Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

It’s that time again! I can’t believe this is one of the last book tags of the year, but what can you do? This book tag was created by Kate at Reading Through Infinity.

You get up on Christmas morning and your stocking is full! You take it down and start to unwrap the treats inside. The first thing you see is…

An orange! Which book is refreshing and vibrant, both inside and out?

The Apothecary Diaries Manga

I recently fell in love with The Apothecary Diaries, and it is such a refreshing read (and watch!). The main character (Maomao) is witty, dry, and oblivious to how many characters feel about her. It’s cute, funny, and sharp.

The next thing you see is a bag of chocolate coins. (Yum) Which book have you recently bought that was a little expensive but totally worth the price?

The Proper Thing and Other Stories

I love a good anthology, especially one written by one of my favorite authors. I know the Subterranean Press books tend to be a little bit pricey, but they’re always worth it (again, especially when it’s a collection you otherwise won’t be able to find).

You also pull out a bath bomb. Tell us about a book that had explosive action scenes.

Cascade Failure

I really enjoyed Cascade Failure. To me, it felt like a blend of Firefly (Space Western) and Becky Chambers’ works (surprising characters, intense worlds, and sentience in unexpected places). Obviously, there’s also a fair bit of action, most of it centered around space or corporate politics. It’s fun!

Next is a pack of playing cards. Which series won you over?

Saga

Oh, Saga. This series is AMAZING. But it’s also pain incarnate, at times. You love it, but you hate to love it, you know? Mostly because, at times, it feels like the series hates you in its unwillingness to pull punches.

You also get a candle. Which character is a symbol of hope in their story?

Anya!

Anya Forge in SpyxFamily is such an adorable inspiration and symbol of hope. She never fails to make me smile. What’s more, I can see her little world overthrowing everything for the sake of her safety. Even if they don’t realize it (yet).

There are socks inside, too. Is there a book that you think really encompasses all the distinctive tropes of its genre?

Sanctuary

Sanctuary was a lot of fun to read, especially as Ilona Andrews played with several tropes (turning many on their heads). We have the tortured-male-soul who just can’t seem to get over it, the child in need of saving, magical animals, etc. I highly recommend it.

There’s also a notebook. Which author’s writing process do you find most interesting/inspiring?

Seanan McGuire

Seanan McGuire’s writing is an inspiration. Full stop. The amount of work this author gets out in a year is staggering. I only write reviews and don’t think I can keep up that pace. So yeah, role model.

To go with the notebook, there’s a fancy pen. Is there a book or a series that you’d change if you’d written it yourself?

The Green Rider Series

I won’t talk about the why too much here (a. Spoilers b.) I don’t want to be rude), I’ll just say that there’s a moment that made me fall out of love with the series, and I would do anything to change that.

There’s also a small bedside clock. Which book took you a long time to pick up but was worth it in the end?

Rosemary and Rue

It took me longer than I would like to admit for me to fall in love with the October Daye series. I first tried them years ago, and it didn’t stick. But then I tried again after losing a family member (needing a coping mechanism/distraction), and it was…exactly what I needed. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Your pile is getting really big. You reach in to pull out the last gift, and it’s… a lump of coal? You’re a little disappointed. But you look closer and realize there’s a seam running through the coal. You crack it open, and sitting inside is a tiny golden gem. Tell us about a book that surprised you in some way.

Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures

Did I just list a non-fiction book? Yes, I did! That’s exactly my point. I don’t read a ton of non-fiction, particularly not something like this. But this book was amazing. Informative yet funny in one mix. It’s a great read and helped me learn so much about part of our world.

Happy Holidays!

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