A Haunting in the Arctic is emphatically not a romance, but it has some elements that are relevant to our interests, specifically female rage and mermaids and selkie legends. It’s very atmospheric and creepy, but it forgets to make sense. The plot revolves around a LOT of rape, and also includes graphic violence, self-harm and gaslighting. If I had realized that the plot involved so much rape, much of it committed on page and the … Continue reading A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke →
TW for description and discussion of violence, including domestic violence, alcoholism, fear, emotional and physical harm to children, death of children and birds. My goodness, I have a LOT to say about The September House, a haunted house story that is emphatically not a romance. This book tackles mental illness, domestic violence, alcoholism, messy parenting, and the logistical difficulties of getting gasoline fumes out of antique upholstery. I didn’t so much read it as eat … Continue reading The September House by Carissa Orlando →
Welcome back to Wednesday Links! What’s new with me? I’m sick! Have a sore throat that I’m definitely not loving and doing everything I can to soothe it. We also have a long weekend here in the States for the 4th of July. Boston definitely goes all out, but I will be staying inside, cranking my AC, and probably playing Power Wash Simulator (there’s a new Spongebob Squarepants DLC dropping tomorrow!) How are you all doing? … Continue reading Links: Drag Queens, Horror, & More →
CW/TW: This is a horror movie about cannibalism and terrible dates. So be ye warned. We are recapping The Whole Meal Film here so get ready. Maya and I share an interest in horror, and goodness knows the Pink Palace of Bitches is full of people with an interest in Sebastian Stan. Accordingly, we took a break from romance (this movie is NOT A ROMANCE!) and watched a movie that says that dating is Hell, … Continue reading Movie Review: Fresh →
I love a good gothic, and The Death of Jane Lawrence had a lot of buzz. But now that I have read it, I am confused about three key elements, which I list here in a Non-spoilery format: Is the title accurate? Is this a romance? What the hell happened? The book starts off in standard but solid Gothic mode. The main character, Jane, wants an “unconventional” marriage, one which will allow her to remain … Continue reading The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling →
Content warning: there is a fair bit of violence, some of it quite gory, because the adventure part of the plot involves killer zombie-golems, were-beasts, gladiatorial arenas, kidnappers and more. Quite a few minor characters die. There is, however, absolutely no sexual violence in this book, despite certain aspects of the premise that might suggest it. If someone asked me if I wanted to read a romance that was sweet and comforting and funny and … Continue reading Paladin’s Strength by T. Kingfisher →
Happy Wednesday! Lots of videos in today’s Wednesday Links! And I shan’t apologize for it. Our Hanukkah giveaways start tomorrow, so get ready. If you’re new to the site since last year around this time, we do eight days of giveaways that usually consist of Kate Spade items, books, and more. We love giving back to the Bitchery with some fun stuff. You all deserve it! … Enjoy these dumb, but well-meaning cows! Another viral … Continue reading Links: Holiday Songs, More Cows, & More →
Welcome back, Wednesday friends! Tonight is the VP debate and while I have high hopes it’ll go better than the presidential debate, it’s also still 2020. Who knows what sort of trash fire can occur?! October is officially under way and I’m here for it. I celebrate, I’m making rice krispie treats. … Tor has some recommendations for sci-fi and fantasy novels that center mental health. … I love this ranking of paintings of Judith Beheading … Continue reading Links: Wholesome Content, Podcasts, & More →
Hey hey! It’s Wednesday, and if you’re still drunk from the debate last night, just know that you’re in good (hungover) company. Tomorrow, we say goodbye to September and welcome my favorite month: October! Best temperatures. Best food (candy!). Give me all the witchy vibes, please! … If you want horror reading recommendations, Nicole Cliffe has a whole twitter thread! There are some meh suggestions, but also some hidden gems. Okay, I made a list … Continue reading Links: Puppets! →
CW: Suicide, Mental Illness Spooky season is upon us (my favorite season BTW) and if you are in the mood for something delightfully Gothic with horror elements, I recommend The Nesting. This book works perfectly as a Gothic thriller, is deeply creepy, and has an interesting take on environmentalism. The only thing that I wasn’t certain of was the treatment of the heroines’ mental illness. First of all, this is a very spooky book, so … Continue reading The Nesting by CJ Cooke →
Welcome back to Wednesday Links! I went glamping in Maine this past weekend and it was a ton of fun. If you’re in the New England area and want a recommendation for a getaway, check out Tops’l Farm. Their camping season is almost up, but there’s alway next year! I’m also starting back up at the bookstore for in-store work and I’m so excited to reconnect with my fellow booksellers and just get out of … Continue reading Links: Horror, SNL, & More →
