Unfortunately, I missed last week's Top Ten Tuesday and it was just as inspiring of a topic as this week's, so I thought I'd do a combo! Plus, while these types of topics are more interesting, it's harder to come up with as many, so I think this will split the difference nicely. Let me know what you think! My Five Favorite Villains Magneto--Everyone's favorite X-Men villain is also mine--from Ian McKellan's memorable portrayal and especially the recently released X-Men '97 cartoon--it's hard not to think, sometimes, Magneto was right. Thanos--Also a comic-world villain whose ultimate goal can be strangely relatable--nobody loves his methods or his treatment of his daughters, but he certainly looms large as an alternative to climate change. Gretel from Ian Tregellis' Milkweed Triptych --She is absolutely irredeemable--but her villainy is so terrifyingly pure and her foresight ability used so mercilessly, it's hard not to be impressed. The Marq...
August was an excellent reading month. I got to read some hotly anticipated books for review, and I had a few intriguing book club reads. My favorite part of book club is when I enjoy a book I would never have chosen myself--or even if it's just a good book to discuss. Books Read in August 2025 Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller (Book club read)--An ensemble novel centered around a Little Free Library with undercover banned books--it's wrapped up a little too neatly and the characters are a little too black-and-white, but definitely a comforting take on the issues in our country in miniature. Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders (Read for review from the author)--Loved this moody, melancholy, and beautiful novel, an ode to 18th century British women writers, fraught mother-daughter relationships, and the nature of reputation in our world. Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland (Other book club read)--Interesting ethical conundrum--3 s...