Game of Thrones

Inbox // Outbox 3/6/17

Amelia2 Comments

Just as I had finally whittled my library pile to near zero, it’s suddenly full again.  Isn’t it funny how life is like that?

Inbox

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

I had a moment earlier this week when I saw something about this book and thought, “How have I not read this?  How can I be a fantasy book lover and not have read this?”  So I’m going to read it.

The Mother of All Questions by Rebecca Solnit

Last fall, I read Solnit’s Men Explain Things To Me and found it insightful and enjoyable.  I was thrilled to hear she had a follow-up book coming out.  My library was kind enough to purchase this upon request and I look forward to spending time with it.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

YES, this is the third time this book has appeared in my Inbox//Outbox feature.  I’m actually reading it this time.  I’m taking it slowly and am about 130 pages in.  So far, I am absolutely loving it.   Continue reading →

Inbox // Outbox 2/20/17

AmeliaLeave a comment

Inbox

A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin

Finally, I’m on the last of the currently published A Song of Ice and Fire books.  I’m always daunted by the size of these books, so I’m listening to the audiobook on the way to work.  Aside from his inability to do female voices, the reader is fantastic.  It’s really easy to get wrapped up in the story.

Of Other Worlds: Essays and Stories by C.S. Lewis

This is my current post-breakfast-curl-up-in-a-chair-drinking-tea read.  It’s a collection of short essays by Lewis on one of my favorite topics–the concept of story, particularily fairy stories.  I really enjoy Lewis’s fiction and his Christian nonfiction works, but in this one, his expertise as an academic shines through and it’s wonderful.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

This is the second in a series–see my thoughts on the first book in the Outbox section for more.  I’m reading it very, very slowly and savoring every word. Continue reading →

Black, White, and Shades of Grey: Morality in Fantasy Literature

Amelia5 Comments

Who wouldn’t want to hear their favorite authors speak together on the same stage?

Recently, I was inspired by staff at Eventbrite about putting together a dream panel of authors I’d like to see at a conference.  Eventbrite is an organization that helps people create and share events that bring communities together.  For more information about their conference management tool, check out their website.

I love attending conferences, but have sadly never been to one that is book-related.  (That is likely to change now that I’m working as a librarian.)  Still, I assume that most events follow similar structures and that there is a great deal of freedom in what goes on in a panel.  That being said, I spent some time brainstorming what group I should bring together.  There are so many genres that I love and so many topics that would be interesting to explore.  I ended up settling on…

dreamconferenceblogbanner

Continue reading →

Top Ten Favorite TV Shows

Amelia9 Comments

1.) The Office (American Version)

Every few years, I’m drawn back to this show.  It never ceases to be funny–I recently rewatched the “Diversity Day” episode from the first season and, despite the fact that I’ve seen the episode at least four times, was rolling on the floor laughing.  This show is just so funny–the characters are enjoyable, maddening, and consistent.  Also, Jim and Pam will forever be my ultimate TV OTP.

tumblr_mi6urpefcp1qb9pa3o1_500

2.) Downton Abbey

Yes, the show was at it’s best in it’s first two seasons.  Yes, I’m one of the troopers who held out until the very end.  This show is everything I love about British period dramas–it addresses and explores historical social issues with a healthy dose of romance.  Plus, it’s just so pretty.  The sets, the costumes, everything is lavish and gorgeous.  One thing I also enjoy is that it fully develops almost every single character–using subtleties to show, not tell.  And then there’s Maggie Smith, who is one of the show’s gems. Continue reading →