Books, Taylor Swift, and other hyperfixations
"So," the interviewer starts, holding his iPhone near my face. "What books have most influenced your writing?" "Yes, tell us," says Adam Grant, my research hero. I haven't figured out yet why he's here. "Which authors acted as mentors in your youth?" "Interesting question, Adam." I grab the iPhone and speak directly into it "Follow-up… Continue reading Lauren’s Go-To Reads: Old Standbys
I keep by my bookshelf a pile of books I plan to sell at Powell's. This time around, the victims include Lena Dunham's memoir, Tillie Walden's first graphic novel, a poorly-written account of a transgender teenager, and three YA romances I couldn't finish. This shouldn't be a huge deal - I stop reading books all… Continue reading I Hate Romance
Christians approach interacting with me with the question, "How do I talk to it?" I wrote this post to help.
I've rejoiced my parents' last day of school. I've purchased aloe for a terrible sunburn. I've broken out the baby powder for 80-degree days. Summer is upon us. That means it's time to read. A lot. If you're looking for suggestions, I have TRILLIONS. I even organized them from fluffy to thought-provoking, with ample gray… Continue reading Summer Reading List
Believe it or not, I love this book. Perhaps "love" is a strong word for the conflicting emotions I feel. I went in expecting a different story, but rereads have shown the prose gets stronger with age. I appreciate what Bender does with her character's emotions, even if the symbolism goes over my head. So… Continue reading Book Betrayal: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
After writing about so many disappointing books, it seems a bit dramatic to cite one as the Worst Betrayal of All. Good thing I minored in drama. (Only metaphorically. Just go with it.) Which book destroyed my reading freedom like a terrorist? WELCOME, FOLKS, TO JUDITH FERTIG'S THE CAKE THERAPIST!! The Cake Therapist by Judith Fertig… Continue reading Book Betrayal: The Cake Therapist by Judith Fertig
First impression: "This looks really trashy." Second impression: "No one can see me reading this." My emotional journey: "This is stupid." "But it's written so beautifully." "Sold. I'm into it." "What's going on with the teeth?" "Wow, this is getting intense." "WHY IS HE ON FIRE!?!?" "NOOOOOO!" "NOOOOOOOOO!" "Okay, that took a turn." "I get… Continue reading MINI BOOK REVIEW: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
While making my last few lists, I realized I'd had a pretty good life. The bulk of my book betrayals occurred after I turned 18; I couldn't recall any hurtful childhood reads. Then I remembered. There were betrayals, all right. And they started early. Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan I was 6 when the school… Continue reading Book Betrayals: A List of Past Hurts, pt. 5
(Additional rants can be found here, here, and here.) I used to read more fantasy. Scanning my bookshelf, I see magical realism and memoirs where I once kept wizards and fairies. I still love Harry Potter and I'll take a good prophecy every now and again, but I avoid outright magical stories. It's possible these books are… Continue reading Book Betrayals: A List of Past Hurts, pt. 4
Narrative Paradise 