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#as the series progress I know apple (very) slowly starts to understand other's people's perspective
rat-rosemary · 5 months
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AAAAAAAA fuck, of course Apple struggles to see her fate as a bad thing, other then being groomed to love it, he villain is fucking RAVEN!
Briars villan is literally time, but Apple? Apple knows Raven, and all Raven has ever been is reliable and trustworthy and handworking and kind. Why would Apple ever be scared? Her villain is her friend who every single day chooses to the the most kind and gentle version of herself.
To Apple, she isn't getting tragically poisoned by an evil person, she's trusting her life and the start of her future to a dear friend who she knows won't make this painful
In Apple's eyes, this is a incredibly vulnerable moment that Raven is helping her through
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factual-fantasy · 3 years
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Got 20 more asks, with some art this time! :}
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Thank you! I’m very glad you like the way I draw them!
As to how I draw their glasses or any tips I have.. I just draw them exactly the way the show draws them, except they’re more square than rectangle.
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Some tips?
Eyebrows go over the glasses, always. The little line coming down in the center of the glasses touches where the eyes connect. The bottom of the lenses go right about to the middle of the nose. Don’t make them too big, leave room for the eyebrows and the forehead. Make sure the glasses peek over the edge of the face, but don’t make them too wide, leave room for the sideburns and skin by the glasses arms. The glasses arms go right above where the ear connects to the head.
I would suggest looking up some references, from both the show and from other artists. My way of drawing glasses aren't perfect, but clearly they’re decent because you wanted to know how I draw them XD
Just do some research, look up some screen shots and try to redraw them. Heck, even trace them. Eventually you’ll find a way of drawing them that you like, like I did. :}
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Oh! Thank you!.. But uh.. polite pass. I don’t drink coffee.. ●﹏●;
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Thank you, for everything you’ve said.
I don’t think I’m okay anymore. I’ve been trying so hard to get my old self back, but its just not working. My energy, my motivation, my smile, everything, its just all gone. I’m so overwhelmed with all this doubt and uncertainty that I just don’t now how to function anymore.
Drawing is the only thing in my life I work towards and care about, and I am not exaggerating. But I’m loosing it. I don’t know how to do it anymore. I feel like pieces of my brain are slowly rotting away or something. I just fell awful and escaping to my little imaginary world isn’t working anymore.
Its like all the life is just getting sucked out of me. Although my new job is helping, I don't know if that’s going to be the cure. Peoples opinion of me weighs down so heavily on my shoulders that I hide my true self away in shame. I’m so afraid of being hated or upsetting anyone that you don't even know my real name.
I don't know what to do anymore. My memory is certainly getting worse and I have absolutely no drive to do anything other than drawing what so ever, and even THAT is starting to fail. I must be broken, like a shattered mirror, but I’m missing some pieces and don't even have a way to glue them back together if I somehow find them again anyway, so why even bother looking for them?
I just don’t know what to do anymore. Getting this job better fix it.
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Of course! ♡ඩᴗඩ♡
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Except for Big Blue. He’s “that guy is huge and can literally kick me to the moon” sized.
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My Decepticons? In my brain soup currently. I haven’t found the energy or the motivation to draw them yet. 
In the story? They’re all aboard the nemesis as far as I have decided.
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I actually don’t drink any hot beverages.. I don’t drink coffee, I’ve never had tea and hot chocolate makes my stomach queasy. I don’t even really drink milk. or sodas or anything else. I just drink water, only water. That’s enough for me.
As for the characters though? Well let me think... let me split it onto categories.
Tea drinkers:
Brown Suburban
Ranger 
Coffee drinkers:
Honda
A.T.Dragster
Hot chocolate drinkers:
Jeepy
White Truck
Miata
Beluga
U.M.Dragster
Both tea and coffee drinkers:
Escort
Suburban
Vega
Volvo
Green Truck
All of the above:
Beluga
None of the above:
Red Van
Hot Apple cider vinegar:
Bash Buggy
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The primary reason why Bash Buggy was freaking out is because he was just scooped up off the ground out of no where.
He’s basically legally blind, so he didn’t instantly go, “Oh this is fine its just Brown Suburban.” He just went
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Not that I can remember.. But I have made some AUs and I made a little brown puppy a part of one of them, does that count?
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I have never played any of them myself.. but I have watched others play them and I have always liked watching them freak out over FNAF 2.
I also like FNAF 2 because it has almost all of my favorite characters in it. :} 
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I believe Ratchet would’ve had to inject the Synthetic Energon into himself when Volvo wasn’t around, because Volvo certainly would’ve stopped him if he was there. Even if it meant wrestling Ratchet to the ground to get that stuff out of his hand.
But sadly, Ratchet would have been completely infected by the time Volvo would have been around. He would’ve probably found Ratchet on the floor when Raf was trying to wake him up.
At first he’d think that he was hurt, or had that same “heart attack” thing like Escort did. He would panic and try to wake him. Ratchet would stir and groan about them being so noisy or something. When Ratchet sits up and looks Volvo in the eyes is when he’d see it.
Volvo’s entire demeanor would change, and he’d just look devastated.
“Ratchet... y.. you didn’t...“ Raf would look up and ask, “Didn’t.. what?”
Volvo would be so overwhelmed with the realization of what Ratchet had done, that he couldn’t even really respond to Raf.
I cant remember the episode very well.. but I believe as the episode progressed, Volvo would be constantly following Ratchet around. He knows that this stuff very dangerous because its incomplete, but he doesn’t know what its going to do to Ratchet.
He would try to get Ratchet to chill out when ever he’s about to do something stupid, and would’ve been there to try and reason with him when he wanted to fight Bulkhead.
He would’ve been there when Optimus and the gang confronted them. Ratchet might’ve shot some nasty comment Volvo’s way and Volvo would’ve been hurt, but he also would’ve gotten a lot more worried about Ratchet too. Getting that nasty comment really just confirmed to Volvo that Ratchet’s lost it. The Synthetic Energon has taken over and he worries about what might happen next.
When he heard about Ratchet getting hurt and bleeding out, he freaked out of course. Him and the other medics would’ve patched him up and Volvo would watch over him. He’d hover around nearby and check his vitals more often than is necessary.
After Ratchet woke up and had that chat with Optimus that I think I remember him having.. I feel like he would make a point to find Volvo and talk to him about it.
Volvo may be a younger medic, but he’s still tough. Thing’s don’t get to him as easily.. well, not normally.
But when Ratchet first woke up? The look on Volvo’s face spoke volumes. The way Volvo acted out of character and practically became glued to Ratchet was concerning. He wasn't reacting to the situation in the way Ratchet believed he would.
When he asked, Volvo would respond with something along the lines of,
“When I saw the color of your optics, I knew exactly what you had done. And it.. it frightened me.“ Volvo would begin to look saddened.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen and I.. I just.. I didn’t know how to help you..“ Volvo would look hurt, and like a child honestly. This tough little medic was genuinely struggling to cope with the situation. 
“I now realize that.. I didn’t truly understand just how dire our situation is.. “
Volvo would fiddle with his hands nervously for a second. 
“I understand why you took that risk, but still it hurts to know that you felt the need to walk into something that dangerous for the slight chance it might make things a little better..“
Essentially, Volvo didn't really fully know just how bad their situation is. And seeing his friend risk his life like that really got the point across like a kick to the gut.
They’d talk it over and get through it at the end of the day, but now Volvo has a new perspective of this situation, and of Ratchet.
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Glad to hear I’m not alone in this! :}
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Despite its controversy and my personal saltiness towards certain aspects of this series, I overall genuinely really did enjoy watching the Bayverse movies. All of them.
The Bumblebee movie was fantastic, and I like Transformers: Prime. But that’s it, just those three. :/
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Thank you for all the compliments!! :> I will do my best to keep these things up!.. Even though its becoming rather difficult..
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Thank you! I worked very hard on it! ♡(இ﹏இ`。)♡.
SPEAKING OF VEGAS DESIGN!!--
As I am writing this, all 16 transformer ocs are getting a make over. (mostly Jeepy) So keep and eye on this post! Because if someone wants to use them for references, the post could suddenly change and the old designs will be outdated! 
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Don’t be so shy! XD These asks are fun! :}
Now Bash Buggy.. he wouldn’t actually register what you just did if you kissed him on the cheek.
The protective plating on his face has been peeled back so if you kissed him on the cheek, you would sting him a little and you would get a little bit of Energon on your lips.
He’d wince and look at you like?? What was that?? He cant see the Energon on your lips so he wouldn’t put 2 and 2 together.
But if you told him that you just kissed him on the cheek, he’d then get so confused and flustered. Like, “I?? Wh-.. but-.. thanks?? Uh??”
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cheri-translates · 4 years
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[CN] Idle Chat with Kiro
🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a feature which has not been released in English servers! 🍒
The CN server was recently graced with a new feature called 随便聊聊 (“Idle Chat”), where you can select a mood and talk to the love interests about work, life, and studies :>
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Idle Chat with: Gavin / Lucien / Shaw / Victor
[ WORK - Topic 1: Overtime ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: We can visit that dessert shop today! Because I. Don’t! Have! To! Work! Overtime!
Kiro: Although we’re separated by the screen, I can sense Miss Chip’s happiness~
Kiro: Since this is the case, our challenge today will be to--
Kiro: Wipe! The! Dessert! Shop! Clean!
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: Went to work feeling muddle-headed today, which left me with a stack of incomplete work. Sigh, I might have to work overtime today.
Kiro: Did you spend too much time watching dramas last night?
Kiro: Next time, you have to stick to a regular sleeping timing.
Kiro: Also, isn’t the male lead by your side?
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: The market hasn’t been good lately, so the income I received has also gone down. I feel like I’ve left everyone down...
Kiro: Back then, MC went through such difficult times.
Kiro: I think these little twists and turns don’t account for much!
Kiro: Because you’re always producing miracles!
-
[ WORK - Topic 2: Income ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: I’ve received my pay~ I even have a bonus this month! Aren’t I incredible?
Kiro: As expected of Miss Chips!
Kiro: As a reward, I’ll give you a present.
Kiro: Want to know what it is?
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: I have no idea why, but I haven’t been interested in anything I do. Could it be because it’s a long time till payday?
Kiro: Mm... want to consider changing occupations and becoming my assistant?
Kiro: You’ll be paid daily.
Kiro: Also, there will be an additional, exclusive Kiro hug every day.
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: Working overtime again and again and again and again! There’s even a rainstorm outside! The most enraging thing is that I didn’t bring an umbrella!
Kiro: I checked the weather forecast beforehand
Kiro: So I knew there’d be a rainstorm
Kiro: Give me five minutes - I’ll be there soon!
-
[ WORK - Topic 3: Program Progress ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: Do you still remember the collaborative program I mentioned before? We plan to invite a mystery guest. Want to guess who he is?
Kiro: I’m guessing he is -- Kiro!
Kiro: If Miss Chips doesn’t invite me,
Kiro: I’ll be very hurt.
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: The reaction from the other party regarding this collaborative program seems bland. Actually, I also find the content a little boring. I have no inspiration at all...
Kiro: In my eyes, everything Miss Chips does is very interesting.
Kiro: But if you really have no inspiration,
Kiro: Need me to help you grab it back?
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: I’ve already made over thirty amendments to the proposal for this collaborative program. What more does the other party want?! What do they mean by a “vibrant black”??
Kiro: Oo... a vibrant black...
Kiro: It does sound like a difficult operation.
Kiro: Maybe it’s the same thing as how Apple Box’s jet-black eyes are bright even at night?
-
[ WORK - Topic 4: Program Results ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: The program I’ve been working on for months has finally gotten approved! If I were to continue doing it, I’d probably have gone bald... Should I place an order for hair-growth shampoo?
Kiro: Instead of hair-growth shampoo, I think what you need more is sufficient sleep.
Kiro: Or a limited-edition Kiro hug?
Kiro: I’ll decide on both of them on your behalf~
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: My daily self-reflection -- Has the program been approved? Not yet :(
Kiro: My daily self-reflection -- Do I think about Miss Chips?
Kiro: Always. 
Kiro: Miss Chips, do your best!
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: Good news. The program I’ve been painstakingly working on for several months has been rejected. :)
Kiro: Whenever my albums get delayed, I’ll take Apple Box out for a walk.
Kiro: Since Apple Box doesn’t have a slot recently,
Kiro: Why don’t I take you out for a walk instead?
🌻
[ LIFE - Topic 1: Losing Weight ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: I've reached my ideal weight! I’m really happy~ I can finally toss away the salad that even Apple Box dislikes.
Kiro: Although I didn’t think you were fat before,
Kiro: What’s most important is that Miss Chips is happy!
Kiro: P.S. You’ve stopped eating snacks recently - Apple Box and I are both very upset.
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: A sincere question - If your weight remained the same after dieting and exercising for a week, would you choose to feast ferociously on crayfish or barbecue? 
Kiro: Since your weight is so disobedient,
Kiro: Let’s punish it fiercely!
Kiro: Why don’t we have barbecue along with crayfish!
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: Why is it that every time I indulge in extravagant eating and drinking, I always scroll to a page showing models with incredible figures?! I’m once again putting up a flag to lose weight!!
Kiro: Promise me that you won’t go on a diet to lose weight.
Kiro: Effective exercise and a reasonable work-life balance is the correct way to do it.
Kiro: But will our weekly dessert day continue?
-
[ LIFE - Topic 2: Meals ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: Burp-- I had a buffet this afternoon, and I’m so full now. Let me secretly tell you that I had to support myself on the wall to get out.
Kiro: Hahaha, I’m also the same after a photoshoot,
Kiro: Wanting to stuff myself to the brim.
Kiro: Next time, let’s compete to see who is the true buffet killer!
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: I’ve entered a special bottleneck period - What should I have for lunch? What should I have for dinner?
Kiro: Mm... this is indeed a big problem which frequently stumps me.
Kiro: Want to watch a documentary on delicacies?
Kiro: You might be able to find some “inspiration” on what to eat.
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: I was seized by a whim and did some cooking. When I changed the seasoning just slightly, I ended up creating a mysterious, indescribable taste...
Kiro: Mm... has your cooking magic lost its touch temporarily?
Kiro: That’s all right 
Kiro: Tomorrow, we’ll try again together. 
-
[ LIFE - Topic 3: Reading ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: I came across a picture book today, and readers can use their fingers to make a dot in the book grow bigger or smaller~ It’s very adorable!
Kiro: I really wish Miss Chips were that little dot.
Kiro: That way, I can make you really tiny
Kiro: And store you in my pocket. 
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: There’s a book wasteland... Why can’t I find a single good book...
Kiro: Someone said that the most interesting book is a person’s life.
Kiro: Could the reason you’re unable to find a good book
Kiro: Be because your life is already very interesting?
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: I’ve been keeping up with a web series, but the author said that he decided to go on a hiatus today after receiving negative comments. My spiritual nourishment is gone...
Kiro: Negative comments truly make people upset
Kiro: Want to leave an encouraging comment to the author?
Kiro: Tell him that there are many readers who like his work!
-
[ LIFE - Topic 4: Games ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: Ding-- Dear respected customer, your gaming partner has found another interesting game. If you wish to know the name of the game, kindly reply with a ‘1′
Kiro: Rejected.
Kiro: Hahahaha, I’m just teasing you.
Kiro: 11111!
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: Help... I’m stuck at the fifth stage of this riddle game. What do I have to do so the squirrel would release its hold on the key?
Kiro: There’s actually such a mean squirrel?
Kiro: Let me handle it!
Kiro: If it doesn’t work, I’ll let Cello catch it!
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: My hand slipped when I was playing a game today, causing the entire game to restart :) Don’t stop me - I’m going to chop off this troublemaking hand!!
Kiro: An urgent appeal to spare your hand!
Kiro: Think on the positive side,
Kiro: We now have another thing we can complete together~
🌻
[ SCHOOL - Topic 1: Progress ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: I've prepared a studying schedule, and am filled with confidence for this new life of studying! Kiro, please supervise me from time to time!
Kiro: Understood! 
Kiro: If you get lazy--
Kiro: Heheh, there’ll be punishment. 
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: I’ve been staring at my book for an hour in a daze. Why do I understand the words in isolation, but not when they are strung together?
Kiro: Mm... from a certain perspective, isn’t knowledge a series of code?
Kiro: Read them as though you’re playing a riddle game. 
Kiro: Perhaps you’ll find a way to pass the stage!
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: Why does my brain function so slowly the moment I start studying? Isn’t it very amazing when I play games?!
Kiro: I’d like to correct two mistakes Miss Chips made--
Kiro: Number One, whenever you get stuck in a game, you’d let me take over;
Kiro: Number Two, your brain isn’t functioning slowly. It’s just time to take a break.
-
[ SCHOOL - Topic 2: Homework ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: Because I remembered the reward you mentioned, I finished my homework really quickly today! What’s the reward, what’s the reward?
Kiro: I already said that you could definitely do it!
Kiro: As for the reward,
Kiro: Come closer, and I’ll tell you.
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: Whenever I do homework, it seems that aside from the homework, I become curious about everything else. Oh yes, do you think a dog sees itself as a dog?
Kiro: Miss Chips, concentrate!
Kiro: But for your question, I’ve asked Apple Box about it
Kiro: It responded and said...
Kiro: Bark!
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: A sincere question - can homework be done in stages? I really can’t finish it ahhh!
Kiro: Take your time, I’ll accompany you.
Kiro: Although I don’t know if homework can be done in stages,
Kiro: But my care for you is a fixed asset.
-
[ SCHOOL - Topic 3: Pre-exam Revision ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: The exam is coming up soon. It’s a good thing you supervised me and ensured that I studied seriously. The scope of the exam was also very clearly detailed by the teacher!
Kiro: I think you forgot the most important thing--
Kiro: Miss Chips’ own diligence and hard work.
Kiro: Miss Chips, all the best for your exam!
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: Memorising the examinable points is really difficult. It feels as though the moment I memorise a sentence, I forget the earlier one. How do you memorise the lines in your script?
Kiro: I have my exclusive Kiro memorisation technique of course!
Kiro: It’s exceptionally effective!
Kiro: If you want know about it, bring a bag of chips over to me~
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: When the teacher was pointing out the important segments, he said the first three chapters are the foundation, the following three chapters are important, and the final three chapters are examinable. Doesn’t this mean I have to revise the entire book!
Kiro: It takes a long time to revise the entire book.
Kiro: Do you need a Kiro exam buddy?
Kiro: It comes with a massage, milk tea delivery, and hugs.
-
[ SCHOOL - Topic 4: Post-exam celebration ]
1. Mood: Happy
MC: The exam is over~ After comparing answers, there doesn’t seem to be any big issues! Kiro, who supervised me in my revision, is the best!
Kiro: Congratulations Miss Chips!
Kiro: Since I’ve rendered outstanding service, as a reward,
Kiro: Give all your post-examination resting time to me~
-
2. Mood: Upset
MC: The exam is finally over... I actually don’t feel very happy... Could it be because the final question was simply incomprehensible? 
Kiro: Hasn’t Miss Chips been looking forward to this day for a very long time?
Kiro: In that case, I have to find a way to cheer you up.
Kiro: Let’s laze on the sofa and watch your favourite movie. How’s that?
-
3. Mood: Angry
MC: I messed it up... I gave up on the last two questions... I think I’ve definitely messed it up...
Kiro: Maybe all the questions in front were correct!
Kiro: Also, one exam doesn’t mean much
Kiro: You’ll always be the smartest Miss Chips in my heart!
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scarletwelly-boots · 4 years
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Books Read 2019
It’s time again for my annual books read post (a little earlier than usual, but I couldn’t wait). I read 24 books in 2019, 4 books more than last year, though two are in progress and I expect to finish them by the new year.
It is year four of the reading challenge from Popsugar. There were 48 categories this year, so I got 50% again. Unlike last year, I did not change any categories, but I may have taken liberties with some again, we’ll see. So, without further ado, let’s begin the list. [Under the cut]
1. How to Train Your Dragon, by Cressida Cowell (A book becoming a movie in 2019). Okay, so there have already been two movies in this series, but the last one (*sob*) came out this year, so it counts. I read this book and a few of the others in the series a few years ago, but revisited the first one this year. It’s really good, but don’t go into it expecting it to be like the movies. The character names are the same, but that’s about it. If you can get your hands on the audiobook version, it’s read by David Tennant, which is excellent. Definitely recommend; it’s just as good as the movies.
2. Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder (A book that makes you nostalgic). This is another reread. My dad read the whole series aloud to my sister and I when we were barely older than Laura is in the first book. It was the series he read before the Harry Potter books came out, and we both got sucked into that series. So yeah, very nostalgic. This is a series of semi-autobiographical stories chronicling Wilder’s pioneer childhood, and this is the first in the series. Some of the language doesn’t really age well, but for the most part it’s a delightful book.
3. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, by Hank Green (a book you think should be turned into a movie). Holy. Shit. I was very, very pleasantly surprised by Hank Green’s debut novel (and yes, John Green is his brother). This is a mysterious book about first encounters and internet fame, with a queer young adult (like, really YA, as in post-college) protagonist. She’s kind of shitty sometimes, but I would argue all twenty-somethings are shitty sometimes (I mean, I literally typed “*sob*” two entries up, like I’m channeling my 2009 self, and I didn’t delete it.). I would highly, highly recommend. And apparently, SOMEDAY, there’s supposed to be a sequel, thank GOD.
4. Loki: Agent of Asgard, by Jason Ewing (a reread of a favorite book). I could actually get away with a reread for this one! I love this graphic novel series. I love how they depict Loki, how he finally gets a goddamn redemption arc. It’s a really fun read. Check it out.
5. The Beast Within, by Serena Valentino (a book inspired by mythology, legend, or folklore). A companion novel to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I don’t really remember much about this book. It was weird. But like, it plays with the timeline and the curse a little bit, where the beast gets cursed but doesn’t become a beast immediately. He slowly transforms as his behavior gets worse and more cruel. Apparently he used to be friends with Gaston, but Gaston forgot about him once he finally transformed. Really weird. If you’re obsessed with this fairytale like I am, give it a shot. If not, it probably won’t be that interesting.
6. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (a book you see someone reading on TV or in a movie). Another reread. I know it’s a classic, but I seriously just love this book. 
7. Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diane Wynne Jones (a book about someone with a superpower). Another reread of a favorite book, what can I say. The movie is my favorite movie, but the book is better.
8. Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell (a book told from multiple character POV’s). Okay, listen. I had to reread this book, because it had been a few years and the sequel came out this year. Think of this as generic brand Harry Potter if Draco was a vampire, was Harry’s roommate, and helplessly in love with Harry. I’m serious, it’s generic brand. But damn if I don’t love it. @JKR, this could be us but Harry had to be the jock that married his high school sweetheart and grew up to be a cop. Definitely read.
9. Franny and Zooey, by JD Salinger (a book with no chapters/unusual chapter headings/unconventionally numbered chapters). My brother got me this book for my birthday. Before this I had only read Catcher in the Rye, which I started out hating when I was fourteen but turned into loving when I was nineteen. Honestly I think this novel is better than that one. I really loved it. Highly recommend. What’s it about? Who the fuck knows? But to quote my brother: “At its core, I think this book is about a smart brother and a smart sister. I think we can relate.” So read it and buy it for the smart brother or sister or sibling in your life.
10. 1916, by Tim Pat Coogan (read a book during the season it is set in). This is an Irish history book about the Easter Rising of 1916 and (what I didn’t know when I started reading it in April) everything that came after that can trace its cause back to the rebellion, all the way to the centennial of the Rising. The Easter Rising was the catalyst of Irish freedom. It was like the Boston Tea Party of Ireland, rather than the Battle of Yorktown (as in it kickstarted the War for Independence but didn’t immediately result in freedom), that is, if the instigators of the Boston Tea Party were rounded up, imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol, and a week later almost all executed by firing squad. It’s a tedious read if you’re not into Irish history or history in general, but I enjoyed it.
11. Loki: Where Mischief Lies, by Mackenzi Lee (a book set in space). Okay, technically it takes place on Asgard and Earth, but those are planets, and planets are in space, so it counts! I’m still reading it, but I really like it so far. (Honestly I maybe just like the idea of Loki in knee high black boots marketed towards women and black nails. I never promised not to be gay.)
12. Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman (a book set in Scandinavia). I’m sorry! I read this book every year. Neil Gaiman is an amazing writer, and we all know I’m gay as shit for some good Loki tales. 
13. Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer (a book that takes place in a single day). Okay, I know people love this fantasy series, and since it’s Irish I fully expected to, too. But I didn’t like any of the characters enough to read the rest of the series, least of all Artemis himself. I struggle to enjoy stories if I don’t like the main character, and Artemis was kind of a shit. Sorry, I did not like this one.
14. Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy (a debut novel). I just started this one, too, but I really like it already. I think the audiobook is read by the same guy that read Artemis Fowl, but already this is way better than that one. The characters are likable, for one (god, the bar is so low for fantasy books for me right now). It’s a mystery and a fantasy, and the main-ish character is literally an anthropomorphic skeleton detective. It’s excellent. I’m going to read the whole series. (I have to; my mom accidentally got me the 12th installment for my birthday.)
15. Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston (a book that’s published in 2019). I read this twice. It’s so beautiful. I really expected it to be a shitty YA novel, but it wasn’t! It was very romantic (once they stopped “hating” each other), and gay. The premise sounds far-fetched: First Son of the United States falls for the Crown Prince of England. But, guys, it’s soooo gooooood. Highly, highly, highly recommend. 
16. The Wisconsin Road Guide to Mysterious Creatures, by Chad Lewis (a book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature). I mean, you can make your own decision whether these cryptids are real or imaginary. This is a travel guide to cryptids in Wisconsin, which I got on vacation earlier this year. I liked it, but reading a road guide for pleasure is admittedly kind of weird. Recommend if you’re planning a road trip through Wisconsin and want to stop at some cryptid, ghostly, or Nessie-like hotspots. Or if you just want to fuck Mothman, like me. (Dustybae’s not in this particular travel book though.)
17. Take Me With You, by Andrea Gibson (a book recommended by a celebrity you admire). Okay, so it was by a celeb I admire, not recommended by. This is a very quick read, of quotes from Gibson’s poetry. They are a queer spoken word poet with some really good pieces. They’re on spotify and apple music, probably among other sources. Recommend their work, but the book is very short, so maybe only purchase if you enjoy their work.
18. This is How it Always Is, by Laurie Frankel (a book about a family). This book was really, really good. It was passed around the aunts in my family until it got to my mom and I, which was really kind of a magical thing. It’s about a family navigating the challenges and gifts of raising a trans child. I cried a couple times, and it was so good. It’s written by a parent of a trans child, so it came from a place of understanding, and it was interesting to read this type of narrative from a parent’s perspective, when usually being genderfluid myself, I tend to consume media that is from the perspective of trans characters themselves. I had some very interesting conversations with my aunts and mom about it, and I really think this book changed my family a little bit, and I didn’t expect it to change me, too. Highly recommend. 
19. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, by Suzanne Clark (a book that includes a wedding). So the wedding is at the very beginning, and sadly not between Strange and Norrell. But it’s really good. Lots of magic, lots of regency-era Britishness. The book is huge, but there is a miniseries on Netflix based on the novel and that’s really good too. Highly recommend, and still in love with my man John Childermass. Hnng.
20. Wayward Son, by Rainbow Rowell (a book by an author whose first and last names start with the same letter). Sequel to Carry On. Sheer madness. I loved it. Think of it as generic brand Harry Potter post-DH, if Harry sprouted dragon wings during the final battle, is gay as shit for Draco, and a year later Harry, Draco, and Hermione are set loose on America with .5 seconds of research, severe culture shock, one cell phone between them, and a half-assed plan to rescue Ginny who may or may not want to be rescued. Shit show, but well done and I’m fully invested and ready for the third installment.
21. Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman (a book with a two-word title). I’m sorry, I need to shift to caps for this. GUYS I FUCKING LOVE THIS STORY YOU HAVE NO IDEA IT IS THE GREATEST THING THAT HAS EVER COME INTO MY WORLD! I MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE WATCHED THE AMAZON SERIES THIRTEEN TIMES TO DATE AND IMMEDIATELY DEVOURED THE BOOK IN THREE DAYS. You don’t know what it’s about? Where have you BEEN?! An angel and a demon who are gay as shit for each other and love humanity way more than either of their respective sides. One downside is that as the miniseries came out like twenty years after the novel, my two favorite parts were only written for the series, and are not in the novel. But the book is still very, very good. 15/10.
22. Dumplin’, by Julie Murphy (a book revolving around a puzzle or game). I took game to mean competition, so this is about a beauty competition. I watched the Netflix movie first. I honesty thought I was not gonna like it, but holy shit it was amazing. Admittedly I think the movie was better (despite having Jennifer Aniston in it), but the book was really good, too. Recommend.
23. The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde (your favorite prompt from a past Popsugar reading challenge; a book with a queer protagonist). God, please read this book. This has been up there in my list of favorite books since I was fourteen. Oscar Wilde is a master storyteller, and Dorian Gray is intriguing and despicable and beautiful. I’ve already read this, but I love it too much not to.
24. Terrible Queer Creatures, by Brian Lacey (a book set in an abbey, cloister, monastery, vicarage, or convent). Okay, so it’s not set there for the whole book, but gay monks and nuns are things. This was another birthday present, and an absolute hit. Combining two of my favorite things: Irish history and queer history. I had no idea a book like this existed. I’m still really excited about it. The only issue I have is that most of the one chapter dedicated to gay women involve biographies of people that were actually probably trans men, like Dr. Barry. They could have probably had a separate chapter and then a chapter of the clear lesbians and bisexual women (including trans women, of course). Lumping them in with the women in a chapter specifically dedicated to queer women did not seem particularly inclusive. But overall I really enjoyed the book.
Top Ten Books of 2019 post will be forthcoming.
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