About Recommended Reading: In this opposites-attract YA rom-com inspired by Emma, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller’s summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it . . .

Hi, I’m Bobby Ashton, main character of the young adult rom-com Recommended Reading. I’m known around my town as the Book Whisperer, i.e. the fat, nice, gay boy who can matchmake anyone with their next perfect read and partner. Here are ten romances ranging from the classics to up-and-coming legendary novels that you will match with… and maybe a few extra credit bonus picks thrown in for good measure because you can never make just one (or ten) book suggestions(s).

Emma by Jane Austen

I’ve always felt a certain affinity for Emma Woodhouse. She’s smart, blessed, driven, and accomplished. She gives back to her community and has a knack for matchmaking. We’re very similar. But she’s got a touch of superiority and a few blindspots that make her her own worst enemy and nearly cost her her chance at true love. Maybe we’re too similar.

Speaking of, if you loved the original or the movie Clueless, L.C. Rosen wrote a queer YA contemporary version called Emmett.

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

It takes guts and skill to start your debut YA novel with the death of the lovers and still draw the readers in. Bhathena’s got both in spades! You’ll love Zarin, labeled as a bad girl when she is displaced to Saudi Arabia, and Porus, who only has eyes for her despite everyone’s warnings. The talent and depth of thought the author poured into the characters and story is clear from the first page to the last.

Bonus! Bhathena’s sophomore YA is a sweet, cozy rom-com, and her latest novels are fierce, girl power fantasies inspired by medieval Indian mythology with great banter.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë’s (of the famous Brontë  siblings) only published this one novel. The intensity! The passion! The devotion that defies death! The songs by Kate Bush and Céline via Meatloaf! Heathcliff is one of the original brooding bad boys, stomping around the Yorkshire moors as he and Catherine pine for one another. True love has never been so deliciously sadomasochistic. Read the OG classic that inspired both the Twilight and Fifty Shades franchises which, in turn, helped legitimize fanfic.

Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse by Anne Carson

Anne Carson reimagines an ancient Greek myth into a contemporary coming-of-age love story. Geryon uncovers the potential of his art when Herakles, the object of Geryon’s affection, leaves at the height of infatuation and reappears years later. Told in verse, Geryon’s monstrosity and journey through heartbreak is gut-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. Readers will ache with Geryon in this romance where maybe the lovers shouldn’t end up together.    

Out of the Blue by Jason June

You can’t go wrong with a Jason June rom-com. I dare you. Double dog dare you. You can’t! Every single one is an absolute delight. OOTB has a familiar Little Mermaid feel with Crest, the merperson, on their mer version of Rumspringa, as they must aid a human before time runs out and they remain stuck on land forever. Enter dual narrator, plus-size swimmer, Sean, who has just been publicly dumped by his boyfriend and is devastated by the unforeseen breakup. Seems like Crest found his human to help and what better way than to pretend to be a couple. Fake lovers to true love trope? Hello! Yes!

Bonus points if you check out the rest of Jason June’s titles. Extra credit super duper bonus points if you also check out the audiobooks because Jason June is a superb voice actor and hearing the author read their work as intended is pretty special.

All My Friends are Superheroes by Andrew Kauffman

Tom is just a normal guy stuck in a world where everyone is a superhero, including his wife, the Perfectionist. When his wife’s ex uses his powers to make the Perfectionist no longer see or hear Tom, he must somehow get her to before she moves on perfectly, as per her name, and forgets him forever. This one is a short novel and makes a perfect gift even for non-readers who don’t have a lot of time to commit. Prepare for your nails to dig into the cover of the book as you flip those pages and hope Tom manages to save his relationship.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Two magicians challenge one another to a magical duel to prove who can raise the best successor, in a battle that will result in death. The venue, a midnight circus that arrives filled with spectacles unlike anyone has ever seen. But it all disappears by the morning. The contenders, Celia and Marco, who fall in love with one another’s spells and then each other even when they know they must win the competition or perish. High stakes much? Lavish descriptions of settings create an unforgettable story of seemingly doomed love.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

What do you get when two writing best friends, one known for her revolutionary body-positive writing and one known for her no-holds-barred romance. A series of Christmas adult romances following former boyband members and unforgettable female leads that are like spicy Hallmark holiday movies in book form. AMLMC is the first book in the series that follows bad boy boyband member, Nolan, who needs to redeem his image through good behaviour and a wholesome holiday film, and Bee, a curvaceous adult film star who accidentally gets cast opposite Nolan, her teen crush and the guy who subscribes to her content. Sex positive and body positive, you will fall in love with the main characters and all the side characters. There are three Christmas Notch Series novels, two novellas, and three bonus chapters to keep you busy from January through December.

Extra credit if you want to delve into either author’s awesome other books that range from warm-your-heart to set-your-loins-on-fire.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples

Imagine if Romeo and Juliet were from two warring, intergalactic species instead of families and not only survived, but had a daughter who decided to tell their story in graphic novel space opera form. The result would be Saga. Better yet, the parent lovers bond over their shared adoration of a romance novel! Books really do bring couples together! A broad spectrum of diversities coupled with positive messaging about acceptance and tolerance provides the perfect balance of heart-melting and kickass moments.

The post The Book Whisperer’s Annotated Recommended Reading (AKA Bobby Ashton’s Brief List of Romances You Don’t Want to Miss) appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Get into the spooky spirit with some great books and graphic novels that you should check out and read on or around Halloween!

We All Fall Down by Natalie D. Richards
We All Fall Down follows two childhood best friends, Theo and Paige, who one night decide to go to a party at the riverbank under the old walking bridge. Theo has always been impulsive but he hasn’t been sure about telling Paige how he feels. He decides the party is the perfect place to tell her.

Paige has had a crush on Theo since they first met but she thinks her feelings are one-sided so she’s decided she’s going to move on and flirt at the party. Except a fight breaks out and when Paige tries to intervene, Theo hits her in the face with his fist. Going forward, all Theo and Paige want to do is forget that night but strange forces keep pulling them back to the bridge. Something or someone is out there determined to make them remember and pay for what they did.

We All Fall Down is a well-written gripping thriller that has well developed characters, an interesting premise, a focus on friendship and great mental health representation. A definite must read for this spooky season.

Rules for Vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall
Rules for Vanishing follows Sara, whose sister, Becca went missing a year ago in the woods. In their town, legend has it that once a year a road opens up and the ghost of Lucy Gallows calls travellers onto it. When a mysterious text message invites Sara and her friends to play the game and find the ghost of Lucy Gallows, Sara believes this is the only way to find Becca and she and her friends decide to play the game. Together, they have to join forces and try their best to survive and come out alive on the other side of the road. But the road is very unforgiving and many have not survived it.

Marshall weaves a well-written thrilling tale that is told in multimedia format. The thriller is hard to put down and is full of twists and turns. Furthermore, it is full of diversity as it features characters of different races and sexualities in addition to portraying characters with disabilities. Rules for Vanishing is a thrilling unputdownable novel that will keep readers guessing what is really going on until the very end.

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee
Séance Tea Party is a middle grade graphic novel that follows Lara, who after watching her circle of friends fade away as they grow up and suddenly become interested in other things is determined to stay a child forever and have fun on her own when a tea party leads Lora to discover Alexa, a ghost who haunts her house and the two soon become best friends.

Yee tells a beautifully illustrated story that has a unique and interesting plot and teaches many important messages about friendship, growing up, and growing older.

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang
Paper Girls follows a group of four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls who while out delivering papers on the morning after Halloween, witness their town being invaded by a mysterious force from the future. The girls are unwillingly caught up in the conflict and must band together to figure out what is going on.

The series features a stunning art style, is fast-paced, full of action, has an interesting plot, and a great message about friendship. Furthermore, the series also explores themes of growing up and accepting yourself.

The series is also set to be adapted as a TV show by Amazon Studios.

Sheets by Brenna Thummler
Sheets follows Marjorie Glatt, a 13-year-old girl who runs her family laundry business following the death of her mother and Wendell, a ghost who died young and misses the human world. Their two worlds collide when Wendell appears at the laundromat Marjorie runs and at first neither is happy about it but eventually a friendship forms between them and they must figure out what is going on with Wendell.

Overall, Sheets features a fantastic art style, the characters are authentic, and the plot is interesting.

Delicates by Brenna Thummler
Delicates is the sequel to Sheets and follows Marjorie Glatt, whose life hasn’t been the same ever since she discovered a group of ghosts hiding in her family’s laundromat and became friends with Wendell, a young ghost. When Marjorie finally gets accepted by the popular kids at school, she starts to worry that she’ll be labelled a freak if anyone learns about her secret ghost friends and so decided to keep Wendell’s ghost identity a secret and Wendell begins to feel more invisible than he is.

Eliza Duncan is Marjorie’s classmate who has an interest in finding and photographing ghosts. Due to her interests, Eliza feels as an outsider, invisible and begins to feel like a ghost herself. Marjorie must come to terms with the price she pays to be accepted by the popular kids and must decide whether losing Wendell is worth it and if she is partially to blame for the bullying Eliza endures.

Delicates is a great graphic novel that features beautiful illustrations and also tells a strong story about fitting in, doing what’s right, friendship and mental health. Overall, the graphic novel is a great read with an important message.

On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
On A Sunbeam is a graphic novel that follows Mia, the newest addition to a crew that works in space by rebuilding broken-down buildings and restoring the past. This graphic novel shifts from Mia’s present as an adult to her past at the boarding school she attended as a teen where she fell in love with Grace, only to lose touch after Grace suddenly left the school. Now, as an adult, Mia, with the help of her crewmates tries to find her high school sweetheart.

Walden weaves a compelling multigenerational story full of diverse characters (a non-binary character and a character with disabilities are at the forefront of the story) that accurately portrays lost love, found family, growing up and becoming an adult with beautiful imagery as the background. Overall, On A Sunbeam is a well written story with memorable characters and stunning art that will leave readers wanting more.

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
Pumpkinheads is a graphic novel that follows two high school seniors named Deja and Josiah who work at the Pumpkin Patch every fall. This fall is different because they are seniors and it will be their last time working at the Patch. Thus, they set out on an adventurous night.

This graphic novel is the perfect fall and Halloween read as a pumpkin patch is the backdrop of the entire story. The colour palette is vibrant and sets up the perfect Halloween atmosphere whereas the characters and the relationships are well developed. Pumpkinheads is an adorable sweet read that will have readers smiling and wanting more beyond the last page.

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu
Mooncakes follows a hard-of-hearing bisexual witch named Nova Huang who works at her grandmas’ bookshop and her non-binary childhood werewolf friend (and crush) Tam Lang as they try to solve a mystery in their town.

Mooncakes is a very diverse story as it features Asian and Jewish characters, a bisexual hard-of-hearing witch, a non-binary werewolf, and two lesbian witches. Furthermore, the plot is enthralling and fast-paced and the background art style is beautiful. It’s the perfect read to get into the spirit of Halloween!

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 9 YA & Middle Grade Books and Graphic Novels To Read On or Around Halloween! appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

What is Saga? Saga is a graphic novel by Brian K Vaughan with art by Fiona Staples, which is a combination of western, sci-fi, fantasy, and an intergalactic adventure. Okay, yes, it’s a lot of things rolled into one series, which could be an absolute hot mess, but somehow Vaughan and Buckley have created something which is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat, along with the feels this series produces being so intense.

This series is set in space and it has been described as being similar to Star Wars, just add some magic, lasers and killer maniac robots, after all that the plot is actually rather simple. There are two warring species: the Wings from the planet Landfall whose inhabitants all have wings on their backs and the Horns from Landfall’s moon Wreath who all have horns on their heads. Marko (Horns) and Alana (Wings) have fallen in love, much to the disgust of their respective species. They are two soldiers on opposite sides, which also gives Saga a Romeo and Juliet feel, but without the Shakespearean language to hinder it. Within the first few pages we witness the very graphic and detailed birth of Marko and Alana’s child, Hazel. Hazel’s mere existence threatens to unravel the lies which have been fuelling the war for all these years. This event sets into motion the plot to kill Hazel and her family, thus causing Marko and Alana to flee across the galaxy to find some form of refuge.

Saga is the story of family, trying to find their safe place in the world, with massive twists and turns along the way. There are some very dark moments throughout the series, which are paired stunningly with the colourful art Fiona Staples creates. From the television-faced robot race to the endless plethora of unique lifeforms that Alana and Marko encounter along the way are all beautifully drawn. Of course, Saga could have been produced as just another book about family, diversity and fleeing, but the art makes such an impact in a way that only a visual medium could do. This, yes this is what it makes the series outstanding.

So why should you read the series? Well there’s many but we’ve got eight great reasons!

1. The art is absolutely stunning.
2. The storyline is freaking epic. The ties between these characters and the way they’re tied together is amazing.
3. Lying Cat is one of the standout characters and the fan favourite. The living lie detector who says ‘lying’ every time he detects someone lying. He’s obnoxious and will announce ‘lying’ at the most inappropriate time. Plus he’s large, blue, hairless and just so darn cute.
4. The bounty hunters and there’s a heap of them from all walks of life. The Will is one of the first we meet and is a constant throughout the series.
5. The intimacy, oh my goodness. If you’re shy or not into anything sexual this is not for you. I literally blush a minimum of two times in each edition as there are some full on scenes. Even Saga’s creator Brian K Vaughan describes it in this own words like this ‘Saga is Sexy.’
6. Aliens, ghosts and monsters, oh my! The amount of supporting characters in the form of aliens, ghosts and monsters in this series is fabulous. From a spider-like-humanoid bounty hunter to a ghost babysitter, this series has so many interesting side characters.
7. Blood, oh so much blood. Wow, the entire series is bloodthirsty, since it’s set in the middle of a long war so it’s a given that there would be some bloodshed throughout. The actual amount and diverse ways the deaths occur is bountiful.
8. You can read them in half an hour! Have a short lunch break? Grab Saga, done and dusted in time to have your salad roll too.

So, if the reasons above haven’t piqued your interest, this might! Brian K. Vaughn has spoken very publicly that he is not interested in having Saga turned into a TV show or film, even though he has been approached. Vaughan created Saga specifically for the graphic novel medium so the only way you’ll be able to get into the series is with it sitting in your hot little hands.

Currently there are eight books in the series with the ninth set to be released in October 2018. They are totally worth investing in, if not for the stunning art, but for the unique and gorgeous story line.

You can find the first instalment of Saga, which includes 6 issues, on Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers. Alternatively, you can get an edition which includes the first 18 issues on Amazon and Book Depository.

Do you like the Saga series? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Saga is an epic space opera/fantasy comic book series created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples, and published monthly by Image Comics.

The series, based on ideas Vaughan conceived both as a child and as a parent, depicts two lovers from long-warring extraterrestrial races, Alana and Marko, who struggle to survive amid a galactic war with their newborn daughter, Hazel, who occasionally narrates the series.

The post ‘Saga’ Is A Must-Read Graphic Novel Series appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it. – Clarence Budington Kelland

In the United States, Father’s Day falls on June 17th this year, so, in the spirit of celebrating all the amazing fathers out there, here are eight of the greatest fathers in literature!

1. Ned Stark
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Perhaps one of the most honourable, decent, and kind fathers in all of literature, Ned Stark definitely deserves to be on this list. Like all fathers, he has some flaws and he makes some poor choices, but everything Ned Stark does is always motivated by his love for his children and family.

2. Hans Hubermann
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The relationship between Liesel and her adopted father, Hans, is the one of the focal points of the book. Hans dotes on Liesel and teaches her to read; thus, providing her a means of escapism in the midst of the horrors she sees as she lives through the events of World War II. His love and kindness provide a stark contrast to the terrible circumstances surrounding them.

3. Arthur Weasley
Harry Potter by JK Rowling

Arthur Weasley is everything a good dad should be. He’s interested and involved in the lives of his children. He loves the world he lives in and continually seeks to learn more about it. He’s undeniably devoted to his wife, children, friends, and the causes he believes in and helps everyone around him live their best life.

4. Jo Gargery
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Pip’s brother-in-law, Jo Gargery, is one of the most caring father-figures in all of literature. He has unending patience and remains devoted to Pip throughout Pip’s ups and downs as he matures into a grown man.

5. Marko
Saga by Brian K. Vaughan

Marko from Saga is the father of a daughter born from a relationship between two individuals from opposing sides of an ongoing space war. As a father, Marko is funny and loving, although sometimes reckless in his decision-making. But, whatever the circumstances, he demonstrates over and over his willingness to go the ends of the galaxy to protect his daughter.vcx

6. The Father
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road is a book about a father and a son wandering through a post-apocalyptic America. In this terrifying world, The Father does everything in his power to protect and keep his son alive. The Father continually shows a willingness to sacrifice himself for the good of his son.

7. Jamie Fraser
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

As a father, Jamie Fraser is exactly as he is in other areas of his life; he’s stubborn, demanding, and holds those around him to high standards. However, even though some of these qualities can cause him to come across as aggressive or abrasive, he is always willing to fight anyone who threatens the safety of his wife or children.

8. Atticus Finch
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Atticus Finch is, perhaps, the most well-known and admired fictional father. He sets the bar that all fathers should strive to meet. He is honourable, dignified, intelligent, sympathetic, and kind. He does not shy away from discussing difficult topics with his children; instead, he finds a way to discuss those difficult topics with his children on their level. He encourages his children to try to see the world from other people’s perspectives and his love and guidance provide his children with a reliable moral compass to help them navigate through life.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this year and honour the great fathers of this world, let’s take inspiration from the fathers we know and love, both in the real world and in the books we read.

Who are some other great fictional fathers that should be remembered? Let us know in the comments!

The post Eight Great Fathers In Literary appeared first on The Nerd Daily.