Book Nerd on a Mission

One of my New Year's resolutions was that I want to spread reading to the world.

You heard me - THE EVER-LOVING WORLD

I want to encourage everyone to read - not just the already bookish (although I want you guys to keep reading, ofc; but at this point, I don't think anyone could stop you anyway.)

 

 

But how do I do that?

Well, for a start I blog about reading and books almost every day. (By the way, don't panic if I don't post every now and then - I need a day off sometimes!)

But I'm not naïve, I know that the vast majority of people who read a blog called 'Diary of a Reading Addict' are going to have some sort of interest in reading to begin with. It's a bit of a no-brainer.

I reckon I'm going some way, though, to preaching to the non-converted by sharing my blog-posts to Twitter with non-book-specific blogging hashtags, and RT accounts. Of course I always follow the rules of the hashtag or the RT, because that way people don't get pi*sy at you ;)

So yes, I think I gather a very few non/occasional-readers slowly but surely into the fold that way. That's something at least. We'll call it progress ;)




BUT I'M ON A MISSION

Which means that I can't rest on my little proverbial laurels, I have to be doing stuff - encouraging reading whenever and wherever I can.

The best way to lead is by example.

As the peculiar little species that we are, we love to copy each other in an attempt to fit in.

A lot of this is a subconscious following of the herd (not the worst thing in the world so long as you're not following others right off of a cliff, and don't think that you always have to follow others. You don't.)

So, for something to be deemed to be cool and/or worth-while, a lot of people have to think that it's cool and/or worth-while. (I know - it doesn't make any sense, does it? But that's how human society has worked for aeons. We may as well use it to the advantage of doing something good.)

So I have a cunning plan...

I'm going to read in public. Whenever I can. Wherever I can. I'm going to be seen reading beyond the confines of my own home.

Sure, I already read while I'm waiting for doctors' appointments, but the very fact that I'm usually the only one in the waiting room with a book in my hands gives me a clue that I'm on to something here.

I'm going to make sure that, at least once a week, I'm spotted with an open book in my hands somewhere out in the wilds of the world (OK... so it'll probably be on a bench of the local shopping centre... same thing, right?)




But what difference will that make? I hear you cry! (I can't really hear you... that would be weird.)

Well, ye blog-readers of little faith and happenstance (OK, there may've been coffee, but can you blame me?) if people see me reading then, somewhere deep in their complex brains, they will think about it.

They might be attracted by the shiny cover. They might wonder what my book is about. They might look it up on the Internet.

Or it might spark a million other thoughts related to that book. They might end up talking to a friend about it. They might end up reading that book.

Plus it will make reading the thing that people do.

Everyone checks their phones in public. Lots of people play music. Lots of people faff about on their laptop, iPads, whatever...

Some people read in public, it's true. But less. It's not as normal to see someone reading in public as it is for people to be doing all of these other things. And why the hell not?! Reading is awesome.



I'm gonna need help, guys.

Join me in my crusade to get every person in this world into the magical and wonderful world of reading!

GET OUT THERE AND READ!

Go out and read on a bench. In a café. In a coffee shop. At the dentist's.

Reading a paperback or hardback is more likely to have the desired effect because people can see that it's a book as opposed to a tablet, but if there're no physical books to hand - then read e-books.

If you decide to take my advice and go off into the wilds, book in hand, then I'd love to see a pic - if you Tweet me one (my Twitter is @CeeArrBookNerd) then I'll re-tweet (...or put it in a blogpost, or maybe both... haven't really decided yet. I suppose it depends on whether anyone actually sends a pic.)

Also, if anyone else has any other ideas on how I can spread reading like an ever-loving plague across the face of the earth? I'd be much obliged. ;)

via GIPHY

 

 

 

 

Like this post? Try these:

 

• 2016 Bookish Resolutions
• My 5 Rules for Reading More

 



Friday Fics Fix! - In a Club With You In 1973

OK! Let's talk DC's Legends of Tomorrow! The show cobbled together from odd pieces of other shows that somehow works!




Though the fandom is young, and the potential plot-holes many, there is Legends fanfiction out there already, just waiting to be discovered!

(Yes, I have had coffee. No, we're not going to make a big deal about it.)

Of course, Dr Who comparisons abound. Not least because the leader of this motley gang of spin-off characters is a 'Time Master,' played by Arthur Darvill (more commonly known as 'y'know, Rory off of Dr Who?')

Turns out the character of Rip Hunter, he of the Time Master fame, pre-dates Dr Who.

I know, this requires some serious nerdish thought - is Legends being accused of being a rip-off of a show that ripped it off over 50 years ago?! Mind = Blown!

Also, Rip Hunter rocks quite a lot. Captain Rip Hunter, that is.

via GIPHY

 

 

 

But anyway, this week's fanfiction takes the whole Dr Who comparisons thing, and runs the hell away with it, by making a 'crack' origin story for Legends.

 

(Fangirling note: 'Crack' fanfiction is fanfiction that is so very random and bizarre, that the author must've been on some sort of mind-altering substances when they came up with it.

 

Like, even more than normal fanfiction.)

 

Basically, in this version, Rip is Rory. Which would kind of give the whole obsession with rescuing his wife thing a whole new meaning.
 

 



via GIPHY


 

via GIPHY

 

 

This week's fanfiction, my dear nerdlets, then, is:

 

Legends of Tomorrow: A Crack Origin Story by eyecandy

 

 

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! (Cue cheesy salesman's grin.)

 

Because I feel it deserves an honourable mention for the White Canary taking a knife into the shower, and because I spoil you, I will also refer you to:

 

Legends Family: Early Mornings by sansasnarks

 

Don't say I never do anything for you ;)

Also - that is yet another week without any explicit sex! I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS POSSIBLE!!!!!



Like this post? Try these:

• Friday Fics Fix! - No Sex, Please, We're British
• Friday Fics Fix! - Stucky Time

 





Comics Wrap Up - Run Neon Tiger

Film Trailers

A couple of X-Men: Apocalypse teasers/TV ads/whatever you want to call them for you - because clearly nerd-dom wasn't riled up enough about superheroes this month already ;)

Graphic Novels

This week, I read Klaw: The First Cycle (UK - US)  - a pretty unique take on shape-shifters and the Chinese zodiac, with some superhero-origin-story action creeping in as well.

It was pretty cool - not earth-shattering, but interesting and readable.

A full review will be up in a month or so (I know, I'm cruel, making you wait :P .)



Other Stuff


I read this short review of Gotham Academy Vol 2 (UK - US) from Magdalena @ A Bookish Swede, which reminded me that I need to get my hands on this series at some point.



Like This Post? Try These:

• Comics Wrap Up - Nuttier Than a Squirrel's Hoard
• Comics Wrap Up - This Ain't a Scene

Review! (Yay!) - alt.sherlock.holmes

Title: alt.sherlock.holmes

Author: Gini Koch, Jamie Wyman, Glen Mehn

Genre: Anthology, Novellas/Short Stories, Crime, Contemporary*, Historical Fiction*, LGBTQ+*, M/M* (*one or more stories.)

Amazon: UK - USA



Individual Novellas:

The Case of the Tattoed Bride (UK - US)
A Study in Starlets (UK - US)
The Power of Media (UK - US)

A few starting notes:

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

I'm a fan of pretty much anything Sherlock-Holmes-related, so when I got the chance to read this collection of alternative takes on Holmes & Watson, I was there.

Premise:

A Scandal in Hobohemia (and) The Case of the Tattooed Bride by Jamie Wyman

 

Sanford 'Crash' Haus (this story's version of Sherlock,) is the owner of a travelling carnival in 1930s dustbowl-America.

Fate throws him together with Jim Walker (John Watson,) a black amputee war-veteran, who also happens to be one hell of a doctor.

All the Single Ladies (and) A Study in Starlets by Gini Koch

Murder and reality shows bring together Dr John Watson with Ms Sherlock Holmes, a consulting detective with the LAPD.

Will Southern California ever be the same?






Half There/All There (and) The Power of Media by Glen Mehn


This Sherlock is hanging out with some very interesting people - Andy Warhol's hangers-on, to be exact, and their drug-dealer, Dr John 'Doc' Watson.

But Sherlock is bored - and decides to find some cases to occupy his time. 

Best bits:

A Scandal in Hobohemia (and) The Case of the Tattooed Bride by Jamie Wyman

I really loved the romance between Jim Walker (this story's John Watson,) and Mrs Hudson - it was sweet but not overly, and gave a nice sub-plot to the whole thing.

I also liked that Jim was a black man in 1930s America - along with all the prejudice that comes with that, despite being a wounded war veteran.

Jim's the narrator here, and never lets himself be pigeon-holed as a victim.

I also love the careful balance of the PTSD elements - a realistic struggle, but not something which overwhelms Jim's whole life.

The 1930s circus/carnival (not entirely sure which,) setting gave it all a slightly Carnevale (UK - US) vibe, which I kind of loved.

All the Single Ladies (and) A Study in Starlets by Gini Koch

I think this was the scenario where Sherlock seemed most like Sherlock - despite being a woman instead of the traditional male role.

She's clever, cutting, but also occasionally playful.

She has a strong edge to her which just spoke totally of Sherlock Holmes to me - determined and non-nonsense; as far as I'm concerned she rocks.

I liked the part-showbiz setting, and the title of 'A Study in Starlets,' is just fantastic ;)

Half There/All There (and) The Power of Media by Glen Mehn

I really liked the prose here in particular - it was incredibly well-written and was quite beautiful in places.

I also loved the Holmes/Watson relationship dynamic here - totally made sense, and was believable and sweet t'boot :)

Plus there was always the sense that everything interweaved with everything else in this one, even if not directly, which gave it a really unique vibe.

Hard to explain it really, but I liked it, whatever it was.

I liked that this novella tried to deal with the racial tensions, and the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people in the 1960s - unfortunately it maybe didn't always get the balance right.

Not so great bits:

There's various instances of violence and swearing throughout the collection, which won't be to everyone's taste.

A Scandal in Hobohemia (and) The Case of the Tattooed Bride by Jamie Wyman

There were moments when I felt that things just didn't quite gel together with this take on Holmes.

I'm not sure why exactly - maybe it was just trying to achieve too much in too short a time, but this made it seem a little jumpy and incoherent in places.

Also, it kept switching from a circus to a carnival, and I'm like: which is it?!

I felt like maybe we could've done with a stronger show of Sanford (this version's Sherlock,) or 'Crash,' and his general character.

He didn't seem all that detailed, character-wise, and, to me at least, I would've liked some more depth.

That's a personal thing though, and I think a lot of people will be happy enough with Wyman's portrayal.

All the Single Ladies (and) A Study in Starlets by Gini Koch

There were moments here where the prose seemed to drag a bit. It wasn't too bad, but it did slow me down in places.

Largely speaking it zipped along, there was just the odd moment where the prose slowed down a little too much for my liking.

Also, occasionally Sherlock acts like a bit of a douche - but then, the character always has been a bit of a douche. (In the best possible way.)




Half There/All There (and) The Power of Media by Glen Mehn

I wasn't too thrilled by all the casual-drug-taking here. In places, it felt like it was a little too normalised, and that's not great. *Shrugs.*

I was also a little confused by the 1960s references in places - I'm not from New York in the '60s, you may have to explain a little more. Just saying.

Also, if the author could've dialogue-tagged the speech a little more? Explained who was talking and when? That would've been great.

I did feel a little uncomfortable with the way some of the racial and LGBTQ+ issues were dealt with.

Referring to LGBTQ+ people as 'homos,' for example, may be historically accurate (i.e. for the 1960s,) but it doesn't feel right to a 21st Century mind-frame.

It's highly uncomfortable - at best.




Verdict:

I really enjoyed this collection overall.

Each one of the interpretations somehow managed to bring a freshness to a story that's been told time and time again (and very well at that.)

Sure, there were hiccups here and there, but largely speaking? An enjoyable read.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads

Liked this post? Try these:

• Reviewing the Evidence Time Again, My Friends - The Telling Error by Sophie Hannah
• Review! (Woo!) - World Gone By by Dennis Lehane

Portraits in the Attic

I'm re-reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde at the moment.

It's a fantastic classic piece of Victorian gothic literature which tells the tale, oddly enough, of Dorian Gray, and his portrait.

Dorian's portrait (which he keeps in the attack - hence the title of my post. See? I think these things through...occasionally,) ages while he stays young.

The effects of all of his stresses and vices are transferred to the image on the canvas, while Dorian stays as he always was - young and beautiful.

This means that he decides to essentially go on a bender that lasts years, maybe decades.

Because his responsibility is basically null and void, it clearly goes to his head, and he just goes all out. Probably had too much absinthe.

So it got me to thinking: what would my portrait show?

I like to think it wouldn't be too bad. I like to think that my life has been good enough to stop my little magical-y gothic-y metaphorical-y portrait looking too dastardly, or too haggard.

I'm going to be honest though, it's probably wearing a bit by now. (Sigh.) (From the stresses, not the vice - I'm mind-numbingly boring when it comes to the vice.)

So, maybe a slightly more wrinkled and drawn version of myself? (I mean drawn as in gaunt - portraits are already the other type of drawn.)

That wouldn't be too bad. It might actually be quite nice to be able to show my story on my face for once.

What's so good about looking young anyway?

Looking young is a pain in the ever-loving behind. It really is. (I'm in my 20s. I look about 14.)

But you don't see Dorian getting ID'd to buy alcohol, or asked where his parents are.

That would've made the novel far more awkward - life of sin, sir? But aren't you a little young? We're going to need to see your driver's license.

Yep, that would've put a cork in his wild-times.

What would your portrait show?







Like this post? Try these:

• How Superhero TV Shows Are Leading the Way for Diversity

• 10 Random Non-Bookish Facts About Me

Review! - The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

Title: The Art of Being Normal

Author: Lisa Williamson

Genre: YA, Contemporary, LGBTQ+

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

The bookish online community has me chomping at the proverbial bit in terms of the contemporary genre (especially YA.)

(Because I clearly wasn't reading enough genres before *rolls eyes, smiles*)

So to get a start on my epic TBR, and take advantage of the books I can get my hands on without selling my blood for book money, I borrowed this from the Welsh libraries ebook system.

(Because we actually have some of our priorities right here in Wales - and I'm happy to say that literacy is one of them. Sorry, I'll stop being smug and/or political now.)

This is a book about transgender people. I am cisgender and so do not have enough prior knowledge to truly analyse the representation of trans people in this book.

So, here's some reviews I found from the perspective of transgender reviewers:

Here's a review from Goodreads user Neo.

And here's a review from transgender reviewer James, who blogs/booklr's @ Crusing For Content

Premise:

Kate has a secret. It's not, as her parents suspect, that she's gay.

Kate is not gay. Kate is a straight girl, stuck in a boy's body.

Leo Denton is the new kid in school. He just wants to put his past behind him. But sometimes past events won't let us be.

Two kids*. Two secrets. And one hell of a term at Eden Park school. 

(Kate is referred to as David throughout the book, but as she has chosen the name Kate, I have amended this review to only call her Kate.)

Best bits:

Firstly, let me just make this clear from the start:

I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!

...I basically spent a couple of days snapping at anyone who dared to interrupt my reading of this book. My family must think I've been in a really bad mood (oops.)

Anyone who has ever felt different will be able to sympathise with the struggles of Kate and Leo.

The bullying scenes in particular will break your heart, and Williamson really pushes the button marked 'ouch' in terms of the feels.

LIKE REALLY?!?! STOP IT. STOP BREAKING MY HEART!!!!!!

You know those books that you somehow feel in your bones? Yes. This book is one of them. In spades.

It's well-written, sensitive but not sentimental, realistic but not grim, and has complex and hugely believable characters.

My bookish friends, this is a good book.

It deals with trans issues. It manages to do it well.*

I also loved the supportiveness of Kate's mates, and Leo's twin sister - it always makes me smile when characters have people to fall back on, even if they're not the biggest part of the story.

And the parent-stuff was handled quite well too.

Yes, in places we have the trope of absentee parents, but it's addressed as a real relationship/family issue instead of a lazy plot device; which is certainly refreshing.

(* but see the 'not so great bits' for improvements that could be made.)

Not so great bits:

Usual warnings for stuff that might upset people: a bit of swearing, the smallest bit of violence, transphobia, family issues, and bullying, all feature here.

Also, there's some underage drinking, and references to underage sexy-times, and parts of male and female anatomy.

All of these things are handled very well, and I can't see them bothering the majority of people.

I got a bit disorientated over whether we were in Leo or Kate's point of view at various moments, because both are written in the first person.

Annoying, but not the end of the world.

I also worked out what one of the major plot points (relating to Leo's father) was going to be from pretty early on, so it really didn't come as the surprise I think it was probably meant to be.

Whether this is because it was obvious, or because I read far too many books, is difficult to say.

It didn't spoil my overall enjoyment though: this is a great book.

Although I still think this book is awesome, I've become aware that there are issues with dead-naming Kate as David throughout the book. And mis-gendering her as him.

I decided to come back to this review and add this note because I felt it was an important point to make.

Verdict:

Guys, if you're a fan of YA and/or contemporary, read this book.

If you're a fan of well-written books, with complex characters and a hell of a lot of heart, read this book.

Seriously, you'll love it.

(This review was amended on 24th October 2016.)

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

Liked this post? Try these:

• My Contemporary YA TBR
• Review Time! - Growing Up by Tricia Sol

Nerd Church - The Importance of Chillaxation

You know what I've realised this week?

Relaxation is uber-uber-important.



This is a photo I took in Pembrokeshire. See? I keep telling you Wales is beautiful.

I don't mean just being lazy, I mean giving yourself some time to completely chillax.

Human brains are peculiar things, and they need processing time to put all the things they've thought about, seen, heard, felt, etc., into little individually-labelled folders, and then put those folders in the correct drawers in the filing cabinet.

(No, I don't mean literally - silly people! It's all metaphorical and junk, of course.)

I mean, we're all (by which I mean society - that big ominous thingummy,) obsessed with fitting more 'productivity' into everything.



You know what will actually increase your productivity? Chilling out.

I mean it, your brain works better when you've had time to relax and chill.

Stressing just makes you feel icky, makes your brain work like mush (and not the good kind of mush,) and impedes your ability to actually do all the productive stuff you want to do.

via GIPHY

So schedule in some you-time.

And don't spend that time worrying that you should be working - it kind of defeats the object of the thing.

Grab a book, or turn on the TV, or whatever you like... and don't stress over it. Allow yourself to actually enjoy it and to actually relax.



Self-care is important.

You have to take care of yourself - all of yourself - or you won't be able to do anything else.

We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health.

If you don't exercise and eat right, your physical health suffers. If you don't chillax and allow your brain some time to process everything - no matter how big or small - then your mental health suffers.



Sometimes you're not relaxed, even if you think you are.

Relaxing is far more difficult than it sounds - and I know that's a bit of a paradox,  but trust me on this one.

I'm exceptionally good at convincing myself I'm relaxed, when in reality I'm just less tense.

Remember to give yourself some time to actually relax - not just be less stressed ;)

via GIPHY

Cut the screen-time a bit.

I know this is heresy to a lot of people... but you need time without electronic screens. They screw with your brain.

So spend some time unplugged (yes, even e-readers, try paper once in a while,) - your poor digital-fatigued brain will thank you for it.

via GIPHY

Hopefully this post made a degree of sense.

I realise that I have the tendency to go way off-topic, and ramble my little reading-addict mouth off (or should that be fingers? I'm typing, not talking, after all,) but hopefully every so often I actually say something worthwhile (a girl can dream.)



Nerd Church is a weekly post where I ramble about just about anything and everything. Feel free to continue the discussion, but please link back here ;)



Like this post? Try these:

• Nerd Church - Millennials Are Gonna Get There... Somehow
• Nerd Church - What To Do When The Mean Girl Finds Success