Category: Discussions

Discussions15 Comments

Bookish Box Tea: The Stalking Jack the Ripper Edition

Kaya @ afictionalbookworm

Before starting this discussion, I just want to say that Bookish Box has some of the most beautiful special edition sets I’ve ever seen. They have unique concepts, and work with authors that might not have otherwise gotten the chance to receive special editions of their books. However, they blew up a lot quicker than I think anyone predicted. As a result, their business practices have revealed that there are a lot of issues going on behind the scenes. So let’s discuss! Full Disclosure: most of the information I’m going over is sourced from Kevin T. Norman’s TikTok and a … Continue reading Bookish Box Tea: The Stalking Jack the Ripper Edition

Discussions27 Comments

new adult books as a genre: should they exist?

Kaya @ afictionalbookworm

Ah, new adult. A genre that isn’t a genre. A phrase that brings to mind romance books with scenes too explicit for the average YA reader, but too juvenile for the adult reader. However, I’m here today to present my defense of New Adult as a valid genre outside of the romance titles casually attributed to the label, and to actually encourage more people to start using it! so…what exactly is new adult? According to an article by Wikipedia, New Adult is “New adult fiction is a developing genre of fiction with protagonists in the 18–30 age bracket. St. Martin’s … Continue reading new adult books as a genre: should they exist?

Discussions16 Comments

let’s discuss: is there such a thing as a “problematic” character???

Kaya @ afictionalbookworm

Yeah, bring on the controversy! Just be polite about it! Anyways, today we’re discussing “problematic” characters. But what exactly do people mean when they say problematic? There isn’t really a dictionary definition for problematic in the modern context of literature so I’m winging it and stating on the record that when people refer to problematic characters, what they really mean are characters who break the moral law and are romanticized for it. Now, I’m going to say something that might be a little controversial but eh who cares. Jude and Cardan from The Cruel Prince are not problematic. Jude and … Continue reading let’s discuss: is there such a thing as a “problematic” character???

Discussions, Movie Reviews12 Comments

Are Marvel Movies REAL Cinema? // sharing my opinion on this *delicate* topic

Kaya @ afictionalbookworm

Ever since Martin Scorcese made his infamous comment claiming that Marvel movies aren’t “real art”, I’ve dwelled on it longer than I care to admit. And honestly? I think it’s worth a discussion post! Ah yes, Marvel. The sole king … Continue reading Are Marvel Movies REAL Cinema? // sharing my opinion on this *delicate* topic

Discussions27 Comments

are bookstagram and booktok accessible??? // let’s talk about privilege and poc creators for a sec

Kaya @ afictionalbookworm

It’s been a while since I’ve done a discussion post, but this topic has been in my drafts since July because these articles take a long time to write. It might be a little controversial but I sincerely want to talk about this. So let’s do this! First, let’s discuss the platforms themselves. Instagram and Tiktok both have wonderful advantages. However, both of them have also come under fire for having biased algorithms. An article by City News published earlier this year talks about the Instagram algorithm’s effects on accounts of plus-size people, especially. Of course, a bookstagram account does … Continue reading are bookstagram and booktok accessible??? // let’s talk about privilege and poc creators for a sec

Discussions18 Comments

let’s talk about accessibility!! // changing the blog up!

Kaya @ afictionalbookworm

One personal goal I have for 2021 is that I want my blog to be more accessible to people who have varying needs. So I decided to make this post, as I want to hear from all of you how I can better serve you. some ideas of my own! Aesthetic: If some people are sensitive to certain colors or patterns, please tell me! For example, photosensitive epilepsy can be caused by contrasting light and dark patterns. If there’s any way I can ease strain on your eyes, feel free to tell me. Being more cognizant of triggers/content warnings: This … Continue reading let’s talk about accessibility!! // changing the blog up!