#eder

Hello Kitty Island Adventure was my turn my brain off and listen to a podcast game when work had sapped me of my will to think. I’ve put in 70 hours and I’ve still got tons of the base game to go—a great game to pick up when I get the urge and then drop for months.

Books:

“The Inheritance” by Ilona Andrews. If Ilona and Gordon write it, I will read it. This was one of my favorites of theirs in recent memory—mature protagonist with a family and a fully developed brain, a dog companion, and a story of adaptation that reminded me strongly of ‘The Color of Distance’ by Amy Thompson. I really hope this one gets a sequel soon!

“House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski. A crazy structure and an engaging descent into madness make this a fun, if occasionally overwhelming, read. Seriously considering tackling this with my eleventh grade English class next year.

“The Spellshop” by Sarah Beth Durst. Again with a more competent, adult protagonist—plus, I love stories with librarians! This was like wish fulfillment for me; who wouldn’t want to start over in an abandoned cottage of a picturesque island with spirits, merhorses, and magic?

“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros. Listen, I am too old to relate to this protagonist—but the story SUCKED ME IN and I read it in one weekend. Definitely a re-read, although I can’t say the same for the third book in the series. (Plus, I count Violet as a librarian-in-training!)

“The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques” by Donna Kato. I loved playing with polymer clay this year—post surgery, I needed art to do sitting down and this was great for that. Kato’s book gave me lots of ideas to try—including one of my favorite pieces this year, a mini Altoids box covered with a sun patterned cane (see below)