Daniel got me this novel for Christmas. It is described as a “decopunk pulp SF alt-history space opera mystery set in a Hollywood-and solar system-very different from our own.” I don‘t really know when I‘ll get around to reading it, but I am certainly intrigued.

Grad school means a lot of reading, with little of it being fiction read for pleasure. The good news is that I‘m being exposed to some incredible pieces of nonfiction writing. Originally published in 1959, Allport‘s seminal text on intergroup relations and prejudice is dated only by the terminology used to describe the discriminated groups under discussion — the theories posited within still hold incredible and frightening weight today.

A heartbreaking, engrossing, trope-flipping fairy tale that includes: an emphasis on the importance of family narratives, an in-depth exploitation of opera I never knew I needed, a rather scathing "review" of the often-lacking medical approach to mental health, and a refreshingly-normalized LGBTQ+ romance (or two) at the very heart of the story. Bravo to Ann for this gorgeous debut novel. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

One of the coolest, most intelligent women I know--who also happens to be the wife of my academic mentor--just released her first novel. I'm so proud of this rad lady and ready to harass her for her autograph. ;)

Poetry was intended to be annotated in the ugliest fashion possible; you cannot convince me otherwise. 📖🖊

Last semester was full of applications and publications and essay-writing; blessedly, this semester is shaping up to be a lot more fun--and a lot better for my Litsy account! Who knew I would get to read published fanfiction for a college class? Jo Baker takes on the monumental task of rewriting "Pride and Prejudice" through the eyes of the oft-neglected servants; this diehard Austen fan believes she (mostly) sticks the landing.

My introduction to Rushdie was via The Enchantress of Florence, one of his more recent novels; I figured it was past time to read his most popular (and notable and controversial and apparently positively unmissable) works.

I finally had the chance to pop into a used bookstore I've been admiring since my first days in NZ; when I saw this on sale for 10 NZD, I knew I had found the most perfect memento of my two-month stay in Wellington.

Fantasy and science fiction is still a realm dominated by male authors and characters, making the strong, independent, but still flawed women of Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series so important -- both to me personally and to the genre as a whole. Long may a lady Abhorsen fight the dead.

The realm of fairy-story is wide and deep and high and filled with many things: all manner of beasts and birds are found there; shoreless seas and stars uncounted; beauty that is an enchantment, and an ever-present peril; both joy and sorrow as sharp as swords.

This weekend, I visited Matamata, New Zealand -- better known as the home to the Hobbiton seen in the Peter Jackson adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Lifelong dream = achieved.

Wieland is the first true American Gothic novel, rife with spontaneous combustions, mass murders, and divine influence; most eerie of all, it was based on a true story. I first read this novel for a class three years ago and still periodically think about it -- creepy with incredible staying power.

"... witchcraft requires no potions, familiar spirits or magic wands. Language on a silvered tongue affords enchantment enough."

I'm going to start chronicling the books from Arab writers I've read over the years; universally, the prose (even in translation) is unparalleled. Wild Thorns was one of the first novels to showcase tragedies & absurdities of life during war in the occupied West Bank from both sides of the conflict.

Today's quote is in honor of Ophelia Thinks Harder, a retelling of Hamlet in which Ophelia gets the good lines and an opportunity to become the protagonist of the story -- you know, in place of her moody, manipulative sometimes-boyfriend. Three cheers and a chalk quote to that!

I have a complex relationship with death -- perhaps not as complex as Sabriel's, but complex nonetheless. The book's message is not lessened by the genre; it is only increased exponentially. I will defend the impact of YA fantasy books until my last keystroke. (Art credit to Sebastian Ciaffaglione)

My boss's son got engaged a few days ago, so a romantic quote seemed only appropriate. 💕 #chalkshakespeare

I was in the market for a new "escape" read when I saw K.D.'s post about Sabriel. A fantasy novel with a female protagonist and three sequels?! Sign me up! I can't wait to get started on this beauty!

June 15th was Global Wind Day, and since I am living in the infamously windy Wellington, it only seemed appropriate to dedicate my chalk quote to the occasion. 🍃🌬 This was lifted from Act II, Scene VII of As You Like It!

At the end of every day, I get to chalk a relevant Shakespeare quote on the sidewalk outside our office and post it on our Twitter feed. The autumn weather in Wellington has been lovely, so this famous gem seemed an appropriate choice!

Your resident favorite English Literary and Cultural Studies major (AKA: me) caught this massive flub yesterday on Sweet's Snapchat Discover publication. Thomas Hardy AND David Foster Wallace are both rolling in their graves! 😱

I think part of the reason I enjoyed The Alchemist was the preponderance of Arabic and Arab lore.

"Maktub," the merchant said, finally.
"What does that mean?"
"You would have to have been born an Arab to understand," he answered. "But in your language it would be something like, 'It is written.'"

Infinitely quotable, even when it backslides into cheesiness. It's a fast read for a member of the younger generation seeking inspiration or guidance -- those graduating, traveling abroad, or pondering their place in the universe.

My sweet coworker (and fellow Tolkien-lover!) brought by her copies of the trilogy for me to read when foot traffic gets slow at our festival. There is nothing like slipping into an old favorite when you're in need of entertainment or consolation.