Late to the Game

I'm sitting around a table with four or five other people. I'm maybe 15 or 16 years old. Some of these people I have been friends with for years, though I haven't seen them much since I moved across town. They're incredibly friendly, incredibly welcoming, and yet I feel tense. We're sitting around a table, playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons. I want to enjoy myself, but I'm too intimidated. Everyone else here has been playing for a long time. I'm afraid that I look stupid because I have no idea what I'm doing. I feel overwhelmed by the details and rules. I'm worried that every question I ask annoys them. I'm also worried what the rest of my social circle would think of me playing a table top role playing game. I play maybe one more campaign with them over the next couple of months and then we grow apart. 

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons

It's a decade later and I want to get into D&D. I realize now what I was too nervous to see then - if I wanted to enjoy the game, I should have just been honest. I should have told them I was nervous. Told them I felt like an idiot for not knowing the rules. Maybe asked for more help. There were a lot of other things going on at the time (I was a teenager, no surprise) but I have no doubt that I would have been welcomed and would have picked up the flow of the game fairly quickly. And forget about what anyone else thought about what I decided to do with my free time. 

I've been meaning to write this post for a while now. I think our hobbies and interests are very important to us. Many of us define ourselves by them; we spend our free time and money - as little as that may be - enjoying and investing in them. We might even wear t-shirts or pins to show them off. We might throw parties or attend events to celebrate them. We cosplay and permanently tattoo our bodies.

Image source: http://fuckyeahharrypottertattoos.tumblr.com/page/7

Some of our hobbies and interests we are practically born with. I grew up in a home with Lord of the Rings and Sword of Shannara on the bookshelf and movie nights featuring Legend, Willow, and Star Wars. Science fiction and fantasy, literature and film... these were things I came to love very early in my life and it was easy to immerse myself in them because they were loved and promoted at home.

Not all of our interests come about this way. For instance, my love for anime was something I discovered on my own. I watched Sailor Moon, Digimon and Cardcaptor on YTV and I knew I wanted to look into this genre further. I knew I wanted more. My parents didn't really get it though and none of my friends growing up showed more than a passing interest. I didn't really start exploring a variety of movies and shows until first year university. The fact is, it can be a real challenge to start a new hobby.

I mean, what don't you get about this Mom and Dad? Also, I'm pretty sure Matt was my first love.
Image source: http://kidfromthe6ix.com/2014/08/08/my-top-15-ytv-shows-growing-up/

The challenge arises from a variety of factors - how niche or stigmatized that hobby is, whether anyone around you has that hobby, the cost involved, the amount of information required to start, whether it is a solo or group activity, etc.

A lot of my interests, and a lot of so-called "geek" hobbies, are fairly niche. Many also have some sort of prejudice or stigma attached (e.g. anime is for kids, video games are for teen boys, LARPing is for the socially-inept). This alone is a huge barrier to overcome, especially for someone whose immediate social circle may not be interested. But it is so worth it to find something you enjoy doing.

If you look back over my blog posts, you'll realize that many are dedicated to recommendations. I even did a guide for those who wanted to start getting into anime. The reason I do these posts is because I've been there. Anime, video games, comics... these are all things I embraced as I got older, and they are an incredibly important part of my life now. Anime was mostly self-driven exploration but the others required a lot of help.

My dad played a lot of video games when I was a kid, but by the time I was old enough to really start playing them on my own, we only had one outdated system. I played a bit at my friends' houses, but I missed out on a lot of titles until I grew up and married a man with a passion for gaming. That interest was always there, but the accessibility wasn't. I still face criticism when people find out I haven't played all of the classics (I missed out on most of the Zeldas, Final Fantasies, etc, etc), but I don't let that stop me. Your interests are what are important, irrelevant of whether they fit inside of some box labelled "gamer". If you're having fun, then who cares. If you feel like going back and playing the titles you've missed over the years, go for it! If they don't interest you, forget about them. As long as you can afford (or find if you're into retro games) a system and some titles, gaming isn't too hard to get into. Ignore the haters and just check out reviews and titles on the internet. Or ask store clerks and friends for recommendations. You'll eventually find people with tastes similar to yours and sites that tend to parallel your own opinions.

It was super exciting to watch... I swear. These graphics, top of the line.
Image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec9AD_KxtyM

Comics are tougher, in my opinion. As a kid I loved all the comic book shows and movies - Batman, Superman, X-men, Spiderman, and so on - but no one in my family read comics. None of my friends read comics either as far as I know (or no one I felt comfortable asking). I'm pretty sure my town had only one comic book store and it wasn't exactly newbie friendly. I was a kid with no idea where to start, limited internet access, and no one to turn to. I finally got up the nerve to buy the Sandman series, and as an adult I met a friend who was more than happy to suggest titles and lend me his copies.

And that's just the relationships... 
Image source: http://www.businessinsider.com/marvel-relationships-chart-2015-2

The difficulty with comics is simply that some of the universes are freaking massive. Marvel in particular, but a lot of the DC stuff is really daunting too. Luckily there's some amazing one-offs and short series that are great to start with. I just ignore the individual issues and wait for the trade paperback versions to be released (volumes that collect a chunk of individual issues). Of course, if you really want to start getting into the big DC and Marvel titles like Batman or the Avengers, the internet is a wonderful resource. You can find recommendation reading lists or background summaries if you just want to catch up. There are also convenient anthologies put together for fans of certain characters. And honestly, just ask the guy or girl at the counter. They may not know everything, but they are there because they love comics.

If you do happen to be someone who has wanted to get into comics for a while... this is actually a good time. DC just rebooted their titles with the New 52 a few years ago and Marvel is currently restructuring their whole universe with the Secret Wars. Things are starting fairly fresh and you have a lot less background to research (unless of course you want to, then by all means).

The point I'm trying to make is that it's never too late to start a new hobby. My husband and I just started getting into board games after years of talking about it. We just pick up whatever looks interesting or check out the reviews on BoardGameGeek. As I mentioned, we also want to get into D&D - a fairly large endeavor considering we don't know anyone in the area who plays and only one of us has any experience playing. We refuse to let that stop us, even if that means getting to know some new people in town or modifying the game to play on our own.

If there's something you've been yearning to try, don't wait for years like I did. Do some research. Ask around. Check out community organizations or the local library (you'd be surprised by some of the how-to's libraries host). The fact is that most people LOVE to talk about their interests (I mean, that's pretty much what I'm doing right now), so it never hurts to ask. If they criticize you, walk away. If they were really passionate about it they'd be happy that another person was interested too. And, of course, the flip side is that we need to be tolerant of other people's interests when they're different and make them feel welcome when they're similar.

Whether you're curious about role playing, Disc World, manga, Doctor Who, coding, comics... whatever... look into it. And I know the focus here is on geek culture, but the same goes for things like art, crafts and sports. You're not too late to join in.

If you've tried something new recently feel free to share in the comments. And if any of the people from my original D&D experience are reading... thanks for being so welcoming and patient. It may not have been the right time, but that positive experience is part of the reason I want to try again. 

Anime: A Beginner's Guide

As I mentioned last week, there are going to be some ongoing changes to this blog. One thing that you will notice in 2015 is a definitive shift in focus from general discussion and literature to geek culture. Not that much of a change really since I often focused on Sci Fi/ Fantasy and anime anyway. So you can expect a lot more anime, video games, comics, science/tech, and science fiction/fantasy posts in the future. Not that it means you'll see less depth of content or rigorous discussion about relevant issues, but it will be brought about via the context of said topics.

Lately, I've been on an anime-watching binge with the start of the winter season this January. This is a fairly strong season, in my opinion, but I'll follow up with that in the future. First, I want to sort of introduce the concept of anime and help those who are interested navigate the multitude of titles to find a comfortable starting point. I know from personal experience that it can be a challenge to get into a new hobby or to explore a new medium. Especially since anime is looked down upon and dismissed by many, you might feel uncomfortable or unsure whether it's worth looking into. Anime ranges from heartwarming children's tales to incredibly adult stories filled with bizarre characters and abstract concepts. It can be beautiful, it can be crass, it can be subtle, it can be blatantly sexual. Depending on your interests, this can be very overwhelming.

For those who are nervous about starting something new, those who are curious but intimidated or embarrassed and really don't know where to start... hopefully this post can help guide you. And if you're already a fan, maybe there are even some new titles here that you haven't checked out yet. Or maybe you'd like to add your own titles in the comments. Feedback is always welcomed.

So, what is anime anyway? In Japan, the term anime refers to any animated film or television show. In the West, however, we generally consider animation created in Japan to be anime. There is often a distinct style associated with Japanese animation both in the artwork (characters with large eyes, vibrant hair colours and exaggerated emotional expression) and plot (frequently supernatural, strong character development, complicated and unexpected storylines). People debate this further - whether Studio Ghibli films are truly anime, for example - but for the purpose of this post, we will consider any animation originating from Japan to be anime. I will be talking about Western animation a little, but I will specifically point out which titles this refers to. Check out Idea Channel if you want a closer look at the Japanese vs Western anime debate.

To start, we come to that age old question... Dubs or subs? This refers to whether you choose to watch anime that has been dubbed over by English voice actors or anime with the original Japanese dialogue and English subtitles. I always recommend subtitles simply because the English dubs frequently change the dialogue to match the mouths of the characters as they speak. This is limiting and I can tell you from watching both versions, a lot is lost in translation. Now, of course, if you hate subtitles and it makes the difference between enjoying the show or not... then just go for the dubbed version. It's really personal preference that matters overall.

So where to start? Personally I recommend starting with films instead of shows. You only have to sit through a couple of hours rather than investing in a show that is 13+ episodes long. Plus, there are plenty of easy to find titles. I'd also recommend starting out with milder shows, more in keeping with stories you might be familiar with from Western film and television. Unless you're already really into weird and abstract film, starting out with an Akira or an Evangelion might be a bit jarring... 

I'd say it's not as weird as it looks, but it totally is...

 So here's what I suggest:

Studio Ghibli films - Hayao Miyazaki films in particular - come highly recommended and are distributed in the West by Disney, so they are very easy to find. I'd recommend starting with some of his simpler stories (often based on Western works) - Kiki's Delivery Service, The Secret World of Arrietty, or even Howl's Moving Castle - and working towards the more fantastical Japanese tales found in Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. All of these titles, Mononoke excepted, are family friendly and often have a socially and environmentally-conscious narrative.

Did I also mention that Miyazaki's films are stunningly beautiful?

From here I'd move onto Mamoru Hosoda's films. These are mostly stories about family and friendship, but are geared towards a slightly more mature audience than Miyazaki's. Again, they are all fairly easy to find at your local movie stores and on streaming services. Look for the titles: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars and Wolf Children. Each has a slightly supernatural element that is presented subtly and in such a way that it enhances the emotional, human elements of his stories.

Warning: keep the kleenex handy for this one (that goes double for moms and triple for new moms)

If you're an adult who already enjoys abstract and challenging plot lines, you may also be interested in Satoshi Kon's films. Fans of films like Inception will be interested in the movie Paprika, about a woman who must navigate people's dreams to investigate the theft of potentially dangerous dream-interaction technology. If you enjoyed Black Swan, you may want to pick up Perfect Blue. Darren Aronofsky, director of Black Swan, is himself a fan of Kon and you will notice plenty of parallels between the two stories (despite owning the rights to the film, he denies it as an inspiration). Kon is a master of blurring the lines between dream and reality, and his plots are simultaneously twisted and incredibly intelligent.

I could seriously discuss Perfect Blue for hours. In fact, I'm pretty sure I have.

If you're looking to invest more time and want to try out a couple of shows, you can always try some Western animation first. The Nickolodeon shows Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are Western shows that are often noted as having many similarities to Japanese anime. The stories, though geared towards a young audience, are still very deep and engaging for an older audience.

If you're trying to prepare yourself for some of the more bizarre elements of anime, you may be interested in checking out another Western animated show, Over the Garden Wall. I really don't want to tell you much about this one because its appeal is in its mystery. I will simply say it is a modern Alice in Wonderland story that pays homage to various eras and genres of animation. It's also only 10 episodes long so it doesn't require a massive commitment.

There is likely an upcoming post dedicated to this show. So watch it now. NOW.

From this point on, it really depends what you're interested in. Here are some Japanese titles based on various genre interests. I'm recommending each of these based on the reasonable length of the show, the lack of fan service (aka unnecessary nudity/sexual content) and a somewhat straightforward plot.

If you like science fiction, you've probably already heard of Cowboy Bebop. Reminiscent of Joss Whedon's Firefly, Bebop follows an unlikely crew of bounty hunters as they take new jobs and come to terms with their pasts.

 

Many people I know started with the incredibly popular Death Note, a great selection if you're interested in supernatural thrillers and crime drama. Light Yagami, a high school student, gains possession of a notebook which allows him to kill anyone as long as he knows their name and face. What begins as a quest to rid the world of evil, quickly turns into a battle between some of the brightest minds the world has ever encountered. 

If you're a fan of horror - particular Japanese horror stories like the Grudge and the Ring - Another is a gory, mysterious and creepy-as-hell show which I highly recommend. It centres on a cursed classroom and a couple of students who break the taboo protecting the class from a terrifying and deadly force.

Attack on Titan is another great title that has already won over many non-anime fans. It takes place in a world where humanity lives behind massive stone walls to protect themselves from the titans - massive humanoid monsters that seem to exist solely to kill humans. But when the wall is breached, humanity is thrown into turmoil and questions begin to arise about the nature of the titans and whether there might be an intelligent goal behind their mindless violence. A word of warning - this is an ongoing series and only one season has yet been released (the next isn't slated until next year). 

Likely you've seen this image (or parodies) even if you've never seen the show.

Maybe you'd rather shy away from the supernatural and are just looking for a good drama/ slice of life show. If so, Usagi Drop, or Bunny Drop, is a beautiful story about a man who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of the young, illegitimate daughter of his father. I'm also a fan of Kuroko's Basketball, an ongoing series about a high school basketball team trying to improve enough to challenge a group of prodigies known as the Generation of Miracles.

As you gain confidence and your interest builds, you'll likely start finding some titles of your own. Just don't give up if you find a title or two that aren't what you're looking for. Like any medium, anime is filled with a variety of genres and various degrees of quality. Check out www.myanimelist.net for a list of top-rated anime, reviews, and recommendations. You can find my user profile here: http://myanimelist.net/profile/AmyMaehem. I've found it to be a great resource for finding new anime to check out. Plus, I'm always happy to recommend titles and I'm sure I'll be talking about some new shows in the near future! 

As always, thanks for reading and feel free to comment here or if you have me on Facebook!

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!