Book Review: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
American Gods by Neil Gaiman is one book I just couldn’t get into reading it so I listened to it as an audiobook. I really wanted to like the book. Like really, really. The writing is flawless. The novel with intricacies of plots, twists, and turns was that of a master bard. Yet, I found the first quarter of the book slow. I knew the second quarter of the book laid the foundation for the last half. Gaiman tried to use misdirection by having his writing play out like a coin trick or a shell game. He’d reveal what is to come but also created so many dead ends. Ultimately, I am glad I made it through the book. I enjoyed the mythologies and how much time it must have taken to research the tale. I suppose my disappointment is the same I experienced with Ender’s Game. I was able to see through the games being played. In retrospect, I guess that is a good thing as I won’t be buying a $20 violin for thousand of dollars.
The book itself is about an ex-con named Shadow who was released from prison who liked to do coin tricks as it gave his hands something to do. He ends up working for this mysterious fellow named Wednesday. Shadow’s world is turned upside down as reality becomes fiction and fiction becomes reality or perhaps both or neither.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to people who like mythology and thrillers. Gaiman tried to pack so much in to one book and succeeded. The audiobook I listened to was: American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition (A Full Cast Production) [Unabridged]. If you can’t get into the story via reading – I’d recommend giving it a listen as it’s a great way to spend 20 hours or so.
I will write again soon.
XVX
Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab
I just finished A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab which was an awesome tale of four different cities all known as London that are located in same space but in different worlds. The novel follows the adventure of Kell, one of the last magicians who can travel to the different Londons, who happens to make a mistake. A really big mistake. The novel is about his adventure to make things right again in the worlds.
The plot is nothing ground breaking but was a fun ride. The overall feel of the book reminded me vaguely of The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. Both tales have a male magician protagonist needing to correct his error. Overall, A Darker Shade of Magic was very well written. Schwab is was able to paint pictures with her words so much so that the action scenes had me on the edge of my seat.
My only compliant about the tale is that sometimes during conversations between Kell and the other main characters lacked the consideration of detail of the rest of the novel. That made the conversations stand out and seemed a little forced. Besides that, the book had a lot of redeeming qualities such as having a few strong female characters so the tale isn’t all male-dominated. There was a few mention of gender stereotypes – how women usually wore dresses – but two of the female characters did not and were wickedly smart.
A Darker Shade of Magic is the first book of a trilogy. The ending of the novel was very dry. It seemed like Schwab wanted to leave things open for the next book but also have a solid ending for this novel to stand on its own. For me, that created a muddled ending and it left me unfulfilled as it didn’t invoke a feeling of disappointment of having to wait a year for the next installment as I thought it would since Schwab has talent.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy novels with a touch of magic but not for the squeamish as there is bloodshed. It was a pleasure to get to know Kell and his worlds. I am looking forward to revisiting his worlds when the second book in the series is released.
XVX
Version 2.0 in the works. Still a veganarchist. What did you expect?
Hello readers! I know I’ve been on hiatus for a pretty long time. I stopped writing because I didn’t think I had anything else to say that hasn’t already be said in prior writings. I didn’t have anything to write so quite simply I didn’t write. Now, I have plenty to say about a myriad of topics and things I wish to share with you, the internet. I intend to re-design the site at some point in the future. Currently, my time is being consumed by school, volunteering, and other projects so the redesign of the site might not happen for a few weeks to a month or two. However, I have this site already set up so I will utilize what I have.
My main intentions for Version 2.0 are the following:
1. Write reviews about books, music, film, and other media that I feel like sharing (I won’t do negative reviews)
2. Post prose in whatever form they may come in (poems, lyrics, short stories) fiction or non-fiction
3. To allow the curious seekers to get to know their friendly neighborhood veganarchist
4. Fourth and most importantly, I want to educate folks that we; veganarchists, need cuddles too. 😉
I will write again tomorrow to start with a book review.
XVX
Morningstar Rising: Fallen Stars Burning Blight EP
Fallen Stars Burning Blight EP released 18 November 2013
by Morningstar Rising
About:
Oi! Oi! This is the first release by the one-human band, Morningstar Rising. All instruments/programming/singing was done by a crust punk that showers. It has raw vocals with songs ranging from resistance, being anarcho-edge, screaming riot grrrl, with a dash of unapologetic queercore for good measure. It is diy punk and is available for free download if you put in $0 and free streaming. If you feel like supporting the artist, pick up a patch from breatheresist.etsy.com as the creator believes music/information should be free.
Music is available for free download and free streaming at the links below:
http://morningstarrising.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/morningstarrising
http://www.reverbnation.com/morningstarrising
http://www.last.fm/music/Morningstar+Rising/Fallen+Stars+Burning+Blight+EP
Lyrics:
1. Breathe. Resist. Part 2 01:16
Breathe. Resist.
Breathe. Resist.
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
One step at a time in a forward direction
no looking back time is wasted on reflection.
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
Like a caged bird’s song
we sing on.
Like a caged bird’s song
we sing on,
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
Breathe in conflict.
Breathe out resolution.
2. xAnarcho-Edgex 01:37
Anarchy and peace can be said to be
the nuts and bolts of making society free
With sober minds for clear sight
we can work with solidarity to make things right.
Intoxicants society holds dear
I stay away from far and near
My mind is free and pure
and within there’s no fear.
These X’s drawn on my hands
These X’s drawn on my hands
Are more than just a theme of 80’s bands
For freedom and justice I will fight
My sobriety and self-esteem gives me might.
Against hierarchy I pledge
Against hierarchy I pledge
To put it to an end
to stop hate with my edge
a brighter future I work to send.
Against hierarchy I pledge
Against hierarchy I pledge
To put it to an end
to stop hate with my edge
a brighter future I work to send.
Anarchy and peace can be said to be
the nuts and bolts of making society free
With sober minds for clear sight
we can work with solidarity to make things right.
3. Cookiepuss Was A Punk Rock Cat 01:32
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
she helped out with food not bombs
she helped out with food not bombs
she helped out with food not bombs
she helped out with food not bombs
she went to every hardcore show
she went to every hardcore show
she went to every hardcore show
at Abc No Rio
she went to every hardcore show
she went to every hardcore show
she went to every hardcore show
at Abc No Rio
she read zines in the library
and silkscreened mice to tease
she didn’t read anything mainstream
underground was where she liked to be
Cookiepuss was a squatter
she lived freely and freely live
Cookiepuss was a squatter
she lived freely and freely live
dumpster babies were her best friends
dumpster babies were her best friends
dumpster babies were her best friends
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
Cookiepuss was a punk rock cat
4. VD Day 01:17
I am not yr sweetheart.
It’s all finally come to this
from your 7 inch, I resist
never was a girl for sausage
your talk of love is garbage
you have two heads
but only enough blood for one
you have two heads
but only enough blood for one
Calling me names like honey
wanting to fuck like bunnies
when I say No you find it funny
it’s not a joke, you shithead dummy
you have two heads
but only enough blood for one
you have two heads
but only enough blood for one
You don’t listen to my screams
you think you’ll make me cream
To you, I’m a conquest for fun
Or you thought until I pulled a gun.
you have two heads
but only enough blood for one
you have two heads
but only enough blood for one
5. Victim or Culprit? 01:35
The human race
the human race
is a disgrace
is a disgrace
history repeats
history repeats
perpetually as a heart beat
a heart beat
perpetually as a heart beat
a heart beat
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
it depends
it depends if we permit.
it depends
it depends if we submit.
it depends
it depends if we permit.
it depends
it depends if we submit.
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
becomes
Freedom becomes a misfit.
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
6. (Bonus) Breeders’ Resistance 01:48
I was kidnapped from the womb
onto a planet full of rules.
Never being asked for my two cents.
People hiding behind picket fences
while openly carrying hatred.
They say god is on their side,
hating gays because that’s what’s right.
They say god that is on their side,
hating gays because that’s what’s right.
Its been too long
its been too long
this ban on love
to go on
its been to long
its been too long
this ban on love
to go on:
unopposed
undercovered
unexposed
oppressing love to missionary
making sex for breeders only
breeders only
breeders only
breeders only
it’s time to say no more
we’ll create our own society
and fight against tyranny and overpopulation
this is a call to form the breeders’ resistance
breeders’ resistance
breeders’ resistance
7. (Bonus) Victim or Culprit? (Extended Acoustic) 02:11
perpetually as heart beats
history repeats
The human race
is a disgrace
the means justified by greed
consuming more than we need
only feeding this capitalist machine
creating this self-destructive routine.
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
Depends if we
if we permit.
Depends if we
if we submit.
Freedom becomes a misfit.
closed eyed masses
marching together as asses
chanting the same tape
while by the rich we are raped.
closed eyed masses
marching together as asses
chanting the same tape
while by the rich we are raped.
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
Depends if we
if we permit.
Depends if we
if we submit.
Freedom becomes a misfit.
this incident turns us into marionettes
and the manipulators ignore the cassettes
causing crimes against humanity
leaving no escape from this insanity.
Victim or culprit?
Victim or culprit?
Depends if we
if we permit.
Depends if we
if we submit.
Freedom becomes a misfit.
Happy Holidays! 15% off at my shop…
Hey folks,
I know, I know. There’s more to life than pursuing material objects. But sometimes, you can’t resist something shiny. I’ve been working on making more patch designs and expanding my shop. If you are looking for that perfect gift for the queer punk that’s always dumpster diving in your neighborhood, maybe my shop will have something just right for you. Or maybe there’s that cute anarchist at a collective meeting and you been meaning to show them you care… so take a look. 🙂
http://www.breatheresist.etsy.com
Bonus: 15% coupon off everything – including punk vests, malas, and the great straight edge vegan necklace I made… coupon is valid until 9am Monday PST. Coupon code is: TOFURKEY2011 – you plug it in at check out.
Wishing everyone the best.
London’s Burning and Why it Shouldn’t Be
I know I haven’t updated in ages. I’ve been really busy with personal matters. However, I think it’s important to make a comment about what some people are doing in the name of anarchy which is the exact opposite of what anarchy is.
I am an anarcha-feminist (anarchist with a feminist slant) as well as a pacifist. According to my understanding of anarchy meaning “without law” is almost an utopia state of human affairs were no one would harm another sentient being because they are fully conscious, compassionate human being. With that said, violence done is never anarchy as it breaks universal law of doing no harm.
Violence doesn’t change the system because it doesn’t change the people. People are the system – you and me. To change the system, there needs to be education since no one is born knowing how to be human. It’s something we are taught from mimicking others and watching.
With that said, what does it say about our society that people are so ill educated that they resort to violence since they can’t articulate words? It’s a very sad state of affairs. I think we should not place blame – as we’re all at fault – but rather work together to change how we educate our youth and members of our community so they will display their rage in a peaceful matter that people might actually listen to instead of making scenarios that people run from when even their actions no longer speak of the original intent.
Metta Lyrics 13: Walking Through Walls
Walking Through Walls
Systems within systems. Where is the escape?
From the very beginning, you are taught
how they want you to be in their schools
with their agendas to make you subordinated and not think.
Question everything. Don’t buy into their programming.
Celebrity sex and anorexic models will not set you free.
Materialism leaves you empty and just wanting more things.
The secret is to live simply so others can simply live.
Society thrives on violence – don’t give in. Have peace be your highest value.
Don’t eat their lies. Don’t buy their shit. Learn to make your own.
We are all prisoners to the system but you needn’t be a slave.
You can change the rules and make your own game.
You needn’t play theirs. There are alternatives out there
you just need to find the one that works for you.
Re-organization or re-branding of website? + Family
For some time, I felt I give away too much with the header on the blog. People don’t necessary understand my definition of the labels and judge me too quickly. So, I’ve decided to keep things minimalistic and see if that captures people’s interest more. Maybe without judging me first – they’ll read a little something and it might open their heart.
I’ve been reflecting on humanity quite a bit. I am trying to be more tolerant and give people more of a chance myself. I am also seeing more how unwilling people are to give others a chance. I think I scared off a potential date by revealing too much of myself. People say they want honesty but they usually don’t – not for the first six months to a year anyways in relationships. My therapist told me I am one of the rare people when I ask for someone’s opinion, I really want it verses just wanting the person to agree with me which is the rest of the world.
Most of the time, as I’ve noticed listening to metal/punk music – most people are expressing the same emotions but using different language. It’s the language that is creating the barriers. Almost all of us just wants to be loved, play, and enjoy being with our family. We just have different ways of doing that. Besides, if you really think about it, we’re all humans, so everyone is family.
Metta Lyrics 12: Velocity Zero
This is a darker piece.
Velocity Zero
I thought of calling as I lay dying to say my final farewell to a scepter of my past, a final hurrah to us: mere
ships passing in the night. I thought about it, I thought of you, in this moment of death of the one who gave me life. A twist of irony, perhaps, to think of life in death and death and life but I had a fleeting thought of you and saying good bye. This isn’t how I wanted to end: fading slowly as my insides turned out. I would have rather gone in a blaze of glory. But here, I find myself sitting in a wheelchair, vomiting. Trying to retain dignity as I convulse, my emotion gets the better of me and tears form in my eyes. I began to cry. Why? I do not really know. Maybe the idea of a life half lived or the thought of having to endure so much to only fall to mortal weakness. My hands and feet go numb, as my body tries to welcome the darkness, I fight mind against body to regain conscious. I succeed. No blackness for me. No farewell for you and I would have left without regret.
Personal Ad and Relationships
I have come to realize
that what matters most is the heart and the mind
everything else is superficial and fake.
I’ve known this for sometime – but I was always hoping that maybe I would find my ying to my yang someplace I would likely be. It hasn’t been the case but I know they exist. I won’t stop looking.
I am also realizing more what I need from personal relationships more than what is wanted.
The punk, vegan, straightedge, etc., thing is cool but what’s really needed is the heart/mind thing. Someone who genuinely cares, those are the true people. People with a heart and who care are hard to find. I am lucky I’ve found so many so far.
I hope to find someone someday with a heart that I can give my heart too that meets my needs and maybe a few wants. 😉 But, seriously, mohawk is optional.
