5 Must-Read Non-Fiction Books

Non-fiction tends to get eclipsed - in book-blogging and in general - by the awesomeness that is fiction.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with fiction taking centre-stage, but that doesn't mean that we should leave non-fiction to languish by the wayside.

Non-fiction can be vitally important for a variety of reasons: not least that it tells us important things about life, the universe, and everything (42! - I'm such a nerd.)

So, my dearest nerdlets, I give you here a list of 5 non-fiction books which I consider to be 'must-reads.'

3 of these are memoirs/autobiographies - not of politicians or pop stars, but of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.




These books are 'must-reads' because of what they are - because of what they represent, and the message that they send to the world.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Amazon: UK - US

This is no great work of literature - and I mean that in the nicest way possible.

Anne Frank's diary was never really intended for publication, so it's not written to appeal to an audience, or really to tell any clear story.

The main strength and value of this book is that it is so ordinary - it's the diary of a life cut unfairly and unjustly short, true, but a life that belonged to a real, breathing, loving, wonderful girl. A girl who was so very human.

And because of this, it shows even more vividly the horrors of the holocaust - this was not just the fate of nameless, faceless, people, who were nothing to do with us. This was the fate of normal people; just like us.

This book is proof of the potential and beauty that hatred can steal from the world.

12 Years A Slave by Solomon Northup

Amazon: UK - US

I actually reviewed this quite a while back; it's an incredible, and very, very powerful book.

Solomon's dignity, humanity, and love, prove a definite contrast to the horrendous situation he finds himself in.

I think everyone should know his story, if only so that we understand the human cost of the shameful practice of slavery.

Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic

Amazon: UK - US

The last of the memoirs/autobiographies in this list, this is the honest, bitter, ugly, beautiful work of a Vietnam veteran - describing both his time in Vietnam, and the longer battle of rights, dignity, and recovery, back home in the US.

A fairly short book that makes hard reading in places, this is one that everyone needs to read - because Kovic was there; he saw it, he felt it, he went through it.

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig

Amazon: UK - US

This is a book I wrote a mini-review for during Mental Health Awareness Week.

'Reasons To Stay Alive' is an important read because of what it stands for - a hand in the dark, a discussion about mental health, and an end to stigma.

Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates

Amazon: UK - US

This is a book I am determined to make EVERYONE read.

It's a real eye-opener in terms of the sexism and misogyny, as well as the violence towards women, that still exists, right now, in 2016.

As I said in my review, I don't necessarily agree with all of the opinions in this book, but it is one of the most worthwhile books you will ever read.

If it's not on your TBR list then put it on there - right now.

Like this post? Try these:

• 6 Ways To Read More Widely
• My Contemporary YA TBR

Friday Fics Fix! - So Many Alternatives

We in the fandom world like AUs (Alternate Universes to the non-fandom-speaking.)

Now, I've come across my fair share of unique AUs, and my fair share of fairly common AUs. What this week's fic does is take a bunch of the common ones and smush them together to make a unique one.

This, my dearest nerdlets, is fandom at it's finest; stick all the sh** together, in the most indulgent way you can think of, and just keep going! :)





So, what AUs are we dealing with here?

Well, just in this fic, I can spot hints of the Werewolf AU, the Barista/Coffee Shop AU (this is actually a very common AU - no, really,) the College AU, the Modern/Contemporary AU, the Vampire AU, and the Stripper AU (that last one is also more common than you'd think.)

...And those are just the ones I noticed!







Oh, and it's also one of those universes where Thor and Loki are not brothers, and are in a relationship.

This is known as Thorki. Often fic writers don't even bother removing the brotherhood-status, and just make it incest. Oddly enough, I prefer Thorki when they're not related! ;)






I think it's time to break out this gif right here:

via GIPHY

(This is one of the most popular gifs to describe fandom in general.

Do not judge us until you've tried our way of life!)

And, before I forget, there are sexy-times. 18 + only guys.

So, this week's fic is:

It's Complicated (The Werewolf Barista AU) by verymilkytea

Yes, there is poor spelling/grammar in places. Yes, it is as mad as a box of cats.

...But it's also awesome. And wish-fulfilment is what we all came here for, right? If we wanted 'normal' we wouldn't be living the fandom life ;P

Like this post? Try these:

• Friday Fics Fix! (In Which There is Nothing but Smut)
• Friday Fics Fix - Vampirelock!

Comics Wrap Up - Love Like Winter

Graphic Novels



This week I reviewed Klaw, The First Cycle (UK - US).

This is a graphic novel about shape-shifter type-people, and was pretty interesting - particularly in terms of using the Chinese zodiac as the basis for all the shape-shifting-ness.

Check out my review for more info.






Other Stuff

In the course of my Twitter meanderings around the #GiveCaptainAmericaABoyfriend hashtag, I came across this excellent post on Vox dealing with the romantic aspects of Civil War, and how the studios are mistaken in where the romance lies (Warning: Captain America: Civil War spoilers.)

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Continuing on the theme of the lovely Bucky Barnes, a post appeared on Women Write About Comics on 'The Feminization of Bucky Barnes.' (Warning: spoilers for all three Captain America movies.)

I don't agree with everything in this post - but it's a very interesting look at Bucky's role in the films, as well as aspects of his appeal to the female portion of the audience.

(Although, in honesty?

He's a dark, dangerous, troubled, loner with puppy-dog eyes, long hair, leather, and a rugged handsomeness.

Add to that that Steve loves him, and he has a teddy-bear-like vulnerability, and why wouldn't we love him too?)

via GIPHY

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Archie Comics have announced a new Josie and the Pussycats series. This could actually turn out pretty cool - as long as they don't fall into too many stereotypes.

Like This Post? Try These:

• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Klaw, The First Cycle
• Comics Wrap Up - People Like Us, We Don't Need That Much

What Is Poetry?

I like poetry. You may've noticed this. You may not have.

But a lot of people don't read poetry. They feel like they don't 'get it' or even know what 'it' is.



So, what is poetry?


The Simplistic Answer


Poetry is a form of literature. It usually has shorter sentences than prose (but not always, because is life ever that simple?) and is arranged in lines.

Sometimes it rhymes. Sometimes it doesn't rhyme. Sometimes it has a regular rhythm - and sometimes it doesn't.

Basically, poetry is relatively short lines, usually conveying emotion of some description. Apart from that, the definitions are vague at best.

The Hippie-Dippy Answer

Warning: Some of this may be a bit sarcastic. Not very, because I have respect for the peace n love vibes from hippies. And my upbringing was a weird mix of traditional, intellectual, and hippy bat-sh** craziness.

My parents are quite normal when you meet them... honest.

Poetry is the breath and essence of life transformed into words. It's freedom and love translated onto the page.

But it's not constricted to the page - poetry can be anything, anywhere.

It's something you feel in your eternal spirit, and something which washes over you in waves of light-energy. *Laughs at self.*

(Ready to start singing kumbaya yet?)

via GIPHY

(I can kind of relate to this gif - although not to the drugs part.

But I've def. seen the inside of too many shops that sell incense. Incense and sandalwood. Everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

Most people's early shopping experiences aren't accompanied by New Age pan-pipe music, but whatever...)

The Pretentious Answer

Warning: This section is highly sarcastic. ;)

Poetry is an art form which the lower-classes (anyone who couldn't afford private school) are unable to comprehend because we have tiny minds.

Poetry can only be written by poncey middle-aged white men in dusty literary studies, because clearly they are the only people who could possibly understand it *eye roll.*

Poetry should only be read by people who adore the poncey middle-aged men, and will faun over them and never question anything they say, and believe they are the greatest artists who ever lived. *Bashes head against laptop.*

The Honest Answer

Poetry - good poetry at least - is not something that you get. Good poetry gets you.

Poetry is simply lines arranged on a page, that, if the poet's done their job right, mean something to you.

Poetry can be written by anyone, and read by anyone. It's about whatever you want it to be about.

And never let anyone tell you anything different. If you can appreciate song lyrics, if you can appreciate prose, film, music, dialogue, anything, on any level, then you can appreciate poetry. Screw the shamers.




Like this post? Try these:

• The Writer Diaries: Micropoetry - May 2016
• Review (Poetry Edition!) - Today Means Amen by Sierra DeMulder

Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Klaw, The First Cycle

Title: Klaw, The First Cycle

Author: Antoine Ozanam

Contributors: Joel Jurion, Yoann Guille, Mike Kennedy

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy, Superhero*, Paranormal* (*ish - there are shifters of various types and somewhat of a superhero origin story.)

Series: Klaw (#1-3)

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair and honest reviews.

This looked interesting - shape-shifting and all that jazz! (Woo!)

Plus the cover rocked, and covers are usually a good indication of graphic novel rock-itude.

Premise:

Angel Tomassini is about to learn a few truths - one is about his father, and his father's business.

The other... well, the other is about shape-shifters.

It's going to get interesting.

Best bits:

There were parts of this with a superhero origin-vibe. Which I kind of dug - it's nice to see superheroes who aren't the property of Marvel or DC.

And it didn't over-shadow the character-driven aspects (character-driven superhero story? Hallelujah!)

The artwork was adequate - verging on rockin' in places - and the character design in particular really shone through.

I loved the way that the post-shape-shifting animal-people looked - the tiger in particular (which as the tiger is the focus here, is a good job too!)

The shape-shifting is based on the Chinese zodiac - which was a nice twist, and added another layer to the whole deal-y. :)

And I liked Angel - a likeable protagonist with the right level of gung-ho stupidity to fit the storyline, but not make you want to throw things at him repeatedly.

Not so great bits:

There were moments when I was a little lost as to what the hell was going on. Brief, but mentionable.

And there was much blood and violence. It's more comic-style than anything, but it's definitely noticeable.

I can't remember any swearing... but there might've been some tucked in there somewhere.

My bug-bear here is a big time-jump in the middle, which I felt was fairly unnecessary.

Also, some of the supporting characters were a little thin-on-depth for my liking.

The girl - whose name I can't remember - was pretty much the only female character of note, and was disappointingly flimsy, all-in-all.

Verdict:

This was an interesting take on so many tried-and-tested tropes.

I enjoyed it, I just would really have preferred some stronger roles for female characters.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads

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The Writer Diaries (Or, I Try To Come Up With Excuses)

OK, what excuses can I possibly have for not writing more of my 'Cracked Glass Slipper: Cinderella' instalments?

(Just as a reminder: I had this brainwave a few months ago, that I was going to write crack-fic-style fairy-tale retellings, starting with Cinderella.

And I did actually start with the first part of Cinderella! It just... didn't actually go further than that.)

Well, it could be that I was kidnapped by a herd of travelling nuns, who forbade me from writing random retellings on pain of having to clean the loos.

Or I may have been blackmailed never to write about Sin again by Time Masters/Lords (dependent on your geek-ly preferences) and threatened every time I try to open the word document (or, y'know, start a document for part 2... oops!)

Or I may've decided to become a guru in the art of spoon-bending, and left for an exciting new life!

Or it could just be that I got distracted by shiny things, self-doubt, and life-stuff, and forgot all about it...

I'm sorry!

I do fully intend to keep going! It just may take a little longer than I originally thought it would...



But in the mean-time, you can remind yourself of part one here. :)

Nerd Church - What Do They Do For Us?

As I said last week, the EU isn't sexy.

I plan on making it more interesting by sticking in random gifs and generally being my wacky self.

So stay with me! I WILL make this interesting... somehow.

via GIPHY

(See? Phoebe thinks I can make it exciting >.<)

So, if you live outside the UK, or under a rock within it, let me explain: we're having a referendum on June 23rd to decide whether we leave the European Union (or EU for short.)

The EU is not just about migration!

(No, really, that's just the bit the media and politicians distract us with because they don't want us to ask real questions.

I'm not a conspiracy nut, I'm a pragmatist with A-levels in Media Studies and Law. One of my topics for Law was the EU - a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and all that jazz.)





'What has the EU ever done for me?!' - I hear you cry.

(If you live in the UK, it's more than you think.)




Well, dearest nerdlets, let me give you just a few examples:

• Because of the EU, we don't need a Visa to travel or work abroad in Europe - this means that weekend getaway to Paris or that job in Ibiza over the summer is quicker and simpler to achieve. No paperwork, no rejection of your right to work in that country.

• Because of the EU, we have strict bans and controls on the use of pesticides - this means that chemicals that have been found to be harmful to bees, for example, are banned or regulated.

(I can make things sexier - look! Hiddles! Hiddles makes everything sexy, just by being Hiddles.)

via GIPHY

(Hiddles can make anything sexy. Even the EU.)

• Because of the EU, we have more access to further education - many universities throughout the EU offer reduced rates, or even free tuition, for EU citizens. We have more access to studying abroad, and broadening our horizons.

• The EU gives grants and funding to projects and organisations, for various purposes, throughout it's member states.

• Because of EU arts funding, many UK projects have been financed - from the drama Hinterland/Y Gwyll, to Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer's Llamas (and if you don't like Shaun the Sheep, you are NOT British,) from university arts programmes, to theatres, to film. Our culture has benefited from the EU.

via GIPHY

• Trade, business, and imports/exports are easier in the EU - just trust me. They are.

• Because of the EU, we have standardised workers rights. We are protected by these rights. Things are hard enough in this country, but luckily we have the EU watching our backs. Thanks to the EU we have the right to 4 weeks paid leave per year, and we have the right to statutory rest and breaks.

So don't make a decision based on fear.

Don't listen to Nigel Farage (our Donald Trump to you non-UK-readers.) 

He's a toad who a witch turned into a man. The toad was unhappy with his lot - he missed being a toad. So he decided to make everyone suffer for it. And make everyone miserable and afraid, just like him.

I've only given a few examples - just to prove to you that the EU is more than you think it is.

The EU benefits our culture, business, and worker's rights. It's involved in safety regulations, access to further education, and grants.

We need the EU. We are protected by the EU. Let's stay in the EU.

(And I remind you that anything can be made sexy by adding Tom Hiddleston.)

via GIPHY

Nerd Church is a weekly post where I get all political and/or moral on your a*ses and rant on about various issues.

If you liked this post, and don't want us to leave the EU, please spread the word and share!

Like this post? Try these:

• Nerd Church - Moving Around Europe
  
• Nerd Church - Use Your Vote, Raise Your Voice