It's Thursday, I am peak tired millennial, let's get some comics-y superhero-y goodness!
Showing posts with label memoirs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label memoirs. Show all posts
Thursday, 1 September 2022
Thursday, 14 July 2022
Comics Wrap-Up - In Case Anyone Was In Doubt
It's Thursday, this is Dora Reads, the UK is Too Hot (I feel like I'm melting,) let's get some comics-y superhero-y goodness!
Sunday, 30 January 2022
Nerd Church - Of Monsters, Mice, and Men
'Monsters exist, but they are too few in number to be truly dangerous. More dangerous are the common men, the functionaries ready to believe and to act without asking questions.'
- Holocaust survivor Primo Levi
Sunday, 18 April 2021
Nerd Church - How I Use True Crime Media To Boost My Mental Health (Yes, Really)
(Warning: this post discusses true crime, and though it avoids details of murders, it does reference various topics surrounding true crime. This post also discusses Depression/Anxiety.
Any links to other websites may have further details of true crime, though I've tried to avoid anything graphic; I am not responsible for the content on these sites.)
I find true crime media weirdly helpful with combatting the affects of my mental health problems.
I put true crime shows on the TV sometimes in the evening, to wind down before falling asleep.
I clamour to Netflix true crime to calm my Anxiety.
I watch true crime docs or YouTube videos while I'm working to help me concentrate.
Thursday, 13 August 2020
Review Time! - Can Everyone Please Calm Down? by Mae Martin
***All Amazon.com links in this post are commission links. This means I earn commission from purchases made in the US***
Please do not use my links to make UK purchases.
Title: Can Everyone Please Calm Down?: A Guide To 21st Century Sexuality
Tuesday, 8 May 2018
Month in Review(s) - April 2018
April... ha, so, what's May lookin' like? 😅
April happened. I lived through it *starts singing I'm still standing by Elton John and doing an incredibly embarrassing dance.*
My grandmother is still in hospital - she went in at the beginning of March - but she's definitely improving. We're basically waiting for a social care package in place so that she can go home, because there's no way my 88-year-old grandfather can take care of her.
And on the last day of April my laptop - which had been hanging on on a wing and a prayer, granted - gave up the ghost.
On the plus side, I reached over 3k Twitter followers in April! I love you guys, really! XD
On the plus side, I reached over 3k Twitter followers in April! I love you guys, really! XD
Wednesday, 25 April 2018
Really Mini-Reviews! - Riot Days by Maria Alyokhina and Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming
I don't read many memoirs.
When I do, they've got be that little bit unusual. That little bit extraordinary.
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
My Diverse Welsh Authors TBR
Okie dokes my dearest nerdlets - it's time to combine two of my obsessions, diverse authors and Welsh authors.
A lot of these actually came from a post on black Welsh authors I read the other day, which I will link to here.
So, I give you my modest TBR list of diverse Welsh authors:
This is the autobiography of Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas - the first professional sportsman in a team sport to come out as gay, national superstar, and nice local boy t'boot.
A lot of these actually came from a post on black Welsh authors I read the other day, which I will link to here.
So, I give you my modest TBR list of diverse Welsh authors:
Ash on a Young Man's Sleeve by Dannie Abse
This is a semi-autobiographical novel by Jewish Welsh author and poet Dannie Abse. If you've never read any of his poetry - go. Go and look it up. Read. READ NOW.
dat's love by Leonora Brito
This is a short-story collection by a black Cardiffian author, and looks pretty awesome.
Sugar & Slate by Charlotte Williams
This is an autobiography which explores the intersection of Welsh and Guyanese identities - which sounds pretty cool.
Telling Tales by Patience Agbabi
This is like a re-telling of The Canterbury Tales I think? So I'd probably better read the original first!
Asylum: Docu-Drama by Eric Ngalle Charles
This bills itself as a docu-drama(?) based on the true stories of asylum seekers in Wales.
Vicious by Bevin Magama
This is an autobiography of a Zimbabwean immigrant to Wales, and the tale of his time in the Zimbabwean military.
Proud by Gareth 'Alfie' Thomas
This is the autobiography of Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas - the first professional sportsman in a team sport to come out as gay, national superstar, and nice local boy t'boot.
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
I only realised recently that Sarah Waters is Welsh! And I really want to read this, and possibly some of her other books, because F/F historical fiction dammit!!!!
Like this post? Try these:
Monday, 4 April 2016
Charity Reading Challenge 2016 Update - March
Yes! I have finally read something for this challenge!
Host: Becky's Book Reviews
Duration: January 2016-December 2016
The Challenge: 'Read for a good cause! Buy books at a charity shop, or, even a friends of the library book sale, or, donate a certain percentage of money for each book you read for the challenge. You can choose your own goal of how many books to read, what charity you'll be donating money towards, how much money, etc.'
The full rules can be found on Becky's Book Reviews here.
My sign-up post can be read here.
March 2016
Number of books read so far: 1/20
This Month: 1
Title: Born on the Fourth of July (UK Click Here - US Click Here)
Author: Ron Kovic
Price: £0.25
Charity Helped: Local cause - sale to help a local child with medical care and equipment.
My Thoughts:
This is a non-fiction book detailing Ron Kovic's experiences as a Vietnam veteran; there is also a film of the book, starring Tom Cruise, of the same name.
Born on the Fourth of July is one of those books that everyone needs to read simply because it is a snapshot of history, and a testament to the uncomfortable truths that we need to remind ourselves of, and never let the world forget.
Like this post? Try these:
Host: Becky's Book Reviews
Duration: January 2016-December 2016
The Challenge: 'Read for a good cause! Buy books at a charity shop, or, even a friends of the library book sale, or, donate a certain percentage of money for each book you read for the challenge. You can choose your own goal of how many books to read, what charity you'll be donating money towards, how much money, etc.'
The full rules can be found on Becky's Book Reviews here.
My sign-up post can be read here.
March 2016
Number of books read so far: 1/20
This Month: 1
Title: Born on the Fourth of July (UK Click Here - US Click Here)Author: Ron Kovic
Price: £0.25
Charity Helped: Local cause - sale to help a local child with medical care and equipment.
My Thoughts:
This is a non-fiction book detailing Ron Kovic's experiences as a Vietnam veteran; there is also a film of the book, starring Tom Cruise, of the same name.
Born on the Fourth of July is one of those books that everyone needs to read simply because it is a snapshot of history, and a testament to the uncomfortable truths that we need to remind ourselves of, and never let the world forget.
Like this post? Try these:
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Nerd Church! - Four Tales of Incredible Courage
I think we could all do with some courage (no, not the Dutch kind - shh!) How about you? You want some courage? These four books (in my humble opinion,) have characters who show real courage, in the most difficult of times.
The Courage of Friendship and Compassion
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This a beautiful book, and I will always, always, always recommend it - to anyone, at any time. And Liesel, to me, is courage.
A girl growing up in Hitler's Germany, Liesel is trying to wind her way through the challenges of her life and times. Things are about to be made ever more complicated by the actions of her foster father, Hans, in hiding the Jewish son of an old friend.
Liesel never lets the challenging circumstances make her any less than who she is. Her friendship and kindness are more courageous than any bullet.
Buy now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads - Author's Facebook Page
The Courage of Survival
Blood Red, Snow White by Marcus Sedgwick
This is a book that I haven't read in years - but that I still think of as something truly memorable and remarkable.
Written by Marcus Sedgwick, this is a YA book with no teenage characters. All of the characters are, in fact, adult.
Set in the Russian Revolution of 1917, this book follows the true story of Arthur Ransome - the author of Swallows and Amazons - who acted as a double-agent at the heart of the new Communist regime. Such a double-agent, in fact, that no-one actually knew for sure which side he was on.
I loved the way this book tried to show the human story, and to portray the way that Ransome was an ordinary man, trapped by truly extraordinary circumstances, and just trying to survive in a world that had turned upside-down.
Certainly, if you're into spy stories, history, or both, then this book is worth the read.
Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads - Author's Website
The Courage to Endure
Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
This memoir of the life of a man kidnapped into slavery in the US is made all the more incredible and poignant by the fact that it is non-fiction.
Solomon Northup writes beautifully and with dignity, and as far as I'm concerned this should be required reading on anyone's list.
Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads - Full Review
The Courage of Love and Sacrifice
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A true 19th Century classic, this is a novel of the French Revolution. Featuring some of the most beautiful lines in English literature, this is Dickens (as far as I'm concerned,) at his best.
True, I disliked the character of Lucie - a bit two-dimensional in my opinion - but overall, this is a stunning book.
Without giving away any spoilers, I can tell you that Dickens brings the French Revolution, and the terror it brought with it, to life. But this is fundamentally a tale of love and sacrifice. It is honestly worth reading just for the beautiful tragedy it reveals.
Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads
The Courage of Friendship and Compassion
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This a beautiful book, and I will always, always, always recommend it - to anyone, at any time. And Liesel, to me, is courage.
A girl growing up in Hitler's Germany, Liesel is trying to wind her way through the challenges of her life and times. Things are about to be made ever more complicated by the actions of her foster father, Hans, in hiding the Jewish son of an old friend.
Liesel never lets the challenging circumstances make her any less than who she is. Her friendship and kindness are more courageous than any bullet.
Buy now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads - Author's Facebook Page
The Courage of Survival
Blood Red, Snow White by Marcus Sedgwick
This is a book that I haven't read in years - but that I still think of as something truly memorable and remarkable.
Written by Marcus Sedgwick, this is a YA book with no teenage characters. All of the characters are, in fact, adult.Set in the Russian Revolution of 1917, this book follows the true story of Arthur Ransome - the author of Swallows and Amazons - who acted as a double-agent at the heart of the new Communist regime. Such a double-agent, in fact, that no-one actually knew for sure which side he was on.
I loved the way this book tried to show the human story, and to portray the way that Ransome was an ordinary man, trapped by truly extraordinary circumstances, and just trying to survive in a world that had turned upside-down.
Certainly, if you're into spy stories, history, or both, then this book is worth the read.
Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads - Author's Website
The Courage to Endure
Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
This memoir of the life of a man kidnapped into slavery in the US is made all the more incredible and poignant by the fact that it is non-fiction.
Solomon Northup writes beautifully and with dignity, and as far as I'm concerned this should be required reading on anyone's list.
Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads - Full Review
The Courage of Love and Sacrifice
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles DickensA true 19th Century classic, this is a novel of the French Revolution. Featuring some of the most beautiful lines in English literature, this is Dickens (as far as I'm concerned,) at his best.
True, I disliked the character of Lucie - a bit two-dimensional in my opinion - but overall, this is a stunning book.
Without giving away any spoilers, I can tell you that Dickens brings the French Revolution, and the terror it brought with it, to life. But this is fundamentally a tale of love and sacrifice. It is honestly worth reading just for the beautiful tragedy it reveals.
Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads
Sunday, 19 July 2015
Reviewing the Evidence (Classics Edition!) - 12 Years a Slave
Title: 12 Years a Slave (US Link)
Author: Solomon Northup
Genre: classics, non-fiction, memoirs, autobiography
A few starting notes:
I approached this book with a mix of trepidation and interest - I'd heard of the film, but not seen it, and knew a little about the story, but didn't know what the writing would be like or how the tone would be. I needn't have worried.
Premise:
Solomon Northup was a black man born free in the time of slavery in the USA. He is tricked, kidnapped, and enslaved, enduring the life of a Southern slave for a period of 12 years. This is his own account of his time spent in slavery.
Best bits:
The very best bit is our narrator - Solomon Northup himself. He never lacks perspective, considers the opinions and feelings of others, and speaks with a strong voice that reverberates through the pages. His account keeps a level of admirable dignity up throughout its entirety, and he weaves the prose together better than many bestsellers today.
Mr Northup never shies away from the realities of slavery - we are told of the whippings and beatings, and the pain of separated families, whilst maintaining that same dignity. He never includes gratuitous levels of violence or suffering simply for their own sakes, and is honest about everything - the good times and the bad.
He also always gives credit where credit is due in a gracious and understanding way. He refrains from judging slave-owners simply for being slave-owners. His first master, William Ford, he has genuine affection for and Ford joins the ranks of white men who put themselves out for Mr Northup's sakes (the others including but not limited to an English sailor, and the Canadian carpenter, Bass.) Northup insists that, in his estimation, Ford was only a slave-owner because he had been born and raised in the South - something which he could not help any more than Solomon could help being black.
Not so great bits:
Slavery is understandably an uncomfortable subject - and though Solomon Northup is an excellent narrator, he uses the language and the attitudes of his time. He thinks nothing of classifying people according to their skin colour - something which actually becomes very interesting in the case of the slave Celeste who is paler than her owner - and this can jar with modern sensibilities.
He also uses the 'n' word a lot - simply because this is how black people were referred to by those he is in contact with. This is historically accurate but mightily uncomfortable.
The subject matter, as can be expected, is not always pleasant, though is not gratuitous.
Verdict:
This book is excellent. It is written sublimely with a voice that is not often heard in accounts of slavery - that of an actual slave. More than just an outstanding piece of literature, this is also a work of historical importance - and should be just as much as a necessity on reading lists as the likes of Anne Frank's Diary.
Author: Solomon Northup
Genre: classics, non-fiction, memoirs, autobiography
A few starting notes:
I approached this book with a mix of trepidation and interest - I'd heard of the film, but not seen it, and knew a little about the story, but didn't know what the writing would be like or how the tone would be. I needn't have worried.Premise:
Solomon Northup was a black man born free in the time of slavery in the USA. He is tricked, kidnapped, and enslaved, enduring the life of a Southern slave for a period of 12 years. This is his own account of his time spent in slavery.
Best bits:
The very best bit is our narrator - Solomon Northup himself. He never lacks perspective, considers the opinions and feelings of others, and speaks with a strong voice that reverberates through the pages. His account keeps a level of admirable dignity up throughout its entirety, and he weaves the prose together better than many bestsellers today.
Mr Northup never shies away from the realities of slavery - we are told of the whippings and beatings, and the pain of separated families, whilst maintaining that same dignity. He never includes gratuitous levels of violence or suffering simply for their own sakes, and is honest about everything - the good times and the bad.
He also always gives credit where credit is due in a gracious and understanding way. He refrains from judging slave-owners simply for being slave-owners. His first master, William Ford, he has genuine affection for and Ford joins the ranks of white men who put themselves out for Mr Northup's sakes (the others including but not limited to an English sailor, and the Canadian carpenter, Bass.) Northup insists that, in his estimation, Ford was only a slave-owner because he had been born and raised in the South - something which he could not help any more than Solomon could help being black.
Not so great bits:
Slavery is understandably an uncomfortable subject - and though Solomon Northup is an excellent narrator, he uses the language and the attitudes of his time. He thinks nothing of classifying people according to their skin colour - something which actually becomes very interesting in the case of the slave Celeste who is paler than her owner - and this can jar with modern sensibilities.
He also uses the 'n' word a lot - simply because this is how black people were referred to by those he is in contact with. This is historically accurate but mightily uncomfortable.
The subject matter, as can be expected, is not always pleasant, though is not gratuitous.
Verdict:
This book is excellent. It is written sublimely with a voice that is not often heard in accounts of slavery - that of an actual slave. More than just an outstanding piece of literature, this is also a work of historical importance - and should be just as much as a necessity on reading lists as the likes of Anne Frank's Diary.
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