#IMWAYR: Catching up on my mess!

Uh...a lot has happened since I last posted here! Geez. In August, this blog turned 9 years old, and I also started a job that I've been in for about 5 months. I like it a lot! And I've had lots of other personal adventures I look forward to telling y'all more about soon.

I've decided as of today that I am going to read 5 pages every day. I've been in a huge reading slump for at least six months, but really a few years. And I'd like it to stop now, because books are really good for my mental health and my happiness, and I think they are a missing piece in the puzzle of my life.

Before I carry on with reading new books, though, I have several books, bookstores, libraries from the past 6 months that I'd like to update you on now!

Books

My Boyfriend Is a Bear

Written by Pamela Ribon and illustrated by Cat Farris
Adult graphic novel

You know, for a hilarious graphic novel about a woman named Nora who finds true love by dating a literal giant bear, I was honestly shocked by how meaningful and touching and well-executed the themes are. Like, this was genuinely such a heartfelt story and I came away feeling like it was worth every second. I have a feeling a ton of folks would really enjoy this.







A Song for You and I

Written and illustrated by K. O'Neill
MG graphic novel

K. O'Neill may be my favorite graphic novelist ever, and this book is a peaceful and lovely story about the relationship between two polar-opposite characters who nevertheless learn how to show up for each other.








Angelica and the Bear Prince

Written and illustrated by Trung Le Nguyen
YA graphic novel

This is very different from Nguyen's The Magic Fish, which is my favorite graphic novel ever. But it is relentlessly inventive and fun from start to finish. And it's filled with gorgeous, colorful art.









The House on Mango Street

Written by Sandra Cisneros
Adult novel

I am so glad I took the time to re-read this after many years. I've never read anything like it. It feels like a blend between a novel and poetry, and it is accessible and short yet wildly meaningful. There are so many characters and lines to love. Honestly, as I'm writing this summary, I want to go flip back through the book later and enjoy it all over again.







Only This Beautiful Moment

Written by Abdi Nazemian
YA novel

This was a very immersive read, and several characters really stayed with me. Several other characters annoyed me (perhaps by design), and one scene triggered the absolute bejesus out of me — I kind of wish there had been a little more exploration of that scene in the story, rather than it just being dumped in my lap for me to deal with. But what can you do?





Bookstores and libraries

Bird's Bookstore

Dallas, TX
Photo courtesy of Bird's Bookstore

This bookstore is gorgeous inside, with adorable seating nooks, beautiful wooden bookcases, a teeny-tiny café, quirky art and furniture, and a great selection. It is also an excellent date spot. 😊








Talking Animals Books

Grapevine, TX
Photo courtesy of Shelley Biemans on Google

This is the overstuffed, personality-filled indie bookstore that I've been desperately in search of for, like, eons??? I'm literally obsessed with it. Also, in a Krusty Krab 2 situation, they have a second location like 5 minutes away, which is less overstuffed so they have more space for events and a café.


Titan Comics

Dallas, TX
Photo courtesy of Samantha Dindial on Google

This comic store actually has a really nice selection of weird and quirky graphic novels — if not for the fact that I'm trying to avoid impulsive book purchases, I would definitely have bought some things!


Nowhere Bookshop

San Antonio, TX
Photo courtesy of moi

Also a delightful indie bookstore with a delightful indie bookstore vibe. 10/10, no notes.






San Antonio Central Library

San Antonio, TX
Photo courtesy of Ernie Shown on Google

Did you know that the San Antonio Central Library, designed by architect Ricardo Legorreta, is bright-red, with all kinds of yellow and purple geometric accents? I didn't, but now I do! It's really cool.

That's all!

I feel like the world is more than a little insane right now. I hope all of you are hanging in there as best as you can. I am thinking of you and rooting for you. See you soon. ✨✨

Comments

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Please feel free to leave a comment—I always love reading them! ✨✨

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