Off Day
I’m listening to a Stephen King novel, narrated by Stephen King (in his full Maine accent), and HE SOUNDS LIKE MY GRANDMA. Only, you know, not. But so Maine-y! Ayup.
Filed under NaBloPoMo
Indie Lit Awards: Nominate Now!
Just a reminder that the nominations for the Independent Literary Awards are now open. Please nominate your favorite books published in 2011!
- Everyone can nominate books!
- You can nominate up to five books in each category. Please make sure they were originally published in 2011.
- Nominations close December 31, 2011 at midnight PST
What are your favorite LGBTQ books of 2011?
Nominate here!
Filed under Uncategorized
New Arrivals, Exciting Edition
!!!
(And before you ask, yes, that is a President Obama bobble-head. Carry on.)
Filed under NaBloPoMo
Thoughts on a Personal Library
Sometimes I pretend my personal library would look like this, only with more colorful book spines.
Filed under NaBloPoMo
Advice: Non-Fiction Audio Books
If you can’t stand to listen to non-fiction audio books, may I suggest starting with a book by a famous news caster? I’ve been listening to Tom Brokaw’s new book today, which he (of course) narrates himself, and the simple pleasure of listening to a well known voice tell me interesting things makes me happy.
Other authors/famous people/npr journalists you may or may not have heard of who read their own books in a pleasing manner:
- Tina Fey
- Gwen Ifill
- John Moe
- Rob Lowe
- John Lithgow
- Michele Norris
Anyone you’d add to the list?
Filed under NaBloPoMo
Guide to Reviewing GLBTQ Books, Part 2: Discussing GLBTQ Characters
Image via Wikipedia
When should I mention that the characters in a book are LGBTQ?
It is my opinion that there are two situations where it is absolutely necessary to mention that a character, or characters, in a book are LGBTQ.
- When a major character identifies within the LGBTQ spectrum, and/or LGBTQ themes are a major plot of the novel
- If you are counting the book toward a challenge that involves reading books by LGBTQ authors, have LGBTQ characters, and/or have themes relevant to the LGBTQ community
Do I have to mention every single character, no matter how small his or her role in the novel, who identifies as LGBTQ?
Lets say you’re writing about a book where the main character goes to a party and notices two gay men hanging out in the corner of the room. The MC does not interact with them, simply notices that they are there. It’s not necessary to mention every single character who is LGBTQ; if, however, the character has an interesting plot line and you discuss that, mentioning their orientation or gender identity would be a positive addition. For instance, in The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff, the main character is a gay man, and while it does not directly affect the progression of the story, it does add to it.
Isn’t it a spoiler to mention character’s sexual orientation or gender identity?
While I am not as strict as some about spoilers, I refuse to consider anyone’s sexual orientation as a plot point that could be “spoiled” if revealed. If the character is transgender, and their identity is used as a SURPRISE! plot twist, I consider that to be a) sloppy writing and b) offensive.
Is it offensive to discuss LGBTQ identities?
Absolutely not. Identifying across the LGBTQ spectrum is not something to be embarrassed or ashamed about, nor should you, as a reviewer, feel ashamed or embarrassed to mention a character’s identity. If you are unsure of how to write about these identities, which pronouns to use, etc., check out my post on terms, discussing trans folks, and feel free to email me at bonjourcass @ gmail . com if you would like more specific assistance.
Note: The opinions espoused in this post are mine, and are not as clear cut as, say, when I defined terms in my previous Guide to Reviewing LGBTQ Books post. I am not saying my way is the only way; I am providing a guide or a reference for those who would like it.
Filed under GLBTQ, Guide to Reviewing GLBTQ Books
Reading Journal #2
What I Read Today:
Damned by Chuck Palahniuk
A Brief summary of the book:
Madison is thirteen, fat, and in Hell. Like, the Hell Satan rules. This is her story.
Why I Read It:
I liked the premise “Inferno by way of The Breakfast Club.” Also each chapter starts with “Dear Satan, it’s me, Madison.”
I liked [this], but not so much [that]
I liked that Madison was rather witty, but not so much that the rest of the book was basically screaming “HEY I’M CHUCK PLAHNIUK AND I NEED TO WRITE A BOOK BECAUSE I HAVE BILLS TO PAY SO HERE’S A THING BUY IT PLEASE.”
Lessons Learned:
I really need to stop buying into jacket copy. It’s like the Inferno meets the Breakfast Club! It’s like Harry Potter goes to college, with drugs and sex! It’s like The Scarlet Letter meets The Handmaid’s Tale. IT NEVER WORKS OUT BUT I FALL FOR IT EVERY TIME.
What I’ll Be Reading Next:
The Last Nude by Ellis Avery (ARC)
Number of episodes of the 1990-1991 & 1991-1992 seasons of Law & Order I watched when I could(/should) have been reading
No comment.
Movies Watched:
Mr. Saturday Night starring Billy Crystal (1992)
Books Purchased via various apps on my iPad:
3. IT’S JUST SO EASY.
Delicious food consumed:
Baked spinach and cheese squares. Nom nom nom.
Filed under NaBloPoMo
I Want to Know Everything
I really want to know everything.
Some Things I’d Like to Know, as of right now:
– Who was the first president to have an animal as a pet at the White House?
– Who was the Attorney General during the Ford Administration?
– Why did I just type that? That.
– What would be warmer to wear right now, fleece or Angora?
– Does Angora get capitalized?
– If I named my first born Angora, would he/she hate me for life?
– If I grow a really awesome Italian lady mustache (I’m Italian y’all, it could happen), could I grow it out so the ends curled and I could twist them around my finger and say “Hmmmmm” like a really awesome person?
Filed under NaBloPoMo
Reading Journal #1
What I Read Today:
Listened to 7 hours of Ed King by David Guterson
Thoughts on the Narration:
Arthur Morey’s voice for the main female character, Diane, is basically just his regular voice. This may be the first audio book I’ve listened to where a male narrator didn’t even try to alter his voice when reading dialogue spoken by a woman.
A Brief summary of the book:
Ed King is a retelling of the classic play Oedipus Rex, set between 1962 to the present day.
I like [this], but not so much [that]
I like the writing style, but not so much the characterization of the women in the book. Basically all the women seem to exist in order for a man to have sex with them, so yeah. And yet the book itself is still quite engaging.
Other notes:
– No one in this book is very likeable.
– I’m really not looking forward to the son/mother sex scene. I KNOW IT’S COMING AND I DON’T WANT IT.
What I’ll Be Reading Next:
Damned by Chuck Palahniuk
The Last Nude by Ellis Avery (ARC)
Books I’m Dreaming About Reading:
Mrs. Nixon by Ann Beattie (I found out today this is available on Netgalley and I am SO EXCITED.
Number of episodes of the 1990-1991 season of Law & Order I watched when I could(/should) be reading
3
Filed under Uncategorized
