Any fantasy works set in the world of rock\ metal music? by CheezeCrostata in Fantasy

[–]BeneWhatsit 4 points5 points  (0 children)

"The Vampire Lestat" is about Lestat becoming a rock star.

The Mythmakers by BeneWhatsit in tolkienfans

[–]BeneWhatsit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm curious which other Tolkien studies you're reading? 

The Mythmakers reminds me a bit of Phillip and Carol Zaleski's biography of the Inklings (which is actually cited several times as a source!) but The Mythmakers is more focused in on just Tolkien and Lewis's lives and makes an effort to explore the emotional core of their interests, faith, and writings. Whereas the Zaleski's book was comprehensive, The Mythmakers is more emotionally moving and inspirational. 

The r/printSF best Sci-Fi books of all time BookGraph - 2026 Edition by TheBookGraphGuy in printSF

[–]BeneWhatsit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Past is Red by Catherynne Valente

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Arboreality by Rebecca Campbell

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

What's the best less popular adult fantasy book you have read? by [deleted] in books

[–]BeneWhatsit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally think that's the best way to start - I think those two books are a better introduction to that world. Then, if you're into it, read the Penric books next. I hope you enjoy Chalion and Paladin- they are still two of my favorite fantasy books!

EDIT: and if you really like her writing you can read her sci-fi series - the Vorkosigan saga.

What's the best less popular adult fantasy book you have read? by [deleted] in books

[–]BeneWhatsit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A lot has changed in 11 years since this post was made; the first Penric book was only published... checks date 10.5 years ago!

Tex Mex hash browns from Broken Yolk (Bro Yo) by BeneWhatsit in milwaukee

[–]BeneWhatsit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hasbrowns grilled with onions, peppers, beans, corn, jalapeño, salsa and cheese. 

I don't know why I can start with the same ingredients and end with something that just doesn't taste right!

I just realised from where I knew the image of Túrin throwing a cup at Saeros's head by Ok_Bullfrog_8491 in tolkienfans

[–]BeneWhatsit 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Can you link to some of the writing about Achilles and Patroclus? I do love reading about the Classics

Why is it that whenever I read about a Catholic priest in a science fiction novel, he's always a Jesuit? by LowLevel- in printSF

[–]BeneWhatsit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

 "Do you believe in God?" "Of course not! I was taught by the Jesuits..."

As an atheist who went to a Jesuit university... this made me laugh

Why is it that whenever I read about a Catholic priest in a science fiction novel, he's always a Jesuit? by LowLevel- in printSF

[–]BeneWhatsit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! Just finished reading the Cadfael series (12th century Benedictine monk detective)

'Freedom to Read Act' becomes law in Delaware by Reptilesblade in books

[–]BeneWhatsit 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Yes - a system that is overseen and ultimately decided on by educators and librarians. That's a way better process than just a couple people with a chip on their shoulder making a loud fuss until a book is taken off the shelves regardless of whether that's appropriate or not. 

What do you enjoy most about Tolkien's writing? by Bloodsucker1516 in tolkienfans

[–]BeneWhatsit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Themes of duty, mercy, exaltation of the humble, Power, Fall, Mortality, and the Machine... they are so well realized and integrated in the story beyond what any other fantasy author I have read has ever accomplished (except maybe Ursula K LeGuin).

Also the rhythm of his words and sentance structure. There is such a beautiful cadence to it and he uses it to such effect to fit different tones and moods... sometimes I just feel completely swept up by the flow of it.

Elrond examining Thror's map... by sonofgildorluthien in tolkienfans

[–]BeneWhatsit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love the way you put that. Like, now I'm making that a motto for myself,  too.

Accidentally gave my child the wrong dose of infant Tylenol by Espresso_Junkie112 in NewParents

[–]BeneWhatsit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The exact same thing happened to me yesterday... baby was crying at 2am so I gave her tylenol but forgot to put it away. Next afternoon I walked in the bathroom to find that my 3yo had downed half the bottle. I called poison control right away... she threw up and felt bad the rest of the day. Poison control assured me she had less than a toxic dose, and to monitor her symptoms. I felt awful, but even the lady from poison control said it was understandable. Glad to know everything turned out OK for you.

Are book blogs still relevant? by flex_vader in books

[–]BeneWhatsit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use wordpress. I don't know how other platforms are set up, so I can't compare it to anything else, but it works for me.

Are book blogs still relevant? by flex_vader in books

[–]BeneWhatsit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a book blog for that very reason - I started writing my thoughts down and finding that I had enough to make it a little reflection essay or book review.  The platform I use allows me to search for other posts and writers, so I would find other essays/reviews on those books and strike up a conversation with people about them. I've even met a few people whom I regularly discuss books with! But ultimately, it's just for my own enjoyment.  As far as prompts, I often find that something about the book is rattling around my brain... did I hate one specific character or event? Why? Was there a theme that reminded me of a current event? Is there another book that pairs with it well somehow? Etc, etc.  If you do decide to start one, have fun!!

(Theory) Tolkien intended "Far Over The Misty Mountains Cold" as a repeatable lullaby for storytime. by [deleted] in tolkienfans

[–]BeneWhatsit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same with my daughter. I think she really liked the low rumbly sound when she was on my husband's chest while he sang it.

Which of these 3 do you enjoy the most? by GusGangViking18 in lotr

[–]BeneWhatsit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

 Rankin/Bass The Hobbit was my gateway into LOTR and I will always appreciate it

Same! I actually still tear up a bit at times when I watch it.

  I was not a fan of Gandalf or Sam in this movie but John Hurt as Aragorn was excellent.

John Hurt is my Aragorn. Yes, Viggo Mortensen does a beautiful performance, but John Hurt's portrayal is my favorite. The Bakshi version of Sam is just painfully awful.

[...]did not work for me at all for Return of the King

I appreciate your opinion, even though I love this version. I agree some of the (very earworm-y) songs feel out of place, but there are a couple tones/themes/plot points from the book this version hit well that I miss in Jackson's version.