Hello and happy June to everyone! I hope everyone who was in school is now on break and can enjoy the sun. Here is a list of most of the major things I read or watched last month. Thankfully, they were mostly good!
As always, here is how I grade things.
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- It was so boring I could barely pay attention or it frustrated me SO much I couldn’t finish.
- I had a headache but somehow made it through.
- I could make fun of it. . . because of how bad it is.
- It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
- There were various interesting aspects but nothing to really gush about.
- A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, it’s not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film/show it is visually stunning and has an incredible story I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
- Near Perfect (nothing is perfect.) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.
Books
Ten thousand Stitches, 8/10
Although I didn’t like it as much as its predecessor Half a Soul, I did enjoy this story. I liked how the heroine wasn’t just a princess. Her work life as a maid was partly hilarious and relatable and I thought it was important to distinguish what it means to be truly seen. Also, Juniper Jubilee was a joy to follow in the story! I’m not sure if his house is practical but I love how hard he tries to become a better person.
The Witchwood Knot, 8.5/10
This was dark but not grotesque. I thought the heroine was raw and intense and I enjoyed seeing her find a place at her new house. This story tackles jarring subjects like child grooming, sexual predators, and manipulation but doesn’t overly focus on these things. Rather, it talks about these things with respect, and the characters grow from their experiences. I also like the male lead, but probably just because he plays the piano.
The Wild Robot Escapes, 9/10
I’ve really enjoyed following this cute robot and her duck son. I appreciated how this story talked about losing family members, poverty, prejudice, etc. in a way that doesn’t overwhelm children or diminish their capability to face those things. I genuinely loved this story and look forward to reading the next book.
Lord Edgware Dies, 8/10
Leave it to Agatha Christie to write a story and twist that isn’t predictable. I thought I knew the answer but. . . she led me along with her bright red herring and I fell for it hook line and sinker. This is why I love her books. I need a challenge and it’s always a joy to read a new book from her.
The Graveyard Book, 10/10
I’d forgotten how much I love this story. I’ve always loved more. . . maccabre children’s stories and remember picking this up when I was in my teens. Re-reading this maybe 15 years later I genuinely appreciated the characters and the story Gaiman created. I liked how it handled death and taught why living a fulfilling life is important.
Movies
Loving Vincent, 10/10
I still think this movie is one of the most beautiful films ever made. However, when I showed this to my students there were mixed reactions. Some felt the same way I did and felt genuinely touched by the art and story. Others hated almost every moment. . . and might have fallen asleep when watching it in class.
I think this is great because it means people are free to experience art differently. I would never want to pressure anyone to feel or think the same way I do. Therefore, may we all learn and let others cultivate their own tastes!
Spirited Away, 9/10
Now, this doesn’t have a 10. That DOESN’T mean I don’t think this is masterfully made! Hayao Miyazaki is a genius and I would never say otherwise. I’m kind of obsessed with his movies. However, I realized this isn’t one of my favorites. (I’m sorry! Don’t throw rotten fruit at me!) I’m more of a Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and The Wind Rises gal, myself. Oh, and I love Totoro. A LOT.
Spiderman Into the Spiderverse, 10/10
I can’t really say more than I’ve said before. This is FANTASTIC and I love introducing it to others. It is a master class in character building, story building, and animation.
IF, 9/10
I don’t understand why the internet hates this movie. I CRIED hard when I watched it and enjoyed listening to kids react to the characters and story. This movie was similar to films I love like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), Christopher Robin (2018), Only Yesterday (1991), and Harvey (1950). I think this is not for everyone and its slower pace will deter those looking for something brimming with energy and pizzazz.
However, this film is a wonderful example of how to drive your story forward visually rather than through dialogue. Many questions are answered, but not because someone tells you outright. It lets the audience figure things out for themselves.
Anyway, I love this movie and would happily see it again!
TV Shows
Phineas and Ferb, 10/10
Drumroll. . . I still love this show. I’m not sorry I watch it a lot and will keep bringing it up because I can! (You’re welcome). It’s kind of funny I do like it this much because I never saw it as a child. I guess it goes to show cartoons aren’t just for kids. In fact, I’d say 2/3 of the jokes are aimed at adults rather than children. This is brilliant because it means kids won’t grow out of it fully. There is always more to unpack and understand.
Fairly Odd Parents, 7.5/10
I tried to like this more. But, sadly, I think I actually have grown out of this show. Its episodes lack wonder for me. I don’t like how distant and stupid his parents are and find the episodes repeat themselves a lot once the creators run out of ideas. Maybe I’ll like it more later.
Webtoons/Comics
Little Nemo in Slumberland, 8/10
So far, I’ve enjoyed reading this collection of comics from Winsor McCay (AKA the father of animation). The only negative thing about it is the racist undertones with some of its characters like the Imp and the cannibal tribesman. McCay was a product of his time and I actually like reading these so I can understand better HOW people in the U.S. viewed different cultures worldwide in the 1910s.
That aside, the art is gorgeous and I like how the paneling doesn’t have to follow the same formula every time.
The Essential Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury, 10/10
I love these comics! I fall asleep while reading them now, but that’s because I’ve read them many times. This is a comfort read for me, that helps me unwind at the end of the day.
I hated the male lead in this story. At first, he was like “I know you from my childhood! Your dad killed my parents and now I will make you suffer!” Shortly after he realizes she has NO clue who he is and has a pretty hard life. She was emotionally manipulated by her fiance’s family to be an organ donor, she has no relatives she can count on and finds out her fiance is cheating on her now that they got what they wanted from her.
Now, what does the male lead do? He manipulates her life piece by piece using her less-than-ideal circumstances to his advantage until somehow (Still don’t quite get how she fell for it) she thinks “Oh goodness! I must be in love with you now male lead!”
He rarely if ever asks for her consent to kiss her, take her places, give her gifts (he had chosen to meet his tastes), give her a raise or new position at work (although she LIKES where she is), or sleep with her. In fact, on their first steamy night together she was OBVIOUSLY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE IDEA and he treated it like some grand opportunity to dominate over her.
If you couldn’t tell, I hated this filthy piece of garbage and reiterate that this is why we can’t have nice things!
I feel better now.
Time Share House, 8/10
This was a really nice story. It didn’t have a lot of character building but it was a breath of fresh air compared to other things I’ve started in the past. I wish I was given more time with some of the more important side characters but that’s okay.
A Very Normal Ending, 7.5
As the title suggests, this was very normal. Nothing crazy happened but I liked how openly the characters communicated with each other. I probably won’t remember it after a while but meh. . . it told a good story so I’m satisfied.
Inuyasha, 8/10
Well, I’m still reading this series in pieces and so far it’s been pleasant to read. I don’t hate the female lead Kagome and Inuyasha is a nice protagonist as well, although he yells a lot. What bugs me a little is the whole love triangle thing with Kagome’s “past life” Kikyo. I know it was to keep readers interested but goodness. . . it’s obvious who he’s going to eventually choose so why the fuss? I felt this way about the whole Zuko or Aang thing in Avatar the Last Airbender too.
That aside, I’ve learned a lot about Japanese folklore and history while reading this so that’s an added bonus for me. Who knows, maybe I’ll like it enough to buy it someday.
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see you next time.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 