Thoughtful Thursday: Book Bans are NOT the Answer!

I have always believed that one must be given all the information on a topic to be able to independently assess, explore and intelligently discuss that topic from all possible angles and only then determine what their opinion ought to be. But where can one find accurate, reliable, and non-biased information? The truth can be complicated, and often, very little is absolute. Furthermore, the death and/or denial of expertise is a major contributing factor to the nigh insurmountable accumulation of misinformation and plague of cancel culture that is out there.

I’ve been following the rising tide of attempted book bans in the United States for the past few months. For the “Land of the Free,” there is a startling number of books that various individuals, organizations, and even governments feel are an insidious threat.  In the last six months of 2021 alone, 155 book ban attempts were recorded. (1)

Sadly, this isn’t just a problem in the US but around the world too. Whenever information of any kind is surprised, but especially books, I often wonder, what are those trying to ban them afraid of? Humans are remarkable creatures, but our fear and ignorance are limiting. If we would only teach people to think and do so critically, and from a place of trying to understand instead of trying to elevate our own opinions, most of which are rarely based on a proper evaluation of all information, what we could accomplish as a species would be mind-blowing.

People might respond to my question with, “but what about all the nonsense, and the purposeful misdirection that occurs? What about the outright lies, false narratives, and dangerous opinions that might ensnare the weak-minded or vulnerable?”  That is a risk, yes. But they will find that information if they are seeking it with or without access to these banned books.

Being able to hear someone’s opinion, course-correct your own as appropriate, and then move on with your own life, has become a long-forgotten or ignored skill. Maybe that’s where we need to start to have a brighter future. Banning books is not the answer.

(1) https://bookriot.com/book-censorship-around-the-world/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=RR%20Feb%208%2C%202022&utm_term=BookRiot_TheRiotRundown_DormantSuppress

Book Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

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Crooked Kingdom was AWESOME! It was full of all the best elements of storytelling and ended in a way that did all the storylines justice. It has twists and turns and was un-put-down-able. Even though there was always something going on, I never felt lost or confused which can sometimes happen with a novel that is so jammed full of content. I LOVE this book and the more I read by Leigh Bardugo, the more excited I am to read what comes next. Bardugo makes you feel as though you are right in there, and part of the gang. And as criminal as Kaz may seem, I would follow him and his brilliant mind into even the most impossible situations, because loyalty is a language he speaks and understands. I would trust Inej to have my back in all situations because she is principled and deadly. All of the main characters are relatable, which makes you more invested in what happens throughout the story. If you get the opportunity to read this book, do it. It would be a mistake not to.

Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Leigh Bardugo does an awesome job painting the picture of life in the criminal underbelly of the Grishaverse. Unlike the Shadow & Bone Trilogy (which is a great read), this story focuses more on a colorful crew of miscreants who are trying to pull off the ultimate heist, which would allow them each the opportunity to change their fate.

I really enjoyed the story (first in a duology). I was thrown a bit at first because unlike the Shadow & Bone Trilogy which was written from the first-person point of view, Bardugo chose to switch to the third-person point of view for Six of Crows. Additionally, each chapter focused on an individual character versus meshing the characters all together in one chapter. I find this so intriguing because when I started the novel I am currently writing, I struggled to decide which point of view to use. I wonder why Bardugo decided to change it up, but I can say that she did an excellent job of it.

For me, each author I read had a certain voice and even if you read different stories by that author, you can still hear or feel their unique voice. It feels different for me with Bardugo and the multiple points of view, but it definitely opens up the idea to me that as an author it is possible and even sometimes necessary to switch things up. Leigh Bardugo is one of the greats, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this duology, Crooked Kingdom.

Leigh Bardugo, if you ever see this review, as an aspiring Fantasy/Sci-Fi author, I would love to know why you chose to switch points of view, which one you found easier, etc.

Definitely read this book. It’s great!

20,000 Words!!

I am excited to share that I have reached a personal goal of mine today! That goal was to reach 20,000 words written for my first and yet untitled fantasy/sci-fi novel! At 20,000 words, it finally feels real and makes it feel like I will actually be able to finish this journey. Writing has been teaching me a lot about myself. For example:

  • I am not nearly as disciplined as I want to be. Being a writer means setting aside time to write. I know it sounds really simple but for me it isn’t. Ideally, I should be scheduling time to write everyday. I hope I get better at this.
  • The more I write, the more ideas for future projects pop into my head. Researching things for my novel is important to me. If I use a location or historical occurance, I want to be accurate. When I take concepts or incorporate parts from mythology, I want to present them in a new way while staying true to their essence. I can get lost in the research if I’m not careful, which takes away from my writing time.
  • I have SO MUCH to learn. Writing is an art, and it takes effort and intention. I am very grateful that there are many resources available at my fingertips (Thank you, Pinterest and Lord Google), that I can dive into to learn more about the process, the nitty gritty stuff, and that give me inspiration when I am plagued by writer’s block.

I think one of my favorite quotes really rings true for me on my journey to becoming an author.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”- Sir Isaac Newton

Book Review- Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo (3rd Book in Trilogy)

👍👍👍👍

I really enjoyed this book and I thought it wrapped up the story well. I have really mixed emotions about how it all ended though. It was certainly a clean and tidy ending. I wanted so many things to happen that didn’t which is why I can’t give it the full 5 stars. As far as the writing itself goes, it was entertaining and exciting and I couldn’t put the book down. I read the book in one day. I really noticed how Bardugo’s writing improved throughout the series.

There were a few surprises that I didn’t predict, or kinda predicted but didn’t get exactly right. I loved all the characters, how they were developed, and even found myself laughing at some of their interactions that I feel really brought it all to life.

Having said all that though, I really wished for something that I can’t quite put my finger on, and I never got it. I am left wanting…

Book Review – Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo (Book 2 of Series)

👍👍👍👍👍

My first read of 2022 was the second in Leigh Bardugo’s series, Siege and Storm. I really loved this book. Even more than Shadow and Bone (Book 1 in the series). I read the whole thing in one day (432 pages, a new personal record), I could NOT put it down. The world is rich and while based on Tsarist Russia, still incredibly unique. Even with all the magic and fantasy, the story is relatable and covers elements of the human experience that we have all felt at some point. The characters are wonderful and I love where the story is taking them. Definitely a must read! I am starting the final book of the trilogy today!

Book Review – Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

👍👍👍👍

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Book 1 in series) was book 31 and my final read of 2021 (Dec 28th, to be exact)!

I gave it a rating of 3.5 stars. I had wanted to read this book for a long time (and definitely before watching the Netflix Series). I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting but it was an entertaining read. A richly imagined world of magic (I would have liked to see more), the characters were relatable and helped the story come to life. I know very little about Russian folklore and mythology, but this story has peaked my inner historian’s interest. I can wait to see where the story takes Alina next!

Good-Bye 2021, Hello 2022!

To say that a lot happened in 2021 would be an understatement, though it still remains true, especially for me. I decided to start taking some distance courses to slowly but surely, finish my university degree. I also wrote a book of poetry that is currently in the final stages of the publishing process. Deciding to write is really a dream come true. In addition to the poetry book I have started not only one, but TWO novels. The cherry on top was meeting my reading goal of 30 books and passing it by 1 (I will post the review soon)!

While I am very sad to be starting 2022 without Betty White, I am looking forward to another productive year, full of growth and continued self-discovery. I wish the same for you!

2021 Reading Challenge Complete!

I am very pleased to say that I was able to successfully complete Goodreads 2021 Reading Challenge! My goal was 30 books and I finished the last book today. Above are the last two books I read as part of that challenge and they just happen to also be part of my research/author development for my novel. I have challenged myself to annual reading goals every year since 2012. I haven’t always met my goal and some years I was definitely overzealous with regard to how many books I thought I could read but no matter how many books I finish the year with I am always grateful to have nurtured my love of reading. How many books have you read this year?

P.S. I do not count children’s books, articles or even my textbook for university towards my Reading Challenge Goal. That would be too easy 😉

Book Review: Graveyard Waltz by Jessie Thomas (Book 2 of Nickel City Necromancer Series)

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 I received a copy of Graveyard Waltz by Jessie Thomas from BookSirens.com.

This is the second book that I have read in this series, Nickel City Necromancer, and I was not disappointed. The story is written from first person point of view with a comfortable and easy to follow writing style. We first meet the Protagonist, Seraphina Mason in the first installment, Kiss Me Deadly, and after reading Graveyard Waltz, I just can’t get enough of her and the other cast of brilliant characters. With the right mix of humor, romance, action and even a bit of tragedy, the author kept my attention and the pages turning almost from beginning to end.  I did find the first five chapters or so somewhat slower paced while setting the stage, but the rest of the book made up for it. Graveyard Waltz had my emotions all over the place and I was able to empathize with the characters. I was totally invested. This series has everything you can hope for in Urban Fantasy with necromancy, witchcraft, vampires and more! It would be a mistake not to read this book and the others in this series, but be forewarned, this author does like a good cliff-hanger…