#It's such a smooth reading experience while engaging the reader with serious and complex subject matter
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One book I wish everyone could read is Trevor Noah’s Born A Crime. I would make this part of the standard high school reading list if I could. This book is just, oh my stars.
This memoir is brilliant and funny and poignant, but more than that, it does a startlingly effective job of educating the reader on South African history, society, and the legacy of Apartheid. It is educational in the best way possible--it informs and entertains you, makes you think while making you feel. The lessons contained are so much more powerful thanks to Noah’s remarkable ability of holding the reader’s attention and empathy, while discussing heavy topics in an extraordinarily engaging style. This book is so enjoyable, but also illuminating, thoughtful, and emotive.
Consider picking up a copy from your local library or bookstore if you can!
#not a shitpost#Born A Crime#Trevor Noah#people are often surprised when comedians end up being good writers and effective communicators#but like. professional comedy is all about being able to engage with your audience and lead them on a specific emotional journey#usually that journey is about reaching the punchline but the skill required to get the audience to that point#can be used for other types of genres and storytelling too#it's all about communication and awareness of the audience's emotional experience--why wouldn't that translate into good writing#Anyway Trevor Noah is a complete genius and I really hope he publishes more down the line#This is one of those books that just. grabs you. Like it is so easy and compelling to read that you don't want to put it down#It's such a smooth reading experience while engaging the reader with serious and complex subject matter#and it makes you CARE about what you're reading. In a way that textbooks and newspapers just can't manage.#It's a really beautiful book and I hope everyone considers reading it
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Book Read: Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Beer Paired: Foreign Objects Death Posture
What We Love About The Book
I am a big fan of young adult fiction, but I often find there is a weird stigma around the genre. I believe stems from publishers using it as a dumping ground for mediocre writing. But, between the unfortunate books (which do not make up the majority, in my humble opinion) are some of the best, most imaginative books. Not to mention, some damn good writing. It is within these shelves that I discovered one of my favorite authors of all time: V.E. Schwab. The first work of hers that I read was the Darker Shades of Magic Trilogy. This series rocked my world, and is still on of my absolute favorite series… which I will review at a later date. This review, however, focuses on another of Schwab’s fantastic novels, Vicious.
I read this book a while ago, but reread it because Schwab is releasing a second book in the Villains series, Vengeful, soon. Naturally, I had to reread Vicious to start growing my excitement for Vengeful, and drum up excitement here! I want you all to enjoy these books and this author like I have. You won’t be disappointed.
The series is called Villains because that is what it is about. Vicious centers on Victor Vale, Eli Ever, and their obsession with EO’s or people with special abilities. Think superpowers, minus the capes and kryptonite. Although once friends, competition, betrayal, and a serious disagreement about morality sets these two characters at odds. Both believe themselves to be the hero of the story, yet they both spiral towards villains in their own way. Its not that they are evil through and through, it’s just each will go to any means to reach his goals, no matter what, or who, gets in their way. Whether it’s Eli’s god complex, which he believes gives him the right to decide who lives and dies, or Victors unstoppable thirst for revenge, both characters teeter on the edge of humanity and villainy.
“Someone could call themselves a hero and still walk around killing dozens. Someone else could be labeled a villain for trying to stop them. Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”
V.E. Schwab, in this book, and all her others I have read, has crafted a remarkable story. Her unique point of view, compelling character, and dynamite storytelling, put Vicious, and Schwab, at the top of my list. The plot unfolds non-linearly, keeping readers on the edge of their seat for every twist and turn. Always giving just enough information to keep the reader hooked, but still guessing. Not only is this book smart, but also it is smartly written. Vicious is a remarkable, one of a kind book that engages readers in its story and plot. Schwab is a masterful writer, and proves this in Vicious.
In addition to her amazing storytelling, Schwab writes dynamic characters. She is able to create depth, complexity, and humanity in her characters. She defies stereotypes, and is able to invent entirely distinctive characters. Thus, making them relatable and human, even in their villainy. Even the most disturbing characters are rooted in such forgivable humanity. Schwab has the ability to create characters that capture the imagination and color of her stories. And, that is a true superpower.
This book is a treasure. Schwab’s voice and storytelling are a gift. In Vicious she has written a chilling tale of evil and villains, where corpses come to life, men masquerade as gods. But Viciousis not without humor, lightness, and love, and that duality of good and evil, is what makes it a truly, great read. It is a one of a kind book that will stick with you far past the last page. Its characters will haunt and enchant you, and the story will suck you in. Run! Read this book! I couldn’t recommend it more, along with all her others. Its will shake you to your core! Then read Vengeful with me when it comes out! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
What We Love About the Beer
This beer rocked my world. Just like V.E. Schwab’s book, it left us speechless. Death Posture by Foreign Objects Brewery is a masterpiece, and we couldn’t have found a better match for Vicious.
As usual, we’ll start with the obvious. Vicious deals with themes and topics like dying, near death experiences, and even being raised from the dead. So with a name like Death Posture, these two were an obvious match. But, what really solidified this pairing was the remarkable beer behind the perfect name. Foreign Objects Brewery’s description of this beer includes, “Assume the Death Posture and glean beyond this subjective experience of reality…Drink deeply, as sensory overload & mystical wisdom are sure to follow!”
That may seem like a hefty statement for a beer to live up to, but trust me it does. Just as Victor and Eli, test the limits of science to discover the incredible, so has Foreign Objects with this beer. Death Posture is a vibrant, smooth beer with all the best flavors of a juicy IPA. It has a beautiful golden yellow pour, with haze and suspended yeast particles. The citrus flavors taste so delicious and ripe, almost as if they came right off the tree. Although the finish is a little dry and bitter, I think that is a positive that works to balance all the flavors.
Just like V.E. Schwab’s book Vicious, this beer in one of the top of its kind. Both are true masterpieces, and stand as testaments to the skill of their makers. Death Posture was on of the best beers I’ve ever had, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. Alexandra and I were so excited to find such a perfect match in each of these. They will not disappoint. Happy reading & happy drinking!
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FOLLOW US WHEREVER YOU WANT, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, AND HERE! HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK OR TIRED THIS BEER? DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER IDEA FOR A PAIRING? WE LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK, SO LET US KNOW! THANKS FOR ADVENTURING TO OUR CORNER OF THE INTERWEB. KEEP READING AND KEEP DRINKING (RESPONSIBLY). CHEERS, CHRIS & ALEXANDRA
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