Let’s see if I can do a thing consistently!
I’ve started journaling in comics format about the challenges and joys of being a chronically ill (“spoonie”) parent. I’d like to regularly convert them to legible things and share them, because I know for 100% fact that I am not alone in this experience! Here’s the real-life story that got me started.
I’ve been reading The Great Library series by Rachel Caine , which is a YA to adult series that I just cannot put down. This is my second time reading it and it’s just… *chef’s kiss* so good. This is a steampunk alternate present … fantasy? I guess I could call it fantasy, or a little sci-fi, but I think “steampunk alternate-reality action-political intrigue” is the best I can do as far as genre. This is a good thing, to me. Books that don’t fit in an easy bucket are the ones you can’t put down.
SO: Do you like gifted people finding out the system is corrupt and fixing it from within, with a side of philosophy about how information should be controlled, and a core of well-written complex characters? Do you like books? Do you like immersive reading experiences that have worlds that feel FULL and real? How about steam-punk?
GO READ IT NOWWWWWW
In honor of the themes of the books I recommend you get them from your local library. If you read them digitally you may have some fun meta-moments 🙂
What I’m Reading – Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire
ages 13ish-adult
Surely I’m not the only adult out there who misses the absorption of going to a different world (I know I’m not, because The Magicians series is literally about a dude depressed about Narnia not being real). Anyway if The Magicians felt too bummy-outy for you, Wayward Children is your ticket to wonder. This is modern portal fantasy that works. It’s full of all kinds of magical worlds, a kind of a framework to hang it on, and characters you will want to befriend (or follow into their magic doors, in some cases). It’s an older YA/adult feel (I’d have loved them at 13, I bet, but they’re a little dark in places, but not explicit!)
The internet says there are 8 books but I think one isn’t published yet. That’s ok – they’re all standalone like Narnia, so you aren’t left hanging too badly and I read them out of order (read Every Heart a Doorway first if you can though, then the rest in any order is probably ok.) You might, however, be longing for YOUR door when you’re done!
Oh, and if you haven’t read Seanan McGuire before, you’re in luck, because she has a LOT of books and every one I’ve read is fantastic.
Just a warning – this one’s probably not for the little ones, as it’s about drunken mermaids with foul mouths. It’s hands down the funniest book I’ve read this year, and if you know me personally, you’ll know that irreverent potty-mouths are kind of… on brand. Add it to powerful femmes with magic making bad decisions but making it work anyway, ride-or-die besties (I’m a Scorpio, I dig loyalty) and the beach? Oh, am I here for it. This book is bright. It’s queer (great for Pride Month!) It will make you laugh, and want to give your bestie a hug.
