Content warning: This article contains excerpts from explicitly racist material. In the first post of this series, I discussed portrayals of race and racism in British horror fiction from the earlier half of the twentieth century, particularly in the work of Sax Rohmer, Bram Stoker, Nigel Kneale, and Dennis Wheatley. In this post, I will look at…
Spindle Fire: Interesting Ideas, Poor and Problematic Execution
Spindle Fire Lexa Hillyer HarperCollins April 11 2017 A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Spindle Fire by Lexa Hillyer is described by Publisher HarperCollins as “enthralling” and a “wholly original reimagining of a classic faerie story.” In truth the book is a mishmash of YA tropes set…
Book Beat: Women Leading the Fight for Diverse Books, Authors, and Stores
Hi, book lovers! Ashley, again! I just finished 13 Reasons Why on Netflix this weekend, and I’m still reeling from the Big Little Lies finale. So I’m definitely adding those two to my summer book list. What are you reading and loving?
Fascist Ghosts: Racism and the Far Right in British Horror, Part One
In its own warped way, horror fiction has always reflected whatever is happening in the world around it. The most obvious metaphor is a funhouse mirror, offering a twisted representation of its surroundings for the audience’s surprise and entertainment. Inevitably, some of horror’s attempts to portray the surrounding world will be more successful than others.
Review: F*ckin’ Eh! Colouring Book
F*ckin’ Eh! Colouring Book Leor Boshi Harper Collins October 2016 This colouring book was published last year but it, along with other colouring Canadiana, is making the rounds of bookstore tables again, thanks to the upcoming 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. In 1867 the British North American colonies (and formerly French colonies) of Canada (soon…
Book Beat: Childrens Books and Poetry
Does anyone else feel that reading can be a form of divination, a sort of window to your inner mind? The interpretation of books, like other kinds of art, tends to reveal more about the reader than the book itself. I’ll often be reading a book and, while connecting with a character, realize that I’m…
The REadWind: Empress of the World
The REadWind series gets contributors to re-read the books they haven’t read in years and self-reflect. The goal is to explore how the contributors’ growth as a person plays a role in their experience in revisiting the book. Do they still like/hate it? How has it changed? Why?
Dogears: A Separation from a Discovery of Witches
A Discovery of Witches Deborah Harkness Narrated by Jennifer Ikeda Penguin Books February 2011 As a teenager, I had wanted to like the Twilight series. Everyone around me seemed to be riding that train, and I always wanted to like fun; I never have. I read Stephenie Meyer’s series with increasing disdain and eventually eviscerating…
Book Beat: Canada Reads Winner, Reading Without Walls, and Young Black Female Poets
Hi, book lovers! It’s me, Ashley! My friend Stephanie took over for a while, because my life was consumed with stress and grief over the loss of someone in my field of work. I am back though, still a bit stressed, still grieving a bit, but feeling better. I am reading all my favourite, weepy…
A Whistle Stop History of Fanfiction: Part Two
Last time on Holly’s Whistle Stop History of Fanfiction, I discussed the idea that a lot of what is often considered classic literature in fact sprung from fanfiction, stories about existing characters, or people, with a few tweaks and name changes. Which is all very well, but I’m sure some of you are there saying…
It’s Just a Little Crush: A Review of The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
The Upside of Unrequited Becky Albertalli Balzer + Bray April 11, 2017 Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for honest review Racing heart, dry mouth, a butterfly cotillion in your tummy–Molly Peskin-Suso’s quite familiar with all the weird feelings that a crush can bring, thank you very much. She’s had no less than…
Book Beat: Rowling Bars Trump from Hogwarts
Editor’s Note: Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis won Canada Reads 2017. It was defended by Humble The Poet. Sadly, it wasn’t among the books that the WWAC crew backed this year. Hello again! Hope you’re all doing well. Last week I suggested reading books that helped with mental health, re-reading books, and reflecting on how much…