A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5338.A_Christmas_Carol_and_Other_Christmas_Writings?from_search=true

My first title for this list was by Dickens and it shouldn't come as a surprise that he will be finishing this list for us as well. Most everyone who celebrates Christmas has seen some film or television version of this classic tale. Many even have a favourite, identified by the actor portraying the all important role of Ebeneezer Scrooge: Patrick Stewart, Jim Carrey, Michael Caine, Tim Curry, maybe even Scrooge McDuck. 

Alastair Sim will always be my favourite Scrooge

As much as these versions may differ, the story at their heart is always the same - a cruel miser is visited by three spirits and is transformed into a generous, caring old man. Tiny Tim is saved and Bob Cratchit's family raised from the depths of poverty. Stories filled with Christmas spirit, generosity, forgiveness are found throughout. Dickens' tale has come to be practically synonymous with the meaning of Christmas. 

No matter how many versions you have seen, it's worth reading the book at least once. It's not very long, but the language and detail are worth the time. It's also one of my favourite titles to read aloud, which can be a fun activity with children. Particularly if you're like me and you like to get (a little too) into character. Though it's a busy time of year, stopping to read a few pages here and there is a great way to slow down and take a moment to appreciate the season. 

Well, that's it for the Christmas Countdown this year. I hope you've enjoyed the recommendations and maybe even found you're interested in. I will be taking a break for the next couple of weeks to enjoy the holidays with my family and will hopefully return in the new year. I'm also going to be taking the next while to think about what I want to accomplish with the blog, including whether it's worth continuing, and may be making some changes. If you have any suggestions (more focused posts, themes that you think I should spend more time on, formatting, or absolutely anything) please feel free to send them my way.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Only 1 day to go!

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15863391-howl-s-moving-castle

This is my personal recommendation and probably my favourite book of all time. If you've seen the Studio Ghibli adaptation, I still recommend reading the book. The feeling of romance and magic is very similar, but the plot is quite different; there are plenty of surprises you won't be expecting.

Howl's Moving Castle tells the story of Sophie Hatter. As the eldest of three sisters she has resigned herself to a dull life with little fortune - until she is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and made into a ninety year old woman. Her unexpected quest to break the curse takes her to the moving castle of the Wizard Howl which wanders the hills surrounding her hometown.

While working as Howl's cleaning lady, she finds herself faced with a number of mysteries - the pact between Howl and the fire demon Calcipher, a curious spell given by Howl to his apprentice, the unknown fate of a prince and his loyal wizard - all while investigating her own curse and managing Howl's eccentric mood swings. But to break the curse she will have to first discover and accept her true feelings and abilities.

Howl's Moving Castle is a hilarious and beautiful story of self acceptance, love and confidence. It subtly examines issues of self esteem and resignation, while providing a strong and unique female protagonist. The characters are emotional (or overly emotional as is the case of a certain melodramatic wizard),witty and the individual conflicts between characters are intensely amusing.

Howl's Moving Castle is aimed at young adults, but it is a great read for any age. If you enjoy books like Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, and A Wrinkle in Time, this is an incredibly fun and quick read that will keep you smiling and guessing what will come next.

There are also two sequels to the book. Each features different protagonists, and though I still recommend them, I personally don't find these titles as entertaining as the first. They are Castle in the Air and The House of Many Ways.

2 days until Christmas!

Carciphona by Shilin Huang

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12452434-carciphona-volume-1?from_search=true
Copyright Shilin Huang

Carciphona is an ongoing manga series by an incredibly talented artist from Toronto, Ontario. There are currently four volumes which tell the story of Veloce Visrin, a sorceress living in a kingdom that has prohibited the use of common magic. Magic is believed to be linked to the corruption of human souls with demons, leading to the creation of beings called Carciphonas. When Veloce is suddenly attacked by Blackbird, an assassin  seemingly immune to magic and quite possibly a Carciphona, she finds herself forced from her home and her country. She will have to rely on the kindness of two people she has only just met - Keritzel, the son of a rich merchant and Weirin, his arrogant friend - to help her escape.

Full of fantasy, action and mystery, Carciphona has an engaging story and vibrant artwork. It is hosted on www.carciphona.com as a web comic but is also sold in the site's shop in physical format. If you are interested, I highly recommend picking up a physical copy. Not only is it a beautiful addition to your bookshelf, but it also helps support a self-published artist. 

You can see more of Shilin's artwork (original, League of Legends, Ragnorok Online) at her site, shilinhuang.com. Definitely take a few moments to check out her stunning work.

3 days until Christmas!

A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23210772-a-short-history-of-progress?from_search=true

When I was accepted into the Arts and Science program at McMaster University, they sent me a book to read over the summer. It wasn't really mandatory reading material, it was just meant to prepare us for the kind of cultural exploration and world-scale problem solving the program was known to tackle. This book was Ronald Wright's CBC Massey Lecture - A Short History of Progress.

As the title implies, it is a quick read that still manages to span the length of human history. Wright examines the adage "history repeats itself," and reveals how the human race ups the ante every time we make the same mistakes. Every empire that falls is larger and more devastating than the one before. Each step towards progress more irrevocable and resource consuming. 

He examines microcosms like the isolated Easter Island, and even colonies of leaf cutter ants, to make projections about humanity's future. It is also an important reflection on society, ecology and technology. I recommend this read for anytime who cares about the fate of our planet and the human race.

4 days until Christmas.

Celluloid by Dave McKean

 

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10864762-celluloid?from_search=true

Well we've had posts about nonfiction, fantasy, science fiction, drama, romance, classic literature and horror. We've seen books, manga, comics and even a video game.

So it shouldn't be too surprising that I've got an erotica selection too. And no. It's not 50 Shades of Grey. It's just about as far from 50 Shades as you can get, actually.

Celluloid is a loosely narrative collection of erotic artwork by Dave McKean. Known best for his collaborative work with Neil Gaiman and comic books such as Arkham Asylum, McKean's artwork is unique and bizarre - an emotionally raw blend of photography, mixed media and digital art.

Celluloid is sexual fantasy at its height; it is a glimpse into the realms of attraction and pleasure. Moving from each scene, each erotic vision, to the next, McKean's style and colours change. Every style accentuates some new sexual fetish, some new primal desire. The result is a dreamlike journey through the archetypes of human sexuality.

Both tasteful yet pleasantly shocking, McKean's work strikes a delightful balance between male and female pleasure and control. More than simple pornography, it dares to be thought provoking. It speaks to the strangeness of human desire and raises questions about exploration and vulnerability.

If you have an interest in erotica or even just boundary pushing modern art, I definitely recommend giving Celluloid a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.

5 days until Christmas!

Animal Man by Jeff Lemire

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13228357-animal-man-vol-1?from_search=true

When DC comics cancelled all of its ongoing super hero comics and relaunched them with the New 52 titles, Animal Man was a surprise hit. It ended up having a short run, but not due to lack of interest - writer Jeff Lemire decided to complete the story arc and move Buddy Baker over to the Justice League. Which means this is a great comic for those who prefer self contained narratives to ongoing series (like myself).

If you don't know anything about Animal Man, all you really need to know is that he is able to borrow the abilities of animals. Speed, flight, strength, etc. This story is intriguing because it's much about his family as it is about him.

The story begins as his daughter shows signs of some bizarre power that allows her to reanimate and communicate with dead animals. Meanwhile, something called the Rot is killing and corrupting everything in its path, and it's coming for Buddy's family. The series also crosses over with the New 52 release of Swamp Thing.

This is a tense and creepy arc that has garnered a lot of interest for a less than well known member of DC's heroes. It has been released in five trade volumes with the last coming out only last month. Even if you've never read a comic in your life, if you have any interest in super heroes I recommend checking this title out.

6 days until Christmas!

A City In Winter by Mark Helprin and Chris Van Allsburg

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/87986.A_City_in_Winter?from_search=true

Written by the author of A Winter's Tale (recently made into a film starring Colin Farrell) and illustrated by the author/artist of Polar Express and Jumanji, A City In Winter is a beautiful adventure story for children.

A Queen narrates the story of how, as a little girl, she returned to the city of her birth to face the Usurper who killed her royal parents. Under authoritarian rule, the city still clings to its grandeur amid oppression and corruption. She must navigate its streets and people to take back the royal title she deserves. Filled with magic, darkness and beauty, this is a story about her bravery and strength in the face of enemies much stronger than herself.

The book's length is that of a short novel, and its pages are filled with Van Allsburg's illustrations - always stunning and mysterious. The story also has a mysterious quality not unlike Alice in Wonderland. Kids who like adventure, action and fantasy will love this book.

Only a week until Christmas!

The Abhorsen Series by Garth Nix

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/518848.Sabriel?from_search=true

This young adult series has a very unique take on magic and necromancy. It takes place in a land divided into the Old Kingdom and the country of Ancelstierre. In the Old Kingdom, the dead can be restless and one individual is tasked with entering Death and putting reluctant souls to rest - the Abhorsen.

This series, originally a trilogy but now with a new installment just released this October, follows the lives of a few young women as they learn more about themselves and their connection to death. There is Sabriel - daughter of the Abhorsen who has gone missing. Lirael - a member of the Clayr, but unable to see the future as the others do. And now there is Clariel - the daughter of a noble family who wishes for freedom, but encounters danger all around her.

If you enjoy series like Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials or even Harry Potter, this is enjoyable, if darker, series may appeal to you. 

8 days until Christmas!

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

 

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10917.My_Sister_s_Keeper?from_search=true

Note: If you have seen the film adaptation of this book, forget about it. Seriously. And this isn't just me being pretentious or trying to say "the book is always better." (As I've said before.) The film adaptation of this novel misses the entire point of the story and the only similarities are the base premise and the title. The only thing I can think to compare it to is if the film adaptation of Harry Potter decided to have Ron defeat Voldemort instead Harry. It's honestly that inaccurate.

If you love stories like A Walk to Remember, The Fault in Our Stars or any other dramatic tear jerker this book is for you. Throw in some courtroom drama and a bit if mystery and you have an amazing story you'll only want to stop reading long enough to dry your eyes.

Kate, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia when she was very young. Kate's parents were left with few options, the most hopeful being a cord blood donation ... provided this donation come from a baby designed to match Kate's needs perfectly. Though they had never intended to have another child after Kate and their son Jesse, Kate's parents decided welcoming another baby into their life wouldn't be so bad if it would save their daughter's life.

So they have Anna and the cord blood helps Kate recover. For some time. But when Kate starts needing transfusions and bone marrow transplants, Anna is still the best match. Now 13, Anna has undergone countless procedures for her sister. But Kate requires a kidney transplant and, as always, it's expected Anna will give a piece of herself to save her sister.

Instead, Anna hires a lawyer and takes her parents to court to win the ability to make her own medical decisions, something she cannot do as a minor. The family's loyalties are now divided and everyone begins to discover more about the people they thought they knew.

Each chapter is narrated by one of the characters and gives an intimate glimpse into their emotions, their decisions, their pasts. While the main plot is compelling on its own, each character brings their own struggles, their own secrets and their own desires.

My Sister's Keeper is an emotional read full of moral ambiguity, despair and hope. It comes highly recommended, especially if you're looking for a poignant reminder of the pain and joy that comes along with being human.

9 days until Christmas!

The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/298317.The_Sandman_Vol_1

It's probably obvious by now that I'm a pretty big Gaiman fan. I own and have read a good majority of his work and my collection includes a dog eared signed copy of American Gods and a hard cover signed Graveyard Book. He's the only (living) famous person I've ever cared about enough to try to meet.

*insert fangirl gushing here*

I therefore decided, in the interest of fairness and variety, to limit myself to one of his works. (Yes, I realize I did include a children's book by Gaiman... But who's counting...)

I decided on Sandman because it is, in many ways, one of his best works. It encompasses much of what makes his writing great, it is one of his earliest works and you should really read it now since there are films in the works.

The Sandman is a comic book series that follows the character of Dream after he breaks free from a long imprisonment by a power hungry mortal.

Dream is one of the Endless - beings beyond gods that influence all living beings throughout space, time and planes of existence. His siblings include Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium (once called Delight), Destiny and Destruction. 

The stories that make up the series are rich with culture, history and mythology. They take place in dreams, in the past, in the present, in heaven, in hell and everywhere in between. They are stories of gods and immortals and of fragile human beings, though they are often not so different. They are stories of heart break and hope, of futility and creativity. They are gritty and emotionally raw.

If you love fairy tales, mythology, literature and history you should read Sandman. If you love contemporary fantasy, weirdness and dreams, you need to read Sandman. For those who already enjoy it, make sure you check out his spin off comics and the short story collection.

Only 10 days until Christmas

The Otherland Series by Tad Williams

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28695.City_of_Golden_Shadow?from_search=true

Otherland is a four part science fiction series that perfectly straddles the line between cyberpunk and fantasy. If you enjoy a good epic following multiple characters throughout various worlds, you just might be interested in this quartet. There are also obvious parallels between the Sword Art Online anime/ light novels and this story.

The series takes place in the not too distant future where full body immersive virtual reality has become commonplace. When children suddenly begin falling into mysterious comas while plugged into the Net, it will take a handful of brave and curious individuals to find the truth hidden behind corrupt corporations, secret societies and military cover-ups.

The cast is wonderfully varied, and Williams has included various ages, genders, sexual orientations and cultures. Each character with a personal agenda and intensely emotional motivation.

An African teacher trying to save her little brother. Her student, an African nomad unfamiliar with technology. A blind researcher from France looking for answers. A dying boy whose only friend has been taken. These and others venture into the Otherland - an exclusive network containing handcrafted worlds, more realistic than technologically possible. There they encounter a man with missing memories, a prisoner of the system.

In the real world an Australian police officer puts her life on the line to hunt a vicious killer. A little girl secretly befriends an ancient man hidden away in a military base. A woman who has lost everything infiltrates the most powerful company on the planet. All are connected with with the network, though they may not know it.

Otherland is a complicated but engaging story that takes place in dozens of worlds both original and based on literature like The Wizard of Oz, Alice Through the Looking Glass and A Princess of Mars. If you're looking for a unique read, this just may be it.

11 days until Christmas!

Gone Home by The Fullbright Company

 

Image source: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Home

Amy, you might say, have you lost your mind? Gone Home isn't a book at all. It's a video game.

Too right you are my hypothetical friend, but when we started this whole advent calendar thing I did say I would be suggesting alternative methods of story telling. And at its heart, that's what Gone Home really is: a unique, interactive narrative.

Gone Home is an open exploration game that is a cross between Dear Esther and puzzle games like Myst. There is no real game play aside from first person exploration. There are no real puzzles except maybe interpreting the subplots and deciding where to explore next.

Let me try to give you an idea what it's all about, even if you don't play games:

You play in the first person perspective of a daughter coming home from college. You're family has moved since you were away so this is the first time you've ever actually been to the new house - something your father inherited. So the house, fairly expansive, is unfamiliar to you.

You begin on the veranda as a storm rages outside. You can walk around, pick up objects, interact with them and examine them. Picking up a decorative duck and flipping it over may reveal a price tag, long forgotten, still stuck to it's bottom. 

There is a note on the door. An apology from your sister. You wonder what has happened. You search for the spare key and when you enter the house you realize no one is home. Where is everyone?

So begins your exploration of the house. This is somewhat guided by a series of locked doors and tidbits of narration from your sister. These are awarded when you discover certain details and slowly reveal the main plot. 

There are multiple subplots: the location of your parents, the fate of the crazy old relative that once owned the house, your dad's obsession with writing novels about the Kennedy assassination. Details about each can be found if you explore the house thoroughly, but none are ever explicitly stated. Unlike your sister's story, subplot details can be missed and the final verdict is left for the player's interpretation.

My first play through I forgot to unlock a safe that held crucial information about one of these stories. I later went back and discovered the truth of my father's childhood in the house and how it shaped his entire life thereafter.

Also, if you're an 80's/90's child, you'll appreciate the nostalgia, as the story takes place in 1995. Cassette tapes, VHS, references to 90's music and television are strewn about, and I personally enjoyed  finding these throughout the environment. 

The stories of Gone Home are painful, poignant and beautiful. I cried at the end and have never felt such joy in a story as I did at the final revelation. I wish everyone would play this game, hear it's story and its important message. If you don't believe gaming and interactive media can compete with literature and film as an art form... Please take a couple hours to play this game.

You can find the game on the Gone Home site or Steam (which will probably discount it significantly at some point during their Holiday Sale). The game is also coming to Wii U sometime soon and potentially other consoles as well.

12 days until Christmas!

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34494.The_Wee_Free_Men_Discworld_30_?from_search=true

The Wee Free Men is part of Terry Pratchett's expansive Discworld series. If you're unfamiliar with Pratchett and his work (as I was when I read this book), this basically means it is a hilarious story of magic and mischief. But don't be daunted by Pratchett's large body of work; The Wee Free Men stands perfectly well on its own and is a starter novel in a Young Adult branch of Discworld called the Tiffany Aching series.

Tiffany Aching is a brilliant and independent 11 year old girl with a particularly spoiled (and sticky) younger brother. When her brother is stolen away by a tyrant fairy queen, Tiffany enlists the help of the Nac Mac Feegle - a group of rowdy, blue, thieving fairies with wonderfully Scottish accents - to get him back. Armed only with a frying pan and her witchy powers - First Sight and Second Thoughts - she must use all her wits and determination to get back her (more than slightly annoying) little brother.

This book is so cleverly hilarious, and straight up clever, I highly recommend it for people of all ages, though Tiffany is a particularly inspiring character for preteen girls. If you enjoyed the Harry Potter series or any other Young Adult series laced with magic and humour, definitely check out the Tiffany Aching series.

13 days until Christmas!

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8088.Sunshine?from_search=true

Urban fantasy, particularly vampire stories, have become fairly mainstream since books like Twilight and Vampire Academy, and shows like True Blood and Vampire Diaries came on the scene. I offer up Sunshine as an alternative to those hyper popular titles and as a compromise between the horror genre and the romance/drama genre of vampire fiction.

Sunshine takes place in an alternate version of our world where Others have been around since the dawn of history. Weres, succubi, magic handlers, demons.... There is prejudice and fear surrounding their existence, but the real threat are the Dark Others - vampires. They are evil and an encounter with one is always fatal. So when Sunshine, a baker at her family's cafe, survives a vampire abduction and picks up a vampire companion along the way, her life begins to change in ways she never expected, and she is forced to accept that she is more than she seems.

With vampires that are more monster than human, a strong and relatable heroine, and a little romantic tension, Sunshine is a delightful blend of genres. It is a refreshing take on the vampire story, not to mention the first vampire story I've ever encountered to acknowledge that moonlight is actually light reflected from the Sun (aka sunlight). Guess that's just the science geek in me...

14 days until Christmas!

Xxxholic by CLAMP

 

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228063.xxxHolic_Vol_1?from_search=true

Okay, first let me get the title out of the way. This is NOT a story about a sex addict. Xxx, while often referring to x rated material in Western culture, is referring to a variable. As in "blank"holic - alcoholic, computerholic, mangaholic etc. Alright, now, let's move on.

Xxxholic comes recommended from me if you're a fan of manga/anime (particularly if you grew up watching Cardcaptor Sakura), as well as fans of folklore and Japanese culture. If you love stories about spirits, mystery, and adventure, definitely give holic a try. I'd also argue that there are parallels between Harry Potter and holic; the lead character is special in some mysterious way, he saves the day with kindness, courage and magical abilities, and he does it with the help of a male and female companion. Of course, his mentor is a lot younger, female and an alcoholic... But anyway.

It follows the story of Kimihiro Watanuki, a high school student who has the ability to see spirits. He accidentally finds his way into a shop owned by Yuko - a space-time witch. The shop grants wishes, but only for a price which is carefully calculated and collected by Yuko. Watanuki ends up working for Yuko and encounters all manner of situations both human and paranormal.

With the help of his friend/rival Domeki and his crush, Himawari, Watanuki begins to learn more about himself, his relationships with the people around him, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his very existence.

I mention Cardcaptor Sakura because Xxxholic has references to various other manga series written by CLAMP, including Cardcaptor. The plot is intertwined with Tsubasa (which features a Sakura from an alternate reality), but this doesn't cause any problems. Every volume contains explanations for anything you may need to know as well as cultural information that might benefit the reader's understanding. Personally, I had never read anything else by CLAMP and still loved Xxxholic.

The art is detailed, elegant and stylized. The characters are entertaining and loveable. The plot is twisted, magical and mysterious. Of course, if you'd rather, you can always check out the first season of the anime adaptation on Netflix instead.

15 days until Christmas!

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

 

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2967752-the-elegance-of-the-hedgehog?from_search=true

To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what to compare The Elegance of the Hedgehog to. It's fairly unique, in my opinion. Its focus is thought, social classes, and death. If you enjoy emotional reads and tear jerkers you might enjoy it, but there's also a heavy philosophical aspect to it. I would even argue that much of the story hinges on the main characters' thoughts rather than actual physical events. I'd also argue that it works perfectly for this particular narrative.

I picked up Hedgehog on a whim one day when I was at Chapters. Something about the cover caught my eye, I guess. I noticed it was the translation of a French novel and the synopsis sounded unique. It was nothing like the books I usually read, yet something made me take the risk and pick it up knowing almost nothing about it. I am so glad I did.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog follows two main characters. The first is a concierge at a posh Parisian hotel. She is old, unattractive and outwardly stereotypical for a low class servant. What no one knows is that she has taught herself to read and taken in all the knowledge she possibly can. She loves literature, philosophy and Japanese culture. She sees the irony of her position with respect to the residents of the hotel as they waste their lives ignorantly and surpass her only in physical wealth. 

The other character is a twelve year old girl - one of the hotel residents. Again, she is brilliant but hides behind a veil of mediocrity. She has reflected on the meaning of life and found it wanting. Unless something changes her mind, she calmly intends to kill herself on her thirteenth birthday. 

Of course, circumstance causes the two to meet and their lives change forever. 

The premise sounds incredibly dark, and though the story is filled with thoughts of despair and futility, the story is one filled with hope. The philosophical musings of each character are amusing, believable and thought-provoking. The story is both heart-breaking and satisfying. 

Another quality that I loved about Barbery's writing is the seriousness with which the younger character is treated. She is not presented as a silly, angst-driven pre-teen, but a thoughtful girl who is very aware of life's injustices. A girl who realizes that she is privileged in a world of unfairness. Too often young characters are presented as emotional and hormonal hyperboles instead of rational, empathetic human beings. 

If you're looking for a thought-provoking, emotional read, especially if you have a love for philosophical dialogue and Japanese culture, I very highly recommend The Elegance of the Hedgehog.

  

16 days until Christmas!

The Goddess is in the Details by Deborah Blake

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6434585-the-goddess-is-in-the-details?from_search=true

The Goddess is in the Details is a guide to practicing Wicca effectively in your daily life. But you don't have to be Wiccan to benefit from Deborah Blake's advice about how to live mindfully 365 days a year.

The book, though touted as "not for beginners," is actually a very approachable look at what the religion entails and the power of the human mind. Though it covers spell work and Wiccan holidays, the main concern of the book is how to bring positivity into your daily life. As a religion that is tied heavily to the Earth and the change of the seasons, it's also a wonderful reminder about how we can respect and protect the planet that we rely on to live.

There are simple reflections on how our health and success is reliant on the language we use - how many times have you started a day by saying "This day is going to be horrible" or repeatedly reminded yourself and those around you be how well you don't feel? Observations on how we rarely consider or appreciate how our food gets to our table. And thoughts about how to handle various life events. 

If you're interested in learning more about pagan religions, enjoy philosophy or are just looking for ways to live gently and mindfully, this may be a read for you. Seeing as how the entire religion is based primarily off of the phrase "And harm none do what ye may" and a law that loosely translates to karma, I think it's obvious how this is relatable to even nonpracticers of Wicca.

17 days until Christmas!

The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21416536-the-complete-fiction-of-h-p-lovecraft?from_search=true

This is a newly released, beautifully bound collection which includes all of H.P. Lovecraft's fiction. The Macabre Stories, The Dream Cycle Stories, The Cthulhu Mythos... they're all here. 

For those who are unfamiliar with Lovecraft... he is the creator of Cthulhu, not to mention the Necronomicon. If you still don't know what I'm talking about, let me just say that his fiction inspired Stephen King, H.R. Giger, Guillermo Del Toro, John Carpenter, Neil Gaiman and countless others. Movies with Lovecraftian themes include Evil Dead, The Thing, Re-Animator and Cabin in the Woods. If you're into video games... Dead Space, World of Warcraft, Skyrim and Amnesia all pay homage to Lovecraft.

Basically, if you like horror and you haven't read Lovecraft... You better get on that.

Lovecraft's own quote sums up his particular type of horror best:

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."

From tentacled beings beyond human understanding to ancient family curses to mysterious dreams, Lovecraft is about the unknown, the incomprehensible, the things which drive a person mad - over time or in an instant of sheer terror.

If you are or know a fan of horror, this is a must have collection.

18 days until Christmas!

Claymore by Norihiro Yagi

 until Christmas!ge source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/777423.Claymore_Vol_01?from_search=true

Claymore is a fast-paced manga set in a world where monsters called Yoma devour humans. Yoma are incredibly strong, difficult to kill, and can disguise themselves as humans. A mysterious organization has created half-human, half-Yoma female warriors, called Claymore for their massive swords. These silver-eyed women travel the land killing Yoma - for a price.

Claire is one such warrior, and she ends up with an unexpected travelling companion in Raki, a boy whom she saves from a Yoma in his village. As they complete the various jobs assigned to Claire by the Organization, Claire begins to learn that the fight against the Yoma is not what it seems.

Though I try to avoid ongoing manga series (because you just never know when or if they're going to end), I couldn't help but pick up Claymore. The style is neat and appealing, the story is engaging and mysterious, the characters are interesting and complex. Nothing is as it seems in Claymore and you'll find yourself constantly surprised by what happens next.

If you love monster stories, fantasy settings, high-action and strong female protagonists, this manga is for you. You can also check out the anime, which is incredibly loyal (with the exception of the last couple of episodes). If you enjoy the anime definitely pick up the manga and find out what happens next!

(By the way... my cat Raphaela is named for one of the characters from this series. You'll understand if you read it...)

19 days until Christmas!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9361589-the-night-circus?from_search=true

The Night Circus is a wonderful read for those who enjoy romance, mystery, and period pieces with a generous helping of magical realism.

Le Cirque des Rêves is a mysterious circus that appears at night and then disappears again - no announcement, no warning. Its attractions are otherworldly and magical, but it is also host to a fierce competition. Celia and Marco, both gifted with unbelievable abilities, are entangled in a longstanding duel between their masters. Only one can win and only one can survive. But how can they continue as their feelings for one another grow? How can they stop when they are bound by unbreakable magic to participate?

What I particularly loved about this story is that the competition is entirely nonviolent. Both Celia and Marco's magic is beautiful and creative, not destructive. The Night Circus provides a refreshing take on conflict and competition. The cast of characters all have subtle eccentricities which make them enjoyable and complicated. The alternating time frame and detailed settings, combined with an immersive narrative, create an atmosphere that is dreamlike and artistic.

If you dream of masquerades, fortune telling, and romance under the stars... the Night Circus has everything you are hoping for and more.

20 days until Christmas!

Children's Stories by Various Authors

When we pick out books for children, we often think of a few select authors: Dr. Seuss, Robert Munsch, Mercer Meyer, Eric Carle etc. While the Cat in the Hat, the Paper Bag Princess and the Hungry Caterpillar are all wonderful books, today I'm taking the time to highlight some other greats that may be less familiar.

Five Famished Foxes and Fosdyke by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Henry Cole

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/733013.Four_Famished_Foxes_and_Fosdyke?from_search=true

A friend bought this book for my daughter, choosing it because it had been one of his own favourites. When I read it later, I fell instantly in love with its clever story, fantastic wordplay and oh so important message.

It tells the story of a family of foxes and how they try to feed themselves while mother fox is away. While five foxes fuss over hunting at the farmhouse, Fosdyke flambées, fries and fricassées up his favourite: French food! This loveable story reminds children to be themselves and that they are important, whoever they choose to be. Because: "A fox is a fox, whatever the food!"

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/490867.Knuffle_Bunny?from_search=true

Knuffle Bunny is a hilarious "cautionary tale" about a toddler's favorite stuffed toy getting left behind at the laundromat. But how can Trixie tell her dad what's wrong when she can't talk yet?

Beautifully told with cartoon illustrations on black and white photographs, this simply worded tale is enjoyable for even very young children and toddlers. Parents will laugh at the familiarity of the communication break down between parent and tot, and the antics that inevitably ensue.

Journey by Aaron Becker

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262290-journey?from_search=true

A stunning picture book, Journey is about the power of the imagination and is told through illustrations alone. With nothing but a piece of red chalk, a lonely girl embarks on a fantastic adventure through colourful and vibrant worlds.

Adults and children will love picking out details on the large, bright pages and the theme makes it perfect when you're trapped inside on a rainy day.

The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47693.The_Day_I_Swapped_My_Dad_for_Two_Goldfish?from_search=true

This quirky title tells the story a little boy and his sister as they follow the trail of traded toys and pets to find their father, whom they previously swapped for two goldfish. He may not do much (except read the paper), but their mother wants him back and sends them out to fetch him.

With unique and bizarre artwork by McKean, this is a fun read aloud for parents and children. Or if you pick up the hardcover edition, you can listen to Gaiman read it himself on the accompanying CD.

The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogalvie

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13559812-the-worst-princess?from_search=true

Princess Sue knows how it works. She grows her hair, and waits in her tower for a prince to come and save her, but when he finally does, she's disappointed to be taken straight to another tower! When the prince objects to her doing anything but " princess" things, she teams up with a dragon to take things into her own hands.

Great for little girls who love adventure, this convention-breaking story questions the classical princess narrative and throws gender roles out the window. With cute illustrations and clever rhymes too!

21 days until Christmas!

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

 

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3236307-graceling?from_search=true

Are you a fan of high action Teen Fiction? The Hunger Games, City of Bones, or the Assassin's Curse sitting on your shelf? Then Graceling might be for you.

Graceling takes place in a world where some people are born with a gift. This gift, called a "Grace", is a talent at which the individual naturally excels. It could be archery, swimming, music or even reading a person's thoughts. Gracelings are identifiable by their two different coloured eyes.

Katsa, the niece of the king, has been graced with killing. She works as her uncle's muscle, intimidating his subjects and people in the surrounding kingdoms to do as he wishes. When she stumbles upon a bizarre kidnapping that leads her across the kingdoms, she begins to discover more about power and the person she really is.

Graceling is a unique and vibrant story about self discovery, love, compassion and fortitude. It is an examination of self acceptance and violence. If you love adventure, mystery, and romance I definitely recommend checking it out. 

If you enjoy Graceling, there are also two companion novels which follow it. So far I've only read Fire, the first companion, but was as impressed as I was with Graceling. I have high hopes for the second companion, Bitterblue.

22 days until Christmas!

Rat Queens by Curtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20299683-rat-queens-vol-1?from_search=true

Rat Queens is a new, Eisner award winning comic book series that follows a team of four female mercenaries in a Dungeons and Dragonesque setting. The Rat Queens are violent, foul-mouthed and not afraid to get their hands dirty... In fact, they're all too eager to get their hands dirty. The first volume of the series, Sass and Sorcery, follows the Rat Queens as they try to figure out who is hiring assassins to kill them, while fighting to save their lives and their town, Palisade.

The humor in this series is quick, dark and delightfully crass. No punches are held (literally and figuratively) and the content includes everything from disembowelment, to drugs, to drunken sexual escapades (well hello there Orc Dave...).

The characters are, at a glance, modern stereotypes with a D&D twist. Hannah - the no-nonsense, tattooed elven mage.  Dee - the human cleric who is still trying to distance herself from her family's (somewhat familiar) tentacled god. Violet - the dwarf fighter who is considering regrowing her beard now that shaving it has become mainstream. And Betty - the smidgen thief that would live off of candy, drugs and booze if it were physically possible. 

Underneath the sarcasm, the attitude and the penchant for criminal behaviour are believable, emotional characters and complicated relationships with family, lovers, colleagues and rivals.

Upchurch's art style is another asset to the series; bold, colourful but still detailed and attractive, it strikes a perfect balance between cartoon and realism much like Wiebe's writing.

If you're not easily offended and you enjoy over the top humour and action with a high fantasy backdrop, I highly recommend Rat Queens. Especially if you have a soft spot for D&D.

23 days until Christmas!

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

When I was a child, I owned a cartoon called David Copperfield on VHS. It was voiced by Julian Lennon, Sheena Easton and Howie Mandel and was marketed as a Christmas musical. It featured singing anthropomorphic animals, a cheese factory, slave labour and monsters that were essentially cheese-zombies. Looking back, it was really bizarre and had almost nothing to do with Dickens' classic, but as a kid I loved it.

Image source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1116596-david_copperfield/

 

It's what made me pick up the book when I was probably only around ten years old. It was a difficult read for me at the time, but I made it through and it sparked in me a lifelong love of Dickens.

A semi-autobiography, David Copperfield tells the the tale of the eponymous David from birth through adulthood. It is an incredibly human story about a child losing everything and slowly reclaiming his life through hard work and perseverance. And of course with some help from a loveable and complex cast of characters.

If there's one thing I love about Dickens, it's his characters. Always a little bit eccentric - Mrs. Macawber's announcements of spousal loyalty, Uriah Heath's "humbleness", not to mention Betsy Trotwood's hatred of the male gender, her protection of Mr. Dick, and obsession with her lawn. Each character so detailed and believable, their tragedies and triumphs can't help but fill the reader with grief, excitement, pity, admiration, fear and hope.

Even Dickens said of this work: " ...like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield."

And if you aren't a fan of reading classic literature, I highly recommend BBC's television adaptation starring most of the cast of Harry Potter, including Daniel Radcliffe as a young David. Oh, and Gandalf too.

Image Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/quiz/ian-mckellen/
A very grumpy Gandalf...

24 days until Christmas!