I am home sick today, so figured I'd think of a fun question to keep me entertained!

If you could have any fictional job, what would it be?

For me, I think I would be some sort of herbologist. Either a teacher or someone who runs a store! You can take me out of the real world but you cannot take me away from plants haha!

I’m only asking this out of curiosity. I feel like it’s pretty widely known that JK Rowling isn’t a good person. But one thing I see people debate over is whether or not it’s okay to read Harry Potter because of that. I enjoy listening to both sides of the argument: whether or not it’s okay to read the books or not because of her actions. I think both sides have good points. So do you think it’s a case where you can separated the art from the artist? Or is it an automatic no for you?

Edit: I would like to clarify that in case it didn’t come across, I DO NOT SUPPORT HER.

Edit 2: Yeah after reading these comments I’m 100% done even considering adding the books to my tbr 💀

So, I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and a lot of times the narrator can either make or break a book. Usually, when I come across a narrator who lessens my enjoyment of a novel, I try not to hold it against the author (lower my rating on the book). I just assumed they had no choice in choosing the narrator.

However, I've done some research, and it seems authors get the final say on who narrates. Is this true? And if so, would it be fair to lower the rating on a book if I did not like the narrator?

I love to find local bookstores and libraries (and a brewery and a coffee shop), especially when I'm traveling. I'd love to hear of small book stores that are doing the Lord's work out there, providing a community of readers a space to explore and find their next story!

I'd like to shout out two: The Purple Couch in North Andover, Massachusetts - literally can spend hours here and love their community projects. Treat Yo' Shelf Books in Mountain Home, Arkansas - drove by while I was visiting my mom out there and went in on a whim. The owners were a lovely couple and it's just the type of place that community needs.

Edit: I also thought of another one that really deserves some love. Felixology in Maynard, Massachusetts. It was opened by a woman, Libby, in honor of her son, Felix, who passed away at 29 years old from mesothelioma. The first time I visited, I spoke with her for a half hour about Felix and it was truly moving. He was an artist, and the store is gorgeously painted and decorated by his family and friends. Going in that store is like getting to meet him personally.

Nikki has three mates and she's the alpha of the bear pack, its kind of a girlboss slay. CLEARLY she's not like other girls!

Meanwhile the Chain-Gang fans inside the farmers market were studiously buying cotton candy or perusing the tomatoes, going out of their way to pretend that this was all normal and that there weren’t an extra thousand people there, protesting just a few yards away.

TOMATOES?!? are they eating them like apples, yes or no

I’m curious what everyone’s favourite/most-prized/prettiest book as object is! I have a few of the laser cut seasons classics and also this gorgeous illustrated copy of Little Women. I’m too scared to actually read any of these so they just stay on my shelf and are admired.

What I wish I could have is this embroidered edition of Emma that I’ve only seen pictures of but have never actually laid eyes on.

(Making this post while I procrastinate PhD research, as one does).

'We hope you've enjoyed this Penguin audio production!'

Some highlights for our pet companions 🐾

Now I'm curious ! Did you name your pet after a book (a character, a place, or an author)? Are there any parallels between their personality and their name ? 🐕🐈🐇

I didn't name my older cat after a book, but my younger one definitely is ! She was supposed to be named "Rhiannon", but I read Circe by Madeline Miller and her fate changed... 👀 So, I’ve had my little Circe with me for almost three years now, and she really fits the character ! (well...a silly version of Circe...)

I have been tortured over the books that I've chosen to display my taste in reading ever since I created my profile, and I'm guessing that others probably have this issue too?

I read so many books of so many different genres that it feels like a military strategic endeavour to try and narrow it down to 5 books, I've tried keeping it to my favourite in each genre but even then I love more than 5 genres and choosing which genres I favour the most is difficult.

I've seen some people's profiles who have books that I loved showcased as their favourites and it's made me stop and think "I love that book! Why don't I have it selected?"

And it kinda feels like I'm lying to people who look at and follow my profile because I haven't got the most accurate books to describe my reading tastes.

Anyone else have this problem? Anyone happy with their chosen books? Anyone have any advice for picking your favourite books?