Barkskins by Annie Proulx

So this book was given to me by my French advisor as a gift before my graduation, and I was so excited to start it that I added it to my TBR before using my jar to pick the others. Now while I was excited about this book and wanted to read it...I had no idea that while reading it I would also be hit with one of the biggest reading slumps I've felt in a long time.

I'm going to talk about this book timeline by timeline because I think that will be easier for me. Also I'll red out the text before some spoilers, but others I won't because they're not that big of a spoiler. This is going to be long, but this is probably one of the longest books I've read in a long time, and the longest book I've read that I've reviewed so I will try my best to cut down anything.

1: forêt, hache, famille (1693-1716)

     -René Sel
I really liked René's story and his character. I felt like he was just man trying to have a better life, and Trèpagny was a mean and cruel man who used him (which I'm sure was done a lot in this time periods by seigneurs). While the forced marriage wasn't great, I think by the end of it he and Mari did actually love each other, and I was so sad with how his story ended. I was screaming for justice honestly. WHAT DID HE DO WRONG TO DESERVE A FATE LIKE THAT!?
*add in the whole 'thought of brother while loving on Mari the first time?

2: "...helplessly they stare at his tracks" (1693-1727)

     -Charles Duquet/Duke
Everyone, I am SO GLAD Duquet found the fate that he did. While yes, you did have to be a little ruthless back in the day, he took it too far and was way too conniving and cruel for me to like. It was almost the perfect villain save the sharp cheekbones and deep chuckle. Didn't even love his wife, stole from people who helped him learn and survive in the New France wilderness. Glad he got a good ol' dose of karma at the end. That last sentence was *chef's kiss* delectable.

3: all these woods once ours (1724-1767)

     -René & Mari's kids
Honestly, I felt so bad for all the Sel children because they had both their parents (I know Mari's older children weren't René's but he treated them nicely), both of them taken away, one from a sickness and one from being *spoiler alert* MURDERED AND SCALPED! And then Renardette comes in again to screw them out of their home, have to travel to a new land they only knew from stories their mother told. I really did feel bad for them and wanted them to stay in their home, because after leaving there things just went...to s***. Almost feels like my life a bit with how they can't catch a break.

4: the severed snake (1756-1766)

     - Duquet children
It didn't come as a shock to me that I liked Duquet's children better than him, but I still don't really...like most of his children. I liked Bernard, and that's because of Birgit (and that's also all I can say about that unless I spoil a real big shocker). I do think his son's cared more about the relationships they made with the people around them instead of just going for the pursuit of money, but they still did everything for the sake of money. Also...I almost relate to Outger in a sense. I can't put my finger on it but I feel a strange connection to this man. Maybe it's because I'm locked in my house and he just didn't leave his until the end. Guess I'm Outger/Etdidu Duquet.

5: in the lumber camps (1754-1804)

     - Kuntaw (Achille's son) and his grandchildren
I felt bad for this family. Tommy having had a somewhat difficult childhood with his mother and then not having much luck after he found his father. But at least Tommy's kids (Kuntaw's grandchildren) had a better childhood with their grandparents and uncles & aunt. I wonder what it would be like to grow up with your aunt or niece. My mother did that with a few of her relatives. I thought it was interesting to follow the life in the cutting camps and seeing the danger in them a bit more. But it was also interesting to see how Beatrix tried to bring the Mi'kmaq culture into the family's life even though there was a lot of whiteman influence.

One thing that I really got struck with while reading this was *sorry another spoiler but it's because it's important to me* ...was the death of Beatrix. She had cancer, in the stomach. And she liked horses. So did my best friend Ashley (I called her my Mama Duck because I followed her around places I didn't know). Ashley died in 2016 due to her cancer, and I wish I had more time, and spent more time with her in those last months. Sometimes I regret having gone to college so far away because I wasn't able to see her.

6: "fortune's a right whore" (1808-1826)

     - James Duke (great-grandson of Duquet)
This storyline was interesting to me. James was basically sent away because his mom died in childbirth (a common thing during that period of time) and the father apparently felt bad about it when he died and left him everything. So he went home and then fell in love with the woman he met on the trip home. Even though he thought it was amazing that she cared about his family buisness and all he had to say, I didn't trust her because she seemed shady and abusive. But James was in love with a married woman and needed to find a way to be with her. It was almost too easy for him to get rid of the husband too, to bad he *umm...spoiler* KILLED THE WRONG MAN. But love(?) found its way in the end. Didn't like Posey's father AT ALL and was glad he wasn't allowed near their daughter.

7: broken sticks (1825-1870)

     - Jinot Sel (Tommy's son & Kuntaw's grandson)
I liked following Jinot and his life. I think it was interesting to also see him recovering from his injury with Sillyboy and to then see him go into a life working for an ax company. I was a little worried with how much his boss liked him and why he was always taken along with him. And my worries were answered when he was made to come along to New Zealand. I was sad about it.

8: glory days (1836-1870)

     -family of James Duke
Now during this I liked Lavinia. She knew what she wanted and didn't stop until she got it and more. I also did like the Breitsprecher cousins and how much they liked to save trees. I was shocked how after some years the families joined in marriage but...there was money on both sides as well so *shrug*. I did give an eye-roll to naming the child Charles but that's also because I didn't like his character haha.

9: the shadow in the cup (1844-1960s)

     -Aaron Sel after father dies, as well as later generations
     -HAS A CHAPTER TITLED BARKSKINS
Aaron tried to live with his Mi'kmaw family but didn't fully feel like he belonged, then went on a strange ship voyage. On his return he finds that his family loves his and welcomes him with open arms and they all work together to help other Mi'kmaw and live together on reserves since the whiteman had taken most of their lands. Kuntaw makes a great reference to how he 'tried to be a whiteman, but his Mi'kmaw oil (whiteman was water) came up to the top'. They had to take up axes again and some even traveled into the west. Lost limbs and lives both at home and abroad.

Descendent of both Duke and Sel families is Lobert who has a child called Egga, who is abused at a boarding-esque school and runs away. He does not return on St. Anne's day each year like other Sel family members.

my thoughts:

10: sliding into darkness (1886-2013)

     - Begins with the children of Dieter and ends with the grandchildren of Lobert, so a mix of both families
Duke company going bankrupt after runaway employees (I did kind of laughed at this), and the anger caused Lavinia to go back on her word and cut more trees to the distress of New Zealanders and Dieter. Their son Charley dreams of the preservation of trees even more than Dieter and after a very bad...incident *an assault* he is moved to the tropics where he studies the trees and writes it all down on notebooks later used to destroy those trees after his death. The family started to research the history of the company and relearns the search of the heir and freaks, however then sells the company except for the Seedling Business which does well.

Egga had tried to keep his Mi'kmaw heritage away from his children because of his past but they begged him to spill. Had two strong-willed daughters, one of who goes into the eco-world and becomes well known. Cousins Felix and Jeanne join her and a small team to replant, research, and monitor new trees and try to begin growing the mystic forests once again. Though Egga's daughter, Sapatisia didn't know if they could ever save it.

my thoughts:


So the basic plot of this story was about two barkskins (woodcutters) Rene and Charles and following their two families the Sels - who more or less cared for the forest and family all together and had many troubles and trials all through life, and the Duquets/Dukes - who as a whole only cared about the business and money and thought clearing the forests than preserving it as well. Though the family lines did cross at one point and I really would have liked to see the Sel family come in and take over the company at one point. I think it would have been fun!


I give Barkskins 4 stars because I really liked the story, the Franco aspects, and the Sel family. However I really just disliked the Duke family and I think it's because they were more vain and stuff but I applaud Annie for writing them in a way that I can dislike them the same way I dislike real life people like them.

It's also turning into a TV series that is premiering today (May 25th) so now I have a new show to watch now!

Are you excited about the TV series on Nat Geo? Or have you read this book too? I'd love to talk all about it because I surprisingly really liked this.

Sorry this was so long I tried to cut it down I promise, I just had a lot to say and wanted to get the book out. If you've made it this far I applaud you and thank you as well. 

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: my photo of book, Barkskins logo,

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This book was on my TBR for so long. I had heard so many good things about it from friends and others in the book community. I also was interested in it for the sole reason that the cover was ORANGE. I know it's a weird reason to like a book but I'm a weird person so *shrugs*

I posted a photo of it on my bookstagram and my friend and college roommate Lindsey messaged me saying that she also had the book in her collection gathering a bit of dust. So we decided to read it together. She was going to be home for spring break soon and I was just working and job hunting myself so we had some time on our hands. We planned a reading schedule and I made story templates to use and a post for us each to share on our accounts (and I only realized during the last week of the reading that I messed up the reading schedule on it).

Now granted before starting this book, I straight up had NO CLUE what it was about. I read the Goodreads summary and was like: sci-fi, killer AI, plague - cool. So neither her nor I really realized we would be reading a book with a killer plague/pathogen during a VIRAL QUARANTINE. But at least Phobos is nothing like Covid-19, so it makes it a little easier (in my opinion) to get through those parts. It's more like a zombie plague tbh.

One thing I did know about the book before starting this was that the format of the story was nothing like I had ever read/seen before. Files, text chats, and AI comms instead of regular prose and chapters. I didn't know how I would like it at all, or if it would be confusing to read for my brain. Luckily, that's not what happened. The format was so unique and gripping. It was easy for me to picture in my head what was going on, just as easy as with other books and maybe easier because there was less description so my mind could be a little creative.

I found myself flying through the pages and engrossed in the story. I stopped myself from reading ahead of what my friend and I were doing. I wanted to give myself time to process it as well. And give me time to read my other book.

And like I said before I really did like the format of the story as AI files and text exchanges, as well as AIDAN's own internal dialogue (which sometimes REALLY freaked me out). I also really liked the characters.

With Kady I loved her bravery and stubbornness with everything that she did while on the ship and how she would literally break into any system or room and it was nothing to her. Ezra, on the other hand, was like a chaotic mess who was given A SHIP WITH GUNS ON IT. But I really liked his love for Kady and his dedication to her first and foremost. He was also brave and stuff, but his main thing was his love and feelings for Kady and how much her being safe and sound was important to him.

Think it's also important to talk about what is probably the third main character of this book: AIDAN, the AI on the Alexander. Now, I've had AI's that I really liked - Jarvis from Marvel as an example and then Friday - but AIDAN began as the type of AI that makes me want to throw most of my technology into the damn sea! But then at the end, he acted a little like Jarvis/Vision by caring more about humans and not just being a machine.

While reading this book I jumped through like, every emotion I've ever known and then some, and I'm pretty sure I went through the five stages of grief at one point. At first it was interesting and I was really intrigued with the story and where it was going to go, then I started to get scared with the Phobos (the fear might have also been helped with my own anxiety from Covid-19), and then sadness when things started happening to everyone as well as people Kady and Ezra cared about.

End of the story, BLEW MY MIND. I was shocked and even went back a few pages and tried to figure out how I had missed the twist and all the clues that pointed to it. I knew they were there, and my brain was so engrossed in the saving of the day that I didn't see it at all!. But that's good story-writing to me, to write something so great and put those little breadcrumbs in, yet still shock the reader at the end and make the ending as dynamic as the climax of the story.

I give Illuminae 5 stars.

All in all, I really loved this book. I had a great time reading it, and now I'm trying to figure how to add Gemina & Obsidio to my purchase list for this year with my limited budget for it. I thought the concept and format was unique and the characters were wonderfully written. I can't wait to see what happens next.

What are your thoughts on Illuminae? Did you like it or not? How did AIDAN make you feel?

If you need me I'll be zooming away to read more!

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: my photo of the book (edited for vibrance), millenium falcon, joey tribbiani, 

The Oedipus Cycle by Sophocles

I don't remember when I got this book, but it hasn't been on my shelf as long as some of the others that I have on my TBR. I had always had a fascination for Greek mythology and am a (not heavily active but want to change that in the future when my life is more stable) hellenic pagan. I've just always loved the stories and drama because people really couldn't get out of their own way to realize RUNNING FROM YOUR FATE WILL ONLY BRING IT SOONER! *enter Merida as a Disney reference*

Like many other people, I have heard of Oedipus, the basic story, and how so many people talk about the Oedipus complex. But, I find the ACTUAL story of Oedipus so far from the 'complex' that most people talk about. He didn't even know it was his mother because no one told him he was adopted/found and given to his 'father'. This caused Oedipus to leave that home he was raised in with the fear of harming the parents that raised him, and in so doing that, fulfilled the destiny that could have been AVOIDED.

Sorry I have feelings about this haha.

But if I just focus on the story that I read, which was Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone, I can have some calmer opinions.

Oedipus Rex played out exactly as I knew it would, with so much more drama than just reading a two page myth in a high school class, so five stars on that part.

Oedipus at Colonus was honestly...confusing to me. I understood the ending completely, but the beginning was so confusing for me. Why did the villagers both accept him in the forest/grove and also like...begged him to leave? I know part of it was because of his name and his story/curse but I was so confused for a lot of it. So two stars for that one.

Antigone, however, was a banger of a piece. I love her and her bravery/defiance to Creon (who is a little b****** of a man. Glad he got what was coming to him.

I feel that I didn't fully enjoy the reading process of this story because it was a play. Not because it was a play, but because I think I'd rather watch it performed to get the full story that way. Time to look for local playings in my area perhaps!

I give the Oedipus Cycle 3.5 stars (rounded up to four on Goodreads) for the fact that I liked the story, but found Oedipus at Colonus a bit confusing at first and would have rather watched this play out instead of read it.

What do you think of reading plays or of The Oedipus Cycle? I'd love to see your opinions!

À bientôt!


Photo/Gif creds: my photo of book w/mug, Merida, Oedipus play,

Suite Français by Irène Némirovsky

*there will be spoilers and sensitive topics

This book was very different from the normal genre and style of books that I normally read. Normally I read fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy stories as can be seen from my other reviews and Goodreads lists. However when I found this book during one of my $10 library bag sales, I placed it into my bag. The story, both Suite Français and Irène's, interested me and I knew that I'd want to read it someday. The fact that it was originally written in French might have been another reason that I wanted to read this book.

While reading this story, I was filled with a bit of sadness because I knew ahead of time what had happened to the author, and how this story was so similar to the life that she lived in those years as well. Also again I am saddened by the chilling history of our world, the lives that were lost, the families ripped apart. The horrors that people suffered just for being alive.

Hearing the history of Irène's life as well was interesting. She came from a rich life, but during WW1 she had to leave her life because her father's was in danger. Then she and her family found their way to France where she lived a flirtatious and wild life until she met her husband.

I am in awe with how many works she was able to write in a short time in her life. She has about 9 novels, and Suite Français was her last work that was published to the world, done so by her daughter Denise many years after her death.

I'm lucky that I was able to read this book. While it is basically a first draft to the story, it was wonderfully written and filled with wonderfully created characters. I was happy and joyful when the Michauds were able to make it home, and that Charles was hit by a car and died because I really disliked his character and what he did to that young couple while on the road. I felt he got what he deserved.

There was great sorrow in the book too. I was so sad that the Father died, and in such a brutal manner as well by those kids. To be beaten and then basically drown because you got caught under the water. I was scared just reading it if I'm going to be completely honest with you.

For the love in the story, I really wanted Jean-Marie to go back and be with Madeleine because I felt they would have been really nice and cute together, and was sad when she ended up with Benoît, even though that was sort of set in stone before he went off to war. However I also wish I could have seen how Irène wrote how Jean-Marie and Lucile would fall in love. I honestly wanted Jean-Marie to have a good life, but from her notes Irène didn't have the same thoughts.

To know that this was only two parts out of what was going to be a five part story, I can say that it didn't fully feel like anything was missing. With the way Irène wrote Dolce, it was like the real ending. To say if only WW2 didn't happen, we wouldn't even have this book in the first place. I just wish that Irène's life (and so many other millions of lives) could have been spared during this time in history to have the whole story given to us.

I gave Suite Français 5 stars. Partly for the information above, and partly because I am emotional and felt part of my heart in the story because I knew what happened in the end. I honestly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction and non-fiction, as I feel this book has a nice tie between the two.

Let me know what you thought of this book or the story if you've read it. Did you find it as emotional as I did? I've love to hear your thoughts as well.

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: cover photo from Goodreads, Irène's photo,

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

This book was a interesting pick for me. I don't normally shop in this section of the bookstore (maybe I should though) and I was only there because I had asked for some good LGBTQIA+ rep (mainly wlw and bi rep but any will do). I had made a post on instagram where I asked anyone for some recommendations on books that had amazing rep like the kind I had read in Reign of the Fallen, and the author of ROTF, Sarah Glenn Marsh, mentioned this book along with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

Needless to say I went to the bookstore a day or two later with my gift cards to search for those and other books on my list. Sadly I only left with Gideon the Ninth because ALL THE OTHER BOOKS WERE OUT OF STOCK OR ONLINE ONLY...which I took as a personal attack, as any sane person would do as well.

Upon seeing the cover art for this book I knew I would like it. The art and the blurb hooked me and I placed it into my basket with my Etta Candy funko pop. The way Gideon is positioned, as if coming through a battle she single-handedly won, and looking like a badass skeleton won me over.

I also liked how Gideon's attraction to women wasn't a discovery during the book or hinted at to the reader. It was obvious that she was attracted to the other women around her, and to me that was a wonderful thing. To make it just...there and not something that people comment on or question was nice and almost soothing.

Throughout the whole book, I moved back and forth from loving certain characters, so being weary of them, to hating them, and hoping right back to loving them, and I credit that to Tamsyn's wonderful writing. She was able to weave characters that had flaws and hidden motives. Crafting twists and show, after the dust cleared, that those you thought were evil may not have been all along (I mean...they were a little bit but that's how they stayed human).

I gave Gideon the Ninth 4.75 stars out of 5.

I have taken off the .25 due to the fact that at the beginning of the book it was jarring to read and I was confused on how the planet of the Ninth was set up. Certain questions about the world of the Locked Tomb trilogy were coming to mind, but I'm sure with how the next book is set up those will be answered for me.

(Now this next reason might just be me) While reading, I would forget that it was a sci-fi story and that they were on a planet and not just...another country. The shuttles and space travel happened little in the book, but granted it wasn't NEEDED so I understand (yea it's just me being a weirdo).

Now I will read the other books on my 2020 TBR and add Harrow the Ninth (which has an equally beautiful cover BTW, just look at it) and continue this journey and story. I just hope that Harrow pulls some great skeleton dance parties soon in the books. Just for the fun of it honestly. Just like this gif:

Have you read Gideon the Ninth yet? What did you think about it, and are you ready for Harrow the Ninth like me?

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: my photo of book, Harrow the Ninth cover, dancing skeletons,

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book isn't one that I normally would have picked up. I remember getting it too. I was at a thrift store and saw the cover, it was pretty and looked almost like an old book, and from what I saw online as a summary, I thought it was more of a fiction story that had magic and journey in it.

However, when I looked up the book again right before starting it, I saw a lot of people talking about how it was a self-help book. I have read a few of them in the past, but none of them really did anything for me. I tried doing the tips each book told me would help me, but nothing came of it. Maybe it was me, or maybe the book just wasn't meant to help someone like me, but I'm sure they've helped others.

Just like how I feel with this book. I read it all, almost decided to DNF it, and honestly couldn't fully grasp what the self-help aspects of the book were. I know it talked a lot about following and listening to your heart, but I feel like there's something larger that I'm missing, and it took away from my enjoyment because I felt that I wasn't paying attention enough or just not understanding the material. I think one of the main reasons I didn't DNF was the illustrations in my edition of the text. They matched what was happening and helped me to visualize better at the story happening.

And I'm not going to blame the translation either, because I know that sometimes meaning can get lost in it, but I feel that the translation I have really kept the feel of the book the same for me. Or maybe that's because I've read stuff both in French and English to know the differences so having translated materials isn't hard for me. Who knows.

My copy of the book had a letter in the back from Paulo Coelho on 'Questions That Have No Answers' and talks about him in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, and how he met a colonel who had a list of questions that from children that have always remained unanswered. I thought the letter would help me understand anything from the book or the messages in it more...but I couldn't find the answers.

About the story though, I liked following the boy's (pretty sure his name is supposed to be Santiago but is called 'the boy' through like 97% of the book) journey through both him home in Spain and his travels through Africa. I know he was in the north of Africa and I can't help but think that the other strange language he didn't know (because he learns to speak Arabic while there) was French since there are French colonies in the North of France, but I'm sure it's just a different Arabic dialect or a local African dialect that their speaking.

I thought Santiago's journey was interesting, and the fact that he would just get up and do something or go somewhere is strangely something I've thought of doing before, but I guess I just don't know what my Personal Legend is, at least not yet. Have you found your Personal Legend yet? I guess I'll have to start listening to my heart more often.

I gave The Alchemist 3 stars. It was almost 2 and a half stars but I decided that it was well written, and while thinking about it, the story was good, but the messages inside of it just didn't speak to me the way it speaks to others, and it's not my fault that that happens to someone.

Yeah understanding it took away a little at my enjoyment, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it. 3 stars to me is more like...neutral ground for a book. I didn't love or like it, but I didn't hate it either. I could have a discussion about the book, but I won't be adding it to my personal bookshelf.

What did you think of this book if you've read it before? What was the self-help message you found in the pages of Santiago's journey? I'd love to hear other people's thoughts on the topic.

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: cover from Goodreads, heart gif, question book,

Legion (Talon #4) by Julie Kagawa

What a whirlwind this book was. Started out with some death, had some fighting, a lot of driving around the country, and then ended with a bang and some dragonfire. Like any good fourth installment should!

I will do my best to write about this book without mentioning any spoilers, but if I happen to talk about one I will make sure to let you know it's coming in case you haven't read it yet!

It was nice that this book started off with everyone I've grown to love back in the same place again, because I missed them while they all did their own thing. I've found that I really like Jade and what she brings to the story. Instead of dragons all looking the same, they all look different depending on the region. Just like how so many different regions and cultures throughout the world have a dragon myth, and they are all different. That's why deep down I know that they must have at least been alive once if so many cultures had a myth of them but didn't communicate with each other. It just makes sense.

...is Talon real? Because I wanna meet a dragon. Julie what secrets do you know about? Share them with me!!!!!

It was interesting having Dante in the mix a little bit and having him seen more in this book, and the twist with him and Ember that we learned. I think something like that crossed my mind once but then it went away because like...nah that couldn't be it, and then it was haha. But it did throw me for a bit of a loop, and then it just got even more...twisted. 

I know that the romance was big in this book, but I came to a realization in this book. As much as I'd love a guy like Garret or Riley to protect me, I'm also the kind of girl to love a guy like Wesley. I know he's described as someone who is scrawny at times and probably pale beyond belief, but I picture him to look more like Dr. Reid and I love him. 

And I felt that the choice that Ember made was very brave of her. She really thought hard, as did her dragon, and they came up with a choice that was best for her and also thought of the others around her. I know some people would probably be upset because of ruining an OTP but I liked how she (and the others) handled the situation. And I think I feel something brewing with Mist so I CAN'T WAIT TO CONTINUE READING!

Now just to purchase the next book. To the bookstore I go!

But until then I will be happily reading other books on my TBR for this year and hopefully enjoying them. However I won't be ashamed if I don't and have to DNR a few of them. Here's to happy reading!

I gave Legion 5 stars, because this book continued with the drama and action of the other books, and left me hanging and waiting for the next one. I can't wait to see how Julie ends this story.

Have you read any of the Talon books? What did you think about the twists during part two? Or the major plot story during part three?

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: legion cover on Goodreads, eastern vs. western, Ken Jeong, 

Soldier (Talon #3) by Julie Kagawa

WOW...

That was a lot of emotions I went through.

And I know I will put myself through it again by picking up the fourth book RIGHT after I post this.

Julie knows how to pull me in and stab me right when it gets intense. WHY JULIE? WHY?

This book was action and drama from the first page to the last, and with each on the danger grew and grew and I was on the edge of my seat, itching to grab the book each minute I was at work. All I wanted to do was read it at the break table or right at the register (maybe if I ask my manager nicely he'll let me do that in the future...he does like me).

I found myself bouncing back and forth between Riley and Garret just like Ember was doing (sorry spoiler on the romance), and I couldn't pick one of them. At some times I felt Riley was getting a little too like...controlling, but by the end it seemed like he learned that he wasn't the only one and became a big boy.

But now I don't know where the story is gonna go, and I only have the fourth book in my possession because the store didn't have the fifth one available when I went the other day!!!! So now I'm debating picking up the fourth book until I have Inferno and start with other ones that I have waiting in my TBR pile for the next year.

Mean...I'm going to do it. But it's going to hurt me I just know it.

This review is also so short and quick because it's late, the year is almost over, I want to start the next book to POSSIBLY complete my reading challenge (if not it's only one book what's the big deal), and I have to get ready to work a closing shift at a party store on New Year's Eve. Wish me and my co workers luck.

I gave Soldier 5 stars because it was an amazing read. I love Julie Kagawa's writing and all the stories that I've read from her. There's only one series I haven't read yet but I have the first book so that's a start!

Please tell me if you've read any of these books so we can talk about all of these emotions I'm feeling, because I need someone to talk with me about the Talon series.

Get ready for me to try and post more in 2020!

À bientôt!

Rogue (Talon #2) by Julie Kagawa

Dragons, adventure, twins, and more were the reasons that I started to read the Talon series by Julie Kagawa.

Sadly it took me a while to go from reading the first one to getting my hands on the second, and then reading that one as well. But luckily when I started to read the second book, I was able to remember that first one (or at least most of the first one in the series hehe). But at least I have the next two books so I can read them now.

One of the things that I really like about the series is the fact that the main characters, Ember and Dante, were twins. It's a small thing, but being a twin myself made me understand the connection that they had more than if I had no siblings, so I really liked it. It was a way for me to feel more connected to the story. Though since they were separated in this book it was a different feeling. It reminded me of when my sister and I were both away at college. Hours apart from each other, but I still cared about her, just like Ember and Dante cared about each other while being apart.

And I'm always a sucker for two guys pining for the same girl, especially if I also like both of the guys. Though I must say I'm more into Riley/Cobalt than I am Garret, but that's just me haha. I admire how both of them care for Ember and they just want her to be happy in her choice, whatever that may be.

Then, of course, there's the whole dragon aspect of the book. Anything with a dragon and I'm in. I find them so interesting and majestic. Honestly, sometimes I get sad when I remember they aren't mythical (or at least not alive today, who knows if they once were real!)

When it came into play, I knew one of the plot twists before it happened because it just seemed TOO much of a coincidence. Right place, right time, but wrong at the same time, how could they not have seen that coming? However, I didn't know exactly how the twist would go, so it did surprise me at the same time, which is a way to tell it's a good story!

I don't want to spoil too much, even though the book has been out for a little bit, but someone might not have read it yet and I'd hate to ruin the experience.


I rated Rogue 5 stars out of 5. And I can't wait to start the third book, Soldier, just as soon as I get the time after editing a bit more for NaNoWriMo!

Have you read Talon and Rogue? What did you like about them? What did you think about Garret at the end of the book? I feel like it's the right move for him, but I know he's gonna come back to join them all again.


À bientôt!


Photo/Gif creds: dragon kite,

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

When I heard that Julie was writing another book, I didn't even read what the summary was, I just went searching for it. Then I learned it was about foxes (or more specifically kitsunes), dragons, magic, and Japanese folklore/legends, I got even more excited. I found the link and preordered the book as soon as I had the money. Then I had to wait for about a month.

Once the book finally came in, all I did was take a few photos and then put it on my desk at school. I'm not the best at reading a book right when I get it or reading more than one book at a time. I didn't get around to reading it until after I graduated college (which is still crazy to think about).

Finally, now that I'm done the book, I think I'm able to put into words what I liked about it, and (unsurprisingly because I give easy reviews and love Julie) there was like...nothing I didn't like about the book besides the fact it ended and I don't immediately have the second one in my hands right now.

Spoilers will be said, I've figured that since I read books so far away from release and sort of after their hype that I won't censor myself while writing these. I won't give away the main plot, or the big twists, but I won't keep small details to myself that I liked.

So let's start off with one of the things that really drew me to this book: foxes, or as in this book, kitsunes. Foxes are one of my favorite animals of all time (the other being a cat) so I loved the inclusion of the character of Yumeko. I almost wished that this book was a show or had pictures because I would have loved to see her in her fox form, or at least with her ears. I also felt that Yumeko as a character was compelling and the fact that her true nature of being kind and caring to others around her didn't change as difficult situations came in front of her.

One thing I liked about this book, which is something that not a lot of people like in their books, was the multiple POVs. I think because the first book to really get me back into reading was in multiple POVs that I like to read books that way, so having three different POVs in this book wasn't something that bugged me at all. It was also done in a way that I always knew who it was without putting their name. The first chapter of each section was sort of a third person POV, then it switched from Yumeko and Tatsumi every other chapter. So I was able to follow along.

I thought the concept of Tatsumi being the bearer of Hakaimono and having to control a literal demon inside of him was great. It added to his character to almost give a different take on the dark, brooding, male character with dark hair and beautiful eyes. At first, I couldn't tell if Hakaimono or Kamigoroshi was the demon, or if the sword was the demon, but that might just be me haha.

Now, I might not be the best person to comment on this because, well...I'm white and have never really looked into these sorts of contexts/stereotypes, but I felt that the way Julie wrote this book in regards to the kami and yokai was very researched and also kind. The kami weren't immediately seen as someone who is bad, just someone who can use magic. Yokai weren't 100% seen as bad, but they were more seen as demons then the kami but left alone for the most part.

As for romance in this book...I want Tatsumi and Yumeko to be endgame...just because their dynamic was so great, and I feel that she can defeat Hakaimono with her bare hands if need be to get him back.

Have you read this book yet? What did you think of it? And if you haven't, what's the thing that brought you to this book in the first place?

I can't wait to get the second book in my hands...just need to read a few more books on the TBR!

À bientôt!

Photo/GIF creds: my photo of the book, kitsune, heart,

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell - A Book Review

I got this book as a Goodreads giveaway (my first win!) and I put off reading it for a while because I had so many other books in my TBR that I wanted to read, and I think that I wanted to wait for the right time to read it. And the beginning of my last semester of undergrad felt like the time.

Now, due to it being my last semester, I only read the book when my homework was done (or done enough that I didn't have to stress the rest of the night or into the morning). I really needed them good grades. When I was able to read I was able to get at least five chapters done at a time, so I was able to read through it decently quickly. Still, it took me SEVEN MONTHS TO READ IT IN TOTAL.

Reading speeds do vary from person to person, and even from book to book, but I get so ashamed in myself when I take this long to read a book. My reading challenge isn't happy with me either, but I'm still happy that I was able to finish it!

I was so enamored by the characters and the storyline. I found myself wanted to dress up like Esta or Viola while I was reading it because the description of their outfits was something I was into. So was Harte but I digress. ANYWAY, the twists and turns in this book threw me, even if I sort of saw them coming, because of how the reader was introduced to them. It was through another character's eyes and it was their shock that became my shock.


When I first got this book (or first entered the giveaway) I wasn't 100% sold on it, but thank goodness that I won it or I would probably never read this book as soon as I did! When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it, wondering who the Magician was, what they wanted, and eating up every intense moment between Esta and Harte.

I really liked the mix of present day and past New York in the story too. The differences, while not the main focus of the book, were nice and perfect enough to transport me there. The inclusion of the Brink that surrounded the city I liked as well because it added danger to the characters, and brought even more intrigue to the plot.

My favorite in the story was Esta. Her love for everyone and the internal fight she had when just trying to go about her mission was something that I related to (not that I've ever traveled time) and I found myself rooting for her at every turn. I also really liked Dolph. He, in my mind, was like a cool mix of a father and uncle figure with the way he cared for those in his crew and those under his protection.

My rating: 5 stars

I recommend this book to anyone who likes magic and strong female characters too. I think, besides the villains who we all love to hate, there wasn't ONE character that I disliked, they were all well-rounded individuals with their own lives and helped move the story along.

Let me know if you feel the same way if you've read this book. I need to find more people who have read it to talk about it more now that I've finished!

À bientôt!

Photo/GIF creds: my photo of book and stones, Sam from iCarly,

Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh - A Book Review

WOW!  I really liked this book. It was great and had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. The way you felt about a lot of characters changes throughout the book, either subtlely during a chapter or in one short sentence.

There are some spoilers, but I'll put major ones in RED TEXT so you can skip them if you haven't read it. If you don't care about spoilers then go ahead and read it all!

I got this book from Page Habit in a sale box, and I chose this book because the story sounded great, and I wanted to read a book with a character closer to me than some of the other books that I have read, in the sense of romance.

It was important to me to read this book because Odessa was bisexual. I haven't read a lot of books that even touch on my sexuality and having the main character being bi? YES PLEASE. And I also liked how, I guess, normal it was to just be who you were and love who you loved.

With that being said, I liked how Odessa started with her and Evander, but part of their dynamic just didn't work for me. Maybe it was because they had that fight about change and exploring the world. But I did think that they worked for each other. Damn did it hurt when he died like I didn't think that's how it would go, and seeing what it did to her was rough to read. I know heartache like that, that burns inside you.

I LOVE KASMIRA! From the first meeting on the boat, I wanted more of her in the books. I wanted her and Odessa to kiss. I would have wanted to kiss Kasmira too, and I would have. Where is my beautiful weather mage-boat captain? I only wish for the simple things in life.

I hope I have friends like Valoria and Meredy who would sit by me in my greatest downfall and help pull me back up as hard as they could. Valoria was such a strong character too, and interesting too with her knowledge and powers. And with Meredy, I really liked her, and with her description and clothing, I got MAJOR Sansa Stark vibes. Just as tough, maybe even more, and with a bear to back it up.

The fighting and the conflict in the story, as well as the world-building, were so thought-out and different. During the book, I was always trying to figure out who it could have been, but everyone had seemed so nice and worried about the conflict themselves, that I never saw it coming.

Symbolism in the book

Flowers - I loved how flowers popping up on graves being something dangerous and wrong. A message sent from the dead, that's cool! I don't care what anyone says. I think taking what a lot of people think about flowers, that they are a symbol of love and purity, and using it the way Marsh has, is an incredibly creative thought.

Eye Color & Magic - I thought that having a certain eye color being an indication of certain jobs that you can have was also very creative. But I also feel like I need to know more about the different colored eyes and what they can do, and if there are more types of colors somewhere.

I give RotF: 5 Stars!

I can't wait for the second book. It seems even more action-packed and I can't wait to read more about Odessa and Meredy (and hopefully Kasmira). And connect even more with the characters and story like I did with this book. The ending had such large amounts of hope and happiness, that I want to see it all happen again, even if it will bring heartache to the characters (and me) while reading.

Have you read this book? Are you planning on reading it? I want to talk about it as much as I can! Comment down below. I want to know your favorite parts!

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: my photo of the book, flowers gif, guy reading,

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare - A Book Review

I finished this book when I should have gone to bed, and I'm writing this review when instead I should sleep on it. You know what, I'm going to go to sleep. And when I wake up, I'll finish this review. I'm just full of emotions right now and I want to SCREAM TO THE HEAVENS because wow...

Okay, I napped for a long while, let's start.

Now, as you saw from my review of the Shadowhunter Academy stories, I love this world, but this book might just be my least favorite, for a few reasons. As I write this, I am still trying to decide on three or four stars (you'll find that out at the end...as will I).

Because I did like a lot of it, but there are just so many things within the narrative of this one book that I didn't like, and a lot of them were at the very end. Which tends to happen with a lot of CC books. She shoves a blade through your heart just when you think the damage couldn't get any greater. You'd think by now I would have learned, but alas, I have not.

So I want to start with the things that I did like because I feel that will be nicer and easier for me at the moment. I'll try to be as spoiler-free as I can be, but honestly, it's not easy for me and I don't read books when they first come out so most people interested in the book have probably read it. But I'll keep the big stuff hidden. It's the smaller things I normally have a harder time keeping secret.

Likes

I have always loved Diana, and this book just made that fact more solid for me. She is a dynamic character and now I ship her and Gwyn, thanks for THAT. Gwyn saying to Diana that she's been in his dreams swept me off my feet, and I was laying down when I was reading it. Need me someone like that.

Also, I do love how CC likes to bring in so many different types of characters, just to show that they are the same as humans, how we are all unique and it's just so fake and weird that everyone would be straight/cisgender all the time soooo. That's always a plus in my book. Mark, Alec, Magnus, *name struck out due to spoiler*, Helen and Aline (always a fan of them).

I want my own Clary Fray to comfort me on a rooftop and tell me everything might be okay. Because I need reality at some points in my life and I don't like being lied to. I wish she was more in the series, but at the same time it makes sense since this isn't her series anymore...but I still miss her.

The mention of Marisol and Jon in this book made my heart so happy and light, my small children! Happy together! Great, so happy.

Diana SHUTTING DOWN Zara like a damn Queen will forever live on my memories. How sweet it is to read a bigot get yelled at and put in their place.

The relationship between the twins and Kit was a great friendship and I felt beautifully written.

I also loved reading as Kit learned more about Ty and why he does what he does, and how Livvy works with him. And how Kit learned his own ways to work with Ty. It made me smile to see things like that, making anxiety attacks, and being different or even autistic (I don't think they said it outright that Ty's autistic and I could be wrong, maybe it's just close to that but not labeled that) is just something that is. And you have to just accept someone for who they are as a person and be there for them.

While I didn't like that he left so soon because I liked his character, Arthur's sacrifice (sorry small spoiler) for his family was so caring and an amazing final moment in his life. Something they can all think of, it was for them, because he loved his family.

Dislikes

*this section has slight spoilers because of my FEELINGS, please enter at own risk*

HOW DARE YOU TAKE AWAY JON! His character grew so much in the Academy and I thought he could be more in this book and work with the Blackthorns but NO!, just rip my heart right out again. I just want happiness at some point within these books. please cassie

Zara reminds me of so many people. I hate extremists and just the type of people like her. It's so fitting to read of someone like her, who hates anyone who is different or not 'normal' in her eyes. While it's fitting to reality, doesn't mean I LIKED IT BECAUSE SHE WAS MEAN. Also while I disliked her character, I liked her addition to the plot because of the different Downworlders that have always helped the Blackthorns and other shadowhunters since...a long time ago.

As much as I love a forbidden romance, the whole 'parabatai curse/against the law' plot with Emma and Julian, wasn't a fan. I felt it was almost unneeded with the rest of the story going. I see where certain plot points would not be able to be there without the forbidden love, but so much of the rest of the plot would remain the same if taken out, in my opinion. I just...it was something I felt didn't need to be in the book.

However, I am one person and most likely not in that majority and I'm fine with that. I'll still read the rest of the series.

I think that it's mainly because it's more of a law and a curse and not like...two families who said: "no don't do that". I like things like that where it's more of a principle that they can't be together, and not a curse.

Also, something I find that happens a lot with CC books: a large majority of bad stuff happens to multiple people at the same time during a mass chaos situation at the end so you can't SLEEP afterward. Like what happened here in Lord of Shadows. Like, please Cassie, STOP HURTING THEM! They've all been through so much already.

Now one final note,

To the piskie with its whole head in a bowl of milk: 

I just want you to know, from the bottom of my heart and soul; BIG MOOD.

Stars given: 3.75 (4 on Goodreads). This is because of the things that I did not like.

I love the world, I love the characters, but so many other things I just...I can't fully put my heart into it. So much loss, and so much destruction and death, the curse. Sometimes I just can't get past it if so much blood has already previously been spilled as well. However, perhaps in time, I won't think this and I'll have a different opinion. This is just my current one.

*Michael Cera voice* well, that's my review, let's talk about it.

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: shadowhunters, michael cera,

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy - A Book Review

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the Shadowhunter Chronicles. It's a great story with mystery and intrigue, so any part of the story I want to get my hands on. When I had the chance to get Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, I did, and it was a great choice. I love Simon, he's one of my favorite characters in the whole story/world of Shadowhunting, and the ending of City of Heavenly Fire hurt my soul because of all the things that happened to him. (If you haven't read COHF yet you don't want to read TFTSA)

The stories within the collection lead you through the two years of Simon's time in the Shadowhunter Academy (hence the full title). I loved seeing a different side of the world I have grown to love so much and to meet new people that I hope will be seen in future books (looking at you Clare).

However, just like any other Cassandra Clare Shadowhunter book, there was heartbreak, death, and so many emotions. EVEN A BABY! I will try to be as vague and spoiler-free as I can but know I'm not promising anything to you.

I gave all the novellas 5 stars, just because that's how I felt about them. I love the world, I felt that it was all really well written, and I connected with the characters. Sooooooo, five stars for all! *Oprah voice* Everyone gets five stars!

I liked the difference at the beginning of the elites and the dregs, and by how the end of it, thanks to Simon, there was almost no difference between them all except the Ascension (which I will get to later because I have some WORDS on that).

I felt it was just right for Simon's character, who has been through so much, to stand up for the mundanes in the Academy and for Downworlders, because he's been both at one point in his life. Why would someone who has been a mundane, then a vampire, then a mundane again NOT stand up for basically everyone? Doesn't make sense, especially with my boy, so I'm glad that's not how it went.

I also like how by the end of the book, I had a new ship that I saw building from the middle of the stories and to the end. Though it wasn't like...stated in the books...it basically was and I'm ready for their journey. MarisolxJon

And while this was covered with Simon, I liked how there was a story within that also focused on Magnus and Alec. They are such a dynamic pair of characters, and it also featured the whole Lightwood family getting along so that's a fun little twist.

I also liked how it showed Simon feeling sad about people he didn't really know, because of the Blackthorns. It was difficult because I have read Lady Midnight already so I knew the stuff he was trying to figure out during the Parabatai ceremony of Julian and Emma, but for me it made it that much more interesting to start Lord of Shadows too, which is sitting on my desk back in my dorm room.

Catarina was a wonderful, refreshing character to have. She wasn't as tied to the Shadowhunter world, so she didn't really care about watching her mouth and I agreed with like, all the things she said. She was blue, and just done with everyone. It was also great that she kept referring to Simon as Daylighter, because it was a part of him, and that part of him helped him, and will in the future help him, become an even better Shadowhunter.

NOW WE MOVE TO ASCENSION! I was nervous that whole time. What was going to happen? Who was going to get hurt? It was all going so smoothly, so something HAD to go wrong...right? YES! It's Cassandra 'I murder all you love' Clare! It was RUDE to do what she did, but at the same time, I understand it, because it helped Simon pick out his Shadowhunter name and all that, but still. My man George deserved better!

I know Lord of Shadows doesn't follow Simon or any of the others from the Academy, but I'm still excited to read it. I'm just lucky I have friends who will let me borrow their books for extended periods of time because I suck at reading sometimes.

On to the next Nephilim adventure!

Have you read Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy? What did you think? Who is your absolute favorite character/couple within the whole world? Mine is Charlotte Fairchild/Branwell and her marriage with Henry Branwell.

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: main cover, story covers, star gif, shadowhunters,

Reading Challenge 2018 Completed!

Yay! Another year in the bag! I made a small goal this year, due to the fact I thought I was going to be in another country and just a lot busier. But I completed it, which still needs to be celebrated.

So, by small goal, I mean I only gave myself a goal of 15 books this year. Not too hard, but like I had said before, I thought I was going to be in another country, and also, novellas are wonderful for raking in reads during the year. Maybe next year I’ll go up to 20 books. That’s how many that I was able to read last year, going over my other goal of 15 books, reading 16 by the time of this post's publication, and by the looks of it, I am going to go well over the goal again this year. I have a vocab-building book from one of my classes, and I plan to read at least one more book before the school year ends. So that's at least two more.

It almost seems to me that I chose the smaller numbers so I can have that wonderful feeling of going above and beyond the amount that I had originally wanted to do. But just hitting the challenge might be what I do next year.

Also side note, I love the fact that the reading challenge had like an orange/red look to it because orange is my favorite color.

Because I read mainly scholarly books and many novellas in one edition, I don't have a lot of reviews out for this year. But here are two that tie into the books that I read this year so far!

Death Cure review
Fault of our Intuitions (a post I made about a quote in one of my French Revolution books I read for a class)

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: challenge photo,

The Death Cure by James Dashner - A Book Review

{Literally while I was writing this I listened to a Death Cure commercial}

Well, it's been a while since I went into the world of the Maze and Wicked. I read the second book (Scorch Trials) a little over a year ago give or take. I don't fully remember when I did without checking Goodreads and while that tab is currently open I don't want to click on it.

One thing that has always struck me as funny with this trilogy is the fact that 'WICKED' is bad. I am from New England, New Hampshire to be precise, and the word 'wicked' is such a versatile word that I never once felt scared about it. If a group called WICKED suddenly came out I would trust them, and that would be my downfall.

I thought that The Death Cure was a fast-paced story with great emotional conflict as well as physical ones. The baggage of emotions, sorrow, and pain, that Thomas had to carry around the whole time were wonderfully written. A great way to end a trilogy: Happiness resting right next to sorrow.

I gave The Death Cure 4 Stars.

Below will be some of my thoughts on certain aspects, it is as spoiler-free as I could make it but read at your own risk.

I liked that we got to see Brenda again. I missed her from the Scorch. Of course it was weird to see her in WICKED, but granted everything and everyone can be traced back to this group, so I'm not that taken off guard. She showed off her dominance over the world a lot in this book and I was so proud.

I was so sad about Newt. He was such an important character in the first two books and I was heartbroken that he wasn't as big of a physical role in this one, but he was an emotional and mental one on the other Gladers. I couldn't tell if he was going to sacrifice himself, or if he was a Variable and also working for WICKED, because you can't trust anyone in this storyline...like at all. His whole role in this book was to sacrifice himself to save the others instead of dragging behind them and making it worse, you could really tell how much it hurt him to act the way that he was to his friends.

I had always had this hold on Teresa from the first book. I knew she wasn't a tool of WICKED's and she was only doing what she was doing to save humanity. I wasn't as mad at her as Thomas was, and in this book, I think she was given a wonderful redemption arc from her actions (though controlled) in The Scorch Trials. Also the fact that her following the rules and not resisting as hard didn't make her the Final Candidate instead of Thomas was really funny to me??

They brought up Chuck so much in this book, my poor little babe. He was too young to die and I'm so mad that he was just a Variable in the Killzone Mapping. How dare you, James Dashner. You owe me some yogurt and fruit so I can make a smoothie to replenish the tears I cried over dear, young Chuck.

I was also thrown off guard to the mention of Gally in this book. I, having read the first book SO long ago, I forgot a few details. Like how Thomas didn't kill Gally but just beat him until he was permanently scarred. I think it was fun to add him in and have Thomas realize how much WICKED had really made him do and to put aside all that had happened before in order to save humanity from the Flare.

When WICKED was controlling Thomas, using his body and controlling his words, it reminded me of The Host. It was like a more violent version of Wanda and Melanie fighting for control of the body, but it was also interesting to have Thomas not be able to control himself and see it through his eyes. The panic that he always felt no matter what I feel was very well written. He had a lot of glum of feelings, and at some points, I couldn't handle it, but at the same time, I'd probably be the same if not worse if I was in his position.

Minho in this book was really the one I felt was the best at taking charge and getting things done in a lot of areas. Thomas sometimes thought too long about when his 'right time' would come and then it would pass him. Minho just jumped into action. Where's my book from his perspective?

The fact that Thomas thought "I'll hide the device in the bathroom and put all the water on to cover the noise" was honestly brilliant. He had his shining moments, usually right before his terror-filled ones. Like when they were putting him under. Having people force me down and poke me with needles is an actual fear of mine since I was younger. I had a nightmare that I was being forced to participate in a medical study and I cried the whole time they did it while people watched from the OR gallery...so I felt some genuine fear at this part of the story.

The symbolism behind having the Immunes locked away in the Maze was staggering. Having Thomas see it after being trapped there, the empty shell of the first Trial. And how he had the thought of 'being a Runner again' was just so much and helped tie the ending to the beginning of the trilogy.

One question that I have that isn't really that important: Who was the 'Thomas' of Group B? We know that Aris was the 'Teresa' of Group B, but who was the 'Thomas'? Was it the Rachel character mentioned in Scorch Trials? I just kinda want to know, let me know what you think of this in the comments.

I feel that I could have done with more knowledge about Teresa at the end. I feel she was ended so abruptly that we didn't get the full closure of her actually being on Thomas's side full-time and I would have loved to see a conversation or just a passage more about that.

Like my review? Think I was totally off? Let me know what you think in the comments. Or we can just have a chat about the Maze Runner trilogy. I'm off to watch to find a way to see the movie, we can talk about that too if you want.

À bientôt!

Photo/Gif creds: my (bad) selfie with the book, movie poster, Dylan eye twitch(?), Dylan 'running',