My goal in 2020 (and in life from here on out) is to rediscover the joy in things, and The Favorites Club will (hopefully) be a step in that direction. Its purpose is to allow me to make time for things I love, and to focus on sharing that love with all of you, encouraging you not only to give those things I love a chance, but also encouraging you to make time for things YOU love, things that bring you comfort, and things that you may get new, fresh enjoyment out of, even though the story itself is not new to you.
This project will probably morph a bit as it goes on, because the intention is that it not feel like work or obligation, so if you have ideas to incorporate or things you'd like to see, please let me know. Also, if you have a favorite -- especially a childhood favorite -- that you think I should read, or you'd like to buddy read / co-host with me one month, please reach out!
This month's pick is CASTLE WAITING, which is a graphic novel bu Linda Medley featuring fairy tale characters, cozy homey scenes, and a good dash of absurdity - all things I love!
And it turns out that it's now finally available on comixology and in paperback!
"Castle Waiting is the story of an isolated, abandoned castle, and the eccentric inhabitants who bring it back to life. A fable for modern times, it is a fairy tale that's not about rescuing the princess, saving the kingdom, or fighting the ultimate war between Good and Evil -- but about being a hero in your own home. The opening chapter tells the origin of the castle itself, which is abandoned by its princess in a comic twist on "Sleeping Beauty" when she rides off into the sunset with her Prince Charming.
The castle becomes a refuge for misfits, outcasts, and others seeking sanctuary, playing host to a lively and colorful cast of characters that inhabits the subsequent stories, including a talking anthropomorphic horse, a mysteriously pregnant Lady on the run, and a bearded nun.
Linda Medley lavishly illustrates Castle Waiting in a classic visual style reminiscent of Arthur Rackham and William Heath Robinson. Blending elements from a variety of sources -- fairy tales, folklore, nursery rhymes -- Medley tells the story of the everyday lives of fantastic characters with humor, intelligence, and insight into human nature. Castle Waiting can be read on multiple levels and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, especially young girls."
Your dilemma that brought on the idea for The Favorites Club resonated with me. I've heard others express the same in their own ways, too. I've been putting reading resolutions into place to help me not 'lose myself' as a reader, but still take advantage of new shinies, but we'll see if its enough. It's funny you mention going the rereading route. This year, I joined a blogger's annual series group read because the series she picked, the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, would be a reread of a favorite series for me. I don't typically reread, but I've been doing exactly that with several books last year mostly by Georgette Heyer, and it was satisfying me in ways that picking up new books was not. So, I'm keeping it going. I'll be happy to tag you and give a shout out to Favorite's Club when I do. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I still have yet to read anything by Georgette Heyer. I really need to remedy that.
DeleteAlso, I very much bed to re-read the Mercy Thompson series, so I can catch back up!
I love this harebrained scheme. Brilliant! Favorites Club! Looking forward to how this evolves too. I think it’s important to remember to read for YOU. It’s hard when a hobby becomes a chore. I get that.
ReplyDeleteYes! And I think so often, readers have a hard time making an "excuse" to re-read, because there are SO MANY BOOKS still to read. But favorites are old friends! It's good to visit with them.
DeleteI think this is super relatable. I never got so deep into book blogging, but I've definitely got to a point where there's more anxiety over the things I enjoy than enjoyment. Not just reading, but....at one point or another, everything. So re-calibrating is a good idea. And you know, I follow and pay attention to your reads because your taste in books aligns with my own, so I'd love to hear more about the books you're reading and enjoying.
ReplyDeleteI assume this is splendid relatable. I by no means were given so deep into ebook running a blog, but I have really were given to a point where there may be extra tension over the matters I enjoy than leisure. Not just reading, however....At one factor or any other, the entirety. So re-calibrating is a great concept. And you realize Cargo Service in Ajman, I comply with and pay attention to your reads due to the fact your flavor in books aligns with my personal, so I would love to listen more approximately the books you're analyzing and playing.
ReplyDelete