in all, Catch Me A Killer: A Profiler’s True Story is a fantastic book that’s worth the hype and I can’t recommend it enough to people who love true crime. And if you would rather watch the show, go right ahead. The TV adaptation stays pretty close to the book, but do keep in mind that you will miss out on some interesting details.

HAPPINESS: A Documentary Worthy of Mental Health Awareness Month

What is happiness? When will I be happy? How much money will it take to be happy? Will success make me happy? These are the questions that documentary filmmaker, Max Joseph, explores in his latest documentary, HAPPINESS.

Quantifying Happiness

When it comes to happiness, several neurotransmitters need to be activated in order to achieve that ���good feeling��� we all love to feel, the building blocks of ���happiness���. The question, however, is why some people experience more happiness than others.

In the first episode of HAPPINESS, there seems to be a correlation between happiness and what aspects of life countries place an emphasis on ��� Western Nations tend to emphasize hard work and money as a roadmap to success, which is usually promoted throughout our education as the starting point for achieving happiness. However, according to HAPPINESS, this path doesn���t trigger all the necessary neurotransmitters to release those ���feel good��� hormones, which means we aren���t being fulfilled and, in turn, aren���t exactly happy.

On the other hand, societies that place a bigger emphasis on community and family trigger the other present neurotransmitters, and, while money may be in short supply, those who take this path seem to be more fulfilled in general.

We are Damaging our Biology

According to the documentary, when we only trigger the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters (the ones that rule performance, a.k.a. emphasizing achievement in careers and such), we may actually be damaging our biology! While this has ��� for the past few years ��� become a prevalent theory on social media as Gen Z strives for a better work-life balance and Millennials burn out one after the other, we seem to have scientific evidence supporting that money isn���t everything ���

Matter Neuroscience

In a time where it seems everyone is depressed and that the world is just a horrible place, I find it intriguing that scientists and companies like Matter Neuroscience are more concerned about the mental health of society than those in authoritative positions. For me, it merely shows how greedy corporations are, how tone-deaf politicians are, and how it���s up to us to make our own happiness at the end of the day.

Watch HAPPINESS:

You can watch the first episode of HAPPINESS by Max Joseph on YouTube here to find out why you���re unhappy and unfulfilled with life right now ��� and, maybe, together we can change it.

 

Booksperience: Animal Farm, The Reader, and The Color Purple …

This is not a book review; this is a BOOKSPERIENCE.��A booksperience is a snippet, describing the individual’s “experience” while reading a book. It is a highly unique take; a reader’s thoughts and feelings, rather than an essay telling the reader what to expect from reading any said book.��

I should have posted this in March, but time kind of swooshed by and I somehow forgot. Better late than never, right?

Table of Contents

ToggleBooksperienceAnimal Farm by George OrwellThe Reader by Bernhard SchlinkThe Color Purple by Alice WalkerBooksperienceAnimal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm by George Orwell is one of those books that you should read every few years just to remind yourself that, no matter what we (collectively) do, we’re all living in a broken society and we’re all pretty much screwed. Whether it is right-wing, left-wing, or run-of-the-mill politicians, they are all the same pigs that gaslight us (the rest of the animals on the farm) into believing there’s something better waiting for us if we work harder, play by their ever-changing rules, and make more money for them.

While this isn’t my first rodeo with Animal Farm, it is, perhaps, the first time I truly became depressed while reading it. Here we are, working ourselves to the bone for companies that are run by people who couldn’t give two shits whether we live or die, and in return we can barely afford buying the essentials. It broke my heart knowing we live in a never-ending cycle of corruption, greed, and propaganda.

Animal Farm may be a depressing novella, but it is essential to read in 2024, which is an election year for quite a few countries. Who knows, you may also be able to put some human faces to the animal characters in one of Orwell’s most iconic works … I sure did.

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

I can honestly say that I shouldn’t have read The Reader��by Bernhard Schlink as a fresh-faced university student with no life-experience. The nuance, the depth of the story, the intricacies of the characters, all of that was completely wasted on me back then. Now, however, I can truly appreciate the book for what it is���a tale of shame and guilt between the older and younger generations.

While I still experienced a lot of disgust at the inappropriate relationship between Michael Berg and Hanna Schmidt, I also ended the book having more comprehension about what Bernhard Schlink tried to convey to me the first time I read it.

What’s more, I realized how utterly hypocritical society can be. Yes, this was unexpected and slightly jarring to feel while reading a book about an inappropriate relationship between a fifteen-year-old boy and a thirty-six-year-old woman, but it’s nonetheless true. We can point the finger and judge all we want, but at the end of the day, the majority of society is not doing much more than Hanna did … We take advantage of the youth, turn a blind eye to injustices in order to survive, and remain ignorant (or illiterate in The Reader‘s case) until we near the end of our lives. Then, and only then, do we try to educate ourselves and make amends for our trespasses.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

First off, this was my first time reading The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Secondly, I��think��I may have seen the film starring Oprah way back when I was a child, but I can’t really remember much from the movie. Going into this book semi-blind, I can honestly say the book angered me. The way poor Celie was used, abused, and made to feel small even though she was kind and hardworking and remained hopeful, regardless of all the terrible things she had endured, well, it enraged me … She didn’t deserve it, none��of the women���Sophie, Shug, Nettie, Mary Agnes, etc.���deserved what happened to them.

Experiencing a book like The Color Purple for the first time���a book that shows how prevalent racism, gender-based violence, and injustice remains even in 2024���gives one pause. It makes you think deeply.

The sisterhood formed by the female characters also brought a different emotion with it … relief. I felt relief that none of the characters had to go through those horrid experiences completely alone. And by the end, I was both relieved and sad.��The Color Purple��is a fantastic diary-form type of book and I highly recommend everyone to read it if they haven’t already.

READ: 3/1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

Reading Goals: 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

In my previous post, I talked about how I recently acquired the book 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, and how I had a plan. Well, folks, it’s time for me to divulge how I have prepared myself for this literary journey (challenge?) and��how I am actually going to read so many books before I kick the bucket.

Reading Goals: 1001 Books You Must Read Before You DiePreparation Is Key

One doesn’t embark on something as lofty as reading 1001 books without proper preparation. This is a marathon, after all, not a sprint. And it took more than 20 days to get everything in place. First, I worked my way through 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die��and copied down a list of every single book in it, added the author’s name, and drew a little checkbox. Yes, I made a list of a list (sue me). With that out of the way, I had to decide whether I was going to tick off the books I’d already read in the past or reread them. Spoiler alert: I decided on the latter option …

After that was done (and it took me about 15 days by the way), I had to go through my library to see what books I owned and what other books I wanted to acquire first.

Now, considering the price of books nowadays (including eBook prices), there was no way I was going to be able to afford more than 900 books brand new. So, I opted to buy them secondhand and/or find them at the local library.��If, however, a book is so freaking good that I know it will be worth buying it brand new and having it take up space in my home library, I will.

The search began for my preliminary list of books and, after I found them,��I had to wait a few days for them to arrive.

Mind Over Matter

The most important thing, I think, to consider with such a massive goal is whether you are in the right mindset. Right now, I am eager to get my reading on. The question is: Will I feel the same way in a month? Six months? A year? That’s a long list of books to read, some will be spectacular and others probably won’t resonate. Still, how will it affect me if I can’t even get through half of them?

These are all questions I asked before I started this journey, and I made my decision that reading some��are better than reading��none. So, if I fail, I fail. It’s okay. Though, I’m going to do my utmost not to fail (this is a bucket list goal of mine now).

Timeline

Like I said, this is a marathon. While I’ve��always meant to read more of the classics, I often found myself getting distracted by bright and shiny new releases. To negate this, I decided on the following:

For every 5 books I read listed in 1 001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, I am allowed to buy myself 1 new release (but the new release has to be under $18 because nobody in their right mind should spend more than that on a bloody book).I’m allowed to listen to the audiobook versions if I am willing to spend my Audible credits on them.I have to read at least 40 books listed in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die��per year if I’m going to finish by the time I’m 60 years old (started a bit late with this … whoops).I will try not to read books in the same genre back-to-back.You’re going to make it fun for yourself!

I know, I know, reading shouldn’t really have rules, but this is a serious goal I want to achieve and organization is key. Whether I’ll be able to accomplish it, I don’t know … However, I would like to invite you to join me. I’ll be giving updates on my progress, and who knows, maybe you’ll find a book or two you’d also like to read.

1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die Synopsis:

For discerning bibliophiles and readers who enjoy unforgettable classic literature, 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die is a trove of reviews covering a century of memorable writing. Each work of literature featured here is a seminal work key to understanding and appreciating the written word. The featured works have been handpicked by a team of international critics and literary luminaries, including Derek Attridge (world expert on James Joyce), Cedric Watts (renowned authority on Joseph Conrad and Graham Greene), Laura Marcus (noted Virginia Woolf expert), and David Mariott (poet and expert on African-American literature), among some twenty others.

Addictive, browsable, knowledgeable���1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die will be a boon companion for anyone who loves good writing and an inspiration for anyone who is just beginning to discover a love of books. Each entry is accompanied by an authoritative yet opinionated critical essay describing the importance and influence of the work in question.

Also included are publishing history and career details about the authors, as well as reproductions of period dust jackets and book designs.

How Keeping a Reading Journal Reignited my Passion for Life!

Reading has always been one of my greatest loves in life. From a young age, books have been my dearest passion. With them, I could explore new worlds, learn new things, escape reality, etc. Books were my best friends, my happy place, a solution to all problems. I loved the written word so much that I turned it into a career.

I had gone from reading stories to telling them and then, before I knew it, I was helping others to tell their stories!

My reading goals were always high, and I could easily���back when I still had time���read over 100 books a year. That number dwindled as time became less and priorities changed, of course, but for as long as I can remember books were always a part of me. That is until 2020, when everyone’s worlds turned upside down, including my own …

Table of Contents

ToggleWhen a Hobby became HoardingBeginning my Reading Journal JourneyLofty Goals Abound

When a Hobby became Hoarding

In 2020, as we all know, the pandemic hit and everything changed. Around the end of the year, I also fell pregnant. Long story short and in full Dickensian style, it wasn’t the best of times for yours truly. As we prepared for the arrival of our daughter, we were more concerned about being financially stable than concerning ourselves with any hobbies. So, reading had to take a backseat. After my daughter was born in 2021, I soon realized that taking a “real job” would afford my kid a better life.

I was fortunate to find the job and I am incredibly grateful. However, reading was not exactly high on my list of priorities at that point either.

It went on like this until December 2023. On a sunny day around November, I looked at my bookshelves and counted almost a hundred books just sitting there, untouched, waiting to be read. They were gathering dust, because even though I hadn’t read quite as many books in the last three years, I had purchased books I wanted to read. “One day,” I had told myself. “One day, Monique …”

I’ll be honest and say it broke my heart to realize that I’d given everything��and couldn’t even make time to enjoy one of my greatest pleasures in life.

So, I decided then and there that things were going to change. Reading and collecting books are two wholly different things, and I wasn’t a collector. I am a reader. Plain and simple.

Beginning my Reading Journal Journey

I accidentally stumbled onto some TikToks (praise the algorithms) that showed reading journals. Now, I’d known about them, but I had Goodreads to keep track, right? Why go through all the effort? Alas, dear friends, I was a fool. Goodreads isn’t half as interactive as keeping a reading journal. All Goodreads is good for is to make you feel guilty if you don’t��reach your goals (that said, I do like keeping track with all my shelves there). Off to Pinterest I went for more ideas on how to structure my reading journal and wow! What beautiful spreads there were!

By December, I was ready. I had purchased a notebook, some stickers, there was a mountain of books to be read, and I had a whole lot of hope to finally read more than I had in the previous few years.

Ladies, gentlemen, and other readers, let me tell you that I had never been so engrossed with reading as I have since starting my journal. I actively search for the perfect quote to encapsulate how I felt about any given book. I plan both my spread and review as I’m reading my chosen book. I am suddenly more invested in the storyline, remember the plots better, and I don’t fear getting cancelled when I don’t like a book. My rating-system is personalized! My reading journal, for all intent and purposes, is me.

Lofty Goals Abound

This reading journal has done wonders for me���I’m writing again, reading more, I’ve rediscovered who I am. My creativity is also in overdrive for the first time in ages. What’s more, I feel happier … I feel whole.

My reading journal, however, was just the start of something greater. While January saw me finishing 5 books (another had been DNF’ed), which is an excellent number considering I only read 20 books in 2023, I realized I wanted to push myself to read more broadly, to dive headfirst into the classics. And, it dawned on me, this change was a long-time coming, because early in 2023 I had already started searching for a copy of 1,001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (a book that’s uncommon to find around these parts) … Lo and behold, early February, I found a first edition at a secondhand bookstore!

Serendipitous, right?

And so, it begun. My reading goals have expanded exponentially, and while most of February saw me planning out how I would achieve finishing 1,001 books within my lifetime, I am finally ready to start this journey.

Keep an eye on my blog for updates on what this “plan” I’ve come up with is all about, what I’m currently reading, and see more glimpses of my reading journal! Who knows, you may just be inspired to do something big for yourself soon.

BookStrology: Changes and Transformations Await the Signs in March 2024

Welcome to Bookstrology!

Every month, I will recommend some literary remedies based on each zodiac sign to help you weather whatever the universe throws your way.

March 2024 sees cosmic energies aligning to bring a profound transformation to all the zodiac signs, which I’m sure everyone can agree sounds awesome. Overall, it seems we can look forward to new acquaintances, crazy romantic actions, career breakthroughs, and unexpected financial success (yay!). For a more in-depth breakdown of what may be coming your way, click on the TOC below (or scroll down) and find out what books may help you to get through the good, bad, and ugly …

Table of Contents

ToggleBookstrology for March 2024Aries – March 21-April 19Taurus – April 20-May 20Gemini – May 21-June 20Cancer – June 21-July 22Leo – July 23-August 22Virgo – August 23-September 22Libra – September 23-October 22Scorpio – October 23-November 21Sagittarius – November 22-December 21Capricorn – December 22-January 19Aquarius – Jan 20-Feb 18Pisces – Feb 19-March 20

 

Bookstrology for March 2024Aries – March 21-April 19

March will be a roller coaster ride, where you will have good opportunities for career success, but at the same time, you���ll feel anxious. Put those creative or professional ideas on hold for a while and spend more time with your family. Remember to also take care of your emotional health during this month.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Aries:

 

Taurus – April 20-May 20

Dearest Taurus, this month sees many ups and downs. The likelihood of difficulties and troubles is increased by the Sun’s negative transit through Pisces, which will make you constantly nervous at work and may also affect your self-esteem. That being said, these trying moments will push you toward fame and recognition and will have a positive impact on your career in the long run. So, don���t give up yet!

Bookstrology Recommendations for Taurus:

 

Gemini – May 21-June 20

Single Geminis may meet a true soul mate who will completely change your life this month! On the other hand, family Gemini will have to solve everyday problems. However, you may also get a chance to turn your hobby into a lucrative side hustle. Keep a close eye on your health, though, to avoid problems in the future.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Gemini:

 

Cancer – June 21-July 22

‍March looks promising for Cancer. The stars align with new beginnings, important offers, and good changes. Peace and tranquility are also predicted if you focus on strengthening your relationship with your partner and make efforts to resolve problems. Around the 15th, you will have time to relax, which in turn will clear your mind and assist in making a decision that will bring long-term benefits.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Cancer:

 

Leo – July 23-August 22

In both your personal and professional life, you will have the opportunity to achieve more if you overcome your self-doubt. Leos who find themselves lonely may find love, whereas married Leos will find solutions to problems in their marital life. Take care of your finances around the middle of the month, though, and avoid making large investments and purchases.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Leo:

 

Virgo – August 23-September 22

Virgo is going to have a very lucky March! Now���s the time of love, career growth, and financial success. You will be lucky in literally everything. Things could get a little rocky towards the middle of the month when you may face some problems in your career, but if you can spot good investment opportunities, there is a chance to get an additional source of income.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Virgo:

 

Libra – September 23-October 22

‍Lovely Libra, your March will be dynamic and unpredictable. A combination of romance, challenges, and opportunities for growth is coming your way, so prepare yourself for some emotional ups and downs that range from enthusiasm to inspiration to depression. Your emotional fluctuations could affect your professional life, but if you prioritize your career, you can overcome those difficulties. Try not to take risks, though, seeing as one wrong decision can have huge consequences.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Libra:

 

Scorpio – October 23-November 21

March is filled with opportunities for personal growth and career breakthroughs for Scorpio. This month, consider focusing on self-discovery through art therapy or with the help of a diary. You will overcome any difficulties thrown your way and achieve your goals if you have a strong will, which will be strengthened by Venus in Aquarius.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Scorpio:

 

Sagittarius – November 22-December 21

Sagittarius, your March predicts emotional swings. Great joy and happiness are coming your way, but expect periods of uncertainty and doubt, too. On the upside, you will be able to take your relationships to a new level. By the end of March, be careful when making important decisions to avoid problems.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Sagittarius:

 

Capricorn – December 22-January 19

Opportunities for growth and success are coming your way, Capricorn! A positive and dynamic atmosphere will prevail throughout March in almost all aspects of your life. However, take care to avoid making impulsive decisions and remember to consider your health.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Capricorn:

 

Aquarius – Jan 20-Feb 18

Personal and professional happiness is written in the stars for Aquarius. Finally, you will be able to release the past and heal from your traumas. As you enter a new era of life, you may be doing so with a stable income, harmony, and peace. That being said, avoid rash behavior and stay focused in order to grab the opportunities coming your way.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Aquarius:

 

Pisces – Feb 19-March 20

Certain astrological transits at the beginning of the month may be challenging for you, but you can overcome this by focusing on positive goals. This month may provide you ample opportunities to start fresh and draw important conclusions. Start investing in personal development, including your education to see growth and achieve inner harmony in the future.

Bookstrology Recommendations for Pisces:

 

Are We Living In A Dystopian Novel?

Are We Living in a Dystopian Novel?

When Suzanne Collins��� The Hunger Games series had a renaissance on TikTok in anticipation of the release of the latest film, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it dawned on me how important and almost prophetic Young Adult (YA) dystopian literature has become. While any well-written book is capable of captivating readers, dystopian literature pushes the boundaries with thought-provoking themes that���s usually supposed to be almost farfetched. Lately, however, it seems like there���s much more significant relevance to them.

Book series like The Hunger Games, Marie Lu���s Legend trilogy, Scott Westerfeld���s Uglies series and so on have an understated highbrow quality that is often overlooked due to them being labelled as being YA books. Take away the age classification, though, and we���re looking at predictions coming to pass in much the same vein as well-known dystopian classics like Margaret Atwood���s The Handmaid���s Tale, George Orwell���s 1984, and Aldous Huxley���s Brave New World.

The Hunger Games Series

With Suzanne Collins��� series, we are subjected to the brutality of a dystopian society where a privileged few exploits and control the majority. This narrative is strikingly relatable to real-world issues of power, inequality, and surveillance. The growing wealth gap around the world that threatens social harmony echoes the economic disparities depicted in the series. Furthermore, the question about security and privacy reflects the ever-present concern over the balance between surveillance measures and personal freedoms, akin to the Capitol’s manipulation and control of its citizens. While the series doesn’t directly address the intricacies of the global economic crisis, it offers a critique of societal structures that perpetuate economic disparities and exploitative practices and prompts readers to question the consequences of unchecked power, economic inequality, and the potential impacts of economic crises on marginalized communities.

Marie Lu’s Legend Series

Marie Lu’s Legend series explores a corrupt government, the struggles of the oppressed, and the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonists. These themes resonate in our modern society and exemplify the pervasive corruption that undermines trust in the ruling institutions, mirroring the dystopian Republic’s grip on power. This series also addresses the themes of commercialization and privatization of governments and portrays a dystopian society where the government is heavily influenced and controlled by powerful corporations. The corporate influence leads to the exploitation of resources, manipulation of information, and the prioritization of profit over the well-being of the citizens. Sound familiar?

The Uglies Series

When it comes to Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series readers come face-to-face with the societal pressures of conformity, beauty standards, and the quest for individuality. These incredibly relevant issues in our image-obsessed world shows the ongoing battle against unrealistic ideals and parallels the struggles faced by Westerfeld’s characters. What���s more, the series challenges the notion that conforming to a particular standard is the only pathway to acceptance and happiness. It emphasizes the value of self-expression, authenticity, and the acceptance of oneself and others for who they truly are.

My Chemical Garden

One of the more unique, albeit not the best YA dystopian trilogies I had read in the mid-2010s was Lauren DeStefano���s My Chemical Garden novels, which addresses other relevant themes to our current dystopian reality. The consequences and ethical dilemmas associated with genetic engineering and manipulation is one of the big themes in these books, which means everyone basically dies young (women don���t live over the age of twenty, whereas men don���t live longer than the age of twenty-five). This, in turn, means that to keep humanity from dying out procreation happens at a young age. Once again, children suffer due to previous generations��� mistakes. Another theme is the importance of female empowerment and the fight for self-determination in a world that seeks to control and commodify women’s bodies ��� Ring a bell?

A Powerful Tool For Understanding

And while there hasn���t necessarily been a resurgence of popularity in YA dystopian novels in a whole these past few years���not including the usual apocalyptic novels often found in one���s horror collection���the ones that do see the light of day often touches on the same concepts as the series mentioned above.

In a post-pandemic world grappling with complex social, economic, political, and environmental challenges, YA dystopian literature serves as a powerful tool for understanding, empathy, and reflection no matter what your age. From income inequality and mass surveillance to government scandals and social media’s impact on identity, the headlines of today align with the dystopian worlds depicted in these and similar novels. As such, YA dystopian literature serves as a thought-provoking and prophetic medium, encouraging readers to question existing systems, advocate for change, and imagine a more just and equitable world.