Nerd Church - The Women Who Made Me

Since it was International Women's Day on Thursday, and it's Mother's Day today in the UK* t'boot, I figured I'd talk just a little bit about the amazing women that came before me :)

*I didn't mean to rhyme, but am childishly pleased that I did! Lol.

Friday Fics Fix - On Witches and B**ches

Yesterday was International Women's Day, so why don't we get feminist for this week's Fics Fix?

Too often, we dislike female characters - not least because their authors and/or creators make them unlikable.

Comics Wrap-Up - She Said My Boy It's Dagger

Let's see what I have for you this week...

Month in Review(s) - February 2018

You remember, in January, when I said I was getting the hang of the whole life-balance deal-y?

Yeah... well, regular service has resumed. My life is back to Milo-Murphy's-Law-levels of randomness.

If you haven't seen Milo Murphy's Law, this is what I'm talking about:

(Warning: flashing images)

...I relate so hard it scares me.





Typical example: I had a scratch on my hand. Not unusual?

It was from the cat. Still not that odd?

It was because the cat was squirming, trying to stop me, from stopping him, from climbing into my big brother's sling (which he was wearing at the time,) which he has because he broke his arm roller-skating.

This is my life.

Nerd Church - The Value of Reading

Why should we value reading?

Because it's important. Because the literacy of teenagers in the UK is Not Good. Because reading opens the mind to new ideas, new perspectives, other cultures.

Because reading - and comprehension of what you're reading - is more important in the digital age, where we're bombarded by texts, tweets, posts, and online forms, than it ever has been before.

Friday Fics Fix - Shuri, Girl-Genius

If, like me, you're currently obsessed with all things Black Panther, and want MORE dammit! - then you're in luck.

This week's fic is, indeed, more from the characters from Black Panther - and, more specifically, Shuri.

Comics Wrap-Up - You're Gonna Hear Me Roar

Firstly, my dearest nerdlets, Happy St. David's Day/Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant Hapus! You can check out some Welsh-language music in a blogpost I wrote on Sunday to celebrate.


Yes, I have now seen Black Panther! It was totally awesome-ful! XD (And most of what I have for you this week is Black Panther-related!)


And this week is one of those weeks where everything I have for you comes under the 'other stuff' category. Blame Loki. #AlwaysBlameLoki

Anxiety vs Blogger

(Warning: This post is about depression and Anxiety, and the demonstration of a negative thought spiral.)

First off: I'm OK. I've had a rough-ish few days (not too bad, but bad enough,) but I'm OK.

There is no need to worry about me.

Sometimes, much as blogging has saved my life, it can contribute negatively to my mental health.

I don't need to take an extended break - honestly, I'm fine. I love blogging just as much as I ever have, and, overall, it's good for me.

And the problem wasn't really blogging - it was the Anxiety.

But I did need to 'write it out.' This is the result of that.

Nerd Church - Some of My Favourite Welsh-Language Music

It's St. David's Day/Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant on Thursday, so I figured I'd give you guys some of my favourite Welsh-language music to listen to :)

I originally wrote this list on Twitter, for Welsh Language Music Day/Dydd Miwsig Cymru, on 9th February/Chwefror - but it's a pretty good list, if I do say so myself, so I thought I'd share it here too.

(And yes, I love Yws Gwynedd - they are most definitely Roc a Rôl as far as I'm concerned 😎)

...in case you hadn't noticed! Lol.

(Via Giphy)

Friday Fics Fix - Something Trashy

Dumpsters! Friendship! Diversity! What more could you want?!*

I've told you before, my dearest nerdlets, about the awesomeness that is the 'dumpster brothers' meme/trope/sub-fandom/whatever!

But, in case you need some refreshment: Clint Barton (Hawkeye) and Matt Murdock (Daredevil) combine their odd habit of ending up in dumpsters to become friends!

(Yes, it's usually as random as it sounds!)

*Don't answer that.

Comics Wrap-Up - My Heart Is In Danger From Shadows and Strangers Now

No, I haven't seen Black Panther yet - I'm going to go see it Monday, hopefully! :)

So on with the rest of this week's comics wrap-up:

Mini-Review! - An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

Title: An Untamed State

Author: Roxane Gay

Verdict:

This book is an open wound.

It is raw. It is powerful. And, somehow, it finds a way to be beautiful.

Nerd Church - America, Don't Blame Mental Health Problems For Your Useless Laws

(Warning: this post discusses mental health problems, stigma, and gun violence including school shootings.)

America - what the actual f**k?

Look, I'm probably preaching to the choir here - but in case any of you out there are pro-killing-machines - let me explain some things:

1. There are mental health problems all over the world
2. School shootings aren't the norm in pretty much any country other than yours
3. Your gun laws are the problem

Friday Fics Fix - Let's Be Random

I have the flu, so if I'm making even less sense than usual, then I totally blame that. 😷 😅





Every now and then, (or maybe a little more often than that,) I love reading completely random fics.

...The kind of fics where someone's taken one tiny detail of a fandom, and just kind of... run with it!

Comics Wrap-Up - If This Is What You Want Then Fire At Will

I'm writing this week's wrap-up with the flu. So if I say things that don't make any sense, just smile and pat me on the head, k? 😉

Micropoetry - January 2018

Yes, it's half-way through February. But when has that ever stopped me from doing a Micropoetry wrap-up? 😎

Here, then, is the Micropoetry I wrote in January:

(Quick warning: the one for 22nd January came out as more of a downer than I intended!)

Nerd Church - Rebel Valentine 2: Return of the Candy Hearts

(Yeah, no, I don't know where that post-title came from either! 😅)





Welcome to this year's coffee-fuelled, rule-breaking, kick-a** Valentine's Day* Nerd Church post!

(Those who read last year's post will know (sort of) what's ahead - those who didn't, hold on darlings, Cee's about to get on her soapbox, and possibly end up sharing TMI. But that's what she does.)

*Yes, I'm aware that it's not Valentine's Day until Wednesday. I'm doing my post now. Because I'm a rebel.

Friday Fics Fix - Dumbledore is Gay. Dumbledore is Gay. Dumbledore. Is. Gay. Deal With It.

You may or may not know that the chance has once again been lost to allow the Harry Potter universe's Albus Dumbledore to BE gay on-screen.

Why is that important when J K Rowling has already said (over ten years ago,) that Prof. Dumbledore is a gay dude? Because word-of-God/author is not the same as on-screen canonisation (official-ness.) It comes across as queer-baiting. At best.

Comics Wrap-Up - They Say We Are What We Are

Due to some American football hijinks, we got an Avengers: Infinity War trailer this week.

I can't help but feel that we've had more in past years. But if a random-a** sport wants to give me superheroes, I'm fine with it! ;)

(And yes, it is American football - real football is played with a round ball and two nets #JustSaying. Also, I was a fantastic goalie as a kid. #TrueStory.)

Month in Review(s) - January 2018

January felt like a month which put a rocket to my secret* blogging powers.

I don't know why, but I actually really liked the posts I wrote this month! And I'm (finally) beginning to get a handle on the whole 'juggling work, life, blogging, and miscellaneous other stuff' thing.

That said, I've probably just jinxed myself for the year ahead. My life tends to resemble an episode of Milo Murphy's Law sometimes 😅

Nerd Church - Hatred Has No Place Here

Darren Osborne - the man who drove a truck into a group of innocent Muslim mosque-goers last year - won't be coming out of jail any time soon. As it should be.

This was a terrorist act. The sentencing took that into consideration. (Though the press could make this clearer, tbh.)

It was a vile, terrorist, murder. As a Welshwoman and a white British chick, I can only apologise again for this horrendous act.

Friday Fics Fix - Everyone From Harry Potter Has Mental Health Problems, M'k?

You want some Harry Potter fanfiction discussing mental health problems? (Of course you do, is that even a question?!)*

This fic could be heavy sh** for some people, so be CAREFUL when reading my nerdlets.

Comics Wrap-Up - I'm Not a Perfect Person

A bunch of Marvel movie stuff for you this week, my nerdlets - check it out:

Review Time! - Goodnight, Boy by Nikki Sheehan

Title: Goodnight, Boy

Author: Nikki Sheehan

Genre: Kids (Middle Grade/MG,) Young Adult*, Contemporary**

*YA crossover appeal

**ish

Nerd Church - The Problem With the NHS

The problem with the NHS is not a problem with the NHS.

And with that bombshell, I should probably explain to my international nerdlets (and I will never get over the fact that I even have international nerdlets,) just what it is that I'm talking about.

The NHS is the National Health Service - set up so that everyone in the UK has access to state-run, FREE, healthcare. (Set up by a Welshman. #JustSaying.)

Friday Fics Fix - Why So Sirius?

(Apologies for the title-pun. Couldn't resist 😅)

If there's one fandom that always goes above and beyond, it's the Potterheads.

Yes, those fans of Harry Potter can always be counted on to take even the smallest of details from the books and run with them - to the extent that there are now fully-established fandoms within the fandom.

(Is that like fandom-ception or something?! So much meta.)

Quick warning: this post may contain some very mild Harry Potter spoilers.

Comics Wrap-Up - Vying For Attention From a Girl

Welcome to this week's comics wrap-up! This is another one of those times where all the stuff I have to give you falls under the 'other stuff' category.

Dammit Loki, I know this is your fault! ;)

O.O  *fans self*
(Via Giphy)

Nerd Church - Cut Yourself Some Slack

I'm an impatient person. I want it done 600% right, and I want it done yesterday.

But I've had to learn that I can't work like that. I can only do what I can do, and it's much better to work slow and steady.

We have a tendency to go way easier on other people than we do on ourselves (me? talk about myself? Ha ha ha... look a distraction!!)

So I think it's time we reminded ourselves that it's ok to not do EVERYTHING - as long as you're doing something.

Friday Fics Fix - Use Your Head

This week's fic made me metaphorically punch the air. Because dudes - yes!

This fic is one of those which you don't need to be all that familiar with the fandom itself to enjoy - which is good because it's from the re-booted MacGyver fandom, which is kind of smaller than most fandoms.

Comics Wrap-Up - And When Your Stitch Comes Loose

Here we are again, time for the nerdiness! 😀

Film Trailers

Another li'l Black Panther trailer for you my nerdlets! This is such a cool looking film!

Warning: flashing images

2017's Top 4 Books (...In The Opinion of Yours Truly)

2017 can't be well and truly dusted off and put back on the shelf* without some input from your favourite Bookish Rebel (moi, ofc,) on the bestest books of the year.

This is TOTALLY MY OPINION ONLY.

Obviously, I can only pick from books I've read. And within that only books published in 2017.

Even given those rules, there's a bunch of books that I've read that I didn't include - THAT DOESN'T MEAN I DON'T LIKE THEM!!!!

This is basically a snapshot of the stand-outs. There were loooooads of other books I could've included - promise!

(My Anxiety kicks in when I think I might be leaving someone/something out that deserves recognition - does it show?!)

*Ha, shelf? Books? Hehe! XD

Nerd Church - Yes, We Damn Well Need Fair Reviews

To my non-blogging readers (hi! don't leave! I neeeed you!!! 😉 Lol) and also my blogging readers who haven't seen the ripples on bookish Twitter lately, let me explain something:

There seems to be an attitude, at the moment, for authors to defame, abuse, harass, and denounce, book bloggers for giving them 'bad' reviews.

Now, I'm not going to go into the semantics and the 'he said, she said' of the thing. But I am going to make some comments regarding fair and critical reviews.

Because this isn't something that's new. It happens.

Unfortunately, it seems to be happening with increasing frequency, but that's another matter.

Those of us involved in the Diversity Movement are probably the least surprised. Diverse reviewers tend to be the first in the metaphorical firing-lines.

Friday Fics Fix - Combined Forces

Here we are then, in 2018! And it's time for the first Friday Fics Fix of the year!

In case you don't know (because the internet has a short memory, and also you might be new to Dora Reads - in which case, welcome! Please stay! Lol,) Friday Fics Fix is a weekly post where I recommend (or 'rec') a piece of fanfiction.

Basically, I started this post series because fanfiction totally counts as reading! And it should be completely counted as such! #EffTheSnobs





So with that established, let's take a look at this week's rec!

OK, I have some Star Wars for you this week - which I haven't done before, because while I like Star Wars, it's not like my be-all-and-end-all. And I know people take Star Wars pretty seriously!

Comics Wrap-Up - The Revolution Will Be Live

Here it is, all bright and shiny and new - my first comics wrap-up of 2018! Enjoy! 😄

Nerd Church - 5 Things I Learned From Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff (Without Reading a Word)

'Oh scream, America, scream. Believe what you see. From Heroes and Cons.'

We are in the middle of the 21st Century Breakdown.

Unfortunately, I don't think Green Day meant their apocalyptic concept-album to be an instruction manual. *laughs slightly hysterically*

Month in Review(s) - December 2017

Decemmmmberrrr!!!!!!!!! Wooo!!! XD (Yes, it's January - but let's face it, I never wrap-up on time.)

OK, so December for me was actually super-super-hectic, but it came with Christmas at the end, so I really can't be mad at it! Lol.

(I love Christmas. Sooooo much!!!! 😁 )

2018 Fanfiction Reading Challenge Sign-Up

The Challenge

The Bookish Diversity Link List 2018

Here we go again! My link list of diverse bookish things for 2018.

Just like with the original link list, it'll start small and continue to grow throughout the year.

This year my aim is to get at least one link for EVERY category - so if you can help out, check out the info. below!

Nerd Church - 17 Becomes 18

So 2017 is ending. We tried, but in the end it followed 2016 into the sh**-pile of history.

But that doesn't mean we should give up on 2018. Because 2018 can do better. 2018 can pick itself up, dust itself off, and prove that doom and gloom isn't inevitable.

Review Time! - Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Title: Juliet Takes a Breath

Author: Gabby Rivera

Genre: New Adult/NA,* Contemporary**, LGBTQ+ (and polyamory; with F/F)

*crossover appeal with older Young Adult/YA
**ish

Nerd Church - The Gift of Christmas

Christmas is awesome. Christmas is love and hope.

I'm not gonna get all made-for-TV-movie on your butts, but whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there's something exceptionally beautiful about a time of the year dedicated to love, hope, kindness, and joy.

The world that we live in needs more things like that.

Review! - Did You See Melody? by Sophie Hannah

Title: Did You See Melody?

Author: Sophie Hannah

Genre: contemporary, crime

Micropoetry - November 2017

Yes, I know, I know, November seems like a distant memory by this point.

I was busy, ok? (Like, reeeeeeallly busy!) So I haven't had chance to finish up this post 'til now.

But that's ok - the poetry's still the same! XD

Here it is, hope you like it:

Nerd Church - How To Not Be a Jerk To Non-Drinking Guests

It's December - and nearly Christmas. 

This is the time of year that's traditionally filled with party-goers, many of whom will be drinking. But not all.

As a member of the non-drinking group for the last several years, I can tell you that these reactions are fairly typical:

• "But... WHY?!"
• *Stares at me for at least a minute without blinking*
• "I could NEVER do that!"
• "Oh come on, have some fun!"
• "Are you SURE?"
• "Are you like *takes step backwards* religious or something?"