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stacks-reviews · 7 years

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New Releases 10/3/17

Happy New Release Day!

In Books --The Name of the Wind 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition by Patrick Rothfuss “My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that would make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me. So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.”

This book more than likely did not require me to provide a description. But I just love the description so much that I just had to put it up. This is my current top favorite book. I really love it and I am very excited to see an anniversary edition for it. I have been wanting to retire my mass market paperback for a while. I did get to meet Pat at a book signing a few years back and got that copy signed, as well as my copy of The Wise Man’s Fear, and my hardcover of A Slow Regard of Silent Things. I’ve been wanting to retire these signed copies so that nothing happens to them so this anniversary edition is just what I’ve been waiting for. At least until I can meet him again and get this one signed.

This edition has a new cover by designer Paul Buckley and artist Sam Weber. I’m not crazy about the cover. I prefer the standard cover used now. I’m having some trouble trying to understand just what all the images represent in the story so that’s what is really making me not like it as much. There is also some never before seen illustrations by artist Dan Dos Santos. Nate Taylor created a updated and detailed map of the world. An appendix of the calendar system, the currencies, and a pronunciation guide was added. And Pat wrote a new author’s note for this edition.

As of this writing (around 10:30pm Monday) it has not arrived at any of the bookstores near me but I have seen where it it out at other locations. I’m hoping it will arrive near me sometime today. Then I guess I’ll have to plan a fourth (or maybe a fifth. I don’t remember) reread of it soon.

--Anime Supremacy! by Mizuki Tsujimura “Japanese animation - the globally acclaimed, family-friendly theatrical features are the exception rather than the rule for a TV-oriented industry that has been pushed into late-night slots in an era of fragmented audiences. When only three titles among fifty might turn a profit, topping the charts is hardly an overambitious aim. Yet as three women, a producer, a director, and an animator, survive in a business infamous for its murderous schedules, demoralizing compromises, and incorrigible men, moments of uplift emerge against all odds - and how. More than just a window into an entertainment niche, here’s a kickass ode to work.”

A new; though only volume, manga about the animation industry in Japan. It sounds like a good look into this industry and it follows three women as they try to make their way in an industry full of ‘incorrigible’ men. Which this might be the first manga to follow women in this industry. I’m not positive but I’m fairly sure most of the manga that has used this type of story has mainly followed men. I can think of maybe one or two that has some ladies but I can’t recall for sure.

--Assassination Classroom Volume 18 by Yusei Matsui “Nagisa and Karma travel to the International Space Station in hopes of learning the secret to saving Koro Sensei’s life. Meanwhile, Yanagisawa and the upstart Grim Reaper II train ever harder to assassinate him. Then, when academic setbacks lower the spirits of his students, Koro Sensei comes up with an ingenious - or perhaps idiotic - way to cheer them up. Next, Valentine’s Day arrives! Will any of the 3-E students or teachers find true love? And will the meddling and teasing of the others help or hinder Cupid’s arrow in finding its target...?”

I’m reading this volume right now. But in Volume 17 Nagisa and Karma faced off in their fight to determine if they should save or assassinate Koro Sensei. Nagisa won and they learned that information about Koro Sensei was on the ISS that could potentially help them save his life. It ended with Nagisa and Karma sneaking into a rocket prototype to retrieve said information. Which was handed over fairly easily in this volume. The part with Yanagisawa and the Grim Reaper were short which is for the best to keep us wondering what they will try to do to kill Koro Sensei. I last left off during the start of the Valentine’s Day chapters which I will finish sometime today.

--Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling and illustrated by Jim Kay Finally! I love the illustrations in these editions and just how full and how many are used in them. PoA is my favorite of this series, mainly because of this is when we are introduced to Sirius (my favorite) and Lupin.

Though as the rest of these are released I start to wonder how much longer they will be released as a single volume. At some point; either for money or for the binding of the books, they will probably be split into volumes. For my bookshelf’s well-being, I hope that is not the case but it could happen.

--The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli “In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laugher wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be dark - and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death bringer. These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up hearing in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari - a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl. Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await her at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend - a slave boy from her betrothed’s household - Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.”

I have a few questions regarding this book. Mainly revolving around the Namsara since it isn’t mention again in the description except in the beginning. Is Asha’s betrothed the only one who knows that she is the Iskari? If so, is she being blackmailed into marrying him? My theory right now is that by killing all these dragons it makes her the Iskari but since light and dark are two sides of the same coin, she has the possibility to turn into the Namsara. Cause I expect the legends to end up saying that it was the same person. It sounds like it could be pretty good. There’s dragons, fights with dragons (don’t kill dragons cause they are awesome), and the classic light vs dark.

--The Water Dragon’s Bride Volume 3 by Rei Toma “Unable to return home, Asahi grows into a lovely young woman. As a priestess, she must spend time with the water dragon god for a ritual every year, but because of her connection to the water dragon god’s power, someone kidnaps her! Will Asahi be able to escape unscathed?”

Such a cute and still surprisingly dark series. The first two volumes were kind of dark because her best friends; Subaru, mother tried to have her killed a few times. And the water dragon god didn’t care if she lived or died. He only really intervened when the other gods started annoying him.

This volume came out early where I live so I read it over the weekend. The volume was mostly about Asahi being kidnapped, then rescued by Subaru, which then started a war between her village and the one that kidnapped her. The water dragon god does sorta intervere and helps them out a little. But he slowly seems to be changing and might eventually develop feelings for Asahi. Which will interesting since Subaru obviously loves her and she him. Though she may not realize that herself yet.

--Yona of the Dawn Volume 8 by Mizuho Kusanagi “Jaeha, the Green Dragon, joins Yona’s party after their harrowing adventure together in Awa. Now the group must find the Yellow Dragon - the last dragon from the prophecy that Ik-su told Yona! Meanwhile, Su-won visits Chishin Palace and tells General Geun-tae, chief of the Earth Tribe, that he should hold a mock battle and festival. But what could be the true intent behind Su-won’s proposition?”

I think the last volume I read was six. Seven never came in near where I live and I haven’t been able to order it. Last I read was Yona and Yoon got themselves onto the pirates boat so that they could try and send a signal for the others to attack the right boat.

I can’t wait to see what the Yellow Dragon is like and I’m interested to see what this mock battle will be about.

In Movies --Revolutionary Girl Utena Set 1 (Blu-Ray) “‘Never lose that strength or nobility, even when you grow up.’ When Utena was just a child and in the depths of sorrow, she found salvation in those words. They were the words of a prince, who wrapped her in his rose-scented embrace and bestowed upon her both a ring and the promise that it would lead her to him again. She never forgot the encounter. In fact, she was so impressed that she aspired to like the prince and also help those in need. Now a spirited teenager, Utena attends the prestigious Ohtori Academy. However, her strong sense of chivalry soon places her at odds with the school’s student council and thrusts her into a series of mysterious and dangerous duels against its members.”

For the first time the hit anime is being released on blu-ray. I have only seen the series and the movie once. One of my friends can explain it a lot better than I can. The next time I watch it I will not be putting so much time in between each season. There is a lot of symbolism throughout the show so it can be easy to forget or miss something. It is a really good show and worth checking out. The manga of the same name (by Chiho Saito) that it was based on is also available in an awesome box set that was released by Shojo Beat.

This set contains the first twelve episodes. Set two is not street dated until 11/7/17 but is now available on Rightstuf. Set three is set for 12/5/17, might also be out before that day but not at this moment of writing, and includes the movie. There is also a box set coming out on 12/5/17 that contains the complete series, the movie, a replica Rose Crest Ring, a replica Black Rose ring, and a 264 page art book with sliver foil numbering.

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tatacheers-blog · 7 years

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Summertime in Gràcia: 200 Years of Street Decorations

I guess it would be strange to write about my time in Barcelona without mentioning the terrible tragedy that occurred there. Yes, Barcelona, my second home, was brutally attacked while I was visiting. In fact, I was just in Las Ramblas not too long before. And while I am so thankful that neither me nor anyone I care about was injured or even directly affected, my heart still breaks for Barcelona. It's an indescribable feeling, but there's something about Barcelona that makes you feel so incredibly safe. For example, most big cities have a kind of 'sketchy' night scene. Barcelona does not to me because there are all sorts of people walking around until 2am in the morning. Old, young, female, male, and all types of ethnicities. It feels safe. And now, I don't know what to think. I still believe Barcelona is not dangerous, but my world changed. Nonetheless, I'm really happy to share Gràcia with you. I originally came to Barcelona in burning August because I wanted to see the Gràcia festival. Victor had been telling me about all the decorations and festivities at this time of year. And this year, I finally got to go!

I've organised this post by the winners, starting from the bottom and landing with the best I saw. Get ready for lots of colour!

22nd: Sant Jordi

I know a lot more about Sant Jordi/St. George than when I did when I took these photos. Sant Jordi has a famous legend across Catalunya and some unique traditions to promote the holiday. Like many Christian saints, Sant Jordi has his own holiday. In Catalunya, it is a tradition for gifts to be given on Sant Jordi's Day. It has turned into a kind of Valentine's Day alternative. Historically, men gave women roses, and women gave men a book to celebrate the occasion – "a rose for love and a book forever." In modern times, the mutual exchange of books is also customary.

The legend behind Sant Jordi is that a terrible dragon terrorised the town. In exchange for peace, the town had to give up one of its own people everyday to the dragon. Finally, the King's daughter was sent as a sacrifice. Sant Jordi saved the princess and slayed the dragon. This is why Carrer Maspons is decorated with a dragon, roses, and books. It all makes a lot more sense now, am I right?

21st: The Romani People

I passed by this very quickly because the sun was starting to burn and I had so many more streets to see! Plaça del Poble Romaní was actually quite interesting because it was dedicated to the Romani people of Barcelona. It was filled with music, snacks, workshops, and many things dedicated to the culture of Gypsies.

20th: Candyland

Carrer Berga put on a wonderful display of a candy shop in a circus-like atmosphere. Lots of colour, lots of fun! Filled with cakes, caramels, chocolate, and lots more sugar, this street was adorable.

19th: Without Borders

Carrer Ciudad Real went for a really interesting theme, perhaps one of the most in Gràcia this year. 'Without Borders' focuses on those who have escaped their homeland for a better place. There is a beautiful poem describing the theme and basically the message is that the world is full of borders, and those who struggled to cross those borders should not be forgotten. Borders are just borders, and such borders should not stop people from looking for a better life.

18th: Seaside Town

An interesting choice, Carrer Placeta de Sant Miquel i Rodalies (I know, a mouthful!) chose to copy a seaside town. The decorations are about the Mediterranean and the countries along it including Italy, Greece, France and parts of Spain including Catalunya and Valencia. The idea is to depict the daily life and characteristics of these seaside towns. Complete with hanging laundry and a busting market, Gràcia has its own city by the sea! It also reflects the refugee crisis which has impacted the Mediterranean. Often refugees come from Morocco to Spain, from Turkey to Greece.

17th: Off to the Circus

Carrer del Perill was actually the first street I ventured into. Circus-themed, I loved the simplicity and unity of this street. There were so many little details, like the tickets hanging from above and the activities for children.

What's even cooler about this street is the fact that they paid homage to their own Circus theme from 1950.

16th: Rock'n'Roll

What would rock and roll be without ambition, craziness, danger, and fun? It would be nothing and hence why it is still important to many people even today. I admit I never listened to my dad's old rock 'n' roll vinyls... I listened to his classical music vinyls because I was that weirdo. But I've learned so much about rock 'n' roll since many stars have passed away within the past couple years. Carrer Mozart paid a great tribute to a great era. It was also just a really fun street!

15th: 60s

Perhaps it is not too surprising for this theme to come up, but yes, Carrer Providència put on a 60s theme. It is stock full with peace symbols, colours, flowers, and happiness all around.

14th: Da Vinci

Simple but beautiful, Carrer Tordera put on a Leonardo Da Vinci street. Little details along the street made it spectacular, like the equations, gears, and wheels.

13th: The Little Prince

A charming and thoughtful presentation Plaça de la Vila (one of the main squares in Gràcia) picked The Little Prince as its topic of choice. The theme was 'The essential is invisible to the eyes,' inspired by the Little Prince. It tries to depict the drawings of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The plaça is divided into spaces depicting each of the little Prince’s adventures.

12th: Ghostbusters

Now Carrer Puigmartí put on a great display which was a lot of fun! Perhaps the most fun!

If there's something strange in you neighborhood Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! If there's something weird And it don't look good Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

It was based on both the old and new versions of Ghostbusters. The finale with Gozer is shown at the end. Pretty epic!

11th: Punk Flamingos

As evident by the name of the theme, Punk Flamingos is based off of the movie Pink Flamingos. I admit I have not seen the film, but further research shows that it is a transgressive black comedy exploitation crime film with the main character being a drag queen. It is apparently famous for its outrageousness. I mean, we are talking nudity, profanity, and frivolity.

Carrer La Perla played with the theme to include flamingos throughout as well as a giant representation of the main character.

10th: Green It Up!

A street I did not venture into, Carrer Joan Blanques de Baix was an ode to nature itself.

9th: The Neverending Story

My personal favourite, Carrer Fraternitat de Dalt presented The Neverending Story. I saw so many smiles when people walked through this street because I think there's a lot of nostalgia for this childhood staple.

For those of you who may not be familiar with The Neverending Story, it became popular from a 1984 adaptation but the original story is a book by a German writer. The main character is a young boy named Bastian Balthazar Bux who becomes entrenched in the world of Fantasia. Other memorable characters include Atreyu, another main character who is employed by the Childlike Empress to save Fantasia. There is also Engywook and Urgl (two gnomes), Falkor the Luckdragon, and Grograman. It is a truly wonderful world.

8th: Atmospheres

The decorations along Carrer Verdi del Mig were all about the abstract idea of different atmospheres. They create an imaginative world full of colour and texture. They try to focus on the senses so you can experience everything in every way possible.

Typically Carrer Verdi del Mig puts on a pretty impressive display. You can always expect something over the top, hence why the street was so incredibly dense and colourful!

7th: Inferno

Definitely one of my favourite streets, Carrer Llibertat became the Inferno. You enter the devil’s mouth and continue through a dark cave where you see demons and skeletons. Many greek mythological creatures emerge, including Cerberus.

Carrer Llibertat was also honouring their history because 30 years earlier, the theme Inferno won second place.

This street was over the top, and Victor and I loved it. I may be biased because I also got to try a traditional Catalan treat Coca de Vidre. Vidre in Catalan means glass, which reflects the bread because it is very thin and easy to break. The name also comes from the fact that when you pour the anisette (anise-flavored liqueur) into the flatbread right after the oven, the mixture of anisette and sugar crystallises. Right before putting on a show, the street organisers passed out boxes and boxes of Coca de Vidre—definitely a highlight of the day!

6th: Russian Revolution

Carrer Progrès depicted the Russian Revolution of 1917, marking 100 years since in 2017. It symbolises the end of the oppression of the Czar and the beginning of a new society based on mutual support and the solidarity of the working class.

Visitors were greeted by a giant statue of Lenin with a giant Kremlin behind. Inside the Kremlin there was stained-glass made out of cellophane.

There were so many great details throughout the street, like Russian propaganda, different types of workers, as well as symbols from the time.

The finale was probably the best. A cartoon-like scene with Lenin kicking out the Czar with a broomstick. I wouldn't be able to think of a better depiction.

5th: Fantasy in White

"Fantasy in White" took over Plaça Rovira i Trias. This theme was perhaps the most complex in terms of the idea. The decorations play with the colour white, or the absence of colour. It also plays with colour through different constructions. During the day, the decorations will appear white, but during the night they transform to three colours representing the sky, land, and sea.

4th: King Kong

Carrer Fraternitat de Baix's King Kong display was definitely one of my favourites. Walking up to King Kong climbing up the Empire State Building was just "plane" awesome.

3rd: Metamorphosis

A simple but beautiful display, Carrer Jesús depicted the life of a butterfly.

Once entering the green space, visitors are greeted by bright orange caterpillars. The next phase shows the caterpillars spinning into their cocoons. And finally, the cocoons open to reveal beautiful, colourful butterflies.

The Winners

Ironically, the 1st and 2nd place winners are two of the three streets I did not explore! What are the chances! But in any case, it seems that the winners of Festa Major de Gràcia truly deserved their prizes. Carrer Joan Blanques de Baix came second with a theme centred around 'Once upon a time.' Carrer Travessia de Sant Antoni came first with its Skiing Resort town theme.

And, I believe it is now appropriate to say: that's a wrap, folks! Though the 200th anniversary of Festa Gràcia was in some tainted by the tragic acts of terror, the streets still stood, the decorations still made people smile, and Barcelona still stands strong. I can't wait till I can return!

#gracia #barcelona #catalunya #spain

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