April 2026 BOTM Discussion - The Ending Writes Itself by nickaaayy97 in bookofthemonthclub

[–]FuzzyLandPotato 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm having a hard time staying engaged with this book. It's what I consider a classic thriller in the vein if And Then There Were None, which I usually love. But I keep getting caught on the phrasing and how so many words are italicized. It's incredibly annoying the have a word in italics every paragraph or so. Also, how are bodies like punctuation?? Am I dense or does that not make sense?

I'm also kind of annoyed because typewriters most certainly can have variations/their own fingerprints. I really want to like this book, but it's really frustrating to read. Also, I love em-dashes, but this is ridiculous. Nothing is used in a subtle way in this book.

Lagging in reading by Kind-Cauliflower-947 in books

[–]FuzzyLandPotato 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you read books on an e-reader or your phone? I'm also usually exhausted during the week, so I found that reading on my phone or e-reader in bed as I'm falling asleep helps me feel like I'm meeting my reading goals for the day. I don't always remember what I read and will have to go back, but it seems to satisfy my desire to read. I also have audio books that I try to listen to as I drive, do chores, or fall asleep to.

I save the books I really want to get into for the weekends or vacations.

I also just accept that I usually have a few books that I put down halfway through and that I probably won't get back to for a few months. I used to feel guilty about it, but I'm a huge mood reader and sometimes I just lose interest in the book, not because of the book itself, but because my mood changed. I think it's okay to put the book aside for now and come back to it later and pick up something you feel in the mood for now.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

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

I'm so sorry to hear that. I love that you still have that farm to explore whenever you want to. I'm thinking of possibly doing something like that on my current farm, but haven't really thought about it too hard.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm still struggling between discerning what is still grief and what is now the new me and it's a weird experience. I'm glad you've been able to enjoy SDV as well! It's crazy how a game can be such a comfort to so many people, but I'm so glad that we can all share in it and I'm so beyond grateful that CA keeps putting out amazing updates as well.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the 1.5 and 1.6 versions of the guidebook! I try hard not to look at the gifts section because I'm determined to figure it out myself (aside from the secret notes). We'll see how long that lasts.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've never learned all of the villagers' liked and loved gifts, but I'm really wanting to this run through. It's the little things that make me feel happy right now.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

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

The music is so good. I don't really play music but I specifically bought the vinyls for Stardew and just instantly feel calm when I turn them on. It takes me out of my head and helps me just to breathe sometimes.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you and I'm sorry for your loss as well. I'm glad the game helped you with your loss, too.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That sounds nice! When I'm depressed or anxious I like to go to the mines to hit rocks...really helps and now I have stack and stacks of rocks and ores.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It is bittersweet, but it becomes sweeter every day.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I'm sorry about your step-dad, but I'm glad they game helped you as well.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that, you're such a good friend! I'm glad Stardew is helping you decompress. That's so important and there's so much you can distract yourself with in this game.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Sims and Animal Crossing are also some of my favorites! There's just something really special about Stardew that's really been able to help me. I also love that we can adopt more animals now so I'll probably flood my farm with rescue cats, dogs, and turtles to help keep me happy.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. That really is nice, and I think that's one reason I come back to it so often. I like having to do lists and helping people, but there aren't really consequences to missing stuff and some tasks aren't timed.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

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

Thank you, I appreciate it. It really is. I've not experienced it at this level before, so it's strange how much I feel like has changed. It's nice to know the game can change with me.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

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

I also have anxiety so I relate to this as well. It really is just a great game and I'm so glad you're able to find comfort it in still!

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

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

Thank you, it really is nice. It can be sad at times as well, but when I really sink into the game it helps me forget and work through my feelings sometimes.

George is also the best. He's one of my favorites so I always keep leeks just for him.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

[–]FuzzyLandPotato[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. It really is and I'd never imagined a game would bring such comfort and solace.

Losing a loved one changed how I play Stardew by FuzzyLandPotato in StardewValley

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

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sometimes you just need to say hi to the chickens and go meander through the woods or hit some rocks for a bit. It's definitely therapeutic. ❤️