tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41294135320899231742023-11-16T09:31:25.378-05:00Stepping Stones Book ReviewsJadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-11861520596154059962022-08-02T17:11:00.000-04:002022-08-02T17:11:55.232-04:00A Final Farewell (+ book recs!)<span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"> Summer 2020 was when I started posting with a dream that felt as wide as the horizon: to create a Common Sense Media-esque haven for bookworms like me. I knew there were others out there who didn't want to get sucked into reading a brilliant premise with a weak story. It started with me recommending books that took up my headspace, and then catapulted into a much bigger endeavor, hosting interviews with authors creating meaningful stories and participating in blog challenges that helped me to discover more of myself as a writer and a person. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"> But life, like story arcs, changes. In late 2021 I found myself unable to blog due to real-life activities. Then I struggled with a lack of motivation. I found myself forcing words to appear on the screen, worried about letting the small audience I had down. This past few year has been filled with more of the same, up to the point where I ended up going on multiple hiatuses, unsure about the amount of time I spent <i>not </i>blogging.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><span> While I still fully believe in the mission I had when starting this journey, writing on this blog has recently felt more like a chore than a joy. At this point I believe I've been so inactive that I've lost most of the audience I wanted to reach, and with new happenings in my personal and writing life I don't believe I have the time and energy to post enough to gain it back. So, I've decided to stop posting on Stepping Stones Book Reviews for good.</span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><span><span> I'm not blaming anyone but myself for the lack of activity on here. This also does not mean I don't consider myself a reader or a writer anymore. Simply, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Shadows Into Light";">my priorities as a person have shifted. Like any of my finished or abandoned stories, I will always treasure the time I spent brainstorming and working on them. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Shadows Into Light"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Shadows Into Light"; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>My blog will remain up for future readers who want to enjoy what I've already posted.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Shadows Into Light"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"> I'd like to say one last, heartfelt thank-you to anyone who interacted with this blog. Whether you scrolled through a post, allowed me to interview you (some multiple times!), or left me a comment, I deeply treasure you and wish you all the best going forward. Thank you for making my blogging years a lovely, wonderful memory.</span></span><br /></span></div></div></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><span> ~ JadeSky</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><span>(P.S. Below are a list of books that I planned to recommend in the future. Keep in mind that I have not reviewed these books for content, so please use your own judgement. I hope you enjoy!)<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/War-Mansoul-Ethel-Barrett/dp/B000NK4TKO" target="_blank">The War For Mansoul</a></i> adapted by Ethel Barrett (allegorical fantasy)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/War-Mansoul-Ethel-Barrett/dp/B000NK4TKO" target="_blank">The Hawk and the Dove</a></i> by Penelope Wilcock (historical christian fiction)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Special-Austen-Collection/dp/1727118871/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2JTMVZUPQ3HM7&keywords=pride+and+prejudice&qid=1658100965&s=books&sprefix=pride+and+pre%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Pride and Prejudice</a></i> by Jane Austen (historical romance)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Book-Two-Kara-Swanson/dp/1621841731/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1H3HMEJN3TI39&keywords=shadow+kara+swanson&qid=1658101005&s=books&sprefix=shadow+kara+s%2Cstripbooks%2C158&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Shadow</a></i> by Kara Swanson (fantasy)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Dark-Darkness-Wingfeather-Saga/dp/1400073847" target="_blank">On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness</a></i> by Andrew Peterson (fantasy)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Delighting-Trinity-Introduction-Christian-Faith-ebook/dp/B009G00GYU" target="_blank">Delighting in the Trinity</a></i> by Michael Reeves (christian nonfiction)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Map-Everywhere-Carrie-Ryan/dp/0316240788" target="_blank">The Map to Everywhere</a></i> by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis (fantasy)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Story-Pig-City/dp/0062484532" target="_blank">The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City</a></i> by Jodi Kendall (contemporary)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mixed-up-Files-Mrs-Basil-Frankweiler/dp/1416949755" target="_blank">From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler</a></i> by E.L. Konigsburg (contemporary)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Story-Girl-L-M-Montgomery/dp/1101919493" target="_blank">The Story Girl</a></i> by L.M. Montgomery (historical fiction)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Sunnybrook-Wordsworth-Childrens-Classics/dp/1853261343" target="_blank">Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm</a></i> by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin (historical fiction)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Room-My-Own-Ann-Tatlock/dp/0982206585" target="_blank">A Room of My Own</a></i> by Ann Tatlock (historical fiction)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Saturdays-Melendy-Quartet-Elizabeth-Enright/dp/0312375980" target="_blank">The Saturdays</a> </i>by Elizabeth Enright</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Small-Steps-Year-Got-Polio/dp/0807574589" target="_blank">Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio</a></i> by Peg Kehret (autobiography)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Katie-Story-Relentless-Redemption/dp/1451612095" target="_blank">Kisses From Katie</a> </i>by Katie Davis-Majors (autobiography)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Titus-Diary-First-Century-Diaries-Seedsowers/dp/0979751519" target="_blank">The Titus Diary</a></i> by Gene Edwards (christian historical fiction)</span></li></ul></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-22059486204560175772022-03-04T00:00:00.001-05:002022-03-04T00:00:00.213-05:00Update + Book Beginnings on Fridays/Friday 56: Nisei Daughter, and Book Blogger Hop<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> Hello! It's been a while, hasn't it? Due to school, work, and other distractions I haven't had the time to get back on here and start regularly posting again. I'm so sorry about the wait!</span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Looking at my schedule as of late, I don't think I'll be returning to weekly posts again soon. My own motivation to blog has considerably waned since 2021 ended. However, I do still believe in this blog's purpose and I do want to keep posting. That's why I've decided to aim for biweekly Friday updates: and if that doesn't work, trying to post triweekly. Stepping Stones Book Reviews may be less active, but in no way do I consider it a lost project. </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>I'm very excited to be coming back with another one of my book memes to restart my blogging schedule. T</span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">his week, I'm pleased to spotlight </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Nisei Daughter</i><span style="font-family: arial;">! This is an autobiography that I consider an underrated classic. I read it for school, and was fascinated with the author's conversational style and personal experiences. 100/10 recommend!</span></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7QbWvHnwRDfaL9_AScSaOtzMiu23a87-65NlcbhhKhYBQWNeqYESQ7EjW-FuJiFapEH0ti_9NXiGF6PrhkMz8mx0Ma3VDc5tNUYVCu9967WricLAbdLGi1iSzH4gTaFDngl1cBtSEf0/s718/BB.Button.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="718" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7QbWvHnwRDfaL9_AScSaOtzMiu23a87-65NlcbhhKhYBQWNeqYESQ7EjW-FuJiFapEH0ti_9NXiGF6PrhkMz8mx0Ma3VDc5tNUYVCu9967WricLAbdLGi1iSzH4gTaFDngl1cBtSEf0/w400-h256/BB.Button.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmexiKz8B4Ake-S3ZbCLQwwj0CmQh-s9oaS9ywoELeGSYEufKy6rIuyFC2zTQRNvfalKREdlQUPRk5QzCISWe1LIxR5IctwRm3mQ2sniMwIKoLySwbAWVZ6R1xRPlFhthFCLnCf1Vp1NGaTXxfIi7SdGucHDR6DqWdgwFzGay68bZaRcoURl2cmlnO=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmexiKz8B4Ake-S3ZbCLQwwj0CmQh-s9oaS9ywoELeGSYEufKy6rIuyFC2zTQRNvfalKREdlQUPRk5QzCISWe1LIxR5IctwRm3mQ2sniMwIKoLySwbAWVZ6R1xRPlFhthFCLnCf1Vp1NGaTXxfIi7SdGucHDR6DqWdgwFzGay68bZaRcoURl2cmlnO=w210-h320" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Title: </b>Nisei Daughter</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Author: </b>Monica Sone</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Genre: </b>Autobiography</span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Synopsis:<i> </i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>With charm, humor, and deep understanding, a Japanese-American woman tells how it was to grow up on Seattle's waterfront in the 1930s and to be subjected to "relocation" during World War II. Along with some 120,000 other persons of Japanese ancestry—77,000 of whom were U.S. citizens—she and her family were uprooted from their home and imprisoned in a camp. In this book, first published in 1952, she provides a unique personal account of these experiences.</i></span></span></p><div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>First Line: </b>The first five years of my life I lived in amoebic bliss, not knowing whether I was plant or animal, at the old Carrollton hotel on the waterfront of Seattle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Thoughts: </b>This first sentence has huge implications about the rest of the book. The mention of "plant or animal" both conveys the innocence and carelessness of a young child, as well as a hint toward the type of identity issues and conflicts Sone struggled with as she grew up. Seattle and the Carollton hotel also give us a setting!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH9pqqEn5deSXhU8GBB2jiHE-K19ckg9Z5igvfMGg5MohR0yXFNESFYQdfMbCxg8R-7egvm__kwfP378D1tOF7Rg35FGv4ZdDezdOvHESNt6YWPxFVsnPhlpv_eTGvzHQS175zbl_1e0/s200/Friday+56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH9pqqEn5deSXhU8GBB2jiHE-K19ckg9Z5igvfMGg5MohR0yXFNESFYQdfMbCxg8R-7egvm__kwfP378D1tOF7Rg35FGv4ZdDezdOvHESNt6YWPxFVsnPhlpv_eTGvzHQS175zbl_1e0/w230-h320/Friday+56.jpg" width="230" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Something I really appreciated about <i>Nisei Daughter </i>was that it felt like a genuine portrayal of the nuances of what Sone went through as a second-generation Japanese American. Yes, Sone details her own struggle to find herself, but it isn't all about the angst. This snippet comes from a humorous anecdote where Sone's mother was mistaken for a high-ranking lady and dragged to the wrong gathering.</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><b style="font-family: arial;">From <i>Nisei Daughter</i>:</b><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> With tears of laughter in her eyes, Mother told us the whole story. She had gone to our Mickey Mouse party. The taxi driver had delivered her to the front of the Coliseum theater. Just as soon as she had stepped out of the cab, a suave, beautifully groomed woman pounced on Mother and escorted her into the theater.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiRIffTkxovwHonENhgWp7E1r-f2WOv44n6V0H6-KTNse8zKMqmruQswxLtYwvNSckEVt-frTOH8BcYD3qhTKrCk3wfnq5DcYjy7ZxRrXpV2Yt5X_EorWAorFgB8L7ZM7apJlOzbWiP4/s400/Book+Blogger+Hop+%2528Final%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="400" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiRIffTkxovwHonENhgWp7E1r-f2WOv44n6V0H6-KTNse8zKMqmruQswxLtYwvNSckEVt-frTOH8BcYD3qhTKrCk3wfnq5DcYjy7ZxRrXpV2Yt5X_EorWAorFgB8L7ZM7apJlOzbWiP4/w400-h335/Book+Blogger+Hop+%2528Final%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>And now for this week's Book Blogger Hop question! I thought it would be fun to answer given that I was the one to come up with it in the first place. It also feels like a fitting way to re-introduce my purpose after my hiatus.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>This Week's Question: </b>What inspired you to start book blogging?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Answer:</b> I've always loved stories: both reading and writing them. There's nothing more satisfying than finding a great new read. One thing I love most about literature is that it connects people of all backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. With all of the books in the world, however, it can be hard to sift through the hastily written or even dangerous ones out there. I know I've had several bad memories of finding an interesting-looking read, before starting it and realizing that I had misjudged or misunderstood the message or content choices. So, in 2020, I started Stepping Stones Book Reviews as a way to recommend good books, connect readers to authors they'd want to hear from, and stretch myself as a teenager pursuing a career in writing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thanks for taking a look at this post! I hope you enjoyed the small excerpts of <i>Nisei Daughter </i>as well as the answer to this week's question.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> What about you? Have you read <i>Nisei Daughter</i>? If so, what did you think about it? If not, would you consider reading? If you have a blog focused on books, what would your answer be to the Book Blogger Hop question? </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">If you had a Friday post, please send me the link so I can read it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> I'd also love to hear from my blog readers as well. What would you like me to focus on the most as I get back to blogging? Book reviews? Book memes? Or something else? If you have book , author, or series suggestions please don't hesitate to send them as well!</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Thanks again for reading. See you soon.</span><br /></span></div></div></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-25785956286440785572021-12-24T00:00:00.001-05:002021-12-24T00:00:00.166-05:00An Author Interview: E.G. Bella (The Toymaker's Doll Blog Tour)<div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> Hey, everyone. First off, M</span>erry Christmas! I hope you all are having a wonderful season gathering with friends and family.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span>Today I'm excited to announce that one of my dear writer friends has released her first book. It's a short story called <i>The Toymaker's Doll</i>, and I'm honored to be a part of her blog tour for it! Here's the amazing cover and synopsis:</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbD2LoWI4chywIUvCWqeIra3wIZ3rvGZspGI8ZutFlYrfBXNB6R0Zyp08whKLaI9MCIi_Fdx7kEBhFH8szJ6SsDJ_xfHGcStOuvi_czn1hAyGBfgSbkiOYdx_cVEAhk3bfbw1FcrXd2M//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="896" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbD2LoWI4chywIUvCWqeIra3wIZ3rvGZspGI8ZutFlYrfBXNB6R0Zyp08whKLaI9MCIi_Fdx7kEBhFH8szJ6SsDJ_xfHGcStOuvi_czn1hAyGBfgSbkiOYdx_cVEAhk3bfbw1FcrXd2M/w400-h640/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A limp. A scuff. A cowardly heart.</em></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jane is a doll struggling with all these things. She and her friend Isabel, a blind stuffed kitten, spend their days in the corner of their shelf, watching the other toys in the shop play—and wishing they could be like them.</em></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Questions plague the friends. Why has the Toymaker allowed them to be flawed? Surely it's a mistake. One day, Jane sets off to find his workshop, eager to be fixed, and to bring him back for Isabel.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></em></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">But the journey is hard and the road long. How can such a weak, fearful doll ever reach the Toymaker? And how will he respond if she does? </em></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><i>In this sweet story reminiscent of a children's book, E. G. Bella offers a moving tale of what it means to trust, to love, and to shine light into the dark discouragements of life. </i></span></p></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Doesn't that sound incredible? You can buy <i>The Toymaker's Doll </i>now on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NT9VGK9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=258NX4PNS9ELU&keywords=The+Toymaker%27s+Doll&qid=1639885528&s=books&sprefix=the+toymaker%27s+doll%2Cstripbooks%2C133&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (and <a href="https://egbella.com/the-toymakers-doll/" target="_blank">head over to E.G. Bella's site</a> for a sneak peek, as well as a playlist link!) I'll also be planning to post a Goodreads review, so if you follow me there expect to see something from me soon 😉</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span>Along with the author's <a href="https://egbella.com/2021/12/20/the-toymakers-doll-blog-tour-kickoff/" target="_blank">blog launch post</a> (you can find her blog <a href="https://egbella.com/blog/" target="_blank">HERE</a>), she and her upcoming book will be featured on the blogs of <a href="https://vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa Hall</a>, <a href="https://kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Hall</a>, <a href="https://www.graceajohnson.com/" target="_blank">Grace A. Johnson</a>, and <a href="https://www.teenwritersnook.com/" target="_blank">Teen Writers' Nook</a>. You can click on those links to visit each site, and view the schedule for the blog tour below.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgF8lKvXb77_OZPpdqX_tIFyb4KVakSFgRzn3BJdsTLwntWsTdQnmc1vmin_NzScu6X2D7mildUB0G4eFjjAfx-HlOeTo_0uweETtjY6L2CFYItFvpqz5ZWH8_zv3LmJQTns6z0dJGBE//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="560" data-original-width="560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgF8lKvXb77_OZPpdqX_tIFyb4KVakSFgRzn3BJdsTLwntWsTdQnmc1vmin_NzScu6X2D7mildUB0G4eFjjAfx-HlOeTo_0uweETtjY6L2CFYItFvpqz5ZWH8_zv3LmJQTns6z0dJGBE/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span>Today, I got to interview the author herself about her book, her journey as a writer, and some fun Christmas themed questions! If you've stuck around here for a while, you'll recognize that some of the Christmas ones are from my interview with Kaley Rhea: I thought it would be fun to use them again this year.</div></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> This is my fourteenth author interview. To see all the author interviews I've done in the past, click <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/author-interviews.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> This interview is spoiler-free!</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Writing and Wonder: An Interview with E.G. Bella</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">December 16, 2021</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHlXhIXOlriNE2siK2qfmDsy99K1sLKimpc9chrfGI5YdJfNCcT8RXD7s7t5k1ryN7Q1pXIEe86nU26duHwvBBds2JsUvn90VSNERM8rK8hKGH1yIAXimHKsrYTImts1KkGvjiJ140BXh1BKkOTawY3_IQg-uAAyBmZWCC4S7D65ZisJTVs5iC3jAk=s3000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHlXhIXOlriNE2siK2qfmDsy99K1sLKimpc9chrfGI5YdJfNCcT8RXD7s7t5k1ryN7Q1pXIEe86nU26duHwvBBds2JsUvn90VSNERM8rK8hKGH1yIAXimHKsrYTImts1KkGvjiJ140BXh1BKkOTawY3_IQg-uAAyBmZWCC4S7D65ZisJTVs5iC3jAk=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">What inspired you to write </span><i style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Toymaker's Doll?</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm actually not quite sure. I was supposed to write a short story as a school assignment, and as I was contemplating what to write, the idea of a 'children's' story came to mind. From there I decided it would be neat to try an allegorical style, and the rest of it just flowed as I thought about the themes and lessons I was wrestling with at the time. I like to think God provided the inspiration as a way for me to do some healing, and I've been blessed to learn that others have found healing in it too. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><b><i style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Toymaker's Doll </i><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">can be considered an allegorical story. What did you enjoy the most when writing the story in this format? What were some of the challenges, if any?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though there's nothing about allegories that says they have to be written in a poetic style, many of my favorite allegories are, so that's the approach I took when choosing a writing style for <i>The Toymaker's Doll. </i>I really enjoyed it, and it was a great learning experience. It also just seemed to fit the story well.
I think the most challenging part was making sure that I portrayed the allegorical elements--particularly the Toymaker's dialogue--appropriately. He was a character in the story, but not</span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <i>just </i>a character, and I wanted everything he said to be something that is in line with God's true character. So although the dialogue flowed pretty easily, I was a lot more meticulous with it than I usually am with other characters' words. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Do you have a favorite character in this story? Why or why not?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Toymaker, definitely. His conversation and conduct toward Jane just melt my heart every time, and even more so when I allow myself to read it as how God might speak to me when I'm struggling. I don't claim to know exactly what God would say or do of course, but I believe the story captures His loving heart toward each and every one of His creations. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Do you relate to any of your characters in this story? If so, how?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">I relate the most to Jane. In fact, Jane pretty much acted as 'me' as I was writing this story. I didn't expect it to share the story except for school, so I let my fears, insecurities, and weaknesses bleed into her to see what the 'Toymaker' would do with them. I learned right along with her about accepting the way God made me, and trusting that He can use the broken and bruised parts for good--even through the pain. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What is one skill or talent you wish you had?</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'd really like to be able to draw. Stick figures and tracing pictures from coloring books is the extent of my artistic ability, but I'd love the talent to illustrate my own stories, sketch out characters, draw maps, and a bunch of other things that I have neither the patience nor the skill for. I'll just have to hire my sister (who is insanely talented in that department). </span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>If you could describe yourself in a sound, which sound would you choose?</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a hard question... After thinking for a while, I think I'd choose the sound of birds singing as the sun is just coming up. It's usually calm and sweet and musical, but it can also be pretty emotional and melancholic (at least to me). I feel like that kind of sums me up, haha. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, good question. My entire life, my family has always done some sort of matching Christmas pajamas. When we were younger, my mom would hand-make pjs for my siblings and I, and as we've grown older, we will typically pick a theme of T-shirt (Scriptures verses is a recurring favorite) and all get shirts that match the theme. I also really enjoy driving around town to look at all the Christmas lights. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? If so, what?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Off the top of my head, I'd say <i>Arthur Christmas. </i>That one just never gets old. The humor, the characters, the creative plot and 'North Pole' situation, the character arcs...there's a lot of fun and heartfelt themes packed in, and I enjoy it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Do you have a favorite Christmas treat? If so, what?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fruitcake--and before you're overcome with disgust (or maybe you like the typical store-bought fruitcake), let me clarify. The fruitcake that my family makes is pretty much just nuts and dried fruit, with just enough flour and honey to stick it together. So it really doesn't seem like a cake at all, more like a delicious granola bar. It's very good! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What’s your favorite Christmas song and why?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">I really like the song <i>Do You Hear What I Hear. </i>I'm very fond of (most) Christmas music in general, but that particular song has always been a favorite. It was one I got to perform with my high school choir years ago, and enjoyed it very much.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What is the most thoughtful Christmas present you’ve gotten?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't think I can even answer this one. I've been blessed by many thoughtful Christmas presents over the years, and since I tend to be touched by the motivation behind a gift rather than the object itself, I sometimes have a hard time remembering specific gifts. Just the people that gave something to me, and how I felt knowing they thought of me. I'm a 'Words of Affirmation' kind of gal, rather than 'Gifts', so honestly the ones that have meant the most are probably heartfelt cards.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How did you get into writing?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">By reading! I started reading when I was four and haven't stopped or slowed down since. After receiving a 'special story' notebook from my dad, I started coming up with my own stories, and I discovered that I love making plots and characters come to life about as much as I love reading about others' creations. Now the trouble is getting me to stop.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Do you have any future projects?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes! A pirate novel that I'd like to publish in 2022, as well as rewriting the prequel and possibly even writing its sequel. I also have a dystopian novel and a medieval fantasy novel that need to have their rough drafts finished, which I'd like to get to in the next year, as well. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Why are you pursuing indie publishing?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the freedom and control over my own rights. I have nothing against traditional publishing, and wouldn't necessarily be opposed to publishing traditionally some day, but for me, having complete say over what happens with my story is huge. No one can take my messages and twist them, or tweak themes to be more appealing, or do anything really that I'm not at peace about. So it's a lot of pressure to manage it all, and be solely responsible, but I'm glad for the opportunity. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Who are some of your favorite authors?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hannah Hurnard, Nadine Brandes, Daniel Schwabauer, Rosey Mucklestone, C. S. Lewis, Maggie Stiefvater, Jill Williamson, Max Lucado, J. R. R. Tolkien, J. K. Rowling, Charles Stanley, Joanna Weaver, Katherine Paterson...the list goes on, haha! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What are some of your favorite books?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">The only easy answer to this question is to say the Bible. After that, it dissolves into a sea of excellent books, and I am never able to pick favorites. When in doubt, it's pretty safe to say that any books written by the authors I listed above are probably ones I enjoy quite a bit--fiction and non-fiction. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What do you hope readers will take away from your books?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope they take away a lesson each time. What the lesson is for them will change depending on the story and where the reader's heart and life is at, but I pray someone can always finish one of my books feeling like they've learned something that betters their life in some way. Even if it's a small way. And of course, through those lessons, I want people to have been brought closer to God in some way, and to have learned more about His character.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What advice would you give to other writers?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">Write. Don't worry about whether your story will be popular or sellable or the next big thing. Don't stress over trying to make it perfect (trust me, it never works). Don't obsess over the tiniest details until the big picture is on the page. Just give yourself the permission to tell the story in your heart, and let it flow as if you're telling it to a good friend. Unless you already know that you write and edit best at the same time, let the whole story come out before you step back, view the whole piece, and start polishing. No matter what, stay true to the message you want to communicate and don't let fear, insecurities, or want for perfection stop you from sharing it with the people who need to hear it. Just write. </span></div></div></span></span><div><div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 2px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;"></div><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span> </span>Thanks for joining me today. I hope you had as much fun reading through E.G. Bella's answers as I did! Again,</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><i style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Toymaker's Doll </i><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">is available </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">on </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NT9VGK9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=258NX4PNS9ELU&keywords=The+Toymaker%27s+Doll&qid=1639885528&s=books&sprefix=the+toymaker%27s+doll%2Cstripbooks%2C133&sr=1-1" style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">and a sneak peek and a playlist link are </span><a href="https://egbella.com/the-toymakers-doll/" style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">on E.G. Bella's site</a>.</p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"> I'd love to hear what you thought about this post! Did any of E.G. Bella's answers catch your interest? Why? What would your answers be to the questions? If you haven't read <i>The Toymaker's Doll </i>already, would you consider adding it to your TBR list?</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span> I'm not sure when I'll get back to posting regularly on here, but I do have a few ideas in mind, so expect to hear from me again soon. Posts will be on Fridays, as always!</span><br /></span></span></p></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-90227486716160759962021-12-10T00:00:00.098-05:002021-12-10T00:00:00.212-05:00Update + Guest Blog Post Announcement! <span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hey, everyone. Since Stepping Stones Book Reviews has gone on another multiple-week hiatus, I figured I should post a little update on myself and this site.</span><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"></span></span><div><span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">2021 has been pretty hectic for me. I've begun a lot of new activities, most of them with more responsibility. I've started (hopefully!) to become more of an adult, and I've realized that I haven't had the time to dedicate myself to blogging each week. Given that and the fact that I haven't read as many books I want to recommend lately, this blog has become more than a little inactive.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">I still love being in this place, so this doesn't mean I'm saying goodbye. However, I've been considering moving around my posting schedule so I can keep providing quality content. With that being said, I'm hoping that Christmas break will allow me to start posting more regularly, maybe do another Week of Book Memes if I get there. So, please look forward to some new things here soon. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">I also wanted to let you know that I'm guest posting on my writer friend <a href="https://allieandersen.com/" target="_blank">Allie Andersen's blog</a> on December 15th, so if you're interested, stay ready for that. I'd love to see you there! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">I know I've said this in my previous posts, but <b>thank you </b>for remaining by my side. Ever since I started this book blog, it's been a true joy to find other people interested in my reviews and rambling. It means the world to me that others are still looking for recommendations and interesting material. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">See you soon!</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">- JadeSky <3</span></div></div></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-70206880355274659432021-11-12T00:00:00.003-05:002021-11-12T07:24:17.102-05:00Blog With Character Tag<p> <span> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Hi again! *waves from unexpected hiatus* Sorry for the long wait. Again, school and my schedule have hit me harder than I expected, which has led to me not posting. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> It may seem now like my blog is reduced to monthly updates and blog tags, but I'm hoping to get back into book reviews and other fun things soon. Again, thanks for being patient with me.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Today, Stepping Stones Book Reviews receives another honor: one of the first to send a blog tag out in the world! Stick around to watch me answer a few questions about how I write characters, as well as a couple of my favorites.</span><br /></span></p><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-hzInJdfIpuvdV42-DZOXJq_yQu0kIQqhlswoURInt6JHd1iJeyjXkXGILtalaNQ_l7vSZMseADGAVTmpxj2KiFLKU32L3xEWNlyHmRoxmGbRF0-j2ynYi89cZvUhJotDvF_8yGtZGs//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="580" data-original-width="773" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-hzInJdfIpuvdV42-DZOXJq_yQu0kIQqhlswoURInt6JHd1iJeyjXkXGILtalaNQ_l7vSZMseADGAVTmpxj2KiFLKU32L3xEWNlyHmRoxmGbRF0-j2ynYi89cZvUhJotDvF_8yGtZGs/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">(This photo was taken by Aaron Burden of <a href="https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden" target="_blank">Unsplash</a>.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's how to participate in the tag:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "PT Sans", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 32px auto; max-width: calc(750px); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 32px;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Thank the blogger who tagged you, and leave a link back to their blog. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">I was tagged by Jordyn from <a href="https://indieeditsbyj.com/taketwo/blog/" target="_blank">Indie Edits By J</a>. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thanks for tagging me! I'm honored to be one of the first you thought of when making this tag.</span></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Leave a link back to the creator of the tag. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Same as above :)</span></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Answer the questions honestly. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">No problem here :D</span></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Tag 3+ friends to do the tag on their own blogs!</span> Today I'll be tagging <a href="https://www.teenwritersnook.com/" target="_blank">Teen Writers' Nook</a>, <a href="https://wingsofawriter.wixsite.com/website" target="_blank">Brooke Johnson</a>, and YOU (if you have one)!</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="PT Sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Below are my answers to the questions. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="PT Sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Who's your favorite character you've ever created?</b></span><br /><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hmmm, this is a tough one...I love them all for different reasons! I do confess that I have a soft spot in my heart for Devin, the main character of my first novel (<i>Dragon Academy</i>). I originally wrote him as a polite, reserved hero, but after going through an exercise with him riding a rocket ship, I found he was more interesting with a sarcastic streak. The rest of who he is stemmed out from there. Even now, I constantly find myself appreciating cynical, determined loners in other stories, simply because they remind me of my journey with him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Which of your characters is most like you, and why?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Definitely Lizzie Peterson (also from <i>Dragon Academy</i>). She and I have the same optimistic, friendly, and open-hearted personalities as well as big dreams we want to chase. While she wants nothing more than to be a hero, despite what her family and village says, I'm aiming to become a full-time-writer despite the odds of breaking into the traditional publishing industry. As of now, she's living her dream, but mine is yet to be decided 😁</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Which of your characters is least like you, and why?</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is harder for me to answer than I thought...I think I'm going to branch out and say none of them? Even the villains and heroes that seem totally unlike me on the surface, I feel, have characteristics and life situations that echo my own in a particular way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What is the personality of the main character of your current work-in-progress?</b></span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have two official works in progress right now: the rough draft of a trilogy, and a superhero series that hasn't been fully developed yet. Since I'm not entirely sure how to describe the main character of my trilogy, I'm going to share a bit more about my first main superhero character.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is a character I've created recently, over a college writing camp this summer. The other people in my program and I were instructed to come up with a list of names, pick a partner, and swap lists. Then, we each got to pick a name we liked and make a character based off of it. One of the names on my partner's list was Barlett Kenneth Joe. At first I was drawn to the name Barlett more than anything else, and thought about dropping the "Kenneth Joe" to make it more fantasy-sounding. However, part of me wanted to challenge myself, so I started trying to think of ways that I could use the name as part of who the character was.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Eventually, I decided on making the name Barlett a symbol of its uniqueness to the person. For now at least, Barlett's mother and late father created the name specifically for him, which means that the character puts pressure on himself to "live up to it." As well as dealing with his way of processing grief, this quiet teenage boy also struggles with a few mental health issues, including social anxiety. Despite all this, he's a kindhearted soul that wants nothing more than to find his place in the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've never written a character like Barlett before, but I'm excited to see how his ongoing journey challenges me. Currently, I've been developing who he is through an rpg with some friends, which has been awesome.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What's your favorite character trope?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">There are so many tropes to choose from, but I've found myself really liking the "wise old man" archetype. Call me cliche, but there's just something awesome for me about both old and new generations investing in each other. I also tend to like the comic relief characters (when not overdone or overused). </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Fill in the blank: I have a disproportionate number of ________ characters.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My answer for this would be <i>snarky</i>. Try as I might, over half of my main characters (especially the heroes) have at least a teeny sarcastic streak. This means that when I have more than one in a scene, they'll usually end up bantering sooner or later.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm not exactly sure why this happens to me: I like to say it's my own hidden side (or appreciation) of rapid-fire, snarky quips showing. But, honestly, part of me has no idea. Like it or not, when I work on anything remotely fictional the snark basically writes itself in the story.</span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What type of character would you like to write someday?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ooh, there are so many, honestly! One of the highest on my list would be a well rounded villain. While I wouldn't say all of my antagonists are flat or boring, I definitely know I can do better in the future. Ideally, I'd be able to write someone that's the perfect balance of scary without being over-the-top and well developed without being too telling or obvious.</span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What's your best tip for character development?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Think of your characters as people, and their personality traits/past as cause-and-effect. Don't just slap a bunch of adjectives and one-sentence descriptions and call it a day; take time to truly know what interacting with them would be like. I usually like to understand a character's voice and personality to the point where I can think about something as random as a favorite ice cream flavor, and more or less be able to answer based on what I already know about them and what they prefer.</span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Thanks for reading my answers to this blog tag!</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> What about you? What would your answers be to the questions? Don't hesitate to send a comment sharing your thoughts: I would love to hear from you!</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Due to my schedule/motivation/etc., I'm not sure when the next post will come out...Hopefully soon though! I will continue to stick to my promise of posting on Fridays.</span></p></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-27837846803319519252021-09-24T00:00:00.003-04:002021-11-03T16:10:27.044-04:00The Bookworm's (Blog) Tag <p> <span> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Hey, everyone! It's been a while, hasn't it?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> To be honest, a bunch of things, including lack of inspiration, real life, and procrastination, led to me taking an extended break. I'm back now, though, and I'm hoping to start posting regularly again soon!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> I'm dipping my toe back in the blogging world by participating in The Bookworm's Tag, which I saw featured on fellow writer friend E.G. Bella's site last week. I thought this was a perfect way to get back into the habit of typing up my bookish thoughts!</span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmkT-BCheULBwptVxuxu69na_PUyRR_gMGXaF8b4NHrTDNnEh5KuEdwCIPT6Cx3WVAVvoJx5hG3MpTUhhEZ7gkox-CbORNEZmOo-FC-caYhy75US1R2DtTPsmXrt_UTOShC5NCpnXxyY/s768/bookworm%2527stag.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="768" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmkT-BCheULBwptVxuxu69na_PUyRR_gMGXaF8b4NHrTDNnEh5KuEdwCIPT6Cx3WVAVvoJx5hG3MpTUhhEZ7gkox-CbORNEZmOo-FC-caYhy75US1R2DtTPsmXrt_UTOShC5NCpnXxyY/s320/bookworm%2527stag.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's how to participate in the tag:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "PT Sans", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; margin: 32px auto; max-width: calc(750px); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 32px; text-align: left;"><li><span face=""PT Sans", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Thank and link to the blogger who nominated you</span></li><li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: unset; padding: 0px;">Include the tag graphic in your post (pictured above)</li><li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: unset; padding: 0px;">Answer the ten questions the blogger asked</li><li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: unset; padding: 0px;">Nominate between five and ten bloggers</li><li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: unset; padding: 0px;">Ask your nominees ten book-related questions!</li><li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: unset; padding: 0px;">Don’t feel bound to these rules</li><li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: unset; padding: 0px;">(Most importantly) Have fun!</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Below are the questions that I answered and asked. Hope you enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="PT Sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="PT Sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What was the last book you read, and would you recommend it? Why or why not?</b></span><br /><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The last book I read for fun was Andrew Peterson's <i>On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, </i>which is the first Wingfeather Saga book. I enjoyed it and would probably recommend it to readers with similar tastes, but I didn't connect with it enough I'd constantly rave about the story. I am hoping to get into the rest of the series though! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What's your favorite genre to read?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Fantasy, definitely. I like to joke (okay, more with myself than other people) that fantasy was my first love. I absolutely love learning about new worlds, reading about epic adventures, and finding characters that I relate to, even though we share completely different lives. I'm pretty certain I've read and written more fantasy than anything else!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What's one standalone book you wish had a sequel?</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I know I'm forgetting quite a few of my previous book choices here, but I'm going with <i>Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm</i>. I absolutely loved Rebecca and her story when I first read it, and was pretty disappointed in the ending. I remember having a hard time understanding how the character could choose what she did, and struggled to imagine her becoming happy and content in the aftermath of the last scene. Even if I didn't agree with the sequel, it would've been nicer for her to have a fully done ending! <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What's one series you wish had been left as a standalone?</b></span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Michael Vey books. I started out raving about the series on here and my Goodreads reviews, but overall I felt myself growing dissatisfied and disappointed by the end, so much that I've been wondering if adapting the series into TV show format would have had better storytelling. Despite my negative feelings about the end, I still think the first book was a fantastic start to the series with so much potential. I would love to see it as a standalone!</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Do you prefer short chapters or long ones?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It can depend on how invested I am in the book, but usually I prefer chapters on the shorter side. 4-7 pages is usually a good length for me.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Which book have you reread the most?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hmm...I'm not sure! Maybe it's just me, but I don't usually reread books. I read books, and then I skip to all the parts I like because I've read the book already. ;)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>O</span>ne book I HAVE read all the way through (three times!) is Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis's <i>The Map To Everywhere</i>. I fell in love with everything about it, and have continued to enjoy it every time I've come back.</span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What's the first book you remember reading?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ooh, this is another hard one. I'm honestly not sure! One of the books I remember reading over and over again as a kid, though, is "Ballerina Dreams", which has such an inspiring message!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What time of day do you prefer to read?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>It doesn't matter to me! Usually I read whenever I'm free. When I'm really invested in a book, I read whenever I can get away with it. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Which character(s) do you relate to the most?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I don't really have a relating "type". Kindness, insecurity, awkward/sarcastic humor, compassion, love, impulsiveness, and determination are all examples of things that I relate to. I think that a huge part also depends on the person's past and character growth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What plot twist did you never see coming?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">All the unreliable narrator books always have me reeling! Both <i>Operation Grendel </i>and <i>The False Prince </i>both come to mind. Basically all of the stories written by geniuses who are experts at diverting you from the truth about the story's events and identities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are my questions for the challenge!</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">What book would you recommend to a random stranger (just because you love it so much)? Why?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">What makes you want to keep reading a book?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Do you have a favorite line from a book? If so, what is it and where is it from?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">What's your LEAST favorite genre? Why?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Do you read the acknowledgements in books? </span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">How much do you know about your favorite authors?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">What makes you admire a character?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">What's the most life-changing thing you've learned from a book?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">What's one GOOD thing about movies based off of books? (This is super hard, I know ;) )</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Are there any books you wish you hadn't read? </span></li></ol><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today I'm tagging:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Leitch </a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://laurel-jean.com/" target="_blank">Laurel Jean</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://wingsofawriter.wixsite.com/website" target="_blank">Wings of a Writer</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://allieandersen.com/" target="_blank">Allie Andersen </a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.teenwritersnook.com/" target="_blank">Teen Writer's Nook</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">YOU!</span></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Thanks for reading my answers to this blog tag!</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> What about you? What would your answers be to the questions? Don't hesitate to send a comment sharing your thoughts: I would love to hear from you!</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> My scheduling for this blog is going to be a bit slow, due to more life stuff. If all goes well I'll have another post up around two weeks from now. Thanks for being patient everyone!</span></p></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-42952541791112636992021-07-22T11:35:00.000-04:002021-07-22T11:35:52.761-04:00A Small Break<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span> </span>Hello everyone! Just wanted to let you know that life's been a bit crazy right now, so I'm taking a small break from Stepping Stones Book Reviews. This is in no way a permanent hiatus, it's just a way for me to take a breather as I find new inspiration to make this blog the best it can be. I am aiming for regular posts again by August. Love you all and thanks for stopping by!</span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-68488913844555076842021-07-09T00:00:00.001-04:002021-07-09T00:00:00.285-04:00A Bookish Opinion: Music in Story<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> Hello everyone, and welcome to another Bookish Opinion! Originally I decided to write about standalones vs. series, but as I've had several songs stuck in my head lately, and am participating in a month-long song challenge, I decided that it would be more fun to focus on something I've never tried tackling before: music and stories!</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vsKGTCV3tLSPnX-V3NmjM5dmo01P6KZaA7wDE1zH0kytAUn6Rbs2OU3UY6VxNlX12W_cQERgEM4LGtkte_O87zWaJel4lo4hLq6sL4jprxWacK2JL5Odj4N5K9-kamOmVN6JJAywqSs//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vsKGTCV3tLSPnX-V3NmjM5dmo01P6KZaA7wDE1zH0kytAUn6Rbs2OU3UY6VxNlX12W_cQERgEM4LGtkte_O87zWaJel4lo4hLq6sL4jprxWacK2JL5Odj4N5K9-kamOmVN6JJAywqSs/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Facts</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> When you look at an album and a book side by side, you wouldn't say they had anything in common. First off, albums mean songs, not words. Often music has lyrics, but still, it's an entirely different medium. While books of all sorts rely on description, character voice, and conveyed emotion (among other things) to make a point or express the meaning behind each scene, music relies on sound: notes, arrangement, vocal and/or instrumental talent. However, books and music, no matter what they look or sound like, both have two core similarities: they have an artist, and they have a story. All music has the capacity to touch someone's life, just like a well told tale. And each song always has some a story behind it all, whether that's how it came to be, or a particular feeling, scene, or situation that's focused on through it. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> As I've grown as a writer and reader I've grown to realize the similar impacts of story and song. If used well, both have the potential to work together to create an even larger impression on an audience. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZrCPvRMJbGIpLX81z8AlIhi5bC_W1edJpTOf5COwZjMwq0tZwgvXsadlvQrK27VCTN7oV8RKuQPz6MuKVs-cPdbqzb0jIMh3Q1_kmw0i5PvoevNmzhv4VZoQkPnGBC-4nZOzswUgjcs//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZrCPvRMJbGIpLX81z8AlIhi5bC_W1edJpTOf5COwZjMwq0tZwgvXsadlvQrK27VCTN7oV8RKuQPz6MuKVs-cPdbqzb0jIMh3Q1_kmw0i5PvoevNmzhv4VZoQkPnGBC-4nZOzswUgjcs/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Music to Inspire</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b>One way music can be used to enhance storytelling is through the authors themselves. I know several writer friends who say they listen to music, instrumental or otherwise, when crafting their own works in progress. Even those who prefer silence when writing (like me) often find it helpful to make playlists that remind us of certain characters, situations, or scenes in our stories. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> Why can this be useful? Good music often helps us express certain characteristics in our writing that are hard to form on our own. While we may have a set, factual perspective, of, say, our hero, it can be hard to understand how to write from that character's view of the world. Likewise, a playlist of songs that are all centered around our villain can give us pointers on how to make them act and speak in a way that seems natural to who they are and their motivations for being the antagonist. Sometimes even the act of searching through music and recognizing which "clicks" with our story can help us gain a better understanding of the world and situations we've created.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEHPv9hspNZk6939zly7lKlOyuOsmrYObpQud97CUvPjkch5W6EVNfAcdvRYti30t2X1J9sO0BlvQ8yoEV89wWihcQTIirZiGbvuhUkuZGJ5uchnH596tiBuM-ksQKEYEQlmu5L9-Qb8//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEHPv9hspNZk6939zly7lKlOyuOsmrYObpQud97CUvPjkch5W6EVNfAcdvRYti30t2X1J9sO0BlvQ8yoEV89wWihcQTIirZiGbvuhUkuZGJ5uchnH596tiBuM-ksQKEYEQlmu5L9-Qb8/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Music to Understand</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Going off of the last point, music can also be used to help us understand <i>others' </i>stories, and the way we tend to view theirs. Finding songs that remind us of our favorite characters or scenes help us take that perspective of them and analyze a little more why we feel that way. Beth Crowley, for example, has taken many YA novels or book series and turned a certain part of them into a song. Music that reminds us of a certain story can also give us new perspectives on the story itself, and especially the message or ideal that the particular one conveys.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> This can be useful for recognizing the different types of characters, themes, and emotions that you relate to or find yourself invested in. Whether you're a writer or a reader, songs give you a way to find those things and, through that, to discover more stories that you're passionate about. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5bCfH2P-bj1Q3XRtAH4n3rotrMdlWBG-HWkR3iTWFRF6_2uqGQxGJ8ui9OC6y47K7I8FsJ0WBfK5bJYE52ahrV6UFBAPskCSiGzNZKNJ8nFwtwPDquUvGGdAKIXyLjoF4Rj98P5vi84//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5bCfH2P-bj1Q3XRtAH4n3rotrMdlWBG-HWkR3iTWFRF6_2uqGQxGJ8ui9OC6y47K7I8FsJ0WBfK5bJYE52ahrV6UFBAPskCSiGzNZKNJ8nFwtwPDquUvGGdAKIXyLjoF4Rj98P5vi84/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Music In Story</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Music can be useful in storytelling because of its auditory nature. While it's harder to remember quotes from every book you read, lyrics set to a tune are often remembered years and years after you've originally heard them. Because of this, several writers are apt to include music, and even words set to music, as they write a particular story.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> However, there are difficulties with this approach for several reasons. The chief reason I find is that <i>your story is a story</i>. Most of the time you simply cannot include lyrics without a tune. It just doesn't work. Unless your readers are the audience that doesn't mind bouts of poetry, most who read through a book that includes lyrics will skim through them to get back to the actual storytelling. This may be made easier if a certain piece of information or important plot point is included in the song, but mostly music in story is very hard to pull off without an actual song. <br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> How can you include music in a story? One way is by having the lyrics of this song be only one verse (four lines or less). Another is by describing the music's notes and the emotions felt, without writing down any words. A different, more challenging way is to include the song and compose the melody, but list the lyrics and music notes in an index section. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bGH6OyjvCrnTyOcf2H7lTt8Aq25wWbYs1t0U29ySugTOibnoC0arPjC2SMjk_zNEWKrVLYPVDolj1Iddx61haxi6Yw6o_z8twVpcgydBr5X9v33lJ1k-Yu02OacskotApGRi878MLqQ//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bGH6OyjvCrnTyOcf2H7lTt8Aq25wWbYs1t0U29ySugTOibnoC0arPjC2SMjk_zNEWKrVLYPVDolj1Iddx61haxi6Yw6o_z8twVpcgydBr5X9v33lJ1k-Yu02OacskotApGRi878MLqQ/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">In Short...</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><b><span> </span><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b> Music and writing are both ways to reach people with words and stories. A few ways of including the impact of music and stories together are to let songs inspire writing, to let writing inspire songs, or to write songs and directly tie them to a story. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> A few years ago, I wouldn't have said that music could change my writing, or change my perspective on someone else's. Now, though, having made several playlists for my work in progress and diversifying my music tastes has led me to see that there are multiple ways that music can and does inspire and encourage me to write and read. Often the connection between music and stories is overlooked, and I hope that at least a couple members of the book community will remember it. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Thanks for letting me share this Bookish Opinion! I hope you enjoyed reading. Let me know if you have anything to add, have an example I didn't list, or just want to share your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you!</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> <span> After this post, I'm going to be taking a break from this blog for a while! I'll be out of town from July 10 to the 19th, so I won't have time to update then. I will try to come back after that, however in between editing my own work in progress it may take a bit longer than expected. Thanks so much for being patient and still reading my rambles!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span>(The photos used were taken by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jefflssantos" target="_blank">Jefferson Santos</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@thoughtcatalog" target="_blank">Thought Catalog</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jamesstamler" target="_blank">James Stamler</a> and <a href="https://unsplash.com/@uusaez" target="_blank">Fausto Sandoval</a> of Unsplash.)</span></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-61366867863003715982021-07-01T18:01:00.001-04:002021-07-02T09:53:16.361-04:00A Bookish Opinion: Communicating Theme<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> Hey everyone! Fridays (well, the Fridays when I'm active on here) are usually when I post another book review. There are so many great books out there and it's incredible to have an opportunity to share them with the world. However, since I haven't been reading as much lately, I thought it would be fun to do something a little different in my posting schedule. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> So, give a temporary welcome back to Bookish Opinions! </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> For these next few weeks the "bookish opinions" will be truly "bookish", as I'm going to be not only taking examples of the topics I'm blogging about from books, but also from...movies! The drastic topic change may seem strange, but I think that there's something to be learned from this type of media too, especially when thinking about books to pick, read, and write. After all, aren't movies stories too? </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> Today I'll be talking about themes in story, and more importantly how they can be shown.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-17-kNogB2S9pSZizhYj7eQ6vGUga6U3TxIQKaFUQxba8AS808BCejb72RlrmkYGTlU91rl1A52Qy2LSnUrUJqxGyQpAHq2sMqAOqC03BYehFyrCjAAbUs4n1TIc0JBlVpdrrsJXK150//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-17-kNogB2S9pSZizhYj7eQ6vGUga6U3TxIQKaFUQxba8AS808BCejb72RlrmkYGTlU91rl1A52Qy2LSnUrUJqxGyQpAHq2sMqAOqC03BYehFyrCjAAbUs4n1TIc0JBlVpdrrsJXK150/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Facts</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> No theme, no story. This statement may sound harsh, but readers from all walks of life will agree with me that to be enjoyed, a book (or movie!) must have some sort of meaning. If you can't relate to (or at least admire) any of the characters, can't appreciate the stakes, and don't understand what's being fought for, more often than not you'll walk away feeling like you wasted a couple hours of your life. Theme is important, and theme, like it or not, keeps people engaged or distracted.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> How do you do it, though? What themes should be told through story, and how do you create it in a way that draws audiences in, even if they don't agree with your perspective? There are two separate ways I've seen this done, and though each has different varieties, they each are able to communicate what's behind the surface in a different way. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qOMlOSt3u225xovfZE0-DCBA4cdX2ZOiv82_aGz14gy042qlncNPfli301pp9hRscOeJ3DpqkXYYhGpRHPGjgs3K6e3762mmNI1YXBh_1RbLydLxwB3EfQl9MzcxHLY74RmxrjwYg8E//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="501" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qOMlOSt3u225xovfZE0-DCBA4cdX2ZOiv82_aGz14gy042qlncNPfli301pp9hRscOeJ3DpqkXYYhGpRHPGjgs3K6e3762mmNI1YXBh_1RbLydLxwB3EfQl9MzcxHLY74RmxrjwYg8E/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Theme Is The Story</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b>This first option presents the theme in a more noticeable way. Also known as the allegory, this branch of communicating theme shows settings, characters, and situations as subtle or not-so-subtle representations of the theme, the theme's qualities, and the struggle to preserve/protect the theme. Many allegories are set in fantastical worlds. One of the most well known examples of an allegory is John Bunyan's <i>Pilgrim's Progress</i>. <i>The Scarlet Letter </i>by Nathaniel Hawthorne is also an example of an allegory. Some film examples of this are Disney's <i>Zootopia</i>,<i> </i>and its <i>Zombies </i>franchise. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> Allegories, if done well, have you appreciating the characters, setting, and other story elements while also being aware of the hidden meaning behind many of the actions and plot points. However, allegories can also have a tendency to be preachy or overbearing. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe8FwyJtQvNEdxcrHf87HUeZfTcEijuXVrXuEqtYgCHd8kXibz3NB6N_NdKC1YzcLFCXnkl9fOR23HkKHtmRsKPmptzGp7QFfZXnBx1uB0ax78VBn-fcxmKU0_VoEI96UVW9Klqlft9g//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe8FwyJtQvNEdxcrHf87HUeZfTcEijuXVrXuEqtYgCHd8kXibz3NB6N_NdKC1YzcLFCXnkl9fOR23HkKHtmRsKPmptzGp7QFfZXnBx1uB0ax78VBn-fcxmKU0_VoEI96UVW9Klqlft9g/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Theme Drives The Story</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Another well known way of communicating theme is through the story itself. Rather than focusing all aspects of the book, movie, or show in question on the issues at hand, the writer allows the quest, adventure, or mission to draw the attention while making it clear that there is an underground clash between the strength of the theme and the obstacles opposing its victory. There are so many great examples of this it's hard to list them all, but a few of the ones I've found in literature are the Vanderbeekers series, Kaley and Rhonda Rhea's <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated, </i>Gene Edwards' <i>The Silas Diary</i>, and Edward Eager's <i>Half Magic</i>. Some examples of this in film are <i>Lemonade Mouth</i>, <i>Stargate: Atlantis, How to Train Your Dragon, Avatar: The Last Airbender</i>, and Mattel's Ever After High franchise. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> When the theme drives the story, it's easier to appreciate the rest of it, and drives the writer to create a larger, more solid work. It also gives more encouragement to discuss and ponder the ideas mentioned for yourself, since the theme is not as prevalent or spelled out. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCep71OZgXAX11CWHaCrw9kFbNRoJ5OBqqrFkpiy4VZ-spUIBNCUxQ2f4euURwqOKW6OKKfCS_wlIvHScrtHyFVj0ulHRprRs2wWLoGep4m0y04VtVO2e8k0Pb4ZW4cqnCbLd5vhNUmI//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCep71OZgXAX11CWHaCrw9kFbNRoJ5OBqqrFkpiy4VZ-spUIBNCUxQ2f4euURwqOKW6OKKfCS_wlIvHScrtHyFVj0ulHRprRs2wWLoGep4m0y04VtVO2e8k0Pb4ZW4cqnCbLd5vhNUmI/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Theme In Writing</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> So how might a writer try to communicate a theme, given that their work is a theme-written or a theme-driven one? For allegories, it's often noted that writers pick out certain characters and/or situations to represent different places in life where the theme is approved or tested. Allegory is all about representation, so it's very likely that writers will create appearances, certain behavioral qualities, and even certain reactions to the same situation to embody everything they want to show a facet of a theme as. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> For theme-driven, it's all about subtlety. Writers are more likely to sit down and brainstorm ideas about how to show their characters' struggles with the theme within rather than having them show it. Situations and plotting, too, must have the theme woven in. Authors working in this type of story must have a way to show whether the theme "wins" or not in the end, by a closer look at everything that they have taking place. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> Themes themselves come in all shapes and sizes. Often writers write about themes that are close to their hearts, minds, and lives. Themes often turn out to be universal truths, as the story in question touches on many feelings and ideas various audiences can relate to.</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpNCqlnn3oRAQ7Ot0k6nC2HvI3k1_wfeaUE-FOvLhd18y6hqr6LHGz-HHqDcHAlqcTeHqe1MQaqNu6IHv4PNZaXOYcMeyRbSIoxmME09gm_CzAbmYWYkUK6fHhJh0CetehsIkUkSqJMQ//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpNCqlnn3oRAQ7Ot0k6nC2HvI3k1_wfeaUE-FOvLhd18y6hqr6LHGz-HHqDcHAlqcTeHqe1MQaqNu6IHv4PNZaXOYcMeyRbSIoxmME09gm_CzAbmYWYkUK6fHhJh0CetehsIkUkSqJMQ/w265-h400/image.png" width="265" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">In Short...</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><b><span> </span><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b> There are two main ways to show a theme: through allegory, or through the story itself. While an allegory is usually very clear about the theme being shown and the author's stance on it, stories that aren't allegorical often hide their theme through layers of character development, actions taken, and story battles won or lost. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> Allegories are wonderful, however, I find myself drifting more towards the opposite. Part of me enjoys the excitement of discovering for myself what the theme is, as well as the journey the characters take to get there. Seems a bit ironic, but it's hard for me to understand many allegories, as it's so easy for me to take what they're communicating at face value rather than delving to the deeper thoughts and perspectives within.</span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> No matter what type you prefer, you can't deny that allegories AND non-allegories both have theme. And theme continues to be powerful, especially through today. </span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Thanks for letting me share this Bookish Opinion! I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know if you have anything to add, have an example I didn't list, or just want to share your thoughts. I would love to hear what you have to say.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> <span> Next week, join me for another opinion post! </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span>(The photos used were taken by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@moonshadowpress" target="_blank">Joyce McCown</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@devintavery" target="_blank">Devin Avery</a>, and <a href="https://unsplash.com/@ianchen0" target="_blank">Ian Chen</a> of Unsplash.)[</span></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-5179045487319457272021-06-10T14:52:00.002-04:002021-06-30T16:59:47.183-04:00A Book Review: Lilies of the Field<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> Hello! This week I wasn't sure what to review (as I haven't been reading a lot of new books lately) so I'm going to be reviewing a nuanced classic I found through school. Hope you enjoy!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>This review has no spoilers. The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUomrzLfCjjVYP4vL4B8icbQ4TNB2RGt_eFgQoDYehU5Z7R78Uz4Cq9HcQpptSrWDJZbN2IQobGlw5xx2J2CMJxOipazym_POXlU2C9k-gVKIr-OtduXOjI_-5P6E2J397TyO1BlceP0/s400/396082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUomrzLfCjjVYP4vL4B8icbQ4TNB2RGt_eFgQoDYehU5Z7R78Uz4Cq9HcQpptSrWDJZbN2IQobGlw5xx2J2CMJxOipazym_POXlU2C9k-gVKIr-OtduXOjI_-5P6E2J397TyO1BlceP0/s320/396082.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Title:</b> The Lilies of the Field</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Author: </b>William E. Barrett</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Series:</b> This is the first in a duology revolving around one of the main characters, Homer Smith.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Synopsis:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>One of the most beloved of modern classics returns with a beautiful new cover. The enchanting story of two unlikely friends, a black ex-GI and the head of a group of German nuns, The Lilies of the Field tells the story of their impossible dream--to build a chapel in the desert.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Language:</b> A few implied insults. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Violence: </b>A few mentions of death. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Romance/Sexual Stuff: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Spiritual Elements: </b>A main part of this story involves Smith, a man raised in a Baptist household, unofficially hired to be the architect of a new cathedral. He and the German nuns who ask him to do this have a few times where they clash, verbally or mentally, over different opinions and religious experiences. Many times the Bible, Biblical themes, the Sabbath, and ways of worship are mentioned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Magic: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>References: </b></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Various now-historical terms, behavior, and songs are mentioned. A few paragraphs allude to Homer Smith's former life as a member of the U.S. military. One mention of Germany being a Communist country. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Other Issues:</b> Though less prevalent than many of the other themes, the lingering effects of racism are shown in the story, especially through the way Homer views himself as a person. There is a mention of smoking and</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> of building a privy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Though not an issue in and of itself, Homer meets both German and Spanish-speaking people in the story, so there are several places where German and Spanish terms are used without a translation guide.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where To Buy:</b> <i>The Lilies of the Field </i>is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446315001/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0446315001&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=the+lilies+of+the+field+william+barrett&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=the+lilies+of+the+field+&_osacat=0" target="_blank">eBay</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lilies-of-the-field-william-e-barrett/1001891351?ean=9780446315005" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30742710730&searchurl=isbn%3D0446315001%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1" target="_blank">Abebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Lilies-of-the-Field-William-E-Barrett/9780446315005" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, <a href="https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=0446315001&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=GwEz7vxblVU&utm_campaign=10&siteID=GwEz7vxblVU-JcyDONpYzlVlSw3V_WQ4rA" target="_blank">Alibris</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-lillies-of-the-field/9780446315005-item.html?ref=isbn-search" target="_blank">Indigo</a>, and <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/The-Lilies-of-the-Field-9780446315005" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Age Range: </b>I think kids aged 14 and up would enjoy this book the most.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Read Aloud: </b>I think this book would be better read alone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Opinion:</b> When I first opened up this book for school, I was a bit confused about where the story was going. The unique style of the story, as well as the pacing, seemed to be heading in an unexpected direction: something that would line up with what the synopsis said, but also veer far away from it at the same time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> I was right. <i>The Lilies of the Field </i>was not close to anything I'd expected. The characters, the theme, the wording, the plot, all of it seemed to be taking a strange, wild turn. A bit unpredictable, if you will, just like Smith's own journey building the cathedral. Yet through all of that, through the sheer simplicity and complexity wrapped in one, <i>The Lilies of the Field </i>ended up being even more memorable and meaningful, because the author decided to take this literary path. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> I'd recommend <i>The Lilies of the Field </i>to anyone, whatever they're going through in life. Because of the way this small story handles a variety of themes, motivations, and issues, the book is incredibly diverse in the audience it is able to reach. I especially liked the open-ended way they handled faith: acknowledging its power but allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions about it. </span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion Questions:</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What was your first impression of Homer Smith? The nuns? Did any of these impressions change by the end? Why?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Homer is asked to build a cathedral for the nuns. Why does he refuse at first?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What was the priest's perspective on Homer being there to build the cathedral? Why do you think he believes this?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What is your favorite part of the book? Why? Least favorite?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Homer believes working for the nuns will take away his freedom. Why? Do you believe this is true? Why or why not?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Do any songs remind you of Homer Smith, the nuns, or the book in general? Why? If so, which are they?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thanks for joining me to look at <i>The Lilies of the Field </i>with me! I hope this gave you another TBR list entry, or a suggestion for someone else. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Like always, please click on my Review Policy page if you want to request a book or series for me to look at.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> My summer schedule is a bit packed this year, so you won't be seeing as many posts from me compared to last year. I will currently be attending two writing camps between June 13th and June 26th, so you won't see any other activity for a while. I also have several days in July that I will be busy, so feel free to stay tuned for those dates when announced! Thanks again for reading.</span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-13746277171624080792021-06-04T07:04:00.002-04:002021-06-04T07:04:33.447-04:00A Book Review: Interrupted (Plus Blog Giveaway Winner!)<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> Hey! I hope you're all having a good week. Today, I'm going to be focusing on a YA pick that has inspired me personally, as well as being an example of the worth of young writers' work.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> After the review, stay tuned for the results of my blogiversary giveaway, including signed copies of Kara Swanson's <i>Dust </i>and Kaley and Rhonda Rhea's <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated! <br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span></span></i></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa8jPf9-fxSQctc_RppYs6CGba-NtarZ2FlTncdOxKPKo3WCrBx_aoGq9zNAXpLNhubdghn2kLP1Llg1aGsf-YX7sI0Rzf_bggvQ1j4gVQy3GdsFZOQSfGM-HmejSPRIZQ2lVew6mc-o/s474/12342152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa8jPf9-fxSQctc_RppYs6CGba-NtarZ2FlTncdOxKPKo3WCrBx_aoGq9zNAXpLNhubdghn2kLP1Llg1aGsf-YX7sI0Rzf_bggvQ1j4gVQy3GdsFZOQSfGM-HmejSPRIZQ2lVew6mc-o/s320/12342152.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Title:</b> Interrupted</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Author: </b>Rachel Coker</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Series:</b> This is a standalone novel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Synopsis:</b> </span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><i>Can love really heal all things? </i></span></p><p><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><i>If Sam Carroll hadn’t shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. </i></span></p><p><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><i>Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie’s heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Language:</b> The main character labels a boy as "annoying," "nosy," "bothersome," and "dopey". "Darn/darned", "gosh", "ugh", "dear heavens", and "oh my word" are used too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Violence: </b>Allie is forced to take care of her mother, who has a mental illness, and later lives through her dying through an accident. The later part of the book also takes place during World War II, so dying and the possibility of dying are mentioned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Romance/Sexual Stuff: </b>Allie has a childhood history with a boy named Sam, who has always had a crush on her. They interact in a romantic way several times. Allie's friend Charlie is also a bit of a flirt before pursuing a long-term relationship. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> A different boy in love with Allie tries to make his love known in an unhealthy way. There are mentions of marriage and pregnancy, but that's about it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Spiritual Elements: </b>This is a Christian novel, so Christian themes, ideas, and Scripture passages are mentioned. Allie is an atheist for many years, and so she wrestles with the idea of faith. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Magic: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>References: </b>There are several mentions of different literary figures and books, such as Emily Dickinson, <i>A Little Princess</i>, and <i>Robin Hood</i>. Since Allie plays piano there are several references to classical music and composers too. Once the fairytale <i>Rumplestilskin </i>is mentioned. Allie also listens to and dances to some old songs, such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "My Funny Valentine". In her illness Allie's mother mentions fairies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Other Issues: </b></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">As an analogy the main character mentions a time when she was sick to her stomach. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where To Buy:</b> <i>Interrupted </i>is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Interrupted-Beyond-Words-Rachel-Coker/dp/0310729734/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=interrupted+rachel+coker&qid=1622743721&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/interrupted-life-beyond-words-rachel-coker/1105444117?ean=9780310729730" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30795773842&searchurl=isbn%3D0310729734%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1" target="_blank">Abebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=0310729734&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=GwEz7vxblVU&utm_campaign=10&siteID=GwEz7vxblVU-tMV0xBgLS4Rj6NxXJQ9P.g" target="_blank">Alibris</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Interrupted-Rachel-Coker/9780310729730" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/interrupted-a-life-beyond-words/9780310729730-item.html?ref=isbn-search" target="_blank">Indigo</a>, <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/Interrupted--A-Life-Beyond-Words-9780310729730" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>, and <a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=interrupted+life+beyond+words&_sacat=0" target="_blank">eBay</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Age Range: </b>I think kids aged 13 and up would enjoy this book the most.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Read Aloud: </b>This might be a good read aloud if you have an audience ready to understand the story and discuss the themes presented.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Opinion:</b> I originally got this book for Christmas a few years ago, and was impressed to see that a thirteen year old author had been able to release this book. As I started reading, it wasn't too hard to see the talent and emotion that led her to this opportunity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Allie is very relatable, in a variety of ways. Though the pain she's suffered in her early life leads her to close herself off from the world, she is still a heroine with a loving heart, a sensitive nature, and a head full of hopes and dreams. There were so many themes here...adoption, mercy, love, and courage, to name a few...that were spotlighted at different points in the story, in such a way that audiences of all types would be able to understand and be impacted by. The author's style is almost lyrical and clearly shows her own heart, faith, and love of writing. Despite, or because of, Coker's young age, she was able to create a series of events that showed her own thoughts and beliefs in a raw, real way. To add to the already vibrant storytelling, Coker adds a surrounding cast of engaging characters and historical details that make the era of World War II feel that much closer to our own time.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you're looking for a great YA historical fiction, a story filled with hope, or just want to see the best of what young people can accomplish, please read <i>Interrupted</i>. As Allie's own life was interrupted, our lives can be interrupted by the fact that there has been no other book like this.<br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion Questions:</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What was your first impression of Allie? Did this change as you kept reading? Why?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-How does Allie feel after losing her mother? How does this impact the rest of her life?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Allie and Sam come from very different worlds, yet they are still drawn towards each other. Why do you think this is? How much of it do you think came from Sam's crush, and how much of it did not?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What is your favorite part of the book? Why?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What did you think about how the book ended? Did you think the last line was satisfactory? Why or why not?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-The title and subtitle of the book is </i>Interrupted: Life Beyond Words<i>. Why do you think the author chose to name the story this? Do you think it fits with how the story goes?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(There are also some good questions near the end of the paperback copy.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thanks for joining me to look at <i>Interrupted</i>! I hope you'll consider reading the book for yourself, or recommending it to someone else.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Requests for book reviews and other posts are still open! Click on the Review Policy tab for more details.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97RNjGt3mZ4w9BRumMsawDVZJxLvQRpJuSsUIyhD_T763L1ldPJQJmgqlEOhblBWHutEqHPna38vyuYzKj5AA1ZYJvF94PTZlDG4s_fuJaRg93h9r1MkCZODChF2zdSHAAKbHUM08kpM/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97RNjGt3mZ4w9BRumMsawDVZJxLvQRpJuSsUIyhD_T763L1ldPJQJmgqlEOhblBWHutEqHPna38vyuYzKj5AA1ZYJvF94PTZlDG4s_fuJaRg93h9r1MkCZODChF2zdSHAAKbHUM08kpM/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Finally, I'm excited to announce the winner of Stepping Stones Book Reviews' first blogiversary giveaway. Two lovely readers ended up entering, which made it particularly hard to decide who would get the prize.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> So, I put each entrant's name on a piece of paper and put those in a cup.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpI9KihCiG433ZVh9fsSUmV9wQGbFDXJekveSTNaKCo4ooIl1rpaYGTX99p1mQKf7IlQScNBbgTY2wQ6RLicpD2S3gWwtRnMGzEMngOHRgE0ygO0HvJJBEuuzbnMOSSXYc7RBA8FrEnPk/s4160/IMG_20210603_135916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpI9KihCiG433ZVh9fsSUmV9wQGbFDXJekveSTNaKCo4ooIl1rpaYGTX99p1mQKf7IlQScNBbgTY2wQ6RLicpD2S3gWwtRnMGzEMngOHRgE0ygO0HvJJBEuuzbnMOSSXYc7RBA8FrEnPk/s320/IMG_20210603_135916.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8MmaYj4PjeTxJ5F4UKHBvGlqJi2uxWjqnV-msfbQAKT3M3xkujAlSnSna0b-sxALwZRCg44veYJ09MEVSMLuruv98sRSaoa2VcldoIrev2f2p46gJ1t61gyiosIQpdY5TteksAh_6uU/s4160/IMG_20210603_135853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8MmaYj4PjeTxJ5F4UKHBvGlqJi2uxWjqnV-msfbQAKT3M3xkujAlSnSna0b-sxALwZRCg44veYJ09MEVSMLuruv98sRSaoa2VcldoIrev2f2p46gJ1t61gyiosIQpdY5TteksAh_6uU/s320/IMG_20210603_135853.jpg" /></a></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> After a minute or so of swirling, t</span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">he winner of the blogiversary giveaway is...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleH-yKMi4nXikF8xoPNrq_fIpl5dqVP_v3-yvkVv8Fm6nwcutm5fuZaKQlyY9122bScSUlMkRv7rRt2EEHhFtrf9FSE6sPJLrzCMpkYH5pRhpeeaSA6KwPM7f6JXeTaToB123zCfvuak/s4160/IMG_20210603_140139.jpg" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleH-yKMi4nXikF8xoPNrq_fIpl5dqVP_v3-yvkVv8Fm6nwcutm5fuZaKQlyY9122bScSUlMkRv7rRt2EEHhFtrf9FSE6sPJLrzCMpkYH5pRhpeeaSA6KwPM7f6JXeTaToB123zCfvuak/s320/IMG_20210603_140139.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <b>Anna Grace</b>! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>Congrats, Anna Grace! Hope you enjoy reading both books. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Thank you to everyone who entered (and everyone who read my posts about it!). If things line up right, I'm hoping to host another giveaway for my next blogiversary in May 2022. This was such a fun opportunity. Special thanks to Ms. Swanson and the Rheas for giving out free copies of their work.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Join me next Friday for another review! After that, I will be MIA for a few weeks due to summer schedules. </span><br /></span></span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-68574391130280872992021-05-27T20:55:00.006-04:002022-03-03T11:59:06.974-05:00Book Beginnings on Fridays/Friday 56: Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated, and Book Blogger Hop<p> <span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/s2048/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/w400-h225/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7QbWvHnwRDfaL9_AScSaOtzMiu23a87-65NlcbhhKhYBQWNeqYESQ7EjW-FuJiFapEH0ti_9NXiGF6PrhkMz8mx0Ma3VDc5tNUYVCu9967WricLAbdLGi1iSzH4gTaFDngl1cBtSEf0/s718/BB.Button.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="718" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7QbWvHnwRDfaL9_AScSaOtzMiu23a87-65NlcbhhKhYBQWNeqYESQ7EjW-FuJiFapEH0ti_9NXiGF6PrhkMz8mx0Ma3VDc5tNUYVCu9967WricLAbdLGi1iSzH4gTaFDngl1cBtSEf0/w400-h256/BB.Button.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Hey! If you've visited my blog earlier this May, I hope that you've been enjoying all of the fun blogiversary stuff. This marks the end of that very special month, and I hope you've enjoyed the Bookish Opinion series as well as all the other stuff that made it into this Week of Book Memes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> This week my Book Beginnings on Fridays/Friday 56 is actually spotlighting <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>, one of the books part of my blogiversary giveaway! I've actually <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/07/a-book-review-off-script-and-over.html" target="_blank">reviewed the book already</a> AND <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/12/an-author-interview-kaley-rhea.html" target="_blank">interviewed one of the authors</a>, but I love it so much I thought it would be fun to include it here.</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEFJuCYuDMXp7e0qCWZBPnWbYSHX6RrER_l7Ou1-Kn47XkWRwL5KDXt7Z7q08bmE2EuGhZ2W32XopYWUeUmqyRWDtFKj2JhLKXHsevCwnRr8XrSSgdtoyyI4P7LLIn2e7vv69Wy0icdg/s475/49197963._SY475_.jpg" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="298" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEFJuCYuDMXp7e0qCWZBPnWbYSHX6RrER_l7Ou1-Kn47XkWRwL5KDXt7Z7q08bmE2EuGhZ2W32XopYWUeUmqyRWDtFKj2JhLKXHsevCwnRr8XrSSgdtoyyI4P7LLIn2e7vv69Wy0icdg/s320/49197963._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Title: </b>Off-Script and Over Caffeinated</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Authors: </b>Kaley and Rhonda Rhea</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Genre: </b>Christian Fiction</span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Synopsis:<i> </i></b></span></span><i style="font-family: arial; line-height: 1.5;">Finding the beauty of Not-Like-Me! If there's one thing Harlow Cruise hates more than those schmaltzy Heartcast TV movies, it's the fact that she loves those schmaltzy Heartcast TV movies. She loves them angrily. With popcorn. Pop-scorn? As if she doesn't get enough drama in her day-to-day--directing a ministry-minded community theatre that cranks out three shows a month and trying to keep up with her aspiring screenwriter bestie, Teagan, a self-described "dramagician." When the Heartcast Channel Movie division announces they'll briefly be allowing submissions for new, original Christmas movies, Teagan is convinced this is her time. Roped into workshopping scenes from Teagan's in-progress spec script, Harlow finds herself paired with an even more reluctant co-star. Jack Bentley might have the most Heartcast Original Movie name on the planet, but he is anything but formulaic. How different can two people be? It's fine. Made-for-TV plot-points do NOT a romance make. Right? Right?</i></p><div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>First Line: </b>Harlow folded her hands neatly on the conference table in front of her and set her posture to textbook-level pristine. Still she found it difficult to appear serious and professional in the face of a frankly excellent picture of her with her brother using the community theater stage as an impromptu Slip 'N Slide.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Thoughts: </b>These two first sentences set up A LOT! For one thing, the mention of the conference table, textbook, community theater, and Slip 'N Slide, implies that this story takes place in a modern setting. Harlow is obviously the main character, and her struggle to appear composed hints that there's a more spontaneous, reckless, side to her. The mention of her brother hints that they have a close relationship, and the tension set up through the mention of the meeting and Harlow's requirement to be serious makes you want to keep reading.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH9pqqEn5deSXhU8GBB2jiHE-K19ckg9Z5igvfMGg5MohR0yXFNESFYQdfMbCxg8R-7egvm__kwfP378D1tOF7Rg35FGv4ZdDezdOvHESNt6YWPxFVsnPhlpv_eTGvzHQS175zbl_1e0/s200/Friday+56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH9pqqEn5deSXhU8GBB2jiHE-K19ckg9Z5igvfMGg5MohR0yXFNESFYQdfMbCxg8R-7egvm__kwfP378D1tOF7Rg35FGv4ZdDezdOvHESNt6YWPxFVsnPhlpv_eTGvzHQS175zbl_1e0/w230-h320/Friday+56.jpg" width="230" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Honestly, <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated </i>is so gold that it's not hard to find a great, quotable line (or a couple!). There was a lot of great dialogue and humor in the particular scene that came up at 56%, but I decided to focus on a more thoughtful passage...and one of my favorite highlighted quotes!</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><b style="font-family: arial;">From <i>Off Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>:</b><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> "It's like Paul told the Corinthian church babies, 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.' You and I were never what makes it work...You're acting like this is on your shoulders. It isn't. You are planting."</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiRIffTkxovwHonENhgWp7E1r-f2WOv44n6V0H6-KTNse8zKMqmruQswxLtYwvNSckEVt-frTOH8BcYD3qhTKrCk3wfnq5DcYjy7ZxRrXpV2Yt5X_EorWAorFgB8L7ZM7apJlOzbWiP4/s400/Book+Blogger+Hop+%2528Final%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="400" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiRIffTkxovwHonENhgWp7E1r-f2WOv44n6V0H6-KTNse8zKMqmruQswxLtYwvNSckEVt-frTOH8BcYD3qhTKrCk3wfnq5DcYjy7ZxRrXpV2Yt5X_EorWAorFgB8L7ZM7apJlOzbWiP4/w400-h335/Book+Blogger+Hop+%2528Final%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>And now for this week's Book Blogger Hop question...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>This Week's Question:</b> Who is your favorite character out of all the books you've read?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Answer: </b>Ahh, such a hard question! I'd have to say though that my favorite character and type of character is Jo March from "Little Women". It's often hard for me to be as bold, brave, and confident so I love finding characters who are!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thanks for taking a look at this post! I hope you enjoyed the small excerpts of <i>Love Comes Softly</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> What about you? Have you read <i>Off-Script and Over Caffeinated</i>? If so, what did you think about it? If not, would you consider reading? If you had a Friday post, please send me the link so I can read it!</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Just like I mentioned, I'm giving away a FREE, SIGNED copy of <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>, as well as a copy of Kara Swanson's <i>Dust</i>. All the details are below.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><ol><li>Sign up for a Goodreads account (if you don't have one already!)</li><li>Follow me (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/117855227-jadesky-stepping-stones-book-reviews" target="_blank">JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews</a>), <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16829062.Kaley_Rhea" target="_blank">Kaley Rhea</a>, AND <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a> on Goodreads.</li><li>Post a comment below this blog post telling me you entered.</li><li>Wait for the winner! (Announced June 4, 2021)</li></ol></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Next week, stay tuned for another review...and the reveal of the giveaway winner!</span></div></div></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-63702864390241234492021-05-25T14:11:00.001-04:002021-05-26T07:51:47.875-04:00Can't Wait Wednesday: Shadow<p> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/s2048/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/w400-h225/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3kPinK0_aJ7KDNhyphenhyphenBsUq1IhtwWAQuFy5EbyeWxhyphenhyphen_D1rRtPOsWsD_dQE0C8D0l1KDKx7bR469kUKTmjMT1i_uuzCfhvZgdlyGSn_CcThQnZ6Pi_0RXjnK1yCB4OzdDuZkTXBF8TLMK4/s1600/Can%2527t+Wait+Wednesday.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3kPinK0_aJ7KDNhyphenhyphenBsUq1IhtwWAQuFy5EbyeWxhyphenhyphen_D1rRtPOsWsD_dQE0C8D0l1KDKx7bR469kUKTmjMT1i_uuzCfhvZgdlyGSn_CcThQnZ6Pi_0RXjnK1yCB4OzdDuZkTXBF8TLMK4/w400-h200/Can%2527t+Wait+Wednesday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Hi! Welcome to another Can't-Wait-Wednesday post. The pick for this month is a teeny bit different, as I technically have an ARC version of it on my personal TBR list. However, the author is so great and I loved the prequel so much that I just HAD to feature it on here!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Below, you can find the cover, synopsis, and my reasons for waiting on this. Click on the author's name to head to her website, and click on the book title to go to the special link.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1621841731/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1621841731&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Shadow</a> </i><span style="font-family: arial;">by <a href="https://www.karaswanson.com/" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Release Date:</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> February 23, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKnrPa3c6d2R65TnPooih7KNNbAy2_fuvR61UStvuFtOq6q133de_rITMA5AORRekdktAtNWX-9Na1t7ak8EjZa1NkLYJfIRcTi86vVzb45D7H1SNE_ze1SWCp4zp1aQMWV8BImHVaSs/s800/56682534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKnrPa3c6d2R65TnPooih7KNNbAy2_fuvR61UStvuFtOq6q133de_rITMA5AORRekdktAtNWX-9Na1t7ak8EjZa1NkLYJfIRcTi86vVzb45D7H1SNE_ze1SWCp4zp1aQMWV8BImHVaSs/s320/56682534.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><i><span> </span>Desperate to rescue Claire and the fractured Lost Boys, Peter must unravel what truly tore his dreamland apart. But with each step, he is haunted by more of his own broken memories. Not even Pan himself is what he seems.</i></span></div><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span> </span>Claire Kenton is chained to a pirate ship, watching the wreckage of Neverland rocked by tempests. When she finally finds her brother, Connor is every bit as shattered as the island. Claire may have pixie dust flowing in her veins—but the light of Neverland is flickering dangerously close to going out forever.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span> </span>To rescue Neverland from the inescapable shadow, the boy who never grew up and the girl who grew up too fast will have to sacrifice the only thing they have left: each other.</span></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><div style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></div></span></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><b>Why I'm Waiting on This: </b>Ever since I read <i>Dust</i>, I've loved Kara Swanson's writing, and am so excited to dive into the sequel. I've only finished the first chapter, but I can tell it's going to be an amazing, suspenseful ride for everyone who wants to try it! And, of course, I'm excited for the time after it releases, when readers from all over the world will be eager to enjoy, discuss, and debate over the end of this wonder-filled, well written duology.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span> <span> </span>So, after reading, what do you think about <i>Shadow</i>? Would you want to read it? What are YOU waiting on Wednesday for? Share your thoughts with me in the comments, and if you released a Can't-Wait Wednesday themed post on your blog, post a link!</span><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span> For those who want to have their own copy of the prequel, <i>Dust</i>, I'm hosting my first </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">giveaway with the author via Goodreads, offering a free, signed copy of it AND </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Kaley Rhea's </span><i style="background-color: transparent;">Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i><span style="background-color: transparent;">! Two people have entered so far, so the contest is definitely open for any more entries! Scroll below to find the details.</span></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><span><div style="font-family: Tinos;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Tinos;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></span></div><div><ol><li>Sign up for a Goodreads account (if you don't have one already!)</li><li>Follow me (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/117855227-jadesky-stepping-stones-book-reviews" target="_blank">JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews</a>), <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16829062.Kaley_Rhea" target="_blank">Kaley Rhea</a>, AND <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a> on Goodreads.</li><li>Post a comment below this blog post telling me you entered.</li><li>Wait for the winner! (Announced June 4, 2021)</li></ol></div></span></div></span></font></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"> <span> </span>Friday will mark the end of my Week of Book Memes for this month, including my Book Beginnings on Fridays/Friday 56, and my perspective on the weekly Book Blogger Hop question.</div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-16267857894845968152021-05-24T07:15:00.341-04:002021-05-25T06:34:03.343-04:00Top Ten Tuesday: FIRST BLOGIVERSARY & Top Ten Posts!<p> <span style="text-align: right;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/s2048/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/w400-h225/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVcvciWYVY8LsSGoOHLq_mwNCPZYmF98ePmfEjroIOdcYky31pLAvc80L8iZkBVPTi7Fa-BMX1Fk2XPsKPn83KGjbXBa5l5odcWvFUNocvM5DAg3RgJw8HKTzSf_E1L5LBAW_J8XyVPc/s500/TTT-NEW.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVcvciWYVY8LsSGoOHLq_mwNCPZYmF98ePmfEjroIOdcYky31pLAvc80L8iZkBVPTi7Fa-BMX1Fk2XPsKPn83KGjbXBa5l5odcWvFUNocvM5DAg3RgJw8HKTzSf_E1L5LBAW_J8XyVPc/w400-h163/TTT-NEW.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Today marks a VERY IMPORTANT day in my life and on this blog (which, if you've hung around here already, I'm sure you already know about). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> One year ago, I sat down at my desk, typed up a couple paragraphs from a sheet of paper, and posted <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/05/books-and-blogging.html?m=1" target="_blank">my first entry</a> on this site.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> This was my first time blogging ANYTHING, as well as my first time reviewing a book in public, and I honestly wasn't sure where I wanted to go down the road. All I knew was that I'd held on to this dream of providing quality, content-assessing reviews of mainstream books, and that I wanted to be a resource for parents, teachers, librarians, and anyone looking for a worthwhile read.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> A year later it's honestly shocking to see how far this blog has come. I've not only gotten to reach more people than I thought would read, but I've also been able to step out of my comfort zone by asking authors for interviews, participating in more public bookish topics, and even starting to follow other book blogs and find recommendations from them too. Throughout everything that this blog has been through in the past year, the bookish community has continued to be nothing but welcoming, generous, and wonderful. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span> Today, I wanted to highlight ten of my favorite posts, with a small explanation and link. This Tuesday's list, though, is focused on book quotes. So to meld the two, I'm taking a little liberty and quoting a segment from the posts themselves. Interview posts will quote directly from the authors featured while the rest will focus on my opinion on certain subjects. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>Check out my picks below!</span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> (To see all the TTT lists I've done in the past, click <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/top-ten-tuesday-lists.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.)</span></span></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne77zJmR3EsdExVzddxpiuIjO3KBICNplRwnxqAahhlUsErv9aHQm84eEQ8aKissgwzWLdTPZbNbuVrFLDmYSQNROIZZAxDvP7JMO-Y-vveYZd4yEAvlsYpwtoCBoonOSnfMa4XQuvH4/s1200/Beach+Party+iPhone+Blog+Graphic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne77zJmR3EsdExVzddxpiuIjO3KBICNplRwnxqAahhlUsErv9aHQm84eEQ8aKissgwzWLdTPZbNbuVrFLDmYSQNROIZZAxDvP7JMO-Y-vveYZd4yEAvlsYpwtoCBoonOSnfMa4XQuvH4/w266-h400/Beach+Party+iPhone+Blog+Graphic.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Top Ten Favorite Posts On This Blog</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>(in no particular order</b>)</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/06/a-book-review-great-historic-mystery.html" target="_blank"><i>The Great Historic Mystery</i> (Book Review/Author Interview)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7iNBgXiOFvKJPsHi1FMHFDidYCjYcDQBQE_NuBuFZY_XC5gKaNK3Pi2G96hRuXKtBoQs37CdnsGCEczKe7uOMeMDl_G1mByTrSzLOXBYN2Rihyphenhyphen3tacPDglNr9ljK01fEOilgjw-kMBs/s500/510Nvw3GJYL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7iNBgXiOFvKJPsHi1FMHFDidYCjYcDQBQE_NuBuFZY_XC5gKaNK3Pi2G96hRuXKtBoQs37CdnsGCEczKe7uOMeMDl_G1mByTrSzLOXBYN2Rihyphenhyphen3tacPDglNr9ljK01fEOilgjw-kMBs/s320/510Nvw3GJYL.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB67RsszXwP6F806P2v5gOhS-YfLajGGxxt2bQLfZ0kiqX4EHbOkHEDGQSoj5Pd3Xpna7NI4zS64G1OKJVDR8GjaSr8wOvRsn9BnlS-vrQ07iRHBDuSK7DcEZwj_8Jqe3q9MWQ9fdGTCU/s750/45AD004E-3912-46E6-89D1-47EB84742EDA.thumb.jpeg.14bab3c78a7d11d2c0e8618b6a23b43f.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB67RsszXwP6F806P2v5gOhS-YfLajGGxxt2bQLfZ0kiqX4EHbOkHEDGQSoj5Pd3Xpna7NI4zS64G1OKJVDR8GjaSr8wOvRsn9BnlS-vrQ07iRHBDuSK7DcEZwj_8Jqe3q9MWQ9fdGTCU/s320/45AD004E-3912-46E6-89D1-47EB84742EDA.thumb.jpeg.14bab3c78a7d11d2c0e8618b6a23b43f.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">Don’t write something just because it’s 'popular,' because forcing yourself to write something that doesn’t excite you will take the joy out of writing."</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>Not only was the book itself an amazing read, but the fact that I knew (and still know!) the author herself gave me more of an excuse to rave about it! On a *more* serious note, this was my first official author interview, and I could not have chosen a better person to do it with. Jordyn's answers were sweet and thought-provoking, and I loved reading her reactions to having her work featured on the blog. Win-win if you ask me!</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/07/top-ten-tuesdays-books-that-make-me.html" target="_blank"><i>Books That Make Me Smile</i> (Top Ten Tuesday List)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Vb6-4bPwEntmXDgQzZQ9ansi29TTQL8QploYCyxoRoAO7MGdyJ1MBX-d6sq-4bvRXBWc6qTZDLKTRLE2cy1Ifevg896zeBzzX9lS27oYVySEf_gcWyALP8BbJyUMXlKrQEhbnp0DwZo/s2048/Top+Ten+Tuesday+1+Collage+Thing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Vb6-4bPwEntmXDgQzZQ9ansi29TTQL8QploYCyxoRoAO7MGdyJ1MBX-d6sq-4bvRXBWc6qTZDLKTRLE2cy1Ifevg896zeBzzX9lS27oYVySEf_gcWyALP8BbJyUMXlKrQEhbnp0DwZo/s320/Top+Ten+Tuesday+1+Collage+Thing.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"I</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> could not have posted a "books that make me smile" list without adding one of Mangum's titles."</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <strike>(This is still true!)</strike></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>Thanks to an internet search and stumbling on a masterlist of Bookish Memes, I found out about Top Ten Tuesday, and have never looked back! This was the very first Top Ten Tuesday I'd tried, as well as the first time I'd blogged about something unrelated to reviews. I'd also say this was my first time getting to interact with the larger book blog community. Overall, I had a fun time creating my list and am so glad I took that chance to try something new!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">3. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-book-review-lost-in-averell-plus.html" target="_blank"><i>Lost in Averell</i> (Book Review/Author Interview)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAYJKyWcaluoIV-2ztbbPyGDQ3UWoiiMM79KCgby4jmQlZODBnVZDbtYZsSiEcebqaiRhF4t1twPgeVoEPClTSy8EnWb5GDlm-Qe_ZB3Zr160aucIz2EKD0YXubKDe_I_25RV53eZdW0/s2048/Lost+in+Averell_Final+Internet+Version+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAYJKyWcaluoIV-2ztbbPyGDQ3UWoiiMM79KCgby4jmQlZODBnVZDbtYZsSiEcebqaiRhF4t1twPgeVoEPClTSy8EnWb5GDlm-Qe_ZB3Zr160aucIz2EKD0YXubKDe_I_25RV53eZdW0/s320/Lost+in+Averell_Final+Internet+Version+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H-tka69FAuROVndNVKFBotDgc5cj_kmvrSEcHPWU_etoqTM3-YaiP4OOZ4i3TE0Dbs6VRkM-2Vr3BXjhalbzEa8s_wlIh5JfD6Nbv2z_Q0Q1LbKJhv8nKARXfbyflhHKy_cKAWMJSCk/s2048/Tara+Grayce+Author+Photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H-tka69FAuROVndNVKFBotDgc5cj_kmvrSEcHPWU_etoqTM3-YaiP4OOZ4i3TE0Dbs6VRkM-2Vr3BXjhalbzEa8s_wlIh5JfD6Nbv2z_Q0Q1LbKJhv8nKARXfbyflhHKy_cKAWMJSCk/s320/Tara+Grayce+Author+Photo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b></span><span style="background-color: white;">"</span><span style="background-color: white;">What would it be like to split your time between a fairy tale kingdom and our world? How would you balance those responsibilities?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>This was the first time I'd reached out to an author I didn't know personally for a possible interview, and the fact that she replied meant so much to me! Her story sparked my imagination and I was honored to have the chance to spotlight her and her book on it. In fact, I should probably find time to dive into it again!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-book-review-vanderbeekers-lost-and.html" target="_blank"><i>The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found</i> (Book Review)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uiLJQrKFsPsCbOnnIccrPWk1qw-UTq8G7zjJtEddMnNBC6y4CNxqgZhtoEEjU1sRyRvabfJs2WUuYmMo3MhvWr18Y6bqV7vAOyp5meFUkbysyYR5yDXjQPJZBYr3sxqhpcXwWXfYMiU/s2048/48946812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uiLJQrKFsPsCbOnnIccrPWk1qw-UTq8G7zjJtEddMnNBC6y4CNxqgZhtoEEjU1sRyRvabfJs2WUuYmMo3MhvWr18Y6bqV7vAOyp5meFUkbysyYR5yDXjQPJZBYr3sxqhpcXwWXfYMiU/s320/48946812.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through everything that went on in this book, she [the author] painted a stunning word picture of what it means to love someone else, even in the hard and rough places."</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>This was another first for me in that I was able to review a book during the exact month that it came out. I'd enjoyed the rest of Karina Yan Glaser's Vanderbeekers books beforehand, and had a couple of high hopes by the time I came around to reading the latest installment. I was so happy to blog that it did not disappoint! I'll probably be reviewing the next announced story in the series when it comes out this fall. </span></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">5. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-bookish-opinion-disabilitiesmedical.html" target="_blank">Disabilities/Medical Conditions in Literature (Bookish Opinion)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVYzxhtuPIglXYeFnh-jbdhjjPdN6j-ZuqeWtRI6qzdsQ7KwoWdGh4BuGTiM4r0hHwJSIoA5OHdQu-9iwycUjzQg7StPpKHYZUbnlKsoSSSDioGRQGVtCdldthwM3KtOh_Ou6HyHSp6E/s501/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVYzxhtuPIglXYeFnh-jbdhjjPdN6j-ZuqeWtRI6qzdsQ7KwoWdGh4BuGTiM4r0hHwJSIoA5OHdQu-9iwycUjzQg7StPpKHYZUbnlKsoSSSDioGRQGVtCdldthwM3KtOh_Ou6HyHSp6E/s320/image.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-family: tinos;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: "</b></span><span style="font-family: arial;">It's time for more stories to be created, both about living with medical conditions and people who don't let it define them."</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>This post actually came out last week, but I loved tackling this subject so much I just had to include it on here! The subject of equal representation in literature, especially when it comes to chronic pain, is a very personal one for me and I loved that I got the chance to offer my thoughts on it here. I was also moved by the various responses that I received from others who read the post. The fact that my article prompted others to share their experiences with the same thing was very humbling. </span></div></div><div><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">6. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-book-review-misfits-plus-exclusive.html" target="_blank"><i>Misfits</i> (Book Review/Author Interview)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX8a5D2cjRpgVv6PBOlNFdQUhzovAtO8BTs94wGU5Up9y77QV43Gm7gUlls5pIy7P2djcXrdo4vLYLO9IFYiT3teMi_ytAQbk_hpLK6_axplNtNUWALeQ_CCs0-hXKJ7FBrCnl_WaiFM/s400/44231426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX8a5D2cjRpgVv6PBOlNFdQUhzovAtO8BTs94wGU5Up9y77QV43Gm7gUlls5pIy7P2djcXrdo4vLYLO9IFYiT3teMi_ytAQbk_hpLK6_axplNtNUWALeQ_CCs0-hXKJ7FBrCnl_WaiFM/s320/44231426.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWrKAdCf0dhhp-6i_L64drCF9cFL4ZOZA5QR8Np-I6mk9FpsD2KDyy8dY2kfAZKBqXRtqyF7_ytdwnuaohC7U3TlrpXgwudG-xN0yDCpbKGy24BjduGT_towxwm2c3IpLb7LTb85vPa4/s201/114528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWrKAdCf0dhhp-6i_L64drCF9cFL4ZOZA5QR8Np-I6mk9FpsD2KDyy8dY2kfAZKBqXRtqyF7_ytdwnuaohC7U3TlrpXgwudG-xN0yDCpbKGy24BjduGT_towxwm2c3IpLb7LTb85vPa4/s0/114528.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That's what I love about a good book</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">—</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">it takes you away to a different time and place and you can get lost."</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>This was a huge "first" for me, as 1) this was posted around my six month blogiversary, and 2) I got to interview a traditionally published, NYT bestselling author whose work I enjoyed. Jen Calonita herself was super sweet and it was an honor to host her and her work here. I was so glad I had the opportunity both to message her and to be encouraged to continue chasing my own dreams of being an author. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: tinos; font-weight: bold;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">7. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/03/reflections-blog-tag.html" target="_blank"><i>Reflections</i> (Blog Tag)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jeJWtJEnLN2JNHO6_JkoiyAzAFlbVPJKT7agNDdgE9oDgNO4xmSesY3Q9uakdV7WTTjZ3S1Sc-iKbmpLwoeBK5MD4Jzl2FRc0R0bXHSdlmPn0j83JLXdF9-1DsA34LeCgrzgtXQ3Tiw/s751/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jeJWtJEnLN2JNHO6_JkoiyAzAFlbVPJKT7agNDdgE9oDgNO4xmSesY3Q9uakdV7WTTjZ3S1Sc-iKbmpLwoeBK5MD4Jzl2FRc0R0bXHSdlmPn0j83JLXdF9-1DsA34LeCgrzgtXQ3Tiw/s320/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-family: tinos;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"[T]</span><span style="font-family: arial;">here were so many memories that I wouldn't have experienced, so many blessings I would've walked past if 2020 hadn't happened the way it did."</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>The lovely Issabelle from <a href="https://www.teenwritersnook.com/" target="_blank">Teen Writers' Nook</a> was kind enough to tag me with this list of questions, prompting me to think about the ways God blessed me in 2020 (and beyond). I'd gone into some detail on my thoughts <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/11/top-ten-tuesdays-things-im-thankful-for.html" target="_blank">before</a>, but having a whole post dedicated to it made me think even more on the subject and collect my thoughts. Honestly, the tag itself was a blessing in disguise!</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">8. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/02/an-author-interview-christopher-healy.html" target="_blank">Christopher Healy (Author Interview)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uYGLkT7LCghyphenhyphenHwG6ezVgsj-yvVvaUuyh191SDPFtE9AfaMNryCQ4XClT4OdQWwmER7wvFmRl8y7_V-ScjaZQeQTmLybkERiiyqjEjSdFPWwg9H3pTSzIHWewadKPJUbs40xLu6K_xTk/s270/418792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uYGLkT7LCghyphenhyphenHwG6ezVgsj-yvVvaUuyh191SDPFtE9AfaMNryCQ4XClT4OdQWwmER7wvFmRl8y7_V-ScjaZQeQTmLybkERiiyqjEjSdFPWwg9H3pTSzIHWewadKPJUbs40xLu6K_xTk/s0/418792.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading about characters from cultures, geographical areas, and walks of life that are different from your own can be so rewarding, energizing, eye-opening, and inspiring."</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>I have been a fan of Christopher Healy's work for years, including his NYT bestselling Hero's Guide trilogy. Like with all my author interviews, it was incredibly exciting to find a positive response from him, and be able to learn more about the person himself. I'm still honored that he took the time to send me his answers and support this site!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">9. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/02/top-ten-tuesdays-ten-non-romantic.html" target="_blank"><i>Non-Romantic Relationships</i> (Top Ten Tuesday List)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgcLHpCeY2vIDDrjctiGUq6ZEROmN9xiGreUBQu5raAdelP1EvRm0ur-S5TPVrRcI17NUJahEiP_oWaqWHAuO7zIYOjjwLV3njNQWiMSL3sWn-s2Ay_Ns8IJ4WLEI1qjNrm2BGIbFwsw/s2048/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+TTT+2+Collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgcLHpCeY2vIDDrjctiGUq6ZEROmN9xiGreUBQu5raAdelP1EvRm0ur-S5TPVrRcI17NUJahEiP_oWaqWHAuO7zIYOjjwLV3njNQWiMSL3sWn-s2Ay_Ns8IJ4WLEI1qjNrm2BGIbFwsw/s320/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+TTT+2+Collage.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"</span><span style="font-family: arial;">One thing I appreciated about this book [Kaley Rhea's <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>] was that despite being marketed as a romance novel, it wasn't focused on just romantic love."</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>In honor of Valentine's Day, I posted this Top Ten Tuesday list as a way to break the norm of listed fictional ships and romantic quotes. The idea was a bit tricky to pull off, but so worth it. Choosing a unique take on the love-focused topic helped me to appreciate the other various relationships in fiction (and in life) even more. If given a choice, I'd do it all over again!</span></div></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">10. <b><a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-liebster-awardmy-questions-and.html" target="_blank">The Liebster Award (Blog Tag)</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuZEh9_PlO3V-FuMkEwxxOit_wck2baQOqFWoZz_arVJi9Hjj-Lo7Y6sghmfOtO3RRT1WO_49ekk2RjHGyjhmwieCR59PRxxTkTXACrDQRbh5AFT7hB-8dyc_Rf4AsHQ36EqIZY1r7Fk/s232/liebster-award-insignia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuZEh9_PlO3V-FuMkEwxxOit_wck2baQOqFWoZz_arVJi9Hjj-Lo7Y6sghmfOtO3RRT1WO_49ekk2RjHGyjhmwieCR59PRxxTkTXACrDQRbh5AFT7hB-8dyc_Rf4AsHQ36EqIZY1r7Fk/s0/liebster-award-insignia.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Quote: </b>"</span>There are a million books that I could name that have impacted me in unforgettable ways, but right now I'm going to name Gene Edwards' <i>The Silas Diary</i>. The storytelling was vivid and the story themes were powerful, but what really got to me was how <i>human</i> all the characters in it seemed."</div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Why I Chose This Post: </b>Laurel Luehmann's nomination marked not only the first actual award this blog received, but the first time I felt comfortable enough to post more about myself outside of being a bookworm. All the questions she asked were so much fun to answer, and I'm so glad I had the chance to think about my responses to each of them.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><span> </span>Thanks for checking out this special post! I'm so thrilled you joined me, and hope you enjoyed reading it.</font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"> What about you? What are some of your favorite book quotes (or quotes from your own blog)? If you've also participated in Top Ten Tuesday, please link to your post in the comments so I can read it.</font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><span><br /></span></font></div></span><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><span><div style="font-family: Tinos;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> To celebrate this blog's first birthday, </span>I'm hosting my first giveaway via Goodreads, offering FREE, SIGNED COPIES of Kara Swanson's <i>Dust </i>and Kaley Rhea's <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>! I have a grand total of one person that has entered so far, so please join if you're interested! Scroll below to find the details.</span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Tinos;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></span></div><div><ol><li>Sign up for a Goodreads account (if you don't have one already!)</li><li>Follow me (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/117855227-jadesky-stepping-stones-book-reviews" target="_blank">JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews</a>), <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16829062.Kaley_Rhea" target="_blank">Kaley Rhea</a>, AND <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a> on Goodreads.</li><li>Post a comment below this blog post telling me you entered.</li><li>Wait for the winner! (Announced June 4, 2021) </li></ol></div></span></div></span></font></span></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"> Before I close off, I'd like to highlight a question Issabelle asked me last week: <i>What has been the biggest accomplishment you've had since starting this blog, and what has been the biggest challenge? </i>It's a great question, and honestly it's something I think every blogger should ask themselves.</font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"> As for my answer, I'd say the biggest accomplishment is stepping out of my comfort zone. Before starting this blog I would've balked at the idea of <i>walking up to people </i>(whether in person or online) and asking them for an interview, especially if they were worldwide, bestselling authors! I have been surprised and pleased to learn that many of these authors are kind, wise, and are thrilled to have people read and share about their books, no matter how big or small of a platform they have. At the same time I think I've gained more confidence in recommending the books I love, even if my book blog "norm" is different from everyone else's.<br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><span> The biggest challenge for me, honestly, is wanting to get obsessive over viewers. I have always been a people-pleaser and often it's a struggle for me not to focus on the number (or lack) of comments and followers, among other things. I've gotten a bit better at this as I've found my audience, but all the same it can be difficult to remember that it's the impact of a post that counts, not the amount of people who see it.</span><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="font-family: tinos; line-height: 1.5;"><font face="arial" style="line-height: 1.5;"> That's all for today! Tomorrow, join me to see what I'm waiting for this Wednesday...</font></div></div></div></div></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-70996388055804993362021-05-23T17:56:00.005-04:002021-05-25T14:01:27.460-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #6<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/s2048/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKOoIzcLH8Sp2zF0zljCsvymIGhKA4KYtnNsgAypR4FYNufBuRx4oaPWGGUhyphenhyphenLN_lJoSa6ObgDEE7MyofRR2pFJtwbs8OJR2NSw7WeO44svxs-qgxUvwavACELq2V71gN14wVmQT9Qk/w400-h225/Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CvTRthB6tHJlHzo-fxivcGVBg7vl5wY0zsyZRnLRLtCyJHAiuRvugr0VfsF1CS2m3V4jwngwKLTsqx6phfg4PqMS5jz1UenazoKI3OgD_CbPmQ02cDYHIN_dIWrHM1GMLfIc9tpkyxU/s768/New-2020-IMWAYR-Button-768x768.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CvTRthB6tHJlHzo-fxivcGVBg7vl5wY0zsyZRnLRLtCyJHAiuRvugr0VfsF1CS2m3V4jwngwKLTsqx6phfg4PqMS5jz1UenazoKI3OgD_CbPmQ02cDYHIN_dIWrHM1GMLfIc9tpkyxU/w400-h400/New-2020-IMWAYR-Button-768x768.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Hi, everyone! To celebrate my first full year of blogging on this site, I'm hosting another Week of Book Memes, which means my (usually) bimonthly #IMWAYR post! Like the last time I did this, I've been more focused on other things during these past few months, so my list will be more general, instead of focused on just last week.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>To check out what I've been posting during past Week of Book Memes, click <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/stepping-stones-book-reviews-week-of.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Scroll below to view my list.</span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><a name='more'></a></span><span> </span></span><span> During the past few weeks,</span> I've been going through the <i>Avatar: The Last Airbender</i> comic series, including <i>The Search, The Rift, </i>and <i>Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy. </i>I also reread <i>The Map To Everywhere </i>(for the third time!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryWaxl5oV6Bn62Iod54La5JSkrN654NTDYj1cBg89Bz0TDp_cWLqijS8IT4uTPnZlAEYyypO3C3mGvu-SrPMwHjt0ZyueEfjnQ1Aa7OBbF6geFmi99X66Ivx4Pn2H3-1zoOo6feCIuJU/s420/18631568.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryWaxl5oV6Bn62Iod54La5JSkrN654NTDYj1cBg89Bz0TDp_cWLqijS8IT4uTPnZlAEYyypO3C3mGvu-SrPMwHjt0ZyueEfjnQ1Aa7OBbF6geFmi99X66Ivx4Pn2H3-1zoOo6feCIuJU/s320/18631568.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEYTUkT803y0ALs1mw9ULCMPKI4u9nbaDy9a1LOx5xWJNxanYVuJI2ulS1mhH5cCktK4JLoPExFEYGk8vbv215RaAIiN269410oLYVJYgbsMnpsmu_y62vY1mJUu6EHOfv-IaJBcJgRM/s400/22318585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEYTUkT803y0ALs1mw9ULCMPKI4u9nbaDy9a1LOx5xWJNxanYVuJI2ulS1mhH5cCktK4JLoPExFEYGk8vbv215RaAIiN269410oLYVJYgbsMnpsmu_y62vY1mJUu6EHOfv-IaJBcJgRM/s320/22318585.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsXO8MFia70ldVRHtNCCWw-dF8hHAVCs4epYCCSSCi9B9Vhyg2v4oWOhnNvjXAkd0mvVkLOP1QS0H4y4HjEATeClonWed3jvwsQVbqzwXh4xcvyLAG8w-vba5iZ58dRLpby4UnHG2Zno/s450/54663469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsXO8MFia70ldVRHtNCCWw-dF8hHAVCs4epYCCSSCi9B9Vhyg2v4oWOhnNvjXAkd0mvVkLOP1QS0H4y4HjEATeClonWed3jvwsQVbqzwXh4xcvyLAG8w-vba5iZ58dRLpby4UnHG2Zno/s320/54663469.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I just finished going through the <i>Avatar </i>show a few months ago and am still obsessed with the fandom, so it was fun for me to discover all of the comic adventures for the first time. I thought it was fascinating how they wrapped up the saga of Zuko's mother (even if I didn't agree with her choice), and continued to develop the characters and world. I also enjoyed comparing the different art styles between the main saga (by Gene Luen Yang) and <i>Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy </i>(by Faith Erin Hicks and Peter Wartman). I think I enjoyed Toph's adventure because of its less serious vibe, but thought it was way too short for me to fully enjoy it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFq2X1ukef9102NW1unJpBIC3UU_3L0bEUdQEAz4Z-iX3BQqqBawVYpq8nW2FR4WO6xCBDlhvN8SBSTb8B2n26AOjyOrnwvivaWvpSvryxZKymHiGd7vc8YB5kdFGN8zt7g8sZvdbqB0/s463/23511787._SX318_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFq2X1ukef9102NW1unJpBIC3UU_3L0bEUdQEAz4Z-iX3BQqqBawVYpq8nW2FR4WO6xCBDlhvN8SBSTb8B2n26AOjyOrnwvivaWvpSvryxZKymHiGd7vc8YB5kdFGN8zt7g8sZvdbqB0/s320/23511787._SX318_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>The Map To Everywhere</i>, as always, was amazing. Despite already being familiar with the story, it wasn't hard to get swept up in the wonder of the worldbuilding and adventure. Fin and Marrill continue to be relatable, awesome, and a great team together. I'd 1000 percent recommend the story to anyone that hasn't read it! (Fun fact: I stumbled upon an <i>Avatar</i> reference in the book, which I hadn't picked up on earlier since I hadn't watched the show.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbUX8yaxy8H4iqM7cYnnxK-sHzuwz-eee7fINg0rpy_23M5WykixJpcqWI2co3_-_2jzwWX-UUokG2nAI-BdZLPs9JaypOWQs6fLrxAgtD9_eZtLWyDSAnf7CO08R83ms7JfFBbKx2Qk//" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbUX8yaxy8H4iqM7cYnnxK-sHzuwz-eee7fINg0rpy_23M5WykixJpcqWI2co3_-_2jzwWX-UUokG2nAI-BdZLPs9JaypOWQs6fLrxAgtD9_eZtLWyDSAnf7CO08R83ms7JfFBbKx2Qk/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> On the blog I started a new series called Bookish Opinions, in honor of Stepping Stones Book Reviews' blogiversary and as a way to discuss some of the hot topics in the literary world. So far I've posted about<a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-bookish-opinion-story-length-plus.html" target="_blank"> the impact of story lengths</a>, <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-bookish-opinion-formats-of-publishing.html" target="_blank">different book formats</a>, and <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-bookish-opinion-disabilitiesmedical.html" target="_blank">disability/chronic illness representation in fiction</a>. I'm also hosting my first giveaway via Goodreads, which you can find more about below!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> I am currently reading (and hope to finish!) <i>Smoke and Shadow</i>, <i>The Book Thief</i>, and an ARC of <i>Shadow</i>, Kara Swanson's sequel to <i>Dust</i>!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtc9u18URz3rJSSt4IJ56EHDfW7c1mhwoZ63yUWXDU1h_e5Poy-vHkRRGDqjxtqSKF5qEDeusZdeYU_CZz3oudOMfUHMPEZLcP-VYog2o-CVHXWWEITb9ZyjxX03YOHIQqyesvPd70EA/s400/28588125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtc9u18URz3rJSSt4IJ56EHDfW7c1mhwoZ63yUWXDU1h_e5Poy-vHkRRGDqjxtqSKF5qEDeusZdeYU_CZz3oudOMfUHMPEZLcP-VYog2o-CVHXWWEITb9ZyjxX03YOHIQqyesvPd70EA/s320/28588125.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b>Synopsis:</b><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b></span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif"><i><span style="color: #333333;">Th</span><span style="color: #161616;">e Fire Nation is threatened by a prophecy told by the Kemurikage--mysterious figures thought only to exist in legend: "remove Zuko from the throne or the country will perish!" Unrest is brewing as the New Ozai Society prepares to make its move against the crown, and children begin to go missing from their homes under mysterious circumstances! Avatar Aang and his friends are doing everything in their power to save them--but will it be enough?!</span></i></span></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxSeWEiCoCDEF_V5JQHBGWWp7RyGWK1O_-BRPBjFE48EnWd2InThDe7f6jLZ5qntXl1elU4PGYLFwh68wLNyscFSEb1pnbXmWpiclUo_OBvCac50E0SMMSCwch26MkqP2kLR12AmM0HI/s475/19063._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxSeWEiCoCDEF_V5JQHBGWWp7RyGWK1O_-BRPBjFE48EnWd2InThDe7f6jLZ5qntXl1elU4PGYLFwh68wLNyscFSEb1pnbXmWpiclUo_OBvCac50E0SMMSCwch26MkqP2kLR12AmM0HI/s320/19063._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #181818;"><b>Synopsis:</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;">When Death has a story to tell, you listen.</i></span></div></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif"><i><br /></i></span></div><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.</i></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif"><i><br /></i></span></div><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. </i></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif"><i><br /></i></span></div><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.</i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqEaGssDCPr26CKBK3776apis7ojVo-0HxjX7ExdSrg8TljdH5w2D61Tt2wLy1CHtgiUYklfplXli9Yd1Ov1sNksDANyrPzTQcAjfVg3y9fKvjMJXSS9DshRIcNgSQpzUJYyWbnueuGI/s800/56682534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqEaGssDCPr26CKBK3776apis7ojVo-0HxjX7ExdSrg8TljdH5w2D61Tt2wLy1CHtgiUYklfplXli9Yd1Ov1sNksDANyrPzTQcAjfVg3y9fKvjMJXSS9DshRIcNgSQpzUJYyWbnueuGI/s320/56682534.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span id="freeText18059403286618232300" style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><b>Synopsis: </b></span></span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><i>Desperate to rescue Claire and the fractured Lost Boys, Peter must unravel what truly tore his dreamland apart. But with each step, he is haunted by more of his own broken memories. Not even Pan himself is what he seems.</i></span></div><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Claire Kenton is chained to a pirate ship, watching the wreckage of Neverland rocked by tempests. When she finally finds her brother, Connor is every bit as shattered as the island. Claire may have pixie dust flowing in her veins—but the light of Neverland is flickering dangerously close to going out forever.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">To rescue Neverland from the inescapable shadow, the boy who never grew up and the girl who grew up too fast will have to sacrifice the only thing they have left: each other.</span></span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for looking at my bookshelf with me. I hope you enjoyed reading about it! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>What about you? Have you read or recognized any of the books I listed? What are YOU reading this week? </span><span style="font-family: arial;">If you also put a </span><i style="font-family: arial;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading? </i><span style="font-family: arial;">post on your blog, please link to it in the comments so I can check it out.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> Like I mentioned earlier, I'm hosting my first giveaway via Goodreads, offering FREE, SIGNED COPIES of Kara Swanson's <i>Dust </i>and Kaley Rhea's <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>! Scroll below to find out how to enter.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></span></div><div><ol><li>Sign up for a Goodreads account (if you don't have one already!)</li><li>Follow me (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/117855227-jadesky-stepping-stones-book-reviews" target="_blank">JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews</a>), <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16829062.Kaley_Rhea" target="_blank">Kaley Rhea</a>, AND <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a> on Goodreads.</li><li>Post a comment below this blog post telling me you entered.</li><li>Wait for the winner! (Announced June 4, 2021) </li></ol></div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Tomorrow is the big day...the day I first started this blog! To celebrate, I'm posting a Top Ten Tuesday list about some of my favorite posts on here!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(Photo Credit: </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@kqpho" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Koroush Qaffari</a> <span style="font-family: arial;">of Unsplash)</span></div></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-258901170475510652021-05-21T07:14:00.000-04:002021-05-21T07:14:17.207-04:00A Bookish Opinion: Disabilities/Medical Conditions in Literature<p> <span style="font-family: arial;"> Hello! If you've stuck around my blog for a little, you've learned that this month marks the one-year anniversary of my blog, and to celebrate, I'm starting a type of post called Bookish Opinions. This Friday's topic is less clear-cut, but I'm excited to be able to share my thoughts about it with you. The things we're the most passionate about make for the best discussions, right?</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHzy4169zV1DK8deyFEuV6mxghDDFQNtdbMopLM2mXyruXb05FqCGBz4gQd4oYTuNja_ZVCOx_8WSJipzbVRw2iSY_ZNQPrMRq6DBI6xzQGkseCYLPRb2vAlwmHLf42W7qIm9ERJQq0E//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHzy4169zV1DK8deyFEuV6mxghDDFQNtdbMopLM2mXyruXb05FqCGBz4gQd4oYTuNja_ZVCOx_8WSJipzbVRw2iSY_ZNQPrMRq6DBI6xzQGkseCYLPRb2vAlwmHLf42W7qIm9ERJQq0E/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Facts</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> With calls for diverse representation in fiction, significantly helped by the #ownvoices movement, more people are asking for stories to educate, inspire, and enlighten the world about various life, social, and cultural experiences that have been underrepresented or unknown in fiction. One of these subjects is the inclusion of well written characters with disabilities or chronic pain. Whether born with or given to them, obvious or not-so-obvious, it's true that more and more readers (and authors!) are hoping to find or write books that feature this element. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> However, like with all representation, it can be hard to figure out <i>how</i> to include these conditions, especially when there hasn't been many examples of it in the past. Below are the two ways I've seen these characters featured in storytelling, and my conclusions on handling the subject based off of that.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IW-eQflxZXUDkpMidkJUCsT3Vp_EEY5ejs41s6s3RRBavD01N-Cb2D8TDIbihos7-0Xc2NvU-IOMBeAcSzlF8J2DamsI9rNQ0IQBf-0BApfSoaNl2-ZF3GoGEFj3SYK_Iy2MUaQvQiQ//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="501" data-original-width="458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IW-eQflxZXUDkpMidkJUCsT3Vp_EEY5ejs41s6s3RRBavD01N-Cb2D8TDIbihos7-0Xc2NvU-IOMBeAcSzlF8J2DamsI9rNQ0IQBf-0BApfSoaNl2-ZF3GoGEFj3SYK_Iy2MUaQvQiQ/w365-h400/image.png" width="365" /></a></div></div><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Overcomer</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b>This is the most well known example I see right now in disability/chronic illness representation. In this type of story the character realizes they seem different from everyone around them, wishes to be "normal", and eventually embrace their unique talents and skills, finding the issue they're noticed for is a part of who they are. Many, and I'd say most, books with these characters are structured this way. There is also a branch of this where the character is more comfortable with who they are, but the people around them must adjust to their new normal. Often an Overcomer title is set in today's world with well-researched situations. Some popular and well written examples of this are R. J. Palacio's <i>Wonder</i>, Dusti Bowling's <i>Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus</i>, and Jamie Sumner's <i>Roll With It</i>. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> This type of representation is a great way to both introduce not-so-known conditions into readers' lives, while helping people with the disabilities or illness feel heard and known. It also touches on universal themes such as the desire to be accepted and finding one's identity. A pitfall with using this way of writing is that it can run the risk of treating the condition like an obstacle to be fought against. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa-B6_PGocuYGbbLqiZEtzCoW7bZf32_HZCwaBSh9IMgxdaSM4Zq_0OV5nPp_WV5IvWptoln7k6iLRr3GNT_FToGNqznoorfwST_-efLGA61-RKpDtGyZBiWwAS6x5dryIqZhpJEskMw//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa-B6_PGocuYGbbLqiZEtzCoW7bZf32_HZCwaBSh9IMgxdaSM4Zq_0OV5nPp_WV5IvWptoln7k6iLRr3GNT_FToGNqznoorfwST_-efLGA61-RKpDtGyZBiWwAS6x5dryIqZhpJEskMw/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Extraordinary Hero</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> The other type of story I've seen used in this context is the one of the "extraordinary hero". In this I mean that the character lives with a disability or chronic illness, but their role in the story is not related to the condition itself. In other words, it is a part of them, but more focus is given to the other aspects of their character. There are a couple of stories with this theme, though not as many as the Overcomer plot. Some well-written examples of this are Elizabeth Eulberg's <i>The Great Shelby Holmes</i>, Michelle Jabukowski's <i>Sidney and Sydney</i>, Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis' <i>The Map To Everywhere, </i>and Brian Selznick's <i>Wonderstruck</i>. Two examples of this I've seen in mainstream media are the portrayals of Hiccup in the <i>How to Train Your Dragon</i> films, and Toph and Zuko in Nickelodeon's <i>Avatar: The Last Airbender</i>. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> This type of representation is a great way to foster that "you can't judge a book by its cover" mentality, encouraging people to show more compassion and friendliness in real life encounters. It can be refreshing to read about characters who own who they are, not letting their condition stop them from reaching high, living well, or even finding humor in the situation. One difficulty with authors trying this approach is they can be tempted to focus so much on making the character powerful that they forget to mention how their disability would affect their day-to-day life. It can also be tricky to understand how to include all the research or experience they have on the subject, especially if the representation takes place in a sci-fi or fantasy world. The Extraordinary Hero approach can be rewarding, but it's not easy to write, which may be the reason we don't have more of these stories.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjONCPR4jEnHJ9j7o0LqzAmK-rngJUXw1GoOfw_iLdF9tsTU_SDv_NPxbK7nBoJweNGOozZur3x3-ME13ZoFJtlL5P1AXk96SRJx7AhLBkz30xdfgxLbbIRjJvcvdhgRjqTHmPo9GFWo//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="853" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjONCPR4jEnHJ9j7o0LqzAmK-rngJUXw1GoOfw_iLdF9tsTU_SDv_NPxbK7nBoJweNGOozZur3x3-ME13ZoFJtlL5P1AXk96SRJx7AhLBkz30xdfgxLbbIRjJvcvdhgRjqTHmPo9GFWo/w400-h235/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Need</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> I've learned that representation of all sorts, whether it's disabilities, chronic pain, or something else, takes time and perseverance to get accurate and relatable portrayals in the media. For so long various societal, cultural, and physical conditions have been unknown or misrepresented, and while there are people working to change that in today's world, it doesn't mean that it's going to be easy.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> However, I believe that the struggle is worth it, especially because stories impact people in a way that other mediums can't. Joy Caroline, a young author writing a project with a chronically ill character, writes, "I feel like the main reason we don't run into physically weak characters very often is because we don't know how to write them...[W]e avoid those characters in our stories. And that's wrong! If we learn to write these characters effectively, they can add something very special and powerful to our stories."</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> I agree with Joy Caroline. We not only want more representation of these characters in stories, but we <i>need</i> them. It's time for more authors' voices to be heard, ones that are willing to do the research, immerse themselves into the community, and fight for a new narrative readers may not be used to. It's time for more stories to be created, both about living with medical conditions and people who don't let it define them. It's time for the literary world to encourage more understanding, inclusion, and broken stereotypes when it comes to these subjects.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTej9gHNe2tX0P8dx2kb1d-w6La8kkYYD7pzSBXtMbK6baFIKbvepO5Gtmrf1zYRozMKuSpTwtKdYeEEOODFTDq1cS7MQdpdDKO7YOCv5BfTDETkIuct3Eo04yiRyAe5C-KWE-x8r_tLQ//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="667" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTej9gHNe2tX0P8dx2kb1d-w6La8kkYYD7pzSBXtMbK6baFIKbvepO5Gtmrf1zYRozMKuSpTwtKdYeEEOODFTDq1cS7MQdpdDKO7YOCv5BfTDETkIuct3Eo04yiRyAe5C-KWE-x8r_tLQ/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">In Short...</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><b><span> </span><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b> There is a growing need for disabled or chronically ill characters in fiction, both from readers' and the authors' perspectives. Two prominent ways of including these characters are found in the Overcomer and the Extraordinary Hero methods. Both have the capacity to be written well, and both have their own obstacles to get through when writing or considering writing each type. Overall, though, they aim to accomplish the same goal: welcoming chronically-affected characters to a better place in the literary world.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Though it can be trickier to pull off, I prefer reading and watching the Extraordinary Hero method, because it gives you an even greater sense of who the person is. Not to say that characters in an Overcomer story are poorly developed, but often I get a better picture of the character themselves through them being an Extraordinary Hero, taking part in the unrelated, exciting plot. Even when an Extraordinary Hero is a side or background character, like Marrill's mom in <i>The Map to Everywhere </i>or Sidney's friend Gomez in the Sidney and Sydney books, the impact they have just by being there can be powerful.<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> There's a long way to go before we can claim full representation of physically struggling characters in literature, but the fact that more and more authors, publishing houses, and readers are paying attention to this says volumes about the steps we're taking.</span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> Thanks for letting me share this Bookish Opinion! I hope you enjoyed reading through it. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have anything to add, have a great example I didn't list on here, or just want to share your thoughts. I'm excited to hear them!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> My blogiversary giveaway is going on all throughout this month, which means you can still enter! Scroll below to see how YOU can have a chance to win free signed copies of Kara Swanson's Dust and Kaley and Rhonda Rhea's <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>!<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></span></div><div><ol><li>Sign up for a Goodreads account (if you don't have one already!)</li><li>Follow me (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/117855227-jadesky-stepping-stones-book-reviews" target="_blank">JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews</a>), <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16829062.Kaley_Rhea" target="_blank">Kaley Rhea</a>, AND <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a> on Goodreads.</li><li>Post a comment below this blog post telling me you entered.</li><li>Wait for the winner! (Announced June 4, 2021) </li></ol><div><span> If you want more information about the details of winning, head over to <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-bookish-opinion-story-length-plus.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a> and scroll down until you see the banner. </span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span> Next week, in honor of the Big Anniversary on Tuesday, I'm going to be bringing back my Week of Book Memes! Join me Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for all new posts, all about some of my favorite book blogging events.</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>(Note: For further reading on this subject, please check out <a href="https://bookriot.com/disability-representation-in-childrens-books/" target="_blank">Book Riot's article on disability representation</a> and <a href="https://joycarolineauthor.com/2021/01/07/how-to-write-about-characters-in-permanent-physical-pain/" target="_blank">Joy Caroline's tips on writing about them</a>. A huge thanks to Joy Caroline for letting me quote from and link to her post!) </div><div><br /></div><div>(Photo Credits: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jbcreate_" target="_blank">Joseph Barrientos</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@ricardo4to" target="_blank">Ricardo IV Tamayo</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@audin" target="_blank">Audi Nissen</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@alfonsmc10" target="_blank">Alfons Morales</a>, <a href="<img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1452421822248-d4c2b47f0c81?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&amp;ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80" alt="flat ray photography of book, pencil, camera, and with lens"/>" target="_blank">Dariusz Sankowski</a> from Unsplash)</div></span></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-11646502803012874832021-05-13T21:49:00.004-04:002021-05-14T06:42:40.834-04:00A Bookish Opinion: Formats of Publishing<p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Hi! If you saw last week's post, then you've already figured out that this month is my blog's first anniversary, which I'm celebrating through a new blog series called Bookish Opinions.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This Friday's topic is another fun, much-discussed one: the different formats we use to invite stories into our lives. </span></p><p><span><span></span><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VvCeDs2jykfhvjleQC__lTYCOIFnASrfWgnJUULJGWJBILYCOvg_Rry6PqXiKwWt1_QwvGKUV9VnXljmOEQRA26fjgGXh9EQnSrobAoqx9Vf3u_fAD7EXQS5cMQaR0Q79_MXdz-ySFw//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="753" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VvCeDs2jykfhvjleQC__lTYCOIFnASrfWgnJUULJGWJBILYCOvg_Rry6PqXiKwWt1_QwvGKUV9VnXljmOEQRA26fjgGXh9EQnSrobAoqx9Vf3u_fAD7EXQS5cMQaR0Q79_MXdz-ySFw/w400-h265/image.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Listening and Looking</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> The means a story is told are often overlooked by other writing choices that make a tale what it is. Genre. Mood. Tone. Characterization. Plot. But, at its core, the way you choose to read a book is often just as important. Whether we realize it or not, listening to a story versus reading words on a page has a direct impact on how we view the book, how we interact with it, and how we remember it.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Like before, I've divided up the main formats of published books into three sections: print, audio, and electronic. While there are certainly numerous other ways to tell a story, these are the ones I see used the most often. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUGCCcJ6hJn2_hGFI9TYCHmt_p0Fw-K5RhLOItI3ZWRYzoPgg-P3WIcR3acgvKUowWdT45-OCcMu7SfwY-1jyfZp_EBxhrbKwaxlOGT7lcVapHjcRYKrLjDXN6tVqHo8uFHe3lH4lPZw//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUGCCcJ6hJn2_hGFI9TYCHmt_p0Fw-K5RhLOItI3ZWRYzoPgg-P3WIcR3acgvKUowWdT45-OCcMu7SfwY-1jyfZp_EBxhrbKwaxlOGT7lcVapHjcRYKrLjDXN6tVqHo8uFHe3lH4lPZw/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Print Books</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b>Most people are pretty familiar with printed books. Whether hardcover or paperback, each one is produced and distributed either through a publishing house or an indie author's budget. To many this is the most familiar way to read, and I am no exception!</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Again, this type of format is usually what people think of when they hear the word "book", and because of that I'd say print books are the most popular method of enjoying a story. Print books are nice in that you can get off a screen. As most of us have and use screens in our everyday lives, it's refreshing to be able to have a hobby that's doesn't necessarily involve picking up a phone or computer. There is a centuries-old pleasure in curling up by a warm fireplace, in a cozy corner of your bedroom, or a comfortable couch and getting lost in a world of adventures. And, this may sound a little weird, but I love discovering for myself how new and old books smell, sound, and look! </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> The only downside of reading print books is the fact that paper is very much a part of any of them. Papercuts, stains (water and otherwise), and scribbled on or torn pages is always a risk whenever you open a printed book. </span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvzpY2xsBH-P5I_Ir8THwdoBwA2-2gZYkloxa75EKvqCKMmzGS3WZ988drWj_Gnf87dzi1upHN5ROOiLe__CzElgMBL7YYQOqc8ge8o6FmJrj0ijXYJshxPuRx82sj6neyVtP1tuoQ88//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="781" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvzpY2xsBH-P5I_Ir8THwdoBwA2-2gZYkloxa75EKvqCKMmzGS3WZ988drWj_Gnf87dzi1upHN5ROOiLe__CzElgMBL7YYQOqc8ge8o6FmJrj0ijXYJshxPuRx82sj6neyVtP1tuoQ88/w400-h256/image.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Audiobooks</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> Audiobooks are often as in-demand as printed copies. Audiobooks are simply that: someone paid to read aloud an unabridged version of your latest pick. These are most often produced and distributed by publishing houses or audiobook publishing companies, as it takes a lot more money, time, and technical options to produce one for an indie novel.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> There are several perks to relying on audiobooks: as each story is recorded for you to listen to, you can get through books faster, and even multitask while you're listening! People who find it hard to read due to factors like learning disabilities or blindness would also be able to enjoy a story without worrying about slogging through a printed copy. There's also no opportunity to speed read...audiobook readers can and often do take their time reading every sentence, cradling every syllable.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>That's not to say audiobooks are without faults: sometimes the person reading can be difficult to understand, and often you can't find an audiobook for everything. It also may be harder to concentrate on other responsibilities if you're also trying to listen to how so-and-so fought a certain enemy. Those reasons are mainly why I don't turn to audiobooks myself. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2u6ih78COrI0lFBIJfxueXxD_oz-_3Z2BOlbFXZ0eIhAinZ8XGAwzjIhdtRsUWq_HzWQL4KOPF5wTJHMhIRo0pBBv8hYwcnjr-8eatdwS3VWonIGb21d8DH_hkLu1_w-oSooryXTbo4//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2u6ih78COrI0lFBIJfxueXxD_oz-_3Z2BOlbFXZ0eIhAinZ8XGAwzjIhdtRsUWq_HzWQL4KOPF5wTJHMhIRo0pBBv8hYwcnjr-8eatdwS3VWonIGb21d8DH_hkLu1_w-oSooryXTbo4/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>E-Books</b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> With Amazon's release of the first Kindle in 2007, and a gradually growing market who appreciated and demanded digital copies of their favorite stories, the e-book format was born. This has revolutionized the literary world as we know it, and it's safe to say we're not likely to be heading back soon.</span><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> If you asked me about my opinion on e-books last year, I would have waved them off, saying that they weren't "real books". After all, what was so great about reading words on a screen for hours at a time? Then COVID-19 hit, and desperate for new stories, I turned to e-books and my long-abandoned Kindle. There, I discovered that e-books had features and opportunities I never knew existed, such as the ability to highlight, the removed temptation to "skip to the end", and being able to share your annotations on Goodreads. When my library reopened, I immediately started reserving print books again, but I'd say that my view on virtual ones will continue to remain changed.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> E-books are unique in that they are portable, are a great way to encourage videogame/Internet lovers to try reading, and relatively inexpensive. A downside to e-books, like I mentioned earlier, would be the constant staring at a screen. There is also the danger of buying <i>too</i> many e-books, which take up all of your storage space on your device. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmnnM7pHXWDOocwhF_cDz5x8Noz30QHhyphenhypheng3i0SdX9tVTL3GZtIIIn0KiHFfOI8UjJjkjVtrrMJrrtlfQe0ZphvzDFjq0ZPxKRCX0vRMQ7ORIFoxCzFcoAMomFBbYq9xe2vP2rxV0vIeI//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="501" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmnnM7pHXWDOocwhF_cDz5x8Noz30QHhyphenhypheng3i0SdX9tVTL3GZtIIIn0KiHFfOI8UjJjkjVtrrMJrrtlfQe0ZphvzDFjq0ZPxKRCX0vRMQ7ORIFoxCzFcoAMomFBbYq9xe2vP2rxV0vIeI/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">In Short...</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><b><span> </span><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b> Print books, audiobooks, and e-books, if nothing else, impact the way you interact with and view a story. Print books are great to get the whole reading experience, audiobooks allow a different way to savor a story, and e-books are affordable and practical. All three formats have their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of use and how they affect your reading habits.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> My preferred format would be a tie between print and e-book. While print copies will always have a special place in my heart, I've discovered the advantages of using e-books too. Both offer me different ways to experience and remember all sorts of adventures, quotes, and ideas that have influenced or inspired me. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>That, thankfully, doesn't change, whether you're flipping a page, popping in some earbuds, or swiping your finger across a screen.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> Thanks for checking out my latest Bookish Opinion! It was so much fun getting to write this post, and I hope you enjoyed reading through it. Don't hesitate to leave a message in the comments if you have more questions or thoughts.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span> My blogiversary giveaway is going on all throughout this month, which means you can still enter! Scroll below to see how YOU can have a chance to win free signed copies of Kara Swanson's Dust and Kaley and Rhonda Rhea's <i>Off-Script and Over-Caffeinated</i>!<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><span><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></span></div><div><ol><li>Sign up for a Goodreads account (if you don't have one already!)</li><li>Follow me (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/117855227-jadesky-stepping-stones-book-reviews" target="_blank">JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews</a>), <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16829062.Kaley_Rhea" target="_blank">Kaley Rhea</a>, AND <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a> on Goodreads.</li><li>Post a comment below this blog post telling me you entered.</li><li>Wait for the winner! (Announced June 4, 2021) </li></ol><div><span> If you want more information about the details of winning, head over to <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-bookish-opinion-story-length-plus.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a> and scroll down until you see the banner. </span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span> The blog-celebrating fun continues next Friday, where I'll be sharing a Bookish Opinion that is very personal to me and my own way of telling stories.</span><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>(Note: The photos used were taken by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@hollymandarich" target="_blank">Holly Mandarich</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@matias_north" target="_blank">Matias North</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@neonbrand" target="_blank">NeONBRAND</a>, and <a href="https://unsplash.com/@edgarinn" target="_blank">Edgar Castro</a> of Unsplash.) </div></span></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-2187348397329769872021-05-07T06:46:00.000-04:002021-05-14T06:42:15.164-04:00A Bookish Opinion: Story Length (Plus Goodreads Giveaway!) <p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span> Hey, everyone! If you were able to catch my blog post last week, I promised yet another book review. Well, after posting, I remembered that next week was the first week of May.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Why is that detail so important? Well, because May is the month I first started this blog.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> Yes, it's been a year since I started posting, and this blog has grown so much more than I ever thought or hoped it could. I wanted to do something special to celebrate the occasion (okay, more than a few somethings), and so I came up with a new, month-long post series: Bookish Opinions!</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span> Bookish Opinions is just that: me writing on some of the most popular, widely debated, and overall fun topics that are floating around in the book world. I hope that this will be a chance for me to share more about myself outside of blog tags and book reviews, and that it'll be a way to jumpstart more conversations with readers old and new. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span> Today, I'm starting the series with a topic that I'm sure many bookworms will have an opinion on: story lengths! How short is too short for a story to grab your heart and soul? How many page numbers should you focus on if you want to continue to read or write well?</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span><span><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbUX8yaxy8H4iqM7cYnnxK-sHzuwz-eee7fINg0rpy_23M5WykixJpcqWI2co3_-_2jzwWX-UUokG2nAI-BdZLPs9JaypOWQs6fLrxAgtD9_eZtLWyDSAnf7CO08R83ms7JfFBbKx2Qk//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbUX8yaxy8H4iqM7cYnnxK-sHzuwz-eee7fINg0rpy_23M5WykixJpcqWI2co3_-_2jzwWX-UUokG2nAI-BdZLPs9JaypOWQs6fLrxAgtD9_eZtLWyDSAnf7CO08R83ms7JfFBbKx2Qk/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The Effect of a Word Count</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Like it or not, how long you make a story impacts it, in every way possible. The most obvious would probably be the characters, plot, setting, and theme.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> If you're reading a five-paragraph snippet, compared to a two hundred plus page saga, the amount of words will determine to an extent each character's background, emotional depth, and place in the story. Complex villains, for example, will be harder to pull off with fewer words, while a multi-chaptered story allows the author to both foreshadow and heighten all of the skills and power of this character. You can only have one plot in a short story, otherwise the rest of it gets confusing. No time to describe the place your characters interact in if you can only put down a couple of sentences about it. And, like the growth of characters mentioned above, it's much, much harder to pull off a thought-provoking theme when you don't have time to elaborate on how twisted it really is. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> Notice that I said <i>to an extent</i>...I have definitely read memorable, clever, and emotion-packed short stories that have said more about the human experience than an entire book series. Yet you can't deny that the amount of pages a story is allowed to have (or the author had time to write) is so much more than a word count. It's a way of seeing how much potential an idea has, how the author expresses it, and how he or she uses it in the story. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> Right now I know of three separate types of stories, all categorized based on their lengths. Short stories are about 20 to 7, 500 words. Novellas are about 7, 500 to 39, 999 words. (I'm putting novellas and novelettes together because I categorize them in similar ways, plus I want to keep this post shorter!) Finally novels are 40,000 or more words.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span>So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of each type of length? Keep scrolling to look at my thoughts. </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjhS44e9SZpzD7vhUniQzJ09kxa1BU_bkaDAq3u9TFpx3KQo_d5ifdF9fwcxMX5h0BYDslxPjHRDsssSC0VPRmX2JcnFySTADPZt7g_9KjtvRR2hISNWUhPw1dTWEpCrcflGBzww1tJ0//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="501" data-original-width="750" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjhS44e9SZpzD7vhUniQzJ09kxa1BU_bkaDAq3u9TFpx3KQo_d5ifdF9fwcxMX5h0BYDslxPjHRDsssSC0VPRmX2JcnFySTADPZt7g_9KjtvRR2hISNWUhPw1dTWEpCrcflGBzww1tJ0/w400-h268/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Short Stories</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b>Like you may have guessed from my introduction above, I have a love-hate relationship when it comes to short stories. On one hand, short stories can be horribly done and rushed because the author is trying to fit so many things into one or two scenes. Short stories have proven to be helpful for writers trying to hone their craft, but today I feel learning them is skimmed over in favor of trying to create bigger and longer works.</span><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> On another hand, short stories can be powerful, having an impact novels can only dream of. They're easier for more people to read and enjoy, as due to busy schedules not everyone has time to sit down and flip through an entire book. Short stories are also nice because of their lack of continuity. Unlike many novels, I don't have to step back and worry about if I've been missing context or need to check out the rest of the series before reading. Though they may leave you wanting more (especially during the end!), well done short stories are able to play with this factor, giving you just enough story information to intrigue you and spark your imagination through all of the things they didn't mention.</span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE_2NH2oEYk8XWDRAv0A-Bg8sWR_laAKHvWBqQ4YPMHlu_L-LIGHyiKN7LIzpaaTtKXHPC-wfpFqCkpN9w9KMUpQqD88Y-LHYXbCs1Ma6z3cSP643wvnl8I8m33G4fWqLLdjgxafdTJk//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="667" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE_2NH2oEYk8XWDRAv0A-Bg8sWR_laAKHvWBqQ4YPMHlu_L-LIGHyiKN7LIzpaaTtKXHPC-wfpFqCkpN9w9KMUpQqD88Y-LHYXbCs1Ma6z3cSP643wvnl8I8m33G4fWqLLdjgxafdTJk/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Novellas</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> These are a bit interesting in that the author loved the story enough to keep writing, but didn't want it to reach the full, daunting length of a novel. Again, I'd say that the weaknesses of novellas are similar to the ones that short stories often carry: too short, with skipped over character development, plot twists, and worldbuilding due to its length.</span><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> However, novellas are great both for practice with longer, harder concepts as writers, and finding the author "voice" you enjoy as readers. Novellas are a great way for, again, people with busy schedules to have enough time to read a book and enjoy it. Another great strength of novellas is that they allow authors to write more about underdeveloped, new, or background characters from novels and series they've already created, or just try new plots and concepts out without having to plan a whole, long saga. </span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn5i4lBOetecr7iimsQFdWSNMHAjpTdTP1ZG5z_tuEgLhHbkflTfXPs-8CsccDG3mKjD6wFcef3ziPaEdR6_eCKNe08V-uNclbxGDPNBnaeASlinrysVfTOSPk0M1gzM92G5ctkr8jlg//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn5i4lBOetecr7iimsQFdWSNMHAjpTdTP1ZG5z_tuEgLhHbkflTfXPs-8CsccDG3mKjD6wFcef3ziPaEdR6_eCKNe08V-uNclbxGDPNBnaeASlinrysVfTOSPk0M1gzM92G5ctkr8jlg/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Novels</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span> At their best, I love novels. Novels are the standard heroes of the literary world. A well-written novel can impact so many readers' lives, provide a great, unique storyline, tackle themes and story concepts in different ways, and truly whisk you away to another world, filled with friends you root for, scenes that make you laugh or cry, and antagonists you fight alongside the characters. </span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> Novels are also one of the hardest types and lengths of stories to pull off! (Believe me, I've made five so far, and I'm still learning.) There are new, full-length stories coming out all the time, and it's hard to stand out, especially if you're a new writer. Novels have so much potential to dive into the complex, but so often lack of life experience and not knowing your audience can make an attempt to do so flop. Unlike short stories and novellas, there are all sorts of tropes and stereotypes that have been done until the life is sucked out of them, and little details that usually need to stick to one genre. Novels are also more memorable in a reader's mind. It's less likely that I'm going to continue to verbally support an author's work if I didn't agree with how they killed off a character, handled a difficult theme, or wasted so much potential with a setting or plot twist.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUxNMzLl8pqfDJ-TL1MSzocPucL3UWE6D2U-R5N4DHOiSATH5YZT8RcH01jKWDHo0Iu0sukh53mx2dTbqNNacmQ3vk9m4aWWVIrnBXUjlMzB1Lu9ETG6e2YBCKLQgQ90NLsq7-BtOrVc//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="501" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUxNMzLl8pqfDJ-TL1MSzocPucL3UWE6D2U-R5N4DHOiSATH5YZT8RcH01jKWDHo0Iu0sukh53mx2dTbqNNacmQ3vk9m4aWWVIrnBXUjlMzB1Lu9ETG6e2YBCKLQgQ90NLsq7-BtOrVc/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">In Short...</span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><b><span> </span><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><b> </b>No matter what length of story you choose to read, each has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of what its potential is based on word count. While some are more obvious, such as character development and plot, all of them impact the piece in its own way, whether you're reading about a warrior princess, a faraway galaxy, a Western showdown, or just an ordinary person.<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span> Despite all the ways that novels can go wrong, I still think they have enough worth and potential to be considered my favorite story length. Novels, while tricky to pull off, are capable of emotion, empathy, and a shared experience with millions from every walk of life. The complexity of a novel in and of itself makes it the most challenging story length to write well, but also one of the most rewarding to complete, polish, and share with the world. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> Whether short stories, novellas, or longer, I'll continue to be thankful we have so many stories of all lengths to enjoy.</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> Thanks for looking at my first Bookish Opinion! I know this is a bit different from what I usually post, but I'm excited to try this idea out and see what sort of conversations it sparks.</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span> And now...here's the huge announcement that I promised you a week ago! Again, this idea is happening because of this site's blogiversary month. Since I wanted to host another fun event tied to this blog's founding (which did NOT include my Week of Book Memes for this month), I am offering my first-ever book giveaway through Goodreads!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/s2048/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lBx5nOtgDf_-28IRgOB5gaNo-LoMN1eoxpopAaQo4LzRPu7Z1SwxBAymEFcpCBxJHyQdIXsb6zhCHZ8tX21yy-Yotvv5Em55g7qJTBnuMVu7S_4plc8_0kSkrDnKmLwB76NJQTX9u9E/w640-h360/Copy+of+Stepping+Stones+Book+Reviews+Week+of+Book+Memes+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> The lucky winner(s) of this giveaway will receive free, <b>signed</b> copies of Rhonda and Kaley Rhea's <i>Off Script and Over-Caffeinated </i>AND Kara Swanson's <i>Dust</i>! (If you enter outside the U.S., you will receive e-book copies.) I've reviewed both books on this blog already and been able to interview Kaley Rhea and Kara Swanson separate times, so I already know the books included in the giveaway, as well as the kind, wonderful ladies themselves. <br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span> To sign up:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Sign up for a Goodreads account (if you don't have one already!)</li><li>Follow me (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/117855227-jadesky-stepping-stones-book-reviews" target="_blank">JadeSky: Stepping Stones Book Reviews</a>), <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16829062.Kaley_Rhea" target="_blank">Kaley Rhea</a>, AND <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Kara Swanson</a> on Goodreads.</li><li>Post a comment below this blog post telling me you entered.</li><li>Wait for the winner! (Announced June 4, 2021) </li></ol></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"> There is no age requirement or limit for this giveaway, though you'll need to be comfortable sharing your email address or IRL location if you win. The day that results are announced, I will send a private message to who won <b>on Goodreads</b> so that they can communicate with the author or me about book shipping details. <br /></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span>I am so, so excited about this opportunity and hope that you'll consider entering. Again, both books are fun, thought-provoking, and would be literary gems in any avid reader's collection. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> Another announcement: my Review Policy page is fully updated! I've decided to keep my review policy and request policy page separate, so go to the Review Policy tab and click on the link at the top if you want to know more.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> Well, that's all for now! Join me next Friday for another Bookish Opinion, focusing on print books, e-books, and audiobooks. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span><span><span>(The photos used were taken by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@kqpho" target="_blank">Koroush Qaffari</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@romankraft" target="_blank">Roman Kraft</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@blazphoto" target="_blank">Blaz Photo</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@chrislawton" target="_blank">Chris Lawton</a>, and <a href="https://unsplash.com/@linussandvide" target="_blank">Linus Sandvide</a> of Unsplash.) </span></span></span></div></span></span><p></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-18020304387494568602021-04-29T22:12:00.000-04:002021-04-30T07:31:52.872-04:00A Book Review: Big Dog Decisions<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> As planned, here is my book review for the last book in the Sidney and Sydney<i> </i>trilogy: <i>Big Dog Decisions</i>! Again, this was such a fun series to spotlight. I hope that through more posts about it the books will find more of an audience, especially toward the just-learning-to-read age group that they're meant for. You can also look at my reviews for <i>Sidney and Sydney </i>and <i>Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas </i>too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>This review has no spoilers. The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifdYiap5LsvVkjo7-iQeNdlXm2LX7bG1GM9dPCed6dLWorfc_E9iixko2KAkmRxfL89_TmCQmHd6hYQZ7Lp-FlUTv7tOYeP6mNKQdXfMDn8y1C8eisIhftTdXbhDnPT8_5xQbZvfgG9M/s400/20539017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifdYiap5LsvVkjo7-iQeNdlXm2LX7bG1GM9dPCed6dLWorfc_E9iixko2KAkmRxfL89_TmCQmHd6hYQZ7Lp-FlUTv7tOYeP6mNKQdXfMDn8y1C8eisIhftTdXbhDnPT8_5xQbZvfgG9M/s320/20539017.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Title:</b> Big Dog Decisions</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Author: </b>Michelle Jabukowski</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Series:</b> This is the final installment in a chapter book trilogy featuring Sidney and Sydney. Though some of the events mentioned in the book might make more sense if you read it all the way through, this story functions well as a standalone too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Synopsis:</b> <span style="background-color: white;"><i>Everyone loves dogs, right? That seems to be the one thing that Sidney, Sydney, Gomez, and Harley can agree on. What they can't agree on is how to run their new dog walking business. From who makes the posters to who picks up the poop, the foursome is off to a slow start. Big dog decisions must be made, but what will the end result be?</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Language:</b> One kid calls her mom a "neat freak". One "ugh" used in a chapter title. An older brother boasts that he could do better at a job because of his age. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Violence: </b>At the beginning an energetic puppy knocks a small boy over (no injuries though). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Romance/Sexual Stuff: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Spiritual Elements: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Magic: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>References: </b>One kid talks about wanting to name a dog Hershey (after the chocolate brand).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Other Issues: </b>Some rude humor here (involving dog poop and snot). Again, Sydney has some mood swings which don't involve her being the nicest to her friends. At the end of the story the main characters trick some older kids into taking up their dog walking business. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where To Buy:</b> <i>Big Dog Decisions </i>is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1479552275/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1479552275&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=big+dog+decisions+sidney+and+sydney&_sacat=0" target="_blank">eBay</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-dog-decisions-michele-jakubowski/1118400631?ean=9781479552276" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30463863310&searchurl=isbn%3D1479552275%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1" target="_blank">Abebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Big-Dog-Decisions-Michele-Jakubowski/9781479552276" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, <a href="https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=1479552275&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=GwEz7vxblVU&utm_campaign=10&siteID=GwEz7vxblVU-8_97y4YCj40DsTeMUQHopg" target="_blank">Alibris</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/big-dog-decisions/9781479552276-item.html?ref=isbn-search" target="_blank">Indigo</a>, and <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/Big-Dog-Decisions--Sidney---Sydney--9781479552276" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Age Range: </b>I think kids aged 8 and up would enjoy this book the most.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Read Aloud: </b>As I've noted with the rest of the series, this would be a great read aloud, but might be more engaging if the young reader is the one sounding out the words and practicing among friends and family.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Opinion:</b> When I first read through the whole <i>Sidney and Sydney </i>series, I was excited to read the last book in the trilogy...and then found myself disappointed. For me, at least, the premise of the book wasn't as interesting or character-developing as the other two books in the series...and it left me feeling like their story remained incomplete. Yet after flipping through it again to write this review, I started to realize that this last chapter of Sidney and Sydney's adventures is valuable in its own way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> While nothing "big" or life changing happens in this story, the book does touch on several important themes, such as surrounding yourself with good friends, and continuing to work on something even when you don't have the best attitude. What stood out the most to me while rereading was that despite being a generally upbeat, happy-go-lucky feel to it, <i>Big Dog Decisions </i>also carefully handled the fact that not everything turns out how we'd like it to go, and that we won't get everything we want. I was impressed by how well they wove that message into the story without it being overly obvious. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Again, I'd recommend the whole <i>Sidney and Sydney </i>series for anyone who's starting to read more chapter books. However, I want to throw out a new recommendation this week. For <i>anyone</i> who's struggling with things out of their control, please consider reading this book. Even if you think the story is too "young" for you, too simple, too boring. Hopefully, while reading about characters and situations that remind you of your own joyful childhood memories, you'll be reminded that even if things aren't turning out the way they should, even if everything seems disappointing and dark and gloomy, that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow, because of the time you waited and the lessons you learned. There's nothing boring about that. <br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion Questions:</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Why did Sidney and Sydney want pets? How were their reasons different, and how were they the same?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What did Sidney and Sydney learn about running a business?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-If you don't have a pet, would you want one? Why or why not? If you have a pet, what is your favorite thing about it? </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Do you think pets are easy or hard to take care of? Why? After reading the story, what do you think the Happy Tails members would say?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-If you could only use one word to describe Sidney and Sydney's friendship, what would you pick? Why? For Gomez and Sidney's? Harley's and Sydney's?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-If you have access to the Internet, try to find an article about someone Sidney and Sydney's age who opened their own business. What do they sell? Why did they start the business? </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thanks for joining me to look at <i>Big Dog Decisions</i>! I hope you'll consider reading the book for yourself, or recommending it to someone else.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Please click on my Review Policy page if you want to request a post topic! Like I mentioned before, I will be updating the page soon. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> Next week, stay tuned for another review, as well as a special announcement at the end!</span><br /></span></span></span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-2108031029358445452021-04-22T16:21:00.010-04:002021-04-29T22:12:40.228-04:00A Book Review: Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span> I was looking through all my books earlier this week, trying to find something to review...and I stumbled across this lovely title again 😀 As I've never heard this series mentioned by anyone else or featured on other blogs, I figured: why not review the rest of the trilogy so others can use it and benefit from it? So, here we are! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> This review has no spoilers. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.</span></p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXlMVahR1t3Q1c5O1VkKJkd820ZTL_YYPUbaZpZKHFFdglON1uB1PUflPAgepLLy7eJVKzjMoAPQ-ood6rJxrAnRTTKSRqFqqt07hfO0q3W0ZHMZJ6eWVFRVjy8dmIO8x-UGjum74dfw/s400/17657666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXlMVahR1t3Q1c5O1VkKJkd820ZTL_YYPUbaZpZKHFFdglON1uB1PUflPAgepLLy7eJVKzjMoAPQ-ood6rJxrAnRTTKSRqFqqt07hfO0q3W0ZHMZJ6eWVFRVjy8dmIO8x-UGjum74dfw/s320/17657666.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Title: </b>Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Author: </b>Michelle Jabukowski</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Series: </b>This is the second in a chapter book trilogy featuring Sidney and Sydney. (Though some of the story facts included in the book might make more sense if you read the first one, I think you can easily read this as a standalone.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Synopsis: </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><i>Sidney and Sydney have tackled first-day-of-school problems, avoided Halloween disasters, and proven that boys and girls can be friends. The rest of third grade should be easy, right? Wrong! From dodgeball fights to school play drama, these two friends have a lot to learn!</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Language:</b> There are a few mentions of arguing, one "duh", and a mention of grumbling. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Violence: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Romance/Sexual Stuff: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Spiritual Elements: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Magic: </b>None</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>References: </b>In one chapter Sydney mentions feeling ready for Hollywood. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Other Issues:</b> Sydney acts a little bratty toward her friends in one scene. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Though not technically an issue, it's mentioned that Sidney's friend Gomez has Type 1 Diabetes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where To Buy: </b><i>Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas</i> is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1404880615/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1404880615&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=dodgeball%2C+drama%2C+and+other+dilemmas+sidney+and+sydney&_sacat=0" target="_blank">eBay</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dodgeball-drama-and-other-dilemmas-michele-jakubowski/1114558579?ean=9781404880610" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30855367876&searchurl=isbn%3D1404880615%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1" target="_blank">Abebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Dodgeball-Drama-and-Other-Dilemmas-Michele-Jakubowski-Luisa-Montalto/9781404880610" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, <a href="https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=1404880615&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=GwEz7vxblVU&utm_campaign=10&siteID=GwEz7vxblVU-ARxcyqTWEi0ZFjMVogCB6A" target="_blank">Alibris</a>, and <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/Dodgeball--Drama--and-Other-Dilemmas--Sidney-and-Sydney--9781404880610" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Age Range: </b>I think kids aged 8 and up would enjoy this book the most. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Read Aloud: </b>This would be a good read aloud, though (like with the other books in the series) it might be better to have the reader share the book with friends or family. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Opinion: </b>Ever since I discovered this series, I've enjoyed the Sidney and Sydney books due to the simple storyline, the well-done way they handled Gomez as a Type 1 character, and the emphasis put on boy-girl friendships. Like the previous book in the series, the story also comes with colorful pictures, large type, and easy-to-read vocabulary, which makes it a great pick for kids just starting to get into chapter books!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> This part of the trilogy involved Sydney and Sidney interacting during school more, which was a nice way for the author to develop the characters and their respective interests/skills. Sydney having a flair for acting didn't surprise me at all, but it was fun to read about Sidney trying it, too! Rereading this story to write the review, I was also impressed by the lack of questionable content. Even with books aimed toward younger readers, bad attitudes, excessive rude humor, and puppy love are often shown, if not accidentally encouraged. With the Sidney and Sydney books, you get what you see: just a fun, sweet story about growing up and growing together.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> I'd recommend <i>Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas </i>for young readers looking for more about Sidney and Sydney, families who are looking for mainstream media with better values than the norm, or anyone who has an eight year old in their life and wants to see life from their eyes. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Discussion Questions:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-What "dilemmas" do Sidney and Sydney face in the story? Are there any that you've faced too? </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Of all the activities mentioned in the story (dodgeball, drama, the spelling bee) which one would you want to do the most?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Of all the activities mentioned in the story which one would you want to do the least?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-After Gomez won the spelling bee, he gave his prize away. What does this say about him as a person and friend?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-When they were practicing for the play Sydney was trying to help her friends, but they felt like she was being mean to them. What did she learn from acting like this, and seeing how it hurt them? In your opinion could she have done or said anything differently?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Do you like it better when Sidney talks about his life, or Sydney talks about her life? Why?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thanks for joining me to look at <i>Dodgeball, Drama, and Other Dilemmas</i>! I hope you'll consider reading the book for yourself. If it doesn't sound like something you'd like, please consider recommending to someone else.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> I am still open to review requests! If you're interested, click on my Review Policy page for more details. I WILL be updating the page in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned for that. 😉</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Next week, I'll be reviewing the last book in the Sidney and Sydney saga, and then moving onto some of my (more advanced) other favorite books!</span><br /></span></span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-14694426749173531672021-04-15T16:58:00.000-04:002021-04-16T07:30:48.000-04:00An Author Interview: Kara Swanson<p> <span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Hi, everyone! Today I am thrilled to be interviewing Kara Swanson, author of <i>Dust </i>and <i>The Girl Who Could See</i>. Every time I've talked to her she has been so welcoming, and her kindness is a true treasure! I hope you enjoy reading her answers as much as I did.</span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> I have slightly interviewed the interview to make it easier to read, without changing any of the author's answers. To see all of the interviews I've done in the past, including ones with Jen Calonita, Christopher Healy, and Kaley Rhea, click <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/author-interviews.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> To check out my review of Kara's book, <i>Dust</i>, click <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/03/a-book-review-dust.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /></span></span></span></p><div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 1.1em; overflow: visible;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><u>Wonder and Writing: An Interview With Kara Swanson</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">April 12, 2021</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_RMbiwYHSnFzi2JKBZjHHz_W8E057A_yrzvfUaMFH0u3fhkA9jMVths7WPPohKQx0oSAUFOScdo9I7L7Wf34sNQ0dnmOfIUAKsSI9TWjnnT3UXjo2wd1kl1We4sSxXSyUTCRGdH-_eg/s201/13260916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_RMbiwYHSnFzi2JKBZjHHz_W8E057A_yrzvfUaMFH0u3fhkA9jMVths7WPPohKQx0oSAUFOScdo9I7L7Wf34sNQ0dnmOfIUAKsSI9TWjnnT3UXjo2wd1kl1We4sSxXSyUTCRGdH-_eg/s0/13260916.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div><div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 1.1em; overflow: visible;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>For those who don’t know about you, can you tell a little bit about yourself and your publishing journey?</b></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.1em; overflow: visible;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was first published as a teen with a children’s fantasy novel while I was living overseas in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, as the daughter of missionaries. Growing up in that unique culture and in a isolated village in the middle of the jungle sparked my love of reading and storytelling, and is one of the reasons I love to write stories of young people discovering their own sense of value and finding their place in a unique world.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; overflow: visible;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When we eventually moved stateside, I independently published my award-winning novella, The Girl Who Could See. My latest release, a Peter Pan retelling/sequel Dust, released in July of last year, and its sequel, Shadow, comes out in July of this year.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; overflow: visible;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 1.1em; overflow: visible;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>What inspired you to write <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dust?</em></b></span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’d always enjoyed Peter Pan, but one day a friend and I were chatting about the original book, since she had recently retuned from a trip to London and had seen the Peter Pan statue in the Kensington Gardens. We were brainstorming aloud and I had told her that I’d rarely read a Peter Pan retelling that I felt really built off the original character well, and that generally retellings tended to shift that fundamental version of Peter, which changes the entire context of a Peter Pan story at all. I told her that if I ever wrote a Peter Pan retelling, I would have it be more of a sequel, set it in modern day, age Peter up a bit, and have it be a story of him discovering more about himself and a lot of the pieces set up in the JM Barrie novel but left unexplored (like Peter’s frequent amnesia). I would also set the story against a backdrop of a secondary character, a young woman who was the antithesis of Pan — someone who had to grow up too fast, and was responsible and grounded, but had lost faith in magic and pixie dust, even though she had unique flakes of gold that would sometimes drift from her skin.</span><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The more I turned the idea over in my head, the more pieces clicked into place. And well…the rest is history 😀</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Shadow</em>, the sequel to <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dust</em>, releases in July 2021. What is a part of the story you’re most excited to share with your readers?</b><br /></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Neverland! I am SO excited for them to get to explore Neverland and see so many different sides to the island. There is also a HUGE aspect of Peter’s past that comes into play in this story and that twist is pretty wild, so I’m curious to see what readers think of it. 😀<br /><br /><b>Do you have a favorite candy or dessert? If so, what?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Fun question! I love cherry cheesecake 😀</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>If you could meet any character from your stories, who would you choose and why?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ooooh great question! I think Peter would be so much fun to meet. I think Lily and I would get along best, though, and she’s the character I’d probably want to be best friends with. (Though, wouldn’t we all? XD)<br /><br /><b>Do you tend to base your characters off of people you know in real life? </b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Why or why not?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Nope! I like to really create characters that feel very grounded and developed in their own worlds, so I don’t really pull from outside sources. That said, I may use certain aspects of influences that carry similar vibes — for example, Tom Holland is British and has the same youthful charisma that Peter has, so I’ve draft from some of his roles in some of the ways I tried to humanize Peter a bit. But in general, the characters stand on their own. 😀<br /><br /><b>What are some of your future projects?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’m actually outlining a contemporary fantasy trilogy right now. 😀 I’ll share more on that when I am able to! 😄<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><b>What advice would you give to other writers?</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think the biggest thing is… just keep writing. Read a lot. Write a lot. Receive lots of feedback from other writers and readers. Those are the three best ways to internalize skills and put them to use, outside of looking into a mentorship program or joining something like <a href="https://theyoungwriter.com/coaching" target="_blank">the Author Program</a> that I run with Brett Harris.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> T</span>hanks for joining me for this post. To connect with Kara, check out her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karaswansonauthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/kswansonauthor" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karaswansonauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13260916.Kara_Swanson" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, or <a href="https://www.karaswanson.com/" target="_blank">author website</a>. And, of course, if you've never read any of her books, I suggest you go and start reading them. (Especially <i>Dust</i>. 😉)</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> As always, if you want to suggest a post request, please look at my Review Policy page and then ask away! </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any questions, of course, feel free to comment below.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Stay tuned for another review next week!</span></span><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div></div></div>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-17075994417460197642021-04-09T07:18:00.000-04:002021-04-09T07:18:39.451-04:00A Book Review: The Journeyman<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span> Hi, everyone! Last week there seems to have been a little confusion post-wise. I had a post all ready, but apparently forgot to actually click the post button until Friday was over. So, that's why you didn't see anything new on here. Sorry about that! If you're interested to read last week's post, you can find it <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-book-review-sidney-and-sydney.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> </span>This week I'm going to review another great school pick. This is a historical fiction read focusing on a part of history that's not usually mentioned, and I'm excited to share it with all of you.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> T</span>his review has no spoilers.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz4EhpPgFdhupCxfwt7thRd97oUDKamC-zJXX9BZEpYPAQUkjN6et2fbkr_TqYL7yhApa999kn55lvaby2WrnzFW0J9bWJVdI-O_uOjip0vOxAWPuxL5CIA5bDTWs95fTqRkKyTMn3Kw/s475/20460025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz4EhpPgFdhupCxfwt7thRd97oUDKamC-zJXX9BZEpYPAQUkjN6et2fbkr_TqYL7yhApa999kn55lvaby2WrnzFW0J9bWJVdI-O_uOjip0vOxAWPuxL5CIA5bDTWs95fTqRkKyTMn3Kw/s320/20460025.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><b>Title: </b>The Journeyman</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><b>Author: </b>Elizabeth Yates</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><b>Series: </b>Though not an established series, this story has a prequel, <i>Hue and Cry</i>.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><b>Synopsis: </b><i>What do you do when the world turns against you?</i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i><span> Jared Austin is hardly built for hard labor and farm work...his passion lies in making things beautiful. So when he is apprenticed to an itinerant painter, he cannot wait to bring color to the drab farmhouses of New England and someday prove himself worthy to win the hand of his childhood friend, Jennet Thaxter.</span><br /></i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i><span><span> Many years pass, and he arrives back in New Hampshire looking for work. At first he is welcomed by some of the farmers. But the year becomes a cold, fruitless one, and they begin searching for someone to blame.</span><br /></span></i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Language: </b>None, other than a few light insults based on appearances. Cursing is mentioned. One "God knows". Once the frank term "bosom" is used.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Violence: </b>Jared's tale is a tragic one, as his mother died trying to keep him warm and his father, torn by grief, ends up blaming him and becomes physically and verbally abusive. (This issue is handled very carefully, and the author does her best to portray the man as flawed but sympathetic.) Death, and the threat of death, are various elements in the story. </span></p><p><b style="font-family: arial;">Romance/Sexual Stuff: </b><span style="font-family: arial;">Jared carries a torch for a childhood friend, Jennet, and comes back to realize she's engaged to another man. No</span><span style="font-family: arial;">n-detailed kisses are mentioned. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Spiritual Elements: </b>It's clear that Jared and many of the main characters are devout Christians. Prayer, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Scripture passages, and Biblical truths are mentioned.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> A few "God bless" and "God be with you"s are said. There is a mention of the devil/devils.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Magic: </b>Though not rooted in reality, i</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t's mentioned that both Jared's father and a few restless townspeople start to believe he's cursed, or a witch in disguise. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>References: </b>Various events in American history, like the French-Indian War, the American Revolution, and the winter blight of 1816 are mentioned or portrayed.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Other Issues: </b>None</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where to Buy: </b><i>The Journeyman </i>is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006WSJOKQ/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006WSJOKQ&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=the+journeyman+elizabeth+yates&_sacat=0" target="_blank">eBay</a>, <a href="https://www.bjupress.com/product/047787" target="_blank">BJU Press</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-journeyman-elizabeth-yates/1001642015?ean=9780890845356" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30884907220&searchurl=isbn%3D0890845352%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1" target="_blank">Abebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Journeyman-Elizabeth-Yates/9780890845356" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, <a href="https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=0890845352&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=GwEz7vxblVU&utm_campaign=10&siteID=GwEz7vxblVU-e7UKHe6oJyvAMi45XTYuNQ" target="_blank">Alibris</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-journeyman/9780890845356-item.html?ref=isbn-search" target="_blank">Indigo</a>, and <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/The-Journeyman-9780890845356" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Age Range: </b>I think kids aged 13 and up would enjoy this book the most. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Read Aloud:</b> I think this would be a good read aloud. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><b>My Opinion: </b>I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started this book for school. The initial summary of the story didn't draw me in, and I found the beginning description and premise dry. Like staring at an abstract painting, though, the story eventually drew me in, and the rest of the novel passed way too fast for me.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> <i> The Journeyman</i> is a close look at an often glossed over part of American history, through the eyes of a unique narrator with a relatable personality, love for beauty, and passion for creating that doesn't fade as he gets older. There were so many subtle themes, descriptions, and elements to this story that made the entire work shine. Unlike most of the books I read, it was hard to guess how the book would end, something I always love seeing! I also felt moved by Jared's overwhelming kindness and sense of self-sacrifice, despite all of the hardship in his life. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> I'd recommend <i>The Journeyman </i>for readers who love learning about U.S. history outside the classroom, want to understand the pre-Civil War days better, or just spend time with an admirable character who consistently shows a new way to be seen as a hero. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><b>Discussion Questions: </b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i>-What happened to Jared's mother? His father? If Jared's mother hadn't died, how would it impact the rest of the story?</i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i>-Jared continues to love Jennet Thaxter from afar, whether or not she returns his affection. Why do you think that is? What does Jared's actions around Jennet as an engaged woman show about him as a person and a Christian? </i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i>-How did meeting Mr. Toppan change Jared's life? Through his apprenticeship, how does Mr. Toppan show his care for Jared? Do you think Jared became as close to his teacher as he would have been to his father?</i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i>-In your opinion what was the most powerful or important scene in The Journeyman?</i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i>-Take a look back at what various people say about America as Jared travels from place to place. How much of that is their opinion, and how much of it is what actually happened?</i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i>-Jared has to deal with a group of certain settlers believing he's brought a curse upon their fields and town. What did he do to prove himself? If you were in Jared's place, what would you have done?</i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i><br /></i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><i><br /></i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>Thanks for looking at <i>The Journeyman </i>with me! Please consider reading the book for yourself, or recommending it to someone that might be interested.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> Another exciting announcement this week: thanks to some lessons provided by the Young Writer's Workshop, I am going to be starting an email list soon! I'm still working out the details, but right now I'm hoping that it will give me a chance to connect with my blog readers, provide exclusive Stepping Stones Book Reviews content, and share more about me and my own writing journey. If you're interested, please stay tuned for more information.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> Next week, join me on Friday for another post...</span><br /></span></span></span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-61702927116143234622021-04-01T16:09:00.002-04:002021-04-05T18:26:59.321-04:00A Book Review: Sidney and Sydney<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span> Hi! This week I was a bit confused on what I was going to review, until I thought about a sweet chapter book that my family got my sister for her birthday. This is a bit "younger" than most of the books I've been reviewing here, but I still think it's worth posting about!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> </span>This review has no spoilers.</span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> (The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.)</span></span><br /></span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskhlpWKwZhDM7ypRlDZougpcLnF4Ln0HVUCtF8SshvU3UMV634AnskZ80M7GhvWqVPwKSULyrRuW9XpY66vjlIuKx_BSfw6q9-m47q6zPsjsfRVSHZVe__PbYY4p5p0ASCBj7tsDGLug/s300/16669120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskhlpWKwZhDM7ypRlDZougpcLnF4Ln0HVUCtF8SshvU3UMV634AnskZ80M7GhvWqVPwKSULyrRuW9XpY66vjlIuKx_BSfw6q9-m47q6zPsjsfRVSHZVe__PbYY4p5p0ASCBj7tsDGLug/s16000/16669120.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Title: </b>Sidney and Sydney</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Author:</b> Michele Jakubowski </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Series: </b>This is the first in a chapter book trilogy featuring Sidney and Sydney. After checking out the rest of the books in the series, I think you can easily read them as standalones.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Synopsis: </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif;">When Sidney Fletcher moves to Oak Grove, things get a little strange for Sydney Greene. Not only does Sydney share a name with a boy, but he's in her third-grade class! From first-day-of-school problems to Halloween drama, Sidney and Sydney quickly become friends. Who says boys and girls can't get along?</span></div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Language: </b>One boy in Sidney's class calls him "Squidney", a nickname he doesn't like, and teases him a couple of times. "Dorky" and "ugh" are used once. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Violence: </b>None</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Romance/Sexual Stuff: </b>None, although Sidney mentions that having a girl as a friend is not the same as a girlfriend. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Spiritual Elements: </b>Though focused more on the candy and costumes, the characters do celebrate Halloween in this book. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Magic: </b>None</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>References: </b>None</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Other Issues: </b>Monsters (as part of a prank) is mentioned. One of Sidney's friends, Gomez has an older brother who plays mean pranks on him. There's one instance of rude humor (someone looking like he would "pee his pants"). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Though not technically an issue, it's mentioned that Gomez has Type 1 Diabetes. This is very tastefully handled and a good introduction to what Type 1 Diabetes is, especially if you don't know a lot about it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Where to Buy: </b><i>Sidney and Sydney </i>is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1404881042/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1404881042&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=sidney+and+sydney+third+grade+mix+up&_sacat=0" target="_blank">eBay</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/third-grade-mix-up-michele-jakubowski/1112404069?ean=9781479567546" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30809780657&searchurl=isbn%3D1404881042%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1" target="_blank">Abebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Third-Grade-Mix-Up-Michele-Jakubowski/9781404881044" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, <a href="https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=1404881042&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=GwEz7vxblVU&utm_campaign=10&siteID=GwEz7vxblVU-PYLZmixxThwnb4zWIRDicQ" target="_blank">Alibris</a>, <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/third-grade-mix-up/9781404881044-item.html?ref=isbn-search" target="_blank">Indigo</a>, and <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/Third-Grade-Mix-Up--Sidney---Sydney---Sidney-and-Sydney--9781404881044" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>My Age Range: </b>I think kids aged 8 and up would enjoy this book the most. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Read Aloud: </b>I think this would be a good read aloud, though here it might be better if the reader is the one sharing the book with a member (or more!) of their family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>My Opinion: </b>I found this book on a library shelf a few years ago. I thought it looked interesting, so I brought it home to read. Though I didn't have any strong personal opinions/changing experiences through reading the book, I still enjoyed the book and thought it was a great story for its target audience. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> While this book is as lighthearted, fun, and relatable, as, say, the Judy Moody books, <i>Sidney and Sydney </i>stood out to me for a couple of reasons. First was the perspectives of both a boy and a girl. I liked how while even many middle grade books are encouraging and focusing on young love, Sidney and Sydney continue to pursue a strong friendship, and show how you can get along with someone well even when your interests and hobbies seem totally different. The second thing was how accessible this book is to budding readers. Pictures, large type, and the ability to hook the reader even with limited vocabulary allows this story to be a gentle but exciting first step into the world of chapter books. Third, and probably the most important to me, was how the author wrote Gomez being a diabetic. I liked how the author tackled the issue while also making it clear that while it affected him, diabetes did not define Gomez as a person. It also gave Sidney a chance to be a better friend, too.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> If you have (or are) someone who's just getting started reading bigger books, like stories about boy-girl friendships, or just want something quick, clean, and easy, I would definitely suggest finding a copy of <i>Sidney and Sydney</i>!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Discussion Questions:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-What would be harder for you: starting a new school, like Sidney, or having a teacher you don't want, like Sydney? Why?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-Look up what the names "Sidney" AND "Sydney" mean. Are they the same or different? Do you think the meanings describe them or not?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-What was your favorite part of this story? Why?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-Do you like Sidney or Sydney better? Why? </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-Even though they both liked candy, what did Sidney and Sydney do when their friends said they couldn't have any? What do you think this tells you about them? If you were Sidney or Sydney do you think you would have done the same thing? Why or why not?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Thanks for looking at <i>Sidney and Sydney </i>with me! I hope you'll consider checking the book out. If it doesn't seem like something you'd read, please think about recommending it to someone else.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> I am still open to interview and review requests. Please click on my Review Policy page for more info if you want to suggest a book or post for me. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span> With that, I have an announcement: I am NOT doing a Week of Book Memes in April. (Late April Fool's, I guess!) While I usually plan to do a Week of Book Memes every other month, I'm saving it for May this year so I can blog about a few fun surprise topics. As always, feel free to click HERE if you're interested in what this Week of Book Memes are all about, or want to read through some of my past Week of Book Memes posts.</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span> Next week...well, I'm not sure what I'm going to post. Stay tuned!</span><br /></span></div></span><p></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-58228199375804909672021-03-25T16:26:00.005-04:002021-05-05T21:03:18.124-04:00Reflections Blog Tag<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Hey, everyone! Today I'm going to be veering off the usual review schedule and participating in the Reflections blog tag, <a href="https://www.teenwritersnook.com/2021/03/18/would-you-be-tag-reflections-tag-and-winners-announced/" target="_blank">which I was linked for a couple of weeks ago on the Teen Writer's Nook site</a> (thanks a ton, Issabelle!). I'm really excited to type out my thoughts about this prompt. I hope that it'll be fun for YOU to learn more about me and possibly feel led to do some reflecting of your own.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Unlike the Narnia Blog Tag or Liebster Award challenges I did last year, this tag had only one question:</span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> <b>What are eight things God has blessed and/or taught you in 2020?</b><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Especially with all of the stress and craziness that has rippled through the world lately because of COVID-19 and its effects, I feel like this is a perfect moment to step back and really focus on the better parts of last year's craziness. So here's a list of eight things I was blessed with, and the ways God used each of those blessings to teach me.<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzcw2dFCqUmigciTEr_egXSZ7ZbHoU95Jz4NPstsIInnD5yy5moBM9fWBhVw_-Za6e-wyjgtx7SdraaxcL41jqvQLNpo2P-Via2rNlByqiP7KRYWBBI7jZgp24jusPS4xGTP9U91kOVM//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="501" data-original-width="751" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzcw2dFCqUmigciTEr_egXSZ7ZbHoU95Jz4NPstsIInnD5yy5moBM9fWBhVw_-Za6e-wyjgtx7SdraaxcL41jqvQLNpo2P-Via2rNlByqiP7KRYWBBI7jZgp24jusPS4xGTP9U91kOVM/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /><b>1. I got to spend more time with my family.</b></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Before COVID-19 hit, I was already pretty close to my parents and siblings. However, I'd like to think all of the plans derailed and all of the extracurricular activities shut down gave us a chance to connect even more. For a while, we were able to step back from everything stressing us out, and find ways to spend time together. I hope I'll always be thankful for all the ways we were able to support each other and grow closer during all the difficulties of 2020. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>When it comes to my family, God has definitely shown me what it's like to both give and receive unconditional, sacrificial love from them. And in my opinion, that's pretty cool!</span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f6WyEMp_58tkssnmKn1NqzGjAI1grKMByoHRZ4Ry8_PS9_KVgJwdzUJtrJnAqTIIc6Yc1o7EU4ZrhrhiwvhS0tFpCdZTH8ynGj5b5hFkC4HKLSpOaB7xVLB-iot8J6oWMBuQowDjld0//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="666" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f6WyEMp_58tkssnmKn1NqzGjAI1grKMByoHRZ4Ry8_PS9_KVgJwdzUJtrJnAqTIIc6Yc1o7EU4ZrhrhiwvhS0tFpCdZTH8ynGj5b5hFkC4HKLSpOaB7xVLB-iot8J6oWMBuQowDjld0/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial;">2. God provided for us financially.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> With all of the unemployment and job uncertainty that has come with the pandemic, it was a real blessing that my dad was able to continue his job from home. Suddenly going from "uninterrupted" homeschooling days to a fragile balance between schooling and office space hasn't been easy, yet we've been able to make it work. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>Through this blessing, I'm reminded every day of all the ways God has lavished His grace and care on me physically.</span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwHMxDVglp21oY61Jr_S3-MyRZAJe6k9nlWivohNVx_Wf2_Buhfv92yJg2SJs8ZlMzVF0yojTo6E-njiXHfR5-U9XdLm_pDsxMpJaTUOgZx5b_Cd754Is-WPzq-8FupSc3ljZr1ZcFMY//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwHMxDVglp21oY61Jr_S3-MyRZAJe6k9nlWivohNVx_Wf2_Buhfv92yJg2SJs8ZlMzVF0yojTo6E-njiXHfR5-U9XdLm_pDsxMpJaTUOgZx5b_Cd754Is-WPzq-8FupSc3ljZr1ZcFMY/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>3. I started my first blog.</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> I started this pet project in May 2020, hoping to reach people with book recommendations worth their time, learn how to run a blog, and honor God with my website's mission. It's been less than a year now, and so many opportunities, interviews, and readers than I expected have come my way, which is a huge deal for me! I'm so thankful that God has given me a passion for great stories and given me a way to connect and help others with that same enthusiasm. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>If you have ever taken the time to read through one of my posts, comment, or share about this blog with others, it means more than you'll ever know. So, thank you!</span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQJ9MOcTGgi1_V7BbZqDPYIsFQHlxux4RHKN8D77SUkznoAGs8RheR6DA8VCP9xdo13oRlEDQVC_TqPNcjEyDZwSxXz7716TbsHdbxUZgLgTtFkUlag5N2peXZFXdlx5DqLL-7uPPv5M//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="501" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQJ9MOcTGgi1_V7BbZqDPYIsFQHlxux4RHKN8D77SUkznoAGs8RheR6DA8VCP9xdo13oRlEDQVC_TqPNcjEyDZwSxXz7716TbsHdbxUZgLgTtFkUlag5N2peXZFXdlx5DqLL-7uPPv5M/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /><b>4. I read some great books.</b></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> As a years-long book lover, I was devastated when our local library had to shut down due to COVID concerns. I couldn't find myself to be too excited about flipping through books we already owned and I'd read. Even though I have a Kindle, before and right after COVID hit I couldn't muster the willpower to pick up an e-book, deciding that it didn't feel the same and wasn't worth my time. Necessity (as well as that burning desire to read something new) eventually led to me giving e-books a try, and to my surprise I learned to see the appeal in them too, through this and purchasing some other e-books (some of which I've recommended on here!).</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>Despite the uncertainties of 2020 as a whole, I can happily say I was able to find so many new and wonderful stories to enjoy, in a variety of genres. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">S</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ince then my library has re-opened, and I've been even more thankful that God's blessed me with the ability to get my hands on lots and lots of books, no matter what form.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjnw64q58K0HyGAvPn5VYjsuBj2kMsZ2AI59DpNpzRmhQ_i_D7ZyuQ4wa4koG2FEcTpSreY2g68grx26hC8h_If-wISeVEB-AUj7WJUVimmDkL5zCorPNCvJKdccSThPjXq4_ofnqDgc//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjnw64q58K0HyGAvPn5VYjsuBj2kMsZ2AI59DpNpzRmhQ_i_D7ZyuQ4wa4koG2FEcTpSreY2g68grx26hC8h_If-wISeVEB-AUj7WJUVimmDkL5zCorPNCvJKdccSThPjXq4_ofnqDgc/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>5. I wrote something new. (Actually, a lot of somethings!)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> When I first started writing seriously, I was most comfortable reading and writing in fantasy. Most of my stories were fantasy, and so I didn't feel the need to write anything else. Both reading and writing-wise, though, 2020 introduced me to a lot of new stories and story ideas in different settings and worlds. Now, though I still have a soft spot for fantasy as a whole, my second completed novel is the exact opposite genre-wise, and I'm really excited about that. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> </span>Through pushing myself both as a reader and writer, I learned that it can be fun to experiment with different types of genres, and continue to pursue growing as a writer. And, of course, I was reminded how God can use so many unique stories for His glory!</span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASZu1mwUMdkTqBST6hFgXdsBagNENUBzJ-yoFMpVqHDB59YR_Rg73rOmu8UrPmNb4-095YbTKcQvl7HEOULww1E7Rx3Nx38O3VvcR-bC7jWCi0-wHwtuZsVFsmx9pXtIHAu4XAo2Fe50//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASZu1mwUMdkTqBST6hFgXdsBagNENUBzJ-yoFMpVqHDB59YR_Rg73rOmu8UrPmNb4-095YbTKcQvl7HEOULww1E7Rx3Nx38O3VvcR-bC7jWCi0-wHwtuZsVFsmx9pXtIHAu4XAo2Fe50/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>6. I joined the Young Writers' Workshop.</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Speaking of writing, last summer I received a series of emails that persuaded me to "take the plunge" and join another writing community. I initially signed up for the high school academic program (YWW Academic), but later found out being part of the "YDubs" online forum came as part of the package. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>At first I felt a little out of place. There seemed like so many people also on the community that it was overwhelming. I'd only been part of one other writers' forum for the past three years, and it was hard for me to even want to be active, when I felt closer and more familiar with the users there. It was also a challenge to get used to the different terms and ways the Young Writers' Workshop offered guidance. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> </span>Through various people reaching out, me getting more comfortable with the layout, and time, I was able to feel a bit more grounded and even got confident enough to reach out to other interesting writers, or YDubbers, instead of the other way around. Through trying out the Young Writers' Workshop, and YWW Academic, God blessed me with new perspectives, opportunities to grow as a writer, and outlets to make friends.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXS9W7p2BNYYfH7C-UkMi_dWmZ6jqHJojcbYY4-igbZL0oJryjLZTlK00CZn_3LzFFjzHaXJBGmSFwL9KlDq8O3QqzsO7sgSQFmhmrVptk07tCff8i0Gk9-305FbZQKl45Y61cQzUQPo//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXS9W7p2BNYYfH7C-UkMi_dWmZ6jqHJojcbYY4-igbZL0oJryjLZTlK00CZn_3LzFFjzHaXJBGmSFwL9KlDq8O3QqzsO7sgSQFmhmrVptk07tCff8i0Gk9-305FbZQKl45Y61cQzUQPo/w400-h266/image.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /><b>7. I got a great reminder.</b></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Another awesome thing that happened to me last summer was that I signed up for a Bible study. When I actually started, there were five other girls in the group: two casual friends, my sister, and two other girls I didn't know. It felt a bit uncomfortable at first learning to open up and get to know one another, but in the end we were able to become close and have fun studying God's word together.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> God really spoke to me through the study itself. We used the eight week "Defined" curriculum by Priscilla Shirer, which was supposed to be based on the 2019 movie Overcomer. In it there were a lot of great reminders about who we are in Christ, and about how we can overcome all of the sins and struggles that keep us from embracing our identity in him (reference intended). I learned a lot from just being encouraged to stay close to Him and remember that my failures, successes, behavior, regrets, or past don't define my worth. That, especially, was and is a great reminder to me!</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> (</span>If you want to read more about this but don't necessarily want to go through the Bible study yourself, check out Priscilla Shirer's book Radiant, which is based on some of the lessons in the movie and curriculum. You can find the Amazon link <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Radiant-Light-Girls-Young-Women/dp/1535949872/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22I5B6MUUB3OT&dchild=1&keywords=radiant+priscilla+shirer&qid=1616703607&sprefix=radiant+prisci%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Though it's aimed toward teen girls and young women, I think there is so much in it that everyone needs to be reminded of!)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwygNDwxcHi8K4bOQG3cMP4XT1yKupGesj_PT0S6OksUtDfMiU4oIzfKymtXoWGb6TA8cTjrioyEAtXv-gAOjJ1qSZEA7Kin-8YOCHKqNl8m4qmdwr21S9QUpEMiJvk081JfR2RTgluY0//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="667" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwygNDwxcHi8K4bOQG3cMP4XT1yKupGesj_PT0S6OksUtDfMiU4oIzfKymtXoWGb6TA8cTjrioyEAtXv-gAOjJ1qSZEA7Kin-8YOCHKqNl8m4qmdwr21S9QUpEMiJvk081JfR2RTgluY0/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>8. I found out that change is sometimes better than doing it "right".</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> Overall, though I had it pretty good in 2020, things still changed for me. Businesses and workplaces shut down, rocking our schedules. Most (if not all) of the activities we were involved in had to go online. My family watched as America's division made headline news. </span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span> But also, there were so many memories that I wouldn't have experienced, so many blessings I would've walked past if 2020 hadn't happened the way it did. As for everything shutting down? It gave me a chance to connect with my family. As for all of the virtual activities? In the case of my summer writing conference that went online, I found out there were perks to relying on the Internet, including the ability to join a Minecraft server, directly comment on samples of writing, and interact with speakers and students that wouldn't have been able to make it in person. (Can't forget the silly Zoom names either!) My dance studio finished the year strong: despite being delayed for several months and then switching to virtual classes, they were able to re-open and host a series of socially-distanced recitals. And as for all the stuff happening in America? I trust that God has it safe in His hands, especially now. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span> Many are calling 2020 one of the worst years in history. I'm not arguing that it wasn't overwhelming, stressful and painful for a lot of families. Yet for me, 2020 definitely had a lot of good things, along with the hard-to-deal-with ones. I hope that later in life, I'll look back and be able to remember all of the ways that pandemic complications strengthened my faith and showed me even more of the Lord's grace and mercy.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span> </span>Yes, God blessed me in 2020.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span>Today I'm tagging:</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://egbella.com/blog/" target="_blank">E.G. Bella</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Leitch </a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://stargazersforhim.wordpress.com/blog/" target="_blank">Esther Noe</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://zacharycoffeyauthor.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Zachary Coffey</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://laurel-jean.com/" target="_blank">Laurel Jean</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://allieandersen.com/" target="_blank">Allie Andersen </a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://alabamasblog.home.blog/" target="_blank">Alabama Rose</a></span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span> Thanks for joining me for this blog tag! I hope you enjoyed reading through my list. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> What about you? What has God blessed you with in 2020, and beyond? Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments. If you have a blog, and have already posted about this topic, I'd love to get the link.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span> Like always, I am open to post requests. Check out my Review Policy page for more details. I'd also like to note that <b>from now on, I will be posting every Friday</b>. Hopefully this should give me enough time to write a great review or bookish post each week, and, if you want to keep up with my posts, give you enough time to scroll through the post during the next couple of days.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span> So, until Friday!</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>(The photos used were taken by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@mscheid" target="_blank">Mike Scheid</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@joshappel" target="_blank">Josh Appel</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@christinhumephoto" target="_blank">Christin Hume</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@mrrrk_smith" target="_blank">John-Mark Smith</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@glenncarstenspeters" target="_blank">Glenn Carstens-Peters</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/@hannahbusing" target="_blank">Hannah Busing</a>, and <a href="https://unsplash.com/@cwmonty" target="_blank">Chris Montgomery</a> of Unsplash.)</span></span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4129413532089923174.post-79371625162255163952021-03-18T15:40:00.003-04:002021-03-22T18:33:26.718-04:00A Book Review: The Wedding<p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Hey, everyone! Thanks for waiting this long for me to post another review. For some reason I haven't been reading a lot of books recently, or can't remember enough about the ones I want to review. Maybe I'll switch to weekly Friday updates...</span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Today I'm excited to feature <i>The Wedding</i>, yet another book written by the lovely Livy Jarmusch and the third installment in the ongoing <i>Tales of Tarsurella </i>series! Usually I stop at book number one or two, but this post marks the first series that I've fully reviewed. So now you can find all three books here, with all of their content warnings and things to know about. Yay! 🎉<br /></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: arial;">This review has no spoilers.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"> (The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.)</span><span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w5zyfR16cVwHLgMkrR5ksLnm28tfGh45zCdwZnoXZjc6aWB5VQsI7eh5lckFlTRdDhXCWOsUgyjZMSrVpg8WW4NOiBkKFJurfa7cr2G5IiSmgGIqgkbJAHlu4G3liSGkfhiLXWg20dg/s475/52042517._SX318_SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w5zyfR16cVwHLgMkrR5ksLnm28tfGh45zCdwZnoXZjc6aWB5VQsI7eh5lckFlTRdDhXCWOsUgyjZMSrVpg8WW4NOiBkKFJurfa7cr2G5IiSmgGIqgkbJAHlu4G3liSGkfhiLXWg20dg/s320/52042517._SX318_SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(Note: Check out my review of the first book <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-book-review-coronation.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, the second book <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/01/a-book-review-rebellion.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and an exclusive interview with the author <a href="https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/11/an-author-interview-livy-jarmusch.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Title: </b>The Wedding</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Author: </b>Olivia Lynn Jarmusch</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Series: </b>This is the third in an ongoing series about the royals of Tarsurella.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Targeted Age Range: </b>14+</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Synopsis: </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Vanessa Bennett is living in a real-life fairytale. Now that she's engaged to the man of her dreams, The Palace Staff is consumed with wedding preparation. The upcoming event is no small affair, as Vanessa is bombarded with hundreds of decisions she needs to make before the wedding date arrives. Amidst the endless details concerning dresses, decorations and napkins, a greater question looms: is Vanessa truly ready to become Queen? As tensions rise within Tarsurella, the role of joining her betrothed in governing an ever-shifting nation is no small task. Will she crack under the pressure?</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Meanwhile, Jane Akerly is hoping to awaken from a nightmare. Her father has been missing for months. Advised to accept the harsh reality that he may never return, Jane isn't ready to give up. She finds comfort in the one place she's always run to for escape-her daydreams. Her imagination has the power to carry her across the ocean, stroll the streets of London, and imagine that all is well. In an unexpected turn of events, Jane is given the opportunity to create the future of her dreams-but will her pen be enough to save her?</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Language: </b>"Geesh" is used once, as well as "stupid". A few hurtful insults are flown during arguments.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Violence: </b><i>The Wedding </i>includes mentions of a kidnapping (carried over from the previous book) and several scenes where characters are in mortal danger or under the threat of mortal danger.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Romance/Sexual Stuff: </b>Like in the last two books, this story also is centered around romance, especially teenage desires and feelings. Most of the main characters have a love interest, or at least a budding relationship with a member of the opposite sex. A few mentions of attraction and non-detailed kissing. In this story (referenced in the title) an engaged couple pursue planning their wedding while also figuring out what a strong marriage and engagement looks like. Another subplot of this particular book deals with the possibility of a blended family, as one widower seeks to pursue another woman.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Spiritual Elements: </b><i>The Tales of Tarsurella </i>is a Christian book series. Praying, following God's will for your life, having a Godly view on romance, are featured, as well as various Scripture passages and Biblical concepts.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Magic: </b>None</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>References: </b>There are references to TV shows (Say Yes to the Dress, I Found the Gown), social media platforms (YouTube), Hallmark movies, horse derby terms, and various well-known food brands like Oreos and Pringles. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Other Issues: </b>A few of the main characters lie about their intentions or actions, believing it's better for others if they don't know the truth. There is one instance where a girl runs away from authority.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Where To Buy: </b><i>The Wedding </i>is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1072224194/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1072224194&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, eBay, <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30514880750&searchurl=isbn%3D1072224194%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1" target="_blank">Abebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Wedding-Olivia-Lynn-Jarmusch/9781072224198" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>, <a href="https://www.alibris.com/booksearch?keyword=1072224194&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=GwEz7vxblVU&utm_campaign=10&siteID=GwEz7vxblVU-iLcVTEyUzyqiBUPYpWzhuA" target="_blank">Alibris</a>, and <a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/The-Wedding--The-Tales-of-Tarsurella--9781072224198" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Age Range: </b>I think kids aged 14 and up would enjoy this book the most. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Read Aloud: </b>I think this book would be better read alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>My Opinion: </b>After tearing through <i>The Coronation </i>and <i>The Rebellion</i>, I was so excited when <i>The Wedding </i>came in the mail. Throughout this series, Livy has continued to pursue high standards in her writing and subject matter, and I was pleased to discover even more of that here.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <i>The Wedding </i>not only intensifies the ongoing conflict among the Tarsurella royals, the uprising of the democratic-minded young adults, and the kidnapping of Walter Akerly, but tackles the issues of unconditional love, following Jesus' example in life, and Godly marriage in today's world using an ever-growing, ever-relatable cast of characters. With every new installment the author makes her series even more enticing and wonderful. After reading the book myself, I especially liked how she handled Asher's character arc as well as Jillian's struggles with the opportunity of a stepparent.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Again, I'd recommend <i>The Wedding </i>(and the rest of the Tarsurella books!) to any story-loving teen who wants to find a series that will bring them closer to God, and give them a memorable adventure too. This would also be a great pick for a mother-daughter book club, or just a fun opportunity to discuss pursuing relationships well with friends or family members. I, personally, can't wait for the next book!<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussion Questions:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-After reading, what was your favorite scene in </i>The Wedding<i>? Why did you pick that one?</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Oftentimes in the series the media is portrayed as heartless and calculating, only searching for a hot story to grace their magazine covers. Do you think this is a fairly accurate representation of most news outlets today? Why or why not? If most of the Tarsurella reporters really saw the "big picture" of the Asher situation and the recent monarchy protests, do you think they would change their articles to better line with the facts?</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-How does Walter Akerly's kidnapping affect his daughter, Jane, both life-wise and personally? Give examples from the story to support your answer. What's your opinion of Jane as a character and why?</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Out of all of the subplots in </i>The Wedding<i>, which did you feel influenced the story the most? Which impacted you the most?</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Through her marriage to King Addison you can see how far Vanessa has come as a person since her first appearance in </i>The Coronation<i>. What has Vanessa learned about the royals of Tarsurella? What has she learned about herself?</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>-Princess Chastity and Hanson Fletcher's "dance with danger" impacted the two of them in very different ways. Through their not-so-great relationship, what has Chastity learned about God and herself? What has Hanson learned about himself and his past, if anything? If you could give advice to Chastity and Hanson regarding their relationship, what would you tell them?</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> </i>Thanks so much for looking at <i>The Wedding </i>with me! I am so happy that you were able to join me. Stay tuned for any news regarding Book 4 on here and on Livy's website, as I'm sure I will be very excited about reading it when it comes out.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> If you've read <i>The Coronation, The Rebellion, </i>or <i>The Wedding </i>already, drop me a comment and let me know what you thought! I would love to find more Tales of Tarsurella fans to chat with and get to know. If you've read about the series but don't think it's for you, please consider recommending the books to someone you know that may be interested. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Like always, I am open to review requests AND now interview requests. Take a look at my Review Policy page and let me know if there's a book, series, or author you'd like for me to feature on here.</span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> Next week, I was planning to do another book review, but this time I'm going to participate in a blog tag post.</span><br /></span></p>JadeSkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11001679274846397268noreply@blogger.com0