Word pictures

The connection between visual art and written art is not an obvious one, but it is a strong one. It is possible to enjoy one without the other, but having an understanding of both creates a whole new feeling and a deeper understanding.

With classic literature, an understanding of the art from the period in which the piece was written will help you better understand the nuances and subtle jokes within the story that you may not have gotten otherwise.

This theory can be applied to any genre, though. Even a general knowledge and appreciation for art will add a new layer to your intake of any story. Knowledge of color and symbolism may help you catch some foreshadowing in your favorite fantasy novel. Or perhaps the rhythm and pacing of a story will remind you of a specific style of painting you appreciate. Or the setting described in your favorite YA novel will remind you of a certain gritty-style photograph.

All of these nuances of detail and association elevate your experience with literature and vice versa. Picture books do this for us. The art is right there next to the words, allowing the colors and lines to evoke feeling and understanding beyond what the text holds on it’s own. In other genres, though, most of the time we must find these layers on our own. Whether it’s pairing Dickens’ Great Expectations with Turner’s Rain, Steam, and Speed or Bardugo’s Six of Crows with your favorite European-Urban photo you found on pinterest.

No matter your taste in art or literature, they go hand in hand. Enjoy not only reading your favorite stories, but seeing them, too.

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Words and poets and grease

Books that changed my life part two

“Stay gold, ponyboy.” One of the most impactful quotes in all of young adult canon. At least it is to me.

Growing up, I struggled finding books I was “allowed” to read. The books my friends were reading were mostly forbidden by my parents, for good or for bad (I’ll leave that debate for another time). With a reading addiction as strong as mine was (and still is) I struggled with this conundrum, and throughout this time of limited reading material, my mom tried her hardest to keep a book in my hand at all times. This led to her suggesting some of her favorite books that she read in high school, one of which was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

Not only did I love this book and the characters in it, but I read it six times. Four times consecutively. From a reader’s perspective, the plot and characters are so well done that I was immediately immersed in the world of greasers and socs.

From a writer’s perspective, S.E. Hinton became my life goal – she published The Outsiders at age 18 and I made it my goal to write and publish a book with such unique voice and relatable story by the time I graduated high school. That goal was not met, but I knew it was ambitious and I’m still striving to be as unique and solid of a writer as Hinton is, even if high school and college have since passed me by.

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Throne of Glass: A Review

An assassin in a fantasy novel with great world building? What’s not to like?

Sarah Maas does a fantastic job with writing the story of Celina, a world-class assassin who, a year before, had been caught and sentenced to life as a slave in the deadly salt mines. She’d already lasted longer than anyone else when the crown prince of the very kingdom that gave her the death sentence approaches her with a proposition: compete and win to be the king’s personal assassin in exchange for eventual freedom.

This story is one of suspense, friendship, mystery, action, and a touch of romance. And don’t forget the magic. The characters leap off the page with their quips and nuances. The world is complex, yet understandable and relatable. Every detail about this story has its time and place of significance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first of the series (which I plan to pick up book #2 as soon as possible!), although my one complaint, if I have to be nit-picky, would be the ever-ruined love triangle. It seems a bit flat and unnecessary, but I have only read the first book, so perhaps that development is still to come!

If you are a fan of Camelot-esque myths and the suspense of romance+espionage, then Throne of Glass is a must-read.

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