Story Tags

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Magically Real

There are memories that seem magical in hindsight, plus everyday occurrences that are magical when a person possesses the right frame of mind to perceive it so. The following tales contain fantasy and magic, but also beautifully depict elements of the extraordinary in everyday life. 

Cover of the book Going Postal

It's Not Funny if I Have to Explain It

"Always remember that the crowd that applauds your coronation is the same crowd that will applaud your beheading. People like a show." -  Going Postal

Book Cover of Edgar Allen Poe

Classic American Horror

What is about that the horror genre that beguiles us? Is it a fascination with the unknown or is it a delight in the senses that accompany fright? I was enthralled by this genre at an early age. Who among us remembers Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark? Regardless of our motivation, there are many books that inspire a love of chillers; here are a few American classics that will keep you peering under your bed at night.

The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin cover

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #12: Read a Fantasy Novel

A new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot's 2017 Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers, and a complete list may be found here on the Book Riot Goodreads page.

House of the spirits by Isabel Allende cover

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #11: Read a book that is set more than 5000 miles from your location

A new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot’s 2017 Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers, and a complete list may be found here on the Book Riot Goodreads page.

Agony of Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor cover

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge # 10: Read a book set within 100 miles of your location

A new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot's 2017 Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook. This year, there are 24 prompts for readers, and a complete list may be found here on the Book Riot Goodreads page.

Heartless

Fly Into Fantasy

Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Would you like a break from the everyday routine world? If so, fly into fantasy with these books. You can take a journey to Wonderland, to a mysterious and magical island located in the afterlife, to another remote island where real magic exists, or to a fairy underground. You can also join three children and a greyhound who is a folk Catholic saint on a long and interesting journey.

The Weirdness

The Devil and His Pets

In many stories about the Devil, a pet helps him with his mischief, like a witch's familiar.  After all, being the ultimate evil in the world must be tiring, lonely work. Or perhaps the Devil is just a misunderstood character. Whichever the case may be, sometimes he needs the comfort and help that only a pet can bring. I originally wanted this list to be all about the Devil's cat, but I could only find a couple of examples, so I expanded the parameters to include other pets. 

Crimson Crown cover

Reign Like Victoria

In the new historical drama series "Victoria" on PBS, Queen Victoria is eighteen years old when she comes to the throne. What if a story like hers took place in a fantasy kingdom or an alternate historical timeline? Here are a selection of young adult novels featuring a young princess facing challenges and dangers as well as adjusting to the responsibilities of being a reigning Queen. Copies are available to check out and download from the library.

Ex Libris cover

Challenge Accepted: Read Harder 2017

Challenge #3: Read a book about books

A new year means new year resolutions and challenges. One reading challenge that I love to do is Book Riot’s 2017 Read Harder challenge. Instead of having people focus on a specific number of books, Read Harder challenges people to read different genres or authors that they may overlook.

Pages