May Wrap-Up: Science and Tradition, the Right to Retell, and the Best and Worst Books
This month I come to you with actually a pretty decent mix of things. A non-fiction book, a fantasy book, a sci-fi YouTube Original, glowing recommendations for contemporary fantasy books, and a scathing review of a self-help book. I think that offers a little bit for everyone, don’t you?
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This book was just so incredibly wonderful. Beautifully written, full of expertise, and incredibly kind and hopeful. I absolutely loved how seamlessly the author was able to blend traditional knowledge with studied ecology. Highly recommend.
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
This was such an epic, heartbreaking, and astounding story. Wang did an amazing job making me fall in love with the characters, even long after I had decided I hated one of them. I loved the worldbuilding and the way different elemental powers were presented (though I would have loved to see earth and fire explored more), especially with how cultural bias and ideas of supremacy came back to bite characters in the ass. Definitely worth a read, and definitely one I want to reread in the future.
Articles
Every King Arthur Retelling is Fanfic About Who Gets to be Legendary
An important and enlightening examination of Arthurian lore and its lack of cohesion, specifically in regard to challenges to the legitimacy or retellings/reimaginings centering POC. Also, the author is brilliant and you should go read her book, Legendborn, which I raved about in a previous wrap-up.
Other
In Space With Markiplier [Part 2]
I not only watched Part 2, but I went through all the options, and I went back through Part 1 and did all the options there as well. Such a weird and fun story; definitely makes the most of the medium and Choose Your Own Adventure format. Part 2 in particular will be a ton of fun if you’re familiar with Mark’s other work, since it has references galore.
What I’ve Created
Books/Short Stories
When We Lie (A New Age of Magic #3)
IT’S HERE!
Okay, well, it’s not here quite yet, but it is available for pre-order! The ebook can be pre-ordered off Amazon (linked above), and the processing for the paperback is underway. I’ll be posting links and updates to my social media leading up to the release date, so keep an eye on @rachaellawrites in Twitter and Instagram!
Articles
My Top 5 Contemporary Fantasies (So Far)
I know I already gush about books I loved each month in these blog posts, but I wanted to share the love even further, so I’ve started making these book recommendations lists. This one is focused specifically on contemporary fantasy, but I’ll be focusing on other genres, tropes, themes, etc. in the future. If there are specific kinds of recommendations you’d like to see from me, please let me know!
Minimal Research and Minimal Care: An In-Depth Review of “Minimal” by Madeleine Olivia
Another detailed review, unfortunately of the negative variety. I had considered not even reviewing this book, since I wasn’t sure I would have much to say, but I ended up writing 4,000 words about it. Also, I felt obligated to say something about it, if for no other reason than to highlight two very dangerous pieces of advice offered in Minimal.
First: Olivia advices readers to avoid non-recyclable items, and includes medical needles in that list. Do not ever avoid or skimp on medical treatment or safety in the name of sustainability.
Second: Olivia says readers can disinfect their cutting board by rubbing a lemon on it. Lemon juice is not a disinfectant. Following this tip could give you food poisoning.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This book was just so incredibly wonderful. Beautifully written, full of expertise, and incredibly kind and hopeful. I absolutely loved how seamlessly the author was able to blend traditional knowledge with studied ecology. Highly recommend.
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
This was such an epic, heartbreaking, and astounding story. Wang did an amazing job making me fall in love with the characters, even long after I had decided I hated one of them. I loved the worldbuilding and the way different elemental powers were presented (though I would have loved to see earth and fire explored more), especially with how cultural bias and ideas of supremacy came back to bite characters in the ass. Definitely worth a read, and definitely one I want to reread in the future.
Articles
Every King Arthur Retelling is Fanfic About Who Gets to be Legendary
An important and enlightening examination of Arthurian lore and its lack of cohesion, specifically in regard to challenges to the legitimacy or retellings/reimaginings centering POC. Also, the author is brilliant and you should go read her book, Legendborn, which I raved about in a previous wrap-up.
Other
In Space With Markiplier [Part 2]
I not only watched Part 2, but I went through all the options, and I went back through Part 1 and did all the options there as well. Such a weird and fun story; definitely makes the most of the medium and Choose Your Own Adventure format. Part 2 in particular will be a ton of fun if you’re familiar with Mark’s other work, since it has references galore.
What I’ve Created
Books/Short Stories
When We Lie (A New Age of Magic #3)
IT’S HERE!
Okay, well, it’s not here quite yet, but it is available for pre-order! The ebook can be pre-ordered off Amazon (linked above), and the processing for the paperback is underway. I’ll be posting links and updates to my social media leading up to the release date, so keep an eye on @rachaellawrites in Twitter and Instagram!
Articles
My Top 5 Contemporary Fantasies (So Far)
I know I already gush about books I loved each month in these blog posts, but I wanted to share the love even further, so I’ve started making these book recommendations lists. This one is focused specifically on contemporary fantasy, but I’ll be focusing on other genres, tropes, themes, etc. in the future. If there are specific kinds of recommendations you’d like to see from me, please let me know!
Minimal Research and Minimal Care: An In-Depth Review of “Minimal” by Madeleine Olivia
Another detailed review, unfortunately of the negative variety. I had considered not even reviewing this book, since I wasn’t sure I would have much to say, but I ended up writing 4,000 words about it. Also, I felt obligated to say something about it, if for no other reason than to highlight two very dangerous pieces of advice offered in Minimal.
First: Olivia advices readers to avoid non-recyclable items, and includes medical needles in that list. Do not ever avoid or skimp on medical treatment or safety in the name of sustainability.
Second: Olivia says readers can disinfect their cutting board by rubbing a lemon on it. Lemon juice is not a disinfectant. Following this tip could give you food poisoning.
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