The Fantasy of Science Fiction

       It's impossible for me to deny how much I love science fiction and fantasy. I grew up on books, movies, and TV shows stemmed from Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Star Trek is the first TV show I remember ever watching, I've probably seen The Next Gen more times than I can count. Fantasy was more the world of books I was submerged into. The Chronicles of Prydain and of Narnia are the tales that I remember most from my childhood. As I've grown these genres have become more and more a part of my life. To me being a nerd, as people like to call it, was never something to shy away from or be ashamed of, I never thought that I should be looked down on because of my tastes. More recently this little love of mine has been something I've loved embracing all the more. I enjoy using it to throw people off their game. One glance at me and they see some girl into fashion and clothes, but my phone comes out all decked out in a Doctor Who and I start talking a minute a mile about comic books, Joss Whedon, and Star Trek. My Netflix list is swallowed up in science fiction shows and my bookcases are overwhelmed with fantasy and superheroes. My references can be brought back to the world of Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Merlin. If I could chose to have any pet in the world, it would be a dragon - they are real, don't make me come over there. 

         This doesn't limit me, because despite all of this, two of favorite books aren't considered either fantasy or science fiction. The Count of Monte Cristo and Oliver Twist, two classics and two of the books I love most.

            It reminds me how your tastes aren't stuck in one field, even if it's your passion. It's interesting how one thing can be your focus, your love, but when it comes down to it the thing you treasure most can have little to do with that one great love. I'm sure there is some great meaning under this, something that can be uncovered and taught, but I guess for right now it doesn't matter so much.

One of my favorite quotes is by Lloyd Alexander (who wrote the Prydain Chronicles), saying: 

"Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it."

 I think that far too often people look at those that do retreat into fantasy and science fiction as those that seek to hide from the real world. But for me, just as Lloyd put it, it's all about understanding the real world and accepting it. Somehow between everything that we find impossible in reality, but are accepted in these fictional worlds, it's easier to see the real world without finding it too difficult to survive in, We take those words that we have read, those scenes we have watched and use them to accept what is right in front of us. 

        I've struggled with accepting just who I was for most of my life, far too often fearing what people would say or what they would think. But when it comes down to it, you can hardly break away from that which you love most, as it is one the greatest parts of you. And, besides, why would you want to? In this world it can be so hard to find joy and passion, so if you do manage to grab onto something that gives you it, why in the world would you want to let it go?  

Outfit Details:

Dress: Ebay (it was a BCBG dress)

Twisting Tree Necklace: Modcloth

Shoes: Target

Braclet: Lace affiar

Ring Forever21

Puppy: Drogon

Alright That's my little message for you today, hopefully now you'll want to drive into some great book that will take the world around you and just make it a little more shiny - I meant that in the Firefly version of the word.

P.S. sorry for the super long post. 

Book Review: The Fire Within

Book: The Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey

Published:

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Pages: 340 (hardback)

Keep reading after the jump for the full review. 

Book Review: A Curse Dark as Gold

Book: A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth Bunce

Published: May 2, 2012

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Pages: 391 page (paperback)

Keeping reading after the jump for the full review

Book Review: The Treachery of Beautiful Things

 

Outfit Details:
Cardigan & Jeggings: Kohl's
Shirt: Forever21
Necklace: Made by me
Shoes: Macy's

Book: The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long

Published: August 2012

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Length: 363 pages

I spotted this book at Barnes and Noble and it was the title that first caught my attention. Almost immediately, I sought it out at my local library, adding it to the pile of books I've been meaning to read. It's the first book by Ruth Frances Long that I've read or even seen. But her writing and weaving of a faerie land into a beautiful story has made me a fan of her work.

The story is about Jenny whose brother, some seven years ago, was stolen into a forest by trees. She goes to the spot that claimed her brother to finally say goodbye and gets pulled into the magical forest herself. Whilst seeking to find the piper, who she believes must be her brother, encounters the deadly dangers of the forest and, of course, meets a handsome, mysterious young man.

I really like the beginning where the focus is on the sibling's relationship. Maybe it's because I'm so close with my family, but that, more than any enticing ofantasy, romance, or my love of all these forest-y could offer, is what led me to this book. The story is the kind that just fills me with inspiration and longing for lands and stories such as these. Ruth pulls together her words into an easy read, while managing the feel of sheer poetry.

Predictability? It's in the middle ground, but sincerely enjoyable. It gives you that feel good ending, while still giving you a few twists along the way. I won't give up any spoilers, but I definitely suggest giving this book a try if you like fantasy romances at all. I could hardly put it down, well I did, but just for a coffee break.

Tell me what you thought of the book; and if you having any reading suggests lay it out there in a comment.