Book Review : Severance by Ling Ma

★★★★☆

SPOILERS AHEAD

“Severance” by Ling Ma is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that blends elements of dystopia, satire, and coming-of-age narratives. Set in a near-future world devastated by a global pandemic called Shen Fever, the story follows Candace Chen, a young woman navigating life in a post-apocalyptic New York City.

Ma skillfully weaves together themes of corporate culture, consumerism, and the existential ennui of modern life. Through Candace’s eyes

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AI : When AI Shatters Your Expectations.

I’m obsessed with this. OBSESSED!

I was putting Taylor Swift TTPD lyrics into my DaVinci ai generator and was shocked when it sent me back this. It’s absolutely stunning!

& if it’s make believe,
why does it feel like a vow,
we’ll both uphold somehow

Stay tuned for more ai generated Taylor Swift lyric images!

Guide : Book Annotations Ideas

BOOK ANNOTATION IDEAS

Annotating books can help deepen your understanding and engagement with the text. Here are some ideas for things to focus on when annotating books:

1. Key Points

  • Main Ideas: Highlight or underline the main arguments or points in nonfiction books.
  • Plot Points: Mark important events in the storyline in fiction books.

2. Characters

  • Character Descriptions: Note any details about a character’s appearance, background, or personality.
  • Character Development: Track how characters change throughout the book.
  • Relationships: Note interactions and relationships between characters.

3. Themes

  • Central Themes: Identify and mark passages that relate to the book’s main themes.
  • Recurring Ideas: Highlight recurring motifs or symbols that support the themes.

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Guide : Getting Started With Book Annotation

Getting Started With Book Annotation

Annotating books can be a valuable way to engage deeply with the text, understand it better, and create a personal dialogue with the author. Here’s a guide to help you get started with annotating books:

1. Gather Your Supplies

  • Highlighters: Different colors can represent different types of annotations (e.g., yellow for important points, pink for quotes, blue for questions).
  • Pens and Pencils: For writing notes in the margins.
  • Sticky Notes or Page Flags: For additional notes without marking the page permanently.
  • Notebook: To expand on ideas that won’t fit in the margins.

2. Understand Your Goals

  • Clarify Purpose: Determine why you’re annotating the book. Is it for a class, personal study, or a book club?
  • Focus Areas: Decide what you want to focus on, such as themes, character development, literary devices, or personal reflections.

3. Develop a System

  • Symbols and Abbreviations: Create a set of symbols (e.g., stars for favorite passages, question marks for confusing sections) and abbreviations (e.g., “T” for theme, “C” for character).
  • Color Coding: Use different colors for different types of annotations (e.g., green for quotes, yellow for key points).

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Book Review : Weyward by Emilia Hart

★★★★★

SPOILERS AHEAD

Emilia Hart’s “Weyward” is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the very first page, I was captivated by the intricate web of stories that span centuries, beautifully woven together by the enduring strength and resilience of the Weyward women. This novel is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and feminist literature that leaves a profound impact long after the last page is turned.

The narrative is centered around three compelling women: Altha, Violet, and Kate, each living in different eras but connected through their mysterious lineage and their intrinsic connection to nature. Hart’s portrayal of these characters is both vivid and nuanced, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs deeply.

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Welcome to My Hodgepodgery!

Hey there! I’m Michelle, a 40-something introvert with a snarky sense of humor and a creative spirit. I often find myself brimming with big ideas, though I don’t always manage to see them through to the end. My love for collecting craft supplies knows no bounds, and I find joy in the little things, like a new book, a favorite song, or the company of my beloved cat, Beef.

I’m drawn to the vibrant colors of rainbows and the whimsical charm of unicorns. Office supplies are my guilty pleasure, and “Napoleon Dynamite” never fails to make me laugh. Green, in all its beautiful shades, is my favorite color, and Lemonheads are my go-to treat. My world revolves around my wonderful family—my husband, kids, and grandkids—who bring so much joy to my life.

This blog is my personal vision board where I plan to share my book reviews, fun discoveries from the internet, and yes, a fair share of complaints. I believe in the interconnectedness of past lives, the magic of soulmates, the presence of God, and the existence of ghosts. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, though I’m skeptical about Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster—surely they can’t be that elusive.

For me, profanity is an art form, and I sometimes speak my mind a bit too freely, especially when I’m irritated. Politically, I lean to the left and have a strong belief in equality for all. I’m unapologetically loud and bossy, prone to moments of craziness, and I’ve been told I can be alarmingly anti-social. Despite my quirks, I’m incredibly loyal and believe in giving people second chances, even though I can hold a grudge like nobody’s business.

My personality is a mix of contrasts—I can be manipulative, mean, and vulgar, yet I’m also capable of great kindness and generosity. My best qualities are often my worst, a fact that makes perfect sense to those who truly know me. Welcome to my quirky, colorful world, where creativity, honesty, and a bit of chaos reign supreme.