Disney Week: Disney's The Never Girls Book 1 - In A Blink

As part of "Disney week" here at the Library, this is a review of one of the Disney "The Never Girls" series!

---

THE NEVER GIRLS SERIES

BOOK 1

"In a Blink"

(2013)

By Kiki Thorpe
Illustrated by Jana Christy
A Stepping Stone Book
An Imprint of Random House

"Far away from the world we know, on the distant seas of dreams, lies an island called Never Land. It is a place full of magic, where mermaids sing, fairies play, and children never grow up. Adventures happen every day, and anything is possible.

There are two ways to reach Never Land. One is to find the island yourself. The other is for it to find you. Finding Never Land on your own takes a lot of luck and a pinch of fairy dust. Even then, you will only find the island if it wants to be found.

But every once in a while, Never Land opens its doors to a special few. Believing in magic and fairies from the bottom of your heart can make the extraordinary happen. If you suddenly hear tiny bells or feel a sea breeze where there is no sea, pay careful attention. Never Land may be close by. You could find yourself there in a blink of an eye.

One day, four special girls came to Never Land in just this way. This is their story."

*Looks back over the book* Was there a central theme to this book? It felt more like just an adventure story featuring the four main characters. It was about trying to get home, but then realizing that maybe you wanted to stay a little bit longer since you just got there. Also that sometimes you have to listen to what you are told to know the true character of someone else.

For this one I also want to give you a general synopsis, which is something often I try to avoid. You can see some of the premise above in the information before my pretty new "Central theme" graphic. The story revolves around four girls:

Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby. Mia and Gabby are sisters!

These three girls are magically transported to Never Land (yes, the one from Peter Pan). This is accidently done by Prilla, the fairy (Yes, the same one that helped Vidia in the book I reviewed this week here). Prilla is a blinking talent fairy. Actually she is the only one in all of Pixie Hollow. She is sent to our world to get children to clap to believe in fairies, so they can live. She does not realize that the magic of Never Land is near the girl's house when she appears to Gabby. When Prilla blinks to go home Gabby grabs her and the rest is as they say is history. They are in Never Land, destined to be the Never Girls!

I picked this up on the day that I posted that I was doing a Disney week on my blog. I have always wanted to read this series because I had seen it on the book shelves at my local Target store, but I just never picked it up. I was looking through an app that my local library allows you to use a patron to check out ebooks. I knew I needed a few more Disney related items for this week, so when I saw that this was available I was like "SCORE FOR ME!"

I started this on Wednesday night and finished it on Thursday afternoon. It was a fast read, since it is meant for a slightly younger audience (hey, don't give me the side eye when I say slightly). It was also fast-paced for me because I enjoyed the book. The moment that Gabby clasped onto Prilla I knew they were about to be transported to Never Land and I was ready for that ride they were going on. The plot of this book is rather simplistic, which I believe is primarily due to the fact that it was always planned as a series book for kids. The book revolves around the four girls wanting to go home and trying to figure out how that can happen. They interact with mainly characters from the Disney Fairies world, which I reviewed earlier this week. For me, I enjoyed seeing these characters that I was already familiar with from these other set of books. In this one you had Beck, Tinker Bell, Queen Clarion, Vidia, and of course the catalyst that got them there in the first place, Prilla. Beck and the Queen are the only ones that feels like side characters that were utilized just to mention. The rest are pretty central to the plot in some way.

A great aspect to this, which sometimes irks me in other books, is that you can tell this is setting up for a series. One reason you can tell this is because Prilla goes to drop off a letter to the family of one of the girls to let them know they are okay and it blows away. You know this is going to come up later and cause emotional turmoil for the girls. It is a great little moment that I cannot wait to see when it comes back up. Yes, this means that I will be continuing on with the series.

Probably my favorite moment of this book was based on an one of the earliest moments in the book. Early on Mia, the older sister of Gabby, states that Gabby is too young to do something. Gabby just rolls with it at that moment, but later on in the book (closer to the end) Mia says this to her and basically Gabby gives her a glare that says "I will cut you deep if you say that to me while I am stuck up here in some weird world." Mia was shut down entirely by her younger sister and I was like "Go Gabby!" For me to have that connection with a character I know I was enjoying what I was reading. I also have to say that Gabby was my favorite character, which is primarily because she was the one written with the most heart. She believed in magic, she believed that things the others didn't could be possible. She may have been the youngest, but she was the most mature out of all of them. My least favorite character in this book was definitely Kate, but she is written that way here. She is part of the plot that adds a bit of the adventure element and also is where Vidia comes in. Now truth be told, the adventure element comes in a little late to be meaningful in any substantial way. The book, however, does not suffer greatly from it and is still an enjoyable read, if you understand that it is the first in a longer term series.

I wouldn't recommend this to someone that is not interested in reading a series book because this is rooted in the fact that it is. Every single moment seems to be building up to something else later on. There are little moments where you are not sure if you have been given every single detail yet or not. Also, as stated earlier, the letter thing is obviously coming back later, so it is way to apparent that this is a series book, so if that is not your thing steer clear of this. Also if you don't enjoy the Disney Fairies, like Tinker Bell, then steer clear. They are featured pretty heavily within this book, as they are the only other featured characters outside of the four main girls.

I would recommend this book to someone that wants a well-written children's book. Kiki Thorpe does an amazing job. Applause for you Mrs. Thorpe. You did a great job! Each girl has a distinct personality and I can only see that growing as we go further in their journey through the remainder of books. I also recommend this to anyone that does have a deep affection for Peter Pan and Never Land. I am pretty sure other elements of Never Land will come into play throughout the rest of the series and that this was only set-up to coincide with another popular book series that had been previously published by Disney (the Disney Fairy books). This link helps ease into the stories and will be a great read for a child that wants to be transported to Never Land them self.

You Can Purchase

Book 1 in the Never Girls Series: "In A Blink"

Here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Half Price Books

Book Depository

Disney Princess Post- Sleeping Beauty Children's Books

So continuing with the Disney related theme of this week this review contains three quick reviews of my favorite Disney Princess: AURORA from SLEEPING BEAUTY!! 

---

Sleeping Beauty: 

A Moment to Remember (2010)

Written by Catherine McCafferty

Illustrations by Disney Storybook Artists

Synopsis: Aurora simply wants to spend time with Prince Phillip, but she has had to stay busy with planning parties and other princess duties that they haven't had a lot of time to spend together lately! Well hopefully that will get remedied as soon as possible.

My feelings: This was only about a ten minute read for me, if that. A child would love this book. Its story is simplistic with that we should spend time with those we love. It also is about never having too much time for them as well. This premise made me greatly enjoy this short read. I could see a mother reading this to their child and the child greatly enjoying it. It is also heavily illustrated with beautiful drawings that a child would enjoy and a mother can point out while reading to engage the child. Overall a great read for such a short book.

---

Aurora: 

The Perfect Party (2011)

Written by Wendy Loggia

Illustrated by Studio IBOIX and Gabriella Matta

Synopsis: The fairies have lived in the castle with Aurora for a year now, but they still miss aspects of the cottage they used to live in with her. Aurora decides to throw the fairies a party to bring back some of the woods to them in the castle. 

My Feelings: This is a bit longer read than the other two books on this list. This one is a chapter book for a little older audience than the other two. This book showcases the importance of helping friends and letting them know how much you care for them. Also it shows that you should be concerned about your friends like as well, since Aurora discovers what the three fairies are missing the most from the cottage and brings them to the castle for the party. The book has beautiful illustrations that can engage someone that is learning to read. Parents, I would recommend this to purchase for your kids that you are wanting to engage in literature, especially those that you know love the Disney Princesses. It was a pleasure to read this book and for an adult it didn't take that long to read (30 minutes). I walked away from it thinking that I definitely would want to get this for my own nieces, if they were younger. 

---

Sleeping Beauty:

Aurora's Slumber Party (2010)

Adapted from an original story in "The Princess Party Book"

Written by Mary Man-Kong

Illustrated by Francesco Legramandi and Gabriella Matta

Synopsis: Prince Phillip is going to be away from the castle for a few days, so what better way to stay busy than invite your friends over for a slumber party? Aurora invites her fairy friends over and has a wonderful time teaching them that there is more to life than just their magic!

My Feelings: This was another quick read! I loved that this book had the message that there are times you should not take a shortcut (magic in this case) and other times you should (again with magic here). It also showed the importance of having friends and doing things with them. I really think that this is a book that children would enjoy, especially young girls. The book shows different things that you could do at a slumber party (like having a talent show). It would be somewhat educational for a young child, but also the illustrations would be something to discuss and engage with as well. I can see this being a book that a parent would read over and over again to their child that is going through a Disney Princess phase. If you don't mind that then you should definitely pick this one up for them. It will be worth your time and money!

---

Book Review: Vidia and the Fairy Crown by Laura Driscoll

As part of "Disney week" here is a review of one of the Disney Fairies books. If you have been following for a minute you may remember that I reviewed the manga of this book. You can read that review HERE. The book version was published long before the manga version, just to clarify on their publication order. I hope you enjoy this review! 

---

Vidia and the Fairy Crown

By Laura Driscoll

Published by Random House in 2006

"Prilla looked Vidia in the eye. "I want to help you," she said, 

"because I remember what it's like to feel alone."

Central Theme:

This version of the "Vidia and the Fairy Crown" story focuses much on the same themes that were present in the manga version as well. This being that someone has to be responsible for the words that they say. In this case, don't say you are going to do something unless you are ready to be held accountable for saying that you were going to do it. In this Vidia said to two fairies (Tinker Bell and Raini) that she was going to steal the Faerie Queen Crown during an important party. When the crown comes up missing the first suspect? Vidia, of course. The other central theme is that you have to be willing sometimes to prove when you are actually right and you should defend yourself when appropriate. 

My Feelings:

This version of the story was very similar to the manga version. The main difference between the manga and the book was that due to the way that a visual representation of the story had to be presented there were moments were characters had to explain things a bit more in the manga. In the book version things seem to flow better. Between the two I would highly recommend the book version of the story over the manga. This being said though, both are very good for enjoyable reading. 

The story seemed to be quicker in the book version. I think this is because I knew were it was going due to having read the manga. Also I felt less distracted from the overall plot, even though there are illustrations within the book version. These illustrations seemed focused on providing just some visualization that children would need. The illustrations are very beautiful here, as well. I actually preferred them over the artwork in the manga. They were stunningly beautiful. The below picture is just one example of the artwork contained within. 

I really loved the message of this book. Stick up for yourself when you are right, even if it comes across as having a bad attitude. When you know that you are right and that you didn't do something you are being blamed for, let people know. Figure out how you can change mindsets. It may mean going on a wild goose chase to figure out what happened, but at the end people will know if you put in effort that you must be telling the truth. Your character will be better for it. Vidia doesn't become this instantly likable character through this, since she is really the meanest of the Disney faeries, but she has a charm to her throughout this. I also feel that Prilla really helps to make her more likable in this. Prilla is someone that helps her greatly within the context of the story. Prilla's story is explained here and lets you know exactly why she would help someone that has done truly heinous things to Pixie Hollow (the faerie's home). One of these evils that she has done to Pixie Hollow is mentioned here, so you get a glimpse of some of the other tales that have came before this particular book as well.

Who I Would and Wouldn't Recommend This Book To:

I wouldn't recommend this book to someone that isn't into the magical world of fairies. The entire book is focused around them, so why put yourself through that? Also if you are wanting to just focus on Tinker Bell you won't find that here. She is a side character and mentioned, but she is in it barely for like 2 pages for the most part. The main character of this book is in the title, which is true for any of the Disney Fairies books (see about that below). For someone looking for a serious story or high class literature do you really think this is that? If so you are mistaken. This is a children's book.

I would recommend this to people that don't mind that this a children's book and that it will be a quick read for those of us that may be older than the target audience. There is still enjoyment to be found within the pages of this book. Not every book has to be a "To Kill A Mockingbird" type of read. We, as readers, are allowed to read fun, short reads when we want. For those of you that realize this, you will enjoy this. Also if you love Disney Fairies this book is going to make you happy because as said earlier that is all there is here; Beautiful fairies are the main characters. 

Other Things to Consider:

Remember that there is a manga version of this book available as well by Tokyopop. This was already reviewed on the site previously (The link was mentioned above for the review). If you are a visual person this was published on July 25, 2017 and may be a better overall fit for you. Both, however, are enjoyable if you want to read them both. 

Disney Fairies is also a book series that has had numerous titles within it. These are covers for just a few of them. There are many others, if you are interested in reading about other faeries from Pixie Hollow. 

You Can Purchase

"Vidia and the Fairy Crown" 

on:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Half Price Books

Book Depository- Not Currently Available

Cassie's Library Presents... DISNEY WEEK!

So, I have realized I might have an unhealthy obsession with the world of DISNEY. 

I have previously reviewed two of the manga sets that NetGalley offered

(Magical Dance Volume 1 and Disney Faeries: Vidia and the Fairy Crown). 

Then I noticed that this week I was going to be reviewing two more Disney related books (starting to see a pattern here yet?). So I decided that I would simply try to get it out of my system by doing an entire week related to nothing but DISNEY related books! That being said though I am starting with a Q & A over Disney and myself. You can see some of my Disney love in the following questions. Enjoy! 

Why Do I Love Disney?

Most of my life I have been forced into being an adult, even as a child (i.e. before I should have been). I didn't get to watch many of the Disney features as a child. I didn't get to enjoy them and have those nostalgic memories of them as most children have. The memories that I have of Disney primarily as an adult. The fancy and carefree nature of many of the stories. The crisp clear lines. The stories of love conquering so much hate. This type of story, no matter how cliched you may think it is, is important for people that have been through horrendous things, like myself. To have an entire company that you can guarantee is going to have positive messages in the vast majority of the films they create and present to the world is vital for someone looking for that type of storytelling. Also many aspects of Disney and their related franchises are simplistic. They do not require someone to be overly intelligent or to engage with super deep meanings, though often there are some deep meanings if you are wanting to hunt for them. You, however, can enjoy Disney and their properties on a surface, mindless level and never come away feeling disappointed. This is why I hug tight to the different Disney franchises. 

Favorite Disney Princess?

My favorite Disney Princess is:

Yes, I love Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Her aesthetic (look) is beautiful to me, but also I have always enjoyed the fact that her story involves a Princess saving her. What can I say? I like the cliche of a damsel in distress needing saving. While I know she is not represented as the "strongest" Princess. I mean duh Mulan has a lot more "strength" if we were judging solely on that. I just enjoy the classic story of "Sleeping Beauty" and enjoy this representation of her. I enjoy her so much that I literally had my birthday cake this year as her.  

Favorite Disney Animated Movie?

I can't just choose one. This is so hard for me to do! Okay fine... It is a little known Disney film, but it relates back to one of my favorite book series as well.

I love "The Black Cauldron" movie that Disney made. It is based on the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander. At some point I will probably reread these books and review them because I love them so much. This movie though is not widely popular as a Disney film, but it holds a dear place in my heart. The characters are similar to their representation in the book series. The animation is also on par for normal Disney films. Every single time I watch this my heart soars and yes I have watched it way too many times for one person. Perhaps I am trying to make up for those of you that probably have never seen it?

Favorite Disney Live-Action Film?

This one was super easy for me. There was no contest. This has been my favorite Live-Action Disney film since forever (I snuck watching this as a child) and it will never be replaced. I still sing this song from it: 

 

Yes, my favorite live-action Disney film is Pete's Dragon. This film is about a boy and his imaginary friend, Elliott (who is a dragon). He is an orphan and it is a magical musical romp of an adventure. I know they recently remade this, but I have not forced myself to watch it because I do not want it to alter my memories of this particular film. 

 So these are just a few of my favorite Disney related things. This week you will also get the opportunity to see my opinions on different books that are Disney related! 

(All images and videos are property of the Disney company and are used here for blogging and review purposes. All rights are still theirs and theirs alone.)

Gurl! Finish it! For The Week of 7/20/2107

Every Thursday I share what I am reading and watching. This is just a nice little feature for myself partially to have a record of stuff I have started, finished, read, watched, and all that business. I will also include a little bit of why I am reading it or watching that particular thing. Also it will help keep ME on track because I stop reading or watching stuff way too much, so this will help me hold tight to sticking with one darn thing. Anyone reading this also can hold me accountable on what I have been reading and if never moves to "Last Finished" or "Recently Finished" you can be like GURL!!! FINISH IT.

LAST FINISHED READING: 

Vidia and the Fairy Crown (Manga)

You Can Read My Review Here

I basically didn't get any further in my reading goals this last week because I have focused so heavily on making sure I get blog posts made, had a lot for school (Masters of Social Work program), and I am also volunteering this week. This has made my reading schedule almost non-existent. I am hoping later this week though I can get into reading some more of the current reads.

CURRENTLY READING: 

I am currently reading still "Between The World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates and have not really progressed with it. I think this is because I am finding myself so inundated with academic types of books that I am having to rethink my focus. I may have to change to not doing the topic reads until I am removed from the academic community slightly or just figure out how I can balance between the two. It may be that I have to go to one "diverse conversation" read a month, but this is why I wanted to practice this before officially starting it on my blog. Much of my time is becoming occupied with the schoolwork that I have to do, which does not always give me the time to focus on things I want to do. That is why I have been forcing myself to do my blog this week so I have a bit of happiness in my life. This being said, I want to continue reading Coates book because it is only about 152 pages. I am only on page 11 of it though at this time. 

I am also reading from NetGalley "Pathfinder: Worldscape Volume 2." I selected this because my partner for awhile was interested in Pathfinder and used to play it with a group of friends. The issue appears to be though that this incorporates characters from many of the properties that Dynamite has licensed. As a result, I have been feeling a little lost on who is who and what they are doing within this particular realm. I am still, however, going through it and plan on finishing it for my next weeks "Comic Book Wednesday" review. 

Still not finished from other Gurl! Finish Its: The Witching Hour by Anne Rice and Bearing An Hourglass by Piers Anthony. 

LAST FINISHED WATCHING and CURRENTLY WATCHING:

This week has been a weird week for me. I have not really been watching anything, for the most part. This is because of the above issues with school that I discussed and the volunteering that I have been doing. When I am watching something I am watching episodes of "The World According to Gumball" and "We Bare Bears" that I have previously watched. I am caught up on what they have on Hulu for these shows, so it has been mainly mindless viewing of these programs during a rather hectic week. After this week things are a little less hectic with school and I should be able to return to some pleasure viewing. I am hoping to actually get further, like every week so far, in "The Handmaid's Tale." This is going to have to be my priority when I am able to return to watching next week. Next week if I mention I have not progressed further in the series someone needs to yell at me and remind me that I love the book and the two episodes that I watched were actually good. No more excuses! No more life getting in the way. Just watch the darn things already. I have to say to myself if I don't progress further in this show then I need to shout at myself my own phrase "Girl! Finish It!"

Comic Book Wednesday - Disney Faeries: Vidia and the Fairy Crown

On every Wednesday of the month the Library focuses on comic books, graphic novels or manga books. These books can be enjoyed and are just as important as much longer reads. While often considered to be childish or something "bad" if you want to be a true reader, We are the Library feel that any reading is good! Cassie grew up with comic books in her house. She remembers reading "West Coast Avengers" and various issues of "Wonder Woman" growing up. This feature is grown out of that respect and admiration for this field in the reading community. On to today's review...

Disney Faeries: Vidia and the Fairy Crown (Manga)

I received this book for free from NetGalley to review. All the opinions shared are my own and are my honest feelings regarding this book. If you know me I am not one to mix my words simply because something was free. This is my feelings on the book, both the good and the bad. So lets begin!!!

A Tokyopop book 

By Haruhi Kato 

Diamond Book Distributors 

To Be Published on July 25, 2017 

ISBN 9781427856982 

SRP: $10.99 (USD)

Central Theme:

The most central theme of this manga is understand that an individual is accountable for the words that they say, so watch your words that are chosen. They may come back later to bite you in the rear. It also seems to be about fighting for yourself when you know that you are in the right. These themes are very important, in my opinion, for children to learn. 

My Feelings:

I received this book for free again from NetGalley. I love that I can get some graphic novels this way to review, but soon I will have to revert to my own collection that I have on my shelves. I have numerous and think it might be time to give some of them some love as well. 

This being said, this is my second Disney manga book that I have read. The first being "Disney Magical Dance" that I reviewed a few weeks ago. I enjoyed that Disney manga book immensely, so I thought when this was put up for "request now" on the NetGalley site I would give it a go. When I usually get a book from the same series or the same company based on nothing else but that I am often left feeling sad at the end because I am disappointed. This was not the case here. This did have bad points (i.e. artwork that I will discuss), but overall the story was one that I enjoyed. I felt transported to Pixie Hollow yet again (yeah I read a few of the main Disney Faeries books back in the day when I was younger and more beautiful hehe). 

The story revolves around Vidia (the black haired fairy on the cover) and having told Tinker Bell and Raini that she would snatch the queen's crown at a party if she had the opportunity. Well, when the crown goes missing all fingers are pointed towards Vidia having done the deed. She knows that she did not take it and the only other fairy on her side is Prilla. The two of them join forces and investigate what really really happened to the queen's crown. This is such a simplistic story and all the hilarity that ensues after they start their investigation is worth the price of reading this manga. Mistakes were made by so many people in this story that normally would have felt like "oh they were just looking for anything to write a story" but here it actually feels like it is just coincidental happenstance that occurs in these faeries lives from time to time. I think this was largely because I have read and watch some of the other Disney Faeries merchandise though. Having that lens could have potentially made me more willing to swallow the different things that had to occur to get the crown where it ends up being. 

One elements that I personally enjoyed about this is that you are not following the most instantly likeable of the faeries. You discover that she had done at least one heinous act for her own profit, so you instantly recognize you are not reading a book that the main character is someone you are necessarily rooting for. There is a moment where you are like "hmm maybe she is getting what she deserve", but I banished that thought immediately when Prilla entered the picture. She breathed humanity into Vidia very quickly by discussing how a person/faerie can feel alone in the world. Vidia may not be likable, but she is still a faerie in this world of other faeries. She still shouldn't be judged harshly and unfairly. To have this type of emotional reaction and connection made me recognize that I was very much enjoying this particular fast read. If I feel any connection to a character I know that I need to say I enjoyed the darn book or I am lying through my teeth. 

While I enjoyed the story of this book, I have to say that the artwork in spots made me roll my eyes. It clings a little too tightly to some of the stereotypical looks of the manga genre. You can tell a little of this by the picture that is posted above. The faces seem a little too "plastic" for my particular taste. The artwork seems a bit "rushed" or "forced" to get a Disney product out. Some thought into the artwork would be appreciated in subsequent volumes, in particular to the faces of the characters. I know that many mangas rely on very concise streamlined lines, but here it seems rather bland and detracts in some moments from the overall story. It isn't enough not to enjoy the overall manga though. 

When you reach the end of this story you will feel for Vidia. There is a defining character moment near the end that we do not fully see, but when you see how it is handled you will not feel like you lost out by not seeing it. There are moments that are so deep and profound in a media source that you know you didn't need to see the actual moment to fully understand the gravity that it entailed. There is a moment, in my opinion, at the end that is this for Vidia. I felt like I was getting a true character instead of a one dimensional cardboard cutout.  

Who I Would Recommend To & Who I Would Not Recommend To:

If you are looking for Tinker Bell to be a main player because the title is "Disney Faeries" you will be a bit disappointed in this. She appears a handful of times, but truly (like the title suggests) this is a story about Vidia. Thus I wouldn't recommend this to you if you are only picking it up because you love Tink. You may be a bit disappointed with the results. If you are a purist on artwork you may feel a bit taken aback with this book, so move forward and pick something else up from the shelf. 

I would recommend this to someone that appreciates the world of Tinker Bell and grasps that there was a world created by Disney that involved some of her friends in Pixie Hollow. If you bought some of the other licensed merchandise you will not be disappointed with this particular manga. You may have even read the book that this is built upon, if you have looked at other merchandise. If you enjoy a mindless and simplistic read this will be right up your alley. Understand that there is nothing wrong with these elements either. We all need some time to relax in life and this is enjoyable, so if you are a reader looking to not have to think much, this will not disappoint. You can just follow along with the story and smile at the end of it. 

Other Things To Consider:

This appears to be only the first book in a new proposed "Disney Faeries Manga Series", so before getting this book you should be aware that if you are a "have to buy the series" type and want to avoid buying another series you best be backing up slowly from this one. The back of the ebook showed at least three proposed books in the series. I personally want to read them all!

To Be Published on July 25, 2017

You may Pre-Order it here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Half Price Books

Book Depository- Currently Unavailable For Purchase Here

Gurl! Finish it! Week of 7/13/2017

Every Thursday I share what I am reading and watching. This is just a nice little feature for myself partially to have a record of stuff I have started, finished, read, watched, and all that business. I will also include a little bit of why I am reading it or watching that particular thing. Also it will help keep ME on track because I stop reading or watching stuff way too much, so this will help me hold tight to sticking with one darn thing. Anyone reading this also can hold me accountable on what I have been reading and if never moves to "Last Finished" or "Recently Finished" you can be like GURL!!! FINISH IT. 

Last Finished: Lady Mechanika: La Dama De La Muerta (Graphic Novel), "You Can't Touch My Hair and Other Things I Still Have to Explain" by Phoebe Robinson, and Vidia and The Fairy Crown (Manga and Book). 

Review Here

Literally all of these are getting a review on this blog (Lady Mechanika was reviewed yesterday). I am shocked because I am finally getting books read and ready for review on the site. I feel like I am building myself up and finding new ways to engage with the blog. I am really happy this week that I am getting the chance to actually get some blog postings up and out there. I am thankful for NetGalley for that right now. I also appreciate the local library that had a copy of the book edition of "Vidia and the Fairy Crown" as I wanted to review both the book and the manga at the same time. That will come next week as the manga will be my "Comic Book Wednesday" post.


Currently Reading: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Bearing an Hourglass by Piers Anthony and The Witching Hour by Anne Rice


I know I literally changed yesterday my currently reading book to "Vidia and the Fairy Crown", but that was a children's book that I finished literally in one night. I am going to be starting tonight, right after I finish this post actually, the Ta-Nehisi Coates book. I picked this book up because the local library recommended it as a book that is similar to "You Can't Touch My Hair." I am using these two books to get a bit of an idea on how I want to do the "diverse conversations" part of this blog. 

Once I finish this book I am returning to Piers Anthony. I put that book off to try to get through some of these library books and also figure out how I wanted to do the "conversation" portion of this site, but I have run out of excuses when I get this next book marked off my list. I am again, however, considering taking "The Witching Hour" off my list for now. I think I am focused on other reads to the point that this one has gotten pushed to the side for perhaps another time when I am more cemented in what I am doing with this blog. Also when I am more invested in a thousand page read. 

Currently Watching: "The Handmaid's Tale"

This last week has been a little shocking for me in regards to watching things. Normally I have been forcing myself to watch something, heck anything. This week though I forced myself to read more often. This being said I still did get a few things done though, which you will see in the next group. Focusing my time away from television though is how I have been able to get through more of the reading that I have wanted to do for this blog. I guess I am making trade-offs right now. I still, however, want to finish "The Handmaid's Tale" show on Hulu. I believe I will probably start doing the two episodes I have seen in one review and use it as a draft until I have all the episodes finish for review. I am going to have to pick up another show though soon. Any recommendations people?


Recently Finished: "Castlevania" (Season 1) on Netflix and "Steven Universe" (Season 3) on Hulu, and "The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone" on DVD.

I heard awhile back that Netflix was going to do a "Castlevania" cartoon series. I had waited for it and actually forgot that they were doing it. Suddenly across my Facebook feed came information regarding the series. Turns out that I found out that it was on Netflix the day it was released. My partner and I devoured the four episodes of the series in one night. I am not one to "binge watch" a show, but this was epically good. I couldn't stop watching until I knew exactly what was going to happen. I am only somewhat familiar with the game franchise, just enough to be like a BELMONT? Woo hoo. That is literally the only thing I am going to "spoil" about the series for you. It is well done and I highly recommend it since there are only 4 episodes at roughly 20+ minutes each. This isn't going to take a lifetime to watch. There are some gory moments, but overall it is a straight-up action animated program. My partner told me that it primarily seems to be taking its story from "Castlevania 3" if that means anything to you gamers out there. Regardless of the source material, anyone can enjoy the show. 

I am continuing to finish up my "Halloween" reviews for my friend, Alexis (Alexis' Treasures on my blog list). This is one of the four items I will be reviewing over there in October. I will say this though I am going to find and get the rest of The Flinstones specials (i.e. I Yabba Dabba Do or whatever it is called) since I rather enjoyed this one. My full thoughts will be made available when the posting has went live on her blog. Not fair to spoil the fun of "Halloween" in advance too much.

I also forced my partner to let us finally finish up the third season of "Steven Universe" even though it meant we would be out of Steven until whenever Hulu decides to put up the next season. Sometimes it feels like forever between us getting to see them and when they were aired. Probably just me complaining because I want them faster. I want to SEE THEM ALREADY! Can we get an exclusive day of deal with this show please Hulu? I am begging you. Okay, No? I Guess I will wait around until you can get them. I love this show though. It always is so encompassing of diversity related issues. I also found my two favorite characters of any show ever in Peridot and Lapis (the two pictured above). These characters are all flawed, but understand that they are flawed and learn to live with it and embrace it. The entire show had a beautiful message that makes my heart so happy. This is why I continue to watch it ever single time I see new episodes put up. It will forever be one of my favorite shows ever.

Gurl!!! Finish it! Week of 7/5/2017

Every Wednesday (starting next week I am going to move this to Thursday or Friday because I am wanting to start doing a Comic Book Wednesday since New Comics come out on Wednesday I want it to be that day, even though it won't be a review of new comics).  I am going to update where I am at with reading or watching things. This is just a nice little feature for myself partially to have a record of stuff I have started, finished, read, watched, and all that business. I will also include a little bit of why I am reading it or watching that particular thing. Also it will help keep ME on track because I stop reading or watching stuff way too much, so this will help me hold tight to sticking with one darn thing. Anyone reading this also can hold me accountable on what I have been reading and if never moves to "Last Finished" or "Recently Finished" you can be like GURL!!! FINISH IT. 

Last Finished: Disney Magical Dance Volume 1

I reviewed this on the blog already, but it was a fun little read. I greatly enjoyed getting to read this through NetGalley and their program of selecting books and requesting them. If you want to read my full-review of this go to here (it will open in a new window, so you can continue reading this posting).

Currently Reading: You Can't Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson,  Bearing an Hourglass by Piers Anthony and The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

I am pushing through "You Can't Touch My Hair" by Phoebe Robinson still. I am over halfway finished with the book and I hope I am able to get it done before it is due on Friday. It is, I admit, a harder book for me to get through because I am not the target audience (African-American), but it is interesting to read to see that perspective. It is the first book that I have actually utilized an index card as a bookmark and wrote page numbers on it so I could remember areas that I may want to quote for a review later on. It is interesting to see myself progress in what and how I want to blog. This book is definitely moving me in the direction I want to go because it is more focused on the topics and conversations that I want to have here. It will be interesting to see what I think about it when I am finished because there are moments where I get frustrated because there is a bit of pop culture overload utilized, but I get partially why she is doing it (which is the reason I have not DNF it). When I am finished with it though I am immediately going back to the Piers Anthony book because I need a little bit of a lighter book than what this one is. Then I will probably move onto another book. I do believe this is the last time that "The Witching Hour" will appear on this list for now because I seriously want to focus on other reads as I try to get myself more acclimated to reading and blogging more regularly. Next week I will have four books either on my currently reading or on my last finished list because I have checked out 4 more graphic novels from NetGalley to review. A couple of them are Disney Manga books, but two of them are other graphic novels that I want to start reviewing for the Wednesday feature mentioned in the top paragraph, which also mentioned that this will move to a different day next week. 

Currently Watching: "The Handmaid's Tale", "Steven Universe" on Hulu and been watching "The Bold and the Beautiful".

This hasn't changed really at all, so I wanted to discuss the fact that I have been regularly watching a soap again. I know soaps are ongoing, so I will never hit the end of this one, so never will be added to my recently finished. Since I haven't been currently watching anything else recently and haven't moved that much forward in the two I am watching (looking at you "The Handmaid's Tale") I thought I would share my thoughts about a recent return to the soap opera genre for me. I stopped watching most soaps because I just simply did not see the characters I grew up with or storylines that I was invested in watching. That was until it came across my Facebook newsfeed that Kimberlin Brown had returned to "The Bold and the Beautiful" as Sheila Carter.

Kimberlin Brown as Sheila Carter (All rights to photo are original owners, not my own)

 I have seen this character do all sorts of despicable acts, but I love the actress so much. I wanted her to return to either Young and the Restless or this soap. I just couldn't fathom how they could do it with some of the storylines they told about her on Young and the Restless though involving switching faces and plastic surgery nightmares. I was pretty sure she was untouchable as a returning character because of this. Then lo and behold she returns suddenly as a cliffhanger on a Friday episode of the show. No one was expecting it because they actually kept it so hidden that only a select few people knew that she had actually been on the set. They went so far as to blackout screens on the lot when filming her scenes. This is phenomenal that it was kept so hush-hush. When I saw this I started watching it online at CBS's website. She still has it! That is all I can say about the actress. She still has that look of evil that comes across without much emphasis, but we are also seeing a softer side to the character than we have seen in the past as well. It is, as a viewer, interesting to watch. I am greatly enjoying it in my free time between all my graduate studies. Since B&B only airs for 30 minutes in the afternoon it only comes out to about 20+ minutes in my day to watch each episode. It gives me something to look forward to on days when I am so busy writing a paper that I am unable to really relax, so thank you "The Bold and the Beautiful" for bring back to the canvas this character because it truly is making me love the soap opera genre again. 

A quick update on the other two shows. I have been putting off "The Handmaid's Tale" until I can figure out how I want to review it on the site. I cannot decide if I want to do each episode individually or if I want to do a larger one-time posting on the show broken-down by episodes. I am leaning towards the one larger posting, but I haven't decided yet. Once I do, I will move on with the show. Steven Universe on the other hand I am only two episodes away from finishing the 3rd season of the show, so I will probably be reviewing it later this week! 

Recently Finished: "The Last Halloween" Halloween Special and "The Biskitts" episode on Halloween.

(The Last Halloween)

I nearly put that I had not finished any more media items since my last check-in, but this wasn't true. I have not finished any television shows or movies currently, but I did finish these two things. My friend, Alexis of ALEXIS' TREASURES, will be doing an entire month of Halloween in October. I am doing some guest writing for her over there during that event, so we are trying to get some of it written up already. It may seem like a far time out, but she is doing an entire month. I am doing roughly 5 reviews for her during the month. I am not wanting to get backed against a wall with the fact that I am moving this blog towards a certain direction with the diversity focus, as a result I am finishing my reviews up already. She does not have an issue with this, so it may seem weird that I am watching Halloween in July, but it is helping me stay on schedule and keep my word to a friend in the process. When the reviews are live I will remention it here for those that are interested in seeing my opinion over these two Halloween programs.