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Unburied Fables
December: Unburied Fables
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I read it this month and the stories are worth reading. I'm pretty sure all of you are going to enjoy it!
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:D
Also, I wanted to remind everyone the free days are today and tomorrow!
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Amazo is the easiest. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MF6A3ZO If you need a PDF version, send me a message with your email and I send it that way too.
Tiffany wrote: "Yuè wrote: "How do you get it?"Amazo is the easiest. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MF6A3ZO If you need a PDF version, send me a message with your email and I send it that way too."
Do you send PDF only, or also ePUB?
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Tiffany wrote: "I can convert the PDF to ePUB but it might have some display issues. It will be still readable but you'll have to excuse any wonkiness."Thank you
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There’s a lot to love here but my favorite twist is with the roses. I’ve even seen a pride ace rose on etsy (http://ow.ly/C8j3306Shpp) and the idea is beautiful. Roses in Beauty and the Beast have become ironic and marrying them to pride colors is a master stroke.
“A Beast is what I am, and such is my name."
That line stuck out in my memory, for everything it suggests. The accepted behind it, the pain that could be behind it. The suggestion of being what someone things as well as something more. I don’t know the author's exact goal with that line was but I do feel like it sets the tone.
Q1: How have labels good or bad, mattered in your life?
Q2: What line speaks the most to you in our first story? Why?
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Today let's discuss The Grateful Princess by Rachel Sharp!
This one feels like such a classic fairy tale. Yet, it differs from the classics ways of Tuline's confidence, and that it takes a bit for Lind to feel safe at the end instead of instantly falling in love without another word about it. These are more 'modern' touches that always existed like F/F relationships, that we now discuss more often.
Q1: When did our hero endear yourself to you?
A1: For me the "your own child" line where it shows that even stuff about her aren't viewed like she is the only one affected. I think that shows a mark of a great leader and when that time comes, I trust her to protect her people.
Q2: This story on a small level also raises the question of nature vs nurture. Are we simply who we are, or are we the reactions to our experiences, or both?
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Next up is Odd by Amy Michelle. A story charming in several ways but most note worthy with its use of no. The main character basically say no, this is who I am through out the story.
“You get to choose who you are,
how to make yourself your own person.“
Stories about aro aces are good, but so are stories that are positive affirmations of that fact. I don’t really have any discussion questions today, but here’s a task: Post an encouragement on a platform you are comfortable on because who knows who needs it right now. It could be the above line or it could be an affirmation for a specific group that you think deserves a shout out.
I am catching up, so this is about Handsome and the Beast.A1: when it comes to labels, I am okay with it as long as people label themselves. You want a huge excessive label? Go for it. You don't want to label yourself? Hella cool. To me, I like labelling cause it has always lead to community and a feeling of belonging. Asexuality is a huge example of that.
A2: unwed but not unloved. Knowing the original Beauty and the Beast, I expected Handsome and the Beast to fall in love and the Beast to turn back to human. But no. Handsome stays for a different reason and he's happy. The Beast stays a Beast because they have excepted their fate. And together they are happy and loved in their own way.
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A1: when it comes to labels, I am okay with it as long as people label themselves. You want a huge excessive label? Go for it. You don't ..."
A1: I agree! Someone compared it to a cat sitting in a box is a lot different of a reaction then you putting the cat in the box.
A2: Definitely a favorite moment!
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Almost everything you need to know about this story is in the title. Well, besides how funny the story actually is. I think I nearly busted out laughing when I first read it. In general humor is so important in order to mask pain, or even many times to help avoid it all together. This story marries that to the most common, and harmful, tropes.
Q1: What is your favorite comical element in this story?
A1: I don’t know if it’s my all time favorite, but given my own exceptions about this story I had missed something near the start of the story the first time. Which was, “on one memorable occasion, a fluffy but deceptively vicious little dog.” Just picturing this story book hero getting in a fight with a tiny smol dog makes me smile. Of course, the Princess getting annoyed is a joyful highlight.
"And while there was no signing, they all lived happily ever after, nevertheless."
This line on it’s own doesn’t recap everything, but to me it personally does in a way, because when I think of it, I think about how one of my friends hates musicals. I, however, find them delightful. The whole story is a reminder that we don’t have to do meet the expectations given to us, if that’s not what we personally want. That if one person loves music, and one doesn’t, both can end up with a happily ever after if we don’t blindly sing along.
Q2: You don’t have to share with the club, if you don’t want. Are there any expectations that you are still following that you don’t wish too?
Still catching up, but just read 'Odd' by Amy Michelle and it really impacted me. I get this sense that while Sophia is confident in who she is and more or less content with her life she is still frustrated by those who she loves but who still act careless and accidentally hurt her, such as her father, and those who, while not speaking openly against her orientation and wishes to not get married, still think less of it and disrespect her wishes and decisions for her life, such as the king. I personally have been in both these situations and know exactly who hard these micro aggressions, even unattended such as her father, can be to deal with. However no matter what, she acts confidently and courageously, never compromising herself, her desires, and her happiness. She is brave and never even once considers just marrying the prince or princess or king out of conviene or pressure. I believe this is what attracts Odd to her, who is more or less still a little bit of a mystery to me. But what is life without a little bit of a good mystery? Sofia's braveness is something I strive for with my own identity and plan for my own life, but I must say I falter into in it a lot more than her it seems haha. She serves as an example, though, a hero to admire as I continue to work towards being fearlessly couragoues as she was.
A very good story that I enjoyed immensely.
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Well said. I'm glad it meant something to you. I've been thinking about how art does that more and more over the past month. It's taking me a while to buy into this idea the 'art is even more important now', but it's the random unexpected things we encounter that can help us be brave the most.
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My understanding of this story has changed over the last month. I've always deeply loved Chi giving everything to buy her love even just a year more. That’s such a sweet, selfless, and giving love.
The real question here is why Chi? How come she can do it when historically not even the soldiers could. Power of love? Maybe. That is a powerful (and real) fairy tale element. But, now I see it differently.
The story isn’t about Chi saving the day and getting that happily ever after. It’s about protecting those you love with the realization that if you give everything it might only be temporary. That’s a tough reality that Chi raises to meet.
Why Chi? Because she took every shot given. Gave it her all. Tried even when the world said you'll die in the process. And in the end? She got the girl and the happily ever after even if there will still be trails they both will have to face. I think we could all use a sweet and brave story like this right now.
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The prose here is so very classic for a story that literally turns the plot of Cinderella directly on it’s head. It’s mirrored really perfectly and in doing so it says so many new things.
“Only you yourself can know what path will bring you happiness.”
We really should teach people this more often. One of the first things I was taught offically taught about the community is that you know yourself best, even if you don’t know yourself well.
I think about that anytime someone needs validation. This isn’t to suggestion validation is silly, because helping each other is such an important thing to to do. But no matter what anyone says, you know what it feels like to be you more then anyone else. You don’t need approval to be valid.
This story is almost a think experiment. So today, I’d like you to think if any other fairy tales could be told in reverse and end up changing everything.
I finished this book yesterday!For The Ungrateful Princess
Q1: When did our hero endear yourself to you?
When she realised that she has been switched at birth, and she demanded answers!
Also, at the end of the story she does not discard her parents. She doesn't see them as "people who are no longer my parents now that I know this".
Q2: This story on a small level also raises the question of nature vs nurture. Are we simply who we are, or are we the reactions to our experiences, or both?
As someone who is adopted, nature-nurture is always very interesting. Obviously, I have inherited traits from my biological parents, but I know nothing about them. Despite not being biologically related to anyone from my family, I still hear a lot of people telling me that I am like my mother or father. Not by looks (I'm Chinese and my parents are white as rice), but by behaviour. So yeah, of course nature plays a big role. It shapes your DNA. But nurture expands nature and decides how we act with the things we got from nature- at least, that is how I see it.
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For The Ungrateful Princess
Q1: When did our hero endear yourself to you?
When she realised that she has been switched at birth, and she demanded answers!
Also, ..."
I see it that way too, and I think you are very self-evident in that fact. :)
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Tiffany wrote: "Let’s discuss Satin Skirts and Wooden Shoes by Moria C. O'Dell! The prose here is so very classic for a story that literally turns the plot of Cinderella directly on it’s head. It’s mirrored real..."
I'm new to the group, so apologies for being a bit behind.
I, too, loved that quote from the reading. The story reflects on finding one's own way in an increasingly commercialized culture, where the success of your relationships are measured by glamour and wealth. The prince is rich, handsome, and powerful. Who wouldn't love him? This story questions that foundation. What do we become when we let institutions and people define our lives? How do we live a different way? Those are great questions.
The maiden seems so sure of her instincts and knowing, I thought something would eventually crack that belief. But she stays with it, resolved the entire time. Her future is uniquely her own. The sense that she does not doubt is amazing. The maiden knows herself. The prince depends on a shoe that fits as a guarantee of his happiness and future. Instincts or understanding are not useful to him. He depends on the thing, the product, to find love. Revealing.
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The prose here is so very classic for a story that literally turns the plot of Cinderella directly on it’s head. It..."
With thoughtfulness like this how could I hold any delay against you :) Welcome to the club!
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"I would believe it. [...] after all, it is your flute.”
This is where I end up trusting our main character, and believe the heir is clever and in need no of saving. I think that snap correction of ‘I could be wrong, you know you’, is what we should all aim for, and how we should respect each other. Also the self-sustaining nature of the Dark Wood is to be commended. They dance despite what the world above has to say.
Tiffany wrote: "MoMoLives wrote: "Tiffany wrote: "Let’s discuss Satin Skirts and Wooden Shoes by Moria C. O'Dell! The prose here is so very classic for a story that literally turns the plot of Cinderella directl..."
:)
I liked Odd a lot, because I expected the story to follow the original story. But no, Odd is a character we need more of in YA.For Expectations:
Q1: What is your favorite comical element in this story?
A1: UHM, for sure the moment the princess started snapping. Surprise! She was awake the whole time.
Q2: You don’t have to share with the club, if you don’t want. Are there any expectations that you are still following that you don’t wish too?
A2: Luckily, not that I'm aware of.
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This is a very short story that says a lot really. The start reminds me of "stranger danger" which I heard a lot as a kid. Then progresses into known being what is most dangerous.
It also suggests that words have power too. Which for this collection I think is very fitting and true to life. Sometimes fairy tales make it seem like we personally need magical assistance or a fairy godmother. So I like the idea of magic and our own words being one in the same.
With great care, this story also shows that despite bad things happening to us at times, happiness isn't gone forever, and we can teach others that no is a proper answer.
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Since I'm playing catch up, let's also talk about Glass Mountains by Will Shughart! Another in this collection with all the fairy tale trimming. This might sound like a detour but I had a thought today when I caught a Santa Pika. I've been trying since the event came out with no luck. If I was luck enough to even see one, it was too far away. Since it's after xmas I thought, welp, that's it.
But today, I caught that Santa Pika and was reminded that persistence is key. Behind the well-done prose, magical items, and fate not being what you expect, that's what this story reminds me of. A reminder to try, travel, and climb every day towards what you want in life-- and in time "Glittering glass mountains, as far as the eye could see."
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Let's talk Brenna by Emmy Clarke. The curiosity of this story is how the main character are mirrored images. This raises questions about first impressions unlike any others in the Unburied Fables collection Suggesting gut instincts may be correct. The twist lies in them being one in the same. Hinting that no one is pure good or pure evil. At least without a bit of magic ;)
Let's also discuss The Last Lost Boy by George Lester! This story is magical in the most common place ways. It's magic in the sneaking out fashion. Finding old friends. In the boys kissing boys way. It's ending also provides a happy ever after that is a lot more contemporary. But in that it adds hope to the unknown times.
I'm guest-hosting #AceBookClub tonight! Let's talk about Dark Matters by Tiffany Rose.I loved thinking about the world the story is set in. The idea of a world where ghosts need realtors fascinates me. It also made me think about what it is that makes a place a home. Can you feel the love in someone else's house? Why does Goldie choose this particular place to be her home?
At one point, Goldie says “I don’t think this place is for me”, and the realtor says “If I were undead, I think I’d pick here.” This made me wonder how close friends and allies can ever get to understanding marginalized people. Even the realtor, whose livelihood depends on finding homes for ghosts, can only guess at what makes a place a home. In the end, she can't help Goldie. Goldie finds her perfect home by herself. Despite her best intentions, the realtor has to step back and let Goldie do her own thing. I love this message.
I also love that Goldie finds her perfect home (and a family) in the end. I believe that there's a place for everyone somewhere, even if it takes some time to find it. I thought it was a lovely end to the story
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I feel like our main character (and all of us in 2016) have a lot to be mad over. Its nice to see that presented in a way that doesn’t suggest “just get over it already.” This short story shows a world that isn't what it "should be". It flawed, it has fault lines. In even a world full of gross things down to the food there are still things, or people, to take joy in. While I like those messages, and the message of getting over your anger on your own terms, my favorite part is the diversity.
Not just the diversity of the pairing, but the diversity of shape and form. The lesson of learning to accept yourself as is and considering that to be the right and good thing.
If we could all go into 2017 with the promise of learning from our mistakes and the willingness to see the world as it is we’d all be better for it. Will J Fawley also added that, “How we discuss and experience diversity grows more vital as cultures and possibilities branch into the future.” I absolutely agree.
Happy future from the both of us.
This collection showcases 15 different stories with a variety of origins, styles, and endings, all the tales in this anthology have one classic element in common: a happily ever after. The suggested reading speed is a short story every two days starting December 2nd and ending on the 31st.
You’ll be able to get the ebook for free from December 1st to December 2nd. If paperback is more your style, the collection isn’t that long so I wouldn’t sorry about falling behind. Every few days, we’ll discuss the varied representation and moral of each fairy tale retelling. Since there really isn't spoilers, we will just use this one thread, just please note which story you are mentioning.
No ebook proceeds will be donated during the free event, because there won’t be any. Instead, if you are so able please donate directly to The Trevor Project. Thanks and happy reading! :D