Let's Get Literate! Beware Self-Sacrificing Shenanigans

[renay]

My library ordered some books for me, so now I am in possession of six October Daye books. Here is the proof. Odds on how long it's gonna take me to plow through all of these? (One is done, but finished too late to end up in this column; it's possible you heard me screeching in agony.)

• Ms. Marvel #17 - #18 by G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, & Ian Herring
• Saga, Volume 5 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
• Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu
• Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie

 

I continue to adore Ms. Marvel as this specific arc begins to wrap up. I have no clue how they're going to end it, but oh gosh, the end of Ms. Marvel #18? I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. I can't wait to see what happens in the next issue. I did enjoy Carol and Kamala together, being rad, and Carol being the greatest mentor. I hope we get to see more of them together in the future. Ms. Marvel is coming back after Secret Wars wraps up, and I'm going to keep following it. Thank you to goodbyebird who got me into Ms. Marvel. It has been SO MUCH fun. ♥



I love Saga and this volume was no different. If anything, the emotional gut-punch cliffhanger of an ending to this volume was worse than the one in Volume 4. There's a lot of rescuing going on here, as people scramble to find and save people they care about from being hurt or exploited. Awhile back, Ana and I made a prediction about Hazel that it looks like we were spot on about. ANA WE ARE SO SMART.

Sometimes I look at the huge spreads in this comic and go, "I wonder what Fiona Staples is thinking as she's drawing all these dicks and ball sacks of alien creatures?" Because this universe is so weird I'm constantly amazed at the way she brings it to life is the most amazing/grossest way possible, while meanwhile, the story is tackling kidnapping, gender politics, betrayal, the consequences of war, family, inequality, and love.

And it's probably wrong, but I actually really like Robot IV now. HEAVY SIGH.

 

BookishDi recommended Check, Please! and although other people have pointed me to it I was dubious. A comic about a college hockey team? And a player who bakes pies? Okay. I wasn't sold, but Diana seemed to REALLY like it and there was fic, so I gave it a shot.

But Internet, I was wrong to be dubious. Check, Please! is adorable and funny. I laughed out loud so many times, but there are really emotional parts handled so carefully and well done — there's a part in Season 1 where I was a little teary because I was expecting something terrible to happen and it didn't. If you need a dose of sunshine in comic form, read this comic and then come tell me who your favorite teammate is. :D

THERE IS CUDDLING IN ANCILLARY MERCY. That could be my entire thought about this book. I've read a lot of trilogies and enjoyed them all, but this is the first in a very long time where I finished perfectly content. I could always take another book or five in this universe, but it just wrapped up so perfectly and the journey to get there was so delightful/frustrating/tense/funny that I am absolutely pleased.

I read these books spread apart from one another, but I bet they would be fascinating strung together in one long, luxurious read. Also, did I spy a sly reference to "She Commands Me and I Obey" because THAT WOULD BE GREAT. :D

Anyway, wonderful and warm ending to one of my favorite trilogies with all the thoughtfulness and examination of power of the previous two volumes, plus cuddles.

Comments

[readingtheend.pip.verisignlabs.com]

Okay! Check Please! I will read it and I will come back and squeal at you about it!

[renay]

YESSSSSSS.

It's really not very long at all. It's perfect for an afternoon read. :D

[kerrykhat]

FOREVER CRYING AND FACE CLUTCHING ABOUT FICTIONAL HOCKEY BROS

[renay]

HOW IS IT SO CUTE?! I'M SO GLAD I FINALLY READ IT EVEN THO NOW I AM SUFFERING IN WAIT FOR MORE. XD

[kerrykhat]

NOW YOU MUST JOIN THE REST OF US IN AGONIZING WAIT

[lostinthought]

HDU EXPECT ME TO PICK A FAVORITE SAMWELL TEAMMATE. I think mostly it's Shitty, but then there's Ransom. And Holster with his glasses. And Bitty's SO CUTE. LARDO. CHOWDER AND THE OTHER FROGS. JAAAAAAAAAACK.

*curls up* Don't make me choose. Doooooon't.

[renay]

I'M SORRY ABOUT THIS. >.> i MEAN, I realized I couldn't even choose because everyone is so wonderful! I can't ask people to do what I can't.

EVERYONE IS MY FAVORITE.

[frayadjacent]

So many cuddles. It was delightful. And funny!

[monanotlisa]

"THERE IS CUDDLING IN ANCILLARY MERCY. That could be my entire thought about this book. I've read a lot of trilogies and enjoyed them all, but this is the first in a very long time where I finished perfectly content."

YESSSSSSS! SEIVARDEN CUDDLING BREQ WAS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!