Sunday, September 25, 2016

Slasher Girls & Monster Boys

October is just around the corner, which means it's only a couple of weeks until Halloween, and since it is never too early to get into the spirit it's the perfect time to get a head start on that Halloween reading list. And when it comes to horror, nothing beats a good anthology.


Slasher Girls and Monster Boys features 14 stories that all draw inspiration from a classic book, film, or song – not necessarily from the horror world – and use it to create something new …and terrifying. 

Even though I am a huge horror fan, I trend to be rather picky about the kind of horror I enjoy. So most anthologies end up being really hit or miss, but with this one I can honestly say that there wasn't one story that I felt like skipping. Every single one–even those with themes I usually don't care for–was so well written that it kept me interested (and chilled) throughout. Plus, my favorite part of it was probably to identify what each story is based on. Here are a couple of my personal highlights:


The Birds of Azalea Street by Nova Ren Suma
The first story of the collection, is about teenage girls, a creepy neighbor and birds (lots of birds). On the eerie instead of the scary side, it's perfectly situated at the beginning of the book, as it sets the mood without being too much.

Verse Chorus Verse by Leigh Bardugo
This one takes place in a rehab facility and deals with the pressures and sacrifices that come with being a teen idol. The theme definitely makes this one stand out a little, and without spoiling anything I have to say that the inspiration for this story is right up my alley.

The Flicker, The Fingers, The Beat, The Sight by April Genevieve Tucholke
Tucholke is the only one of the authors I was actually familiar with, so I expected to like this one. And I wasn't disappointed. The story mixes one of my all time favorite books with a famous urban legend. That said, it isn't anything new, but sometimes a feeling of familiarity can make things scarier than they actually are. So in a way this works in the story's favor.

Stitches by A.G. Howard
This might be the goriest out of the stories. The imagery is nothing for the faint hearted, but if you're not turned off by a little blood (and severed limbs) it's an excellent read with a very classic horror feel.

All in all, I was really impressed with this anthology and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good scare.


Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Old School

No matter if you are actually in school or just feeling a little nostalgic for the good old days, there's just something about a fun high school comedy that appeals to almost everyone 
…especially if it's set (or made) in the 80s:

Freaks and Geeks:


Even though the show that ran from 1999-2000 is a cult classic, it took me until now to actually watch it.  I've never seen anything so relatable, touching but also just plain hilarious. The stellar cast (young James Franco!) is just the cherry on top of this masterpiece of a show. And the best, it's available on both Netflix and Amazon Prime. If you check out just one thing from this list, make it this one.


License to Drive:


“An innocent girl, a harmless drive, what could possibly go wrong?” This movie is pretty much the Superbad of the 80s. A hilarious ride (pun intended) from the opening sequence to end, that perfectly captures teenage recklessness in the funniest way possible.


Everybody Wants Some:


Set during the last week before College, Everybody Wants Some is technically not a high school comedy but I just had to put it on the list. I've seen a lot of people calling the movie aimless, but to me that's part of its charm, as it is about that last chance to actually be aimless before it's back to the classroom (or the real world) on Monday.  

What is your favorite high school (or college) comedy?  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters 
Laura  

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Libraries & Poe-Ka Dots

Just when I though Out of Print already had everything a book lover could want, they put something new on the shelf. And their new collection of leighweight cotton and silk blend scarves might be my favorite addition yet:




I'm in love with the Pride and Prejudice design (and I'm not even a fan of the book).  You can't really tell that it is a book cover unless you unfold it, and a bit of mystery is always a plus …as are brilliant  puns "Poe-ka Dots" anyone?  I can't wait to see this collection grow (Nancy Drew scarf, please).

Which cover would you like to see on a scarf?


Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Loafers For Fall

A little less bulky than boots and a little more substantial than ballet flats, loafers are the perfect fall shoe. And this year the preppy staple is back in full force.  

They are comfortable, versatile, and make every outfit look a little more put together. But the best is that even something so classic can have a lot of personality: From the elegant patent version to sporty white soles and trendy platforms (= extra warmth for colder days!), there really is a style for everyone
…and every budget:


loafers

Nancy Drew would approve.


Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura