Let's Talk About Books

   There is a wonderful much repeated quote from J R R Tolkien: “Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape? … If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we’re partisans of liberty, then it is our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us we we can!”
   Sometimes real life can start to feel like the enemy. The difference between avoiding and resting is a truly subtle thing. We are just animals, barely different from trees. We need periods of rest, over and over in cycles that must be honored. These are the small cycles of hungry and full, awake and asleep, but also the larger cycles of productive, driven, focused, followed by rest, recovery, dreaming. Like winter and summer. Over and over.
   Escape can be avoidance, yes. It can consume and take over and make one incapable of leaving one’s head. But it can also be used as a much needed and much deserved rest. We all require and are allowed some escape, some rest, so we can return refreshed to the real world.
   Storytelling is such a beautiful middle ground between full escape, rest, and this subtle healing that can sneak in through identifying with the characters and seeing their struggles and their growth. The best fantasies have parallels to the real world. They teach us about the familiar by making it unfamiliar. We can dive into a place that seems just different enough to let us breathe while still showing us ways to interact with our world that are just a little bit kinder.
   With that in mind, let’s talk about books.
   I’ve been a long time lover of classic high fantasy, as is most likely evident from my art. But I’ve been proudly branching out into other genres over the past few years (it was about dang time) and I’m constantly amazed by the variety and originality and depth of stories there are to be found in the world. So many I have yet to discover! My To Read pile is always teetering taller and taller and I could not be happier.
   If you’re looking for a cozy read, I’ve got suggestions. Something edgy and unique and maybe a little gritty and dark? I have some ideas! Are you more of a practical reader, after some science and some self exploration? That’s my jam too. My tastes may not overlap with yours, but in case they do, I’ve collected some suggested reading. Now more than ever we all deserve to honor our cycles and bring in some restorative rest. Like curling up with a good book.

Without further ado, some lovely books you may enjoy:
(*Please note I have done my best to speel everyonys name coorectly but I might have mayde a few mystakesssss)


Cozy Reads:

• House of Many Ways by Dianne Wynne Jones: This is a part of the Howl’s Moving Castle series, and it is my personal favorite. You don’t have to have read the others to enjoy it. Jones writes brilliant sparkling fantasy with so much humor and heart and snark.
• The Reluctant Heiress Eva Ibbotson: If you want a sickeningly wholesome historical romance (not steamy, the spice level of a vanilla bean) Eva Ibbotson is your gal. She wrote 4 or 5 young adult novels, all fabulously light and joyful and full of basic girl meets boy romance. Charming. Delightful. Adorable.
• The Wee Free Men (Tiffany Aching Series) by Terry Pratchett: I think Terry Pratchett is just wonderful. You don’t have to start at the beginning of his full Discworld series either, he’s willing to bring you along for a riotous ride no matter what, and Tiffany gets her own contained series. I’m currently reading Guards! Guards! and it’s quickly becoming my absolute favorite. I’ve never read the other Color of Magic books, but if you need a read that will make you giggle, go for Terry.
• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: For the lonely little fanfic writing college girl that I was, this book was a balm. Healing. Just adorable and sweet. Romance and compassion and love for all the introverts of the world.
• The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: This one has been very popular, so you’ve probably seen it around. The cover art is by Lulu Chen, an illustrator and animator who made me literally die when she followed me on social media. The book itself is cozy and cute.
• Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree: Another popular one. Fan of D&D universe but also of not having to read about war and the world ending? This is the book for you.
• Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel: I know what you’re thinking—"I am too old for this." But you are not. You are allowed to slow down and enjoy a book with pictures. You are allowed to curl up with a book that has only one sentence per page and just relax and smile as Toad hides in bed from the cold winter. It’s okay. You can do it.
• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: See above argument. It’s woodland animals going about their posh, cozy little lives. It’s wholesome. It’s old fashioned. It’s a fresh loaf of homemade bread.
• Whinnie the Pooh by A A Milne: Also, see above. Childhood nostalgia.
  
• Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake illustrated by Jon Kalssen: Yes, the hat kids book guy. You know the one. It's another young reader chapter book that will delight and comfort and bring smiles. Just read it.
• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: Not an Austen fan? Not a problem. Don’t read this one. However if you love giggling at the obsession with classic gothic romance, get enjoyment out of subtle sarcasm and the good old days of muslin and the pump room that wasn’t actually anything to do with babies, then this is the shortest and my personal favorite of Austen’s novels.
• The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: Yes there’s a Netflix movie! No, it doesn’t do it justice (no matter how lovely Lily James is, my gosh). It’s written in the form of letters, and each voice is so unique. The delicate unfolding of the full tale is so beautifully done. And it celebrates the way books can carry us through the hardest of times. Some good restoring faith in humanity stuff right here. Also good reminder that Nazis and fascism kinda suck *ahem*.
• Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn: First of the Twelve Houses series, this is probably my favorite cozy "epic" fantasy. Yes, they’re saving the kingdom. But everyone is so wholesome, you know it will all be okay, and Shinn just writes in a way that is so… cozy, for lack of a better word. Just pure old fashioned fantasy with magic and some lovey romance thrown in.
  
• Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup: Sarcastic and fun and loving teasing for anyone who loves a trope-y romance, and or anyone who is a writer and struggles with their own characters. It's just fun.
• Penny and the Pocket Dragon by Rebekah Reese (I had to): You can get this one April of this year and it will make you want cinnamon rolls and a pet dragon. I drew all the pictures for it, so… there’s that, too.

Cozy Graphic Novels:

• Lightfall by Tim Probert: A stunningly illustrated graphic novel that has the most unique visual presentation of anxiety. A lovely world, lovable characters, and no doubt a happy ending (series ongoing). So many little nods to all the other fantasy worlds we love, Ghibli and Dark Crystal and the Black Cauldron...
• Nimona by N. Stevenson: Yes there’s a Netflix movie. NO, it does not even remotely do the comic justice. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. It will be your favorite graphic novel. Just read it.
• Hilda by Luke Pearson: Yes it’s a Netflix series! Yes, the series is adorable and beautiful and excellent. And so are the graphic novels. A wonderful fantasy world to escape to, full of heart and humor.
• The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neil: The art. The happy cozy vibes. Dragons. Tea.

Not So Cozy Excellent Fantasy:

• Gideon the Ninth by Tamsin Muir: Necromancers in space. You have to buy into not knowing what’s going on, because you’re not supposed to. There’s sarcasm. Suspense. Creepy vibes. You will get angry at your husband when he tries to talk to you when you’re reading a very intense part. Cliff hangers. (Series ongoing, final book expected this year???)
• A Deadly Education by Naomi Novick: If Hogwarts wanted to murder its students. Creepy, incredibly unique and wonderful world, badass lady main character, just awesome. Also edge of your seat. Finished 3 book series! Binge themmm.
• Leech by Hiron Ennis: Classic gothic fiction meets sci-fi post apocalypse and don’t read the back just read the book. Go in blind. Warning: main character is a doctor, some descriptions of body stuff is a bit graphic. This is technically a horror, but I'm a right proper pansy and I loved it.
• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill: A middle grade fantasy that was just a delight. Magic and storytelling at its finest. Lyrical and lovely.
• The Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers: I was not a fan of sci-fi until I read these books. Oh my goodness did she blow me away. You can read just two of them and get the best of it: Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, and A Closed and Common Orbit are the best two. Though sci-fi, it does what the best books always do: explores what makes us human.
• Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr: Though not the most spectacular writing, this young adult series does edgy dark fairy stuff in a truly fantastic way. Creepy fairy king, modern day girl, and no toxic creepy relationships made to seem desirable (we're looking at you, Twilight). My favorite version of fairies, actually!
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Lani Taylor: A great sweeping fantasy series, 3 books, all very good!!! Another young adult series that is not painfully campy and full of cringey toxic messaging.
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater: Want an actually good young adult series about modern day werewolves? This is the series, this is the one to read. Beautifully written and grounded in reality. Some romance, some suspense, some very well rounded characters.
• Archangel by Sharon Shinn: Yes, more Shinn! This is her sci-fi series, a bit more dark. But still always a safe ending. A fun a funky take on angels and a sci-fi world! Shinn always does romance and wholesome characters. Safe and easy reads, while still intriguing.
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V E Schwab: My first and thus far only Schwab book, and it’s incredible. The writing is so good and the idea is such a wonderful exploration of being human. Wow. I can’t wait to read another book by this author.
  
• The Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune: He's a popular author right now, and I think it's deserved. Well written and unique, this one is the only of his I've read so far, and it's a sci-fi retelling of Pinocchio. Absolutely charming, sometimes intense.

Graphic Novels:

• Gunnerkrigg Court by Thomas Siddell: Is free to read online??? But also available in print, and is hands down my favorite series ever. The most unique and beautiful world, wonderful characters, an amazing journey of artistic growth right before your eyes. Often funny, frequently dark and gripping, so much myth and rich fantasy. Just go read it.
• The Ancient Magus’ Bride by Kore Yamazaki: A manga! A manga! Japanese take on Celtic fairy world… it’s just fun. Dark, weird, but also cottagecore? It’s a good one folks.
• Gwelf by Larry MacDougall: More of an illustrated guide, it’s Redwall all grown up and with the most beautiful illustrations. A field guide to the world of Gwelf, which is inhabited by woodland animals and tree houses you will want to live in.

Self Exploration/Philosophy:

• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz: Explains the Internal Family Systems model of approaching the psyche, and its beautiful. Great stepping stone from pure sound psychology to almost spirituality, so so so interesting.
• Radical Compassion by Tara Branch: Explains the R.A.I.N. method for bringing in more self compassion, slowing down and being kinder to our difficult parts and tough feelings.
• There I Am by Ruthie Lindsey: A memoir, not philosophy, but what a story? And she’s currently a speaker/coach who has introduced me to tons of incredible books on shadow work, dealing with chronic pain, and self acceptance. Her newsletter is great.
• A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: If you want some heavy and sometimes frustrating philosophy, here’s a book for you. Here's where I learned about the concept of ego. Oof. I can’t say if I really liked it, exactly, but it kick started my journey into exploring my deeper spiritual side. It can take a lot of work, and you might not agree with all of it, but it’s a fascinating read. Give the brain a workout.
• More Than A Body by Lexie and Lindsay Kite: Are you also plagued by the constant bombardment of messaging that tells you your value is 100% dependent on being pretty, and to be pretty you must have this one exact body shape and face? Well, here’s a great book to make you so infuriated by what bullshit that is that you’ll learn to not give a hoot if you’re pretty.
• Active Hope by Joanna Macy: Are you also losing your mind about how scary the climate crisis is? Here’s a book literally titled: How to face the mess we’re in without going crazy. Also highly recommend the companion podcast We Are the Great Turning.
• When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron: A series of essays musing on how to handle the downs in life. Deep thinking kind of stuff.
• Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliot: Possibly my favorite book of this ilk… ever. I hesitate to call anything life changing because that's such an over used and personal statement, but it made everything click. It’s weird, but it makes so much sense to me. It totally fits with my “spiritual” world view: we are here to muck about and find out. I'd recommend first having a base knowledge of other spiritual philosophical concepts like ego, and definitely an understanding of the nervous system and how to use somatic techniques to integrate big life changes with the body. But I totally dare you to read it.
• Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza: If you, like me, love spiritual woo-woo but also deeply crave scientific proof of it all, Joe Dispenza is the cult leader for you. He’s a little too heavy on the promise of miracles, but his scientific studies on the effects of meditation are truly groundbreaking. He links quantum physics with neuroscience and manifestation in such compelling ways! For the even more sciency version of this book, I also recommend Becoming Supernatural. You can even get super into it and pay thousands of dollars for his retreats and such... if you want.
  
• The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff: Are you a fan of Pooh and friends and curious to learn about Taoism (also spelled Daoism)? Well, here you go. It's sweet and easy and has some of the old illustrations.

Children’s Books: If you want some very pretty art to look at, I’ve got you.

• Poko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe
• Anything illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
• Anything illustrated by Richard Scarry
• Who is the Beast by Keith Baker
• Wild by Emily Hughes
• Like a Giant by Yvan Duque
• The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Nancy Willard illustrated by Lio and Diane Dillon
• Dragon by Jodi Bergisma
• Dinotopia by James Gurney
  
• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

  As I read more, which I’m always doing, I’ll have more to add. I’ve go SO MANY books on my to read shelf that I’m pumped for. I hope maybe one or two made you feel the itch to go pick up a book! Go forth and read!




   One final note, now is also an excellent time to put effort into supporting physical media. What do I mean by that? Make use of non-streaming services for consuming books, music, and movies and shows. This can be either with a library or by building your personal dragon hoard of shiny and beloved things. We are in an era fraught with the threat of media erasure, and the best way to protect things from being edited into oblivion or flat out burned is to make sure there are copies that exist in your own home, in your own hands, in libraries, in secret cupboards and locked chests and under floorboards if need be. And this is a really fun way to fight, is it not?
   Because of libraries, you don’t even have to spend money! Just using your library makes them more likely to stay open and able to provide free computer access, free college classes, free books, free movies, free music, free tutoring, free tax filing, etc. Yes, libraries really do all that and more.
   Are you more of an audiobook consumer? That’s not a problem. If you’re able, consider spending a day wandering the library, maybe get some ideas for future audio book rentals, and most importantly take books off the shelves and put them onto the put-backs cart. This seemingly annoying act actually helps libraries “numbers” and gives them proof they need funding. People are here! People are looking at books! Librarians are needed! You do also support them by using apps like Libby to rent audiobooks and movies and music!
   You can also consider, if financially able, joining the trend of acquiring trophies when you finish an audiobook you adored. Buy the most beautiful physical copy of the book and put it in a glass case to show off. When guests arrive, point to it like a tweed dressed British aristocrat who hunts for sport would point to the hapless giraffe in his entryway and say: “I listened to all 62 hours of this Brandon Sanderson novel, took me three whole days with no sleep to slay the beast, and I bet I could take out an intruder with that beautiful brick, what ho old chap. Anyone for tea?”
   Some studios have threatened to stop producing movies on disc altogether. This allows them to indefinitely charge you, month after month, to watch whatever they choose. And it creates an impassable paywall for anyone unable to afford streaming services. If there are not physical copies, they can’t be donated to a library for those less financially blessed to enjoy. Gross, right? And streaming services are constantly removing--and even modifying old movies to fit whatever narrative they wish to. But a hard copy in your home bypasses all this, and you can share it with friends! Watch it even when the internet is down! Skip the commercials! Oh, the old fashioned joy of it all.
   So please, in whatever way you are able, support physical media. For better or for worse, we currently live in a world where how we spend our money holds the most power. Choose to spend wisely, my friends. Buy yourself a book. With paper.


Till next time, hoping you are well and warm and enjoying a good book,
Lara Jean