to do lists of the semi-adult: episode 17

Jewels and I are lifelong readers, and the books we’ve read as kids have made a huge impact on our lives. And I’m so glad they did! In this episode of To Do Lists of the Semi-Adult, we talk about the books we loved the most. Obviously we started with Harry Potter–you’ve met us before,Continue reading “to do lists of the semi-adult: episode 17”

vin from mistborn, in her mistborn cloak

Vin from Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy is a great leading lady to start off my year of leading ladies (one of my New Year’s resolutions was to read more books by and starring women). Sanderson uses clothing to distinguish his characters and their emotional states–which is pretty much how clothing works in real life, too.Continue reading “vin from mistborn, in her mistborn cloak”

mistborn book two: vin’s biggest challenge may be dresses, not armies

At first glance, it look like a fairy tale. Vin has fallen in love with the young king of Luthadel, Elend Venture. She caught his eye at a ball, where she was hiding her poor upbringing. Her dresses were beautiful, and Vin danced with a grace few could master. And now Elend has proposed, soContinue reading “mistborn book two: vin’s biggest challenge may be dresses, not armies”

the quiet power of sazed, from mistborn

The Lord Ruler in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series ruled with a literal cloud of depression over his subjects. He tempered emotion through allomancy, a type of magic, and he hunted anything that would disrupt the status quo. In his eyes, all ska were the same, all noblemen served one purpose, and all rebellions were nothingContinue reading “the quiet power of sazed, from mistborn”

illustration of vin from mistborn, at a ball

Vin is a survivor. She is resourceful and smart, overcoming beatings on the street to become a valued member of a thieving crew. Vin is a fighter, no matter if she’s stealing from the rich or dancing among them. There were a lot of things I love, love, loved about Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire, the first inContinue reading “illustration of vin from mistborn, at a ball”

more women please (on women in books and comics)

I love the Harry Potters, the Quentins, and the Kvothes of the literary world. They are believable, flawed characters who are a hell of a lot of fun to read about. But sometimes I just get tired of watching boys have all the fun and get all the glory. Not to say there’s not terrificContinue reading “more women please (on women in books and comics)”

the magician’s land and a good meal

The Magician’s Land (Kindle here) is the final book in Lev Grossman’s trilogy that follows Quentin Coldwater and his friends as they first learn magic, and then learn that magic alone isn’t enough. This fantasy series has magical spells, beasts, and worlds, but what Quentin’s friends must really face is reality. It can be dark, butContinue reading “the magician’s land and a good meal”

illustration of melody from without a summer

I am working my way backwards through Mary Robinette Kowal’s glamourist histories about one of my favorite literary couples, Jane and Vincent. (I started with the latest book in the series by happenstance, and I’m just going with it.) In Without a Summer (Kindle here), Jane and Vincent travel with Jane’s younger sister Melody to London toContinue reading “illustration of melody from without a summer”