#clarketoearth

[alwaysaprille]

hey! i was wondering if you could put together some stuff that Bob has preciously said about anxiety?? xo

I know that “preciously” was probably intended to be “previously” but it fits Bob so well. Unfortunately most of Bob’s mental health/illness tend to be at conventions, which means I don’t have access to any screenshots, if anyone else does, it’d be great if you could add to this post!

[marauders-groupie]

East of Eden :) xo

Zoe, thank you! <3

East of Eden: Top 10 novels?

(in no particular order)

1) The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK OH MY GOD!

Here’s my Goodreads review:

Sci-fi tends to go all in on science sometimes but this book - this book had everything. And while the worldbuilding Chambers did was examplary and knocked me on my ass, my favorite part is how human (read: feelings. So many. Not in a melodramatic way but in a way that makes you fall in love with the book) it was. I don't want to be too emo but this book has a kind soul and I love it to bits.

It really does. And it’s not anthropo-cenric, the worldbuilding is out of this world (see what I did there? huh? huh?), and the characters - well, you’re gonna fall in love with them. 

2) City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

This is one of the best crime novels I’ve ever read, hands down. 

My Goodreads review:

The thing that crime novels and thrillers often skip out on is characterization and a plot driven by characters, instead of the other way around. I mean, I get it. Action, sex and tropey characters sell.But that kind of books will just make me forget all about them after reading, even if the twist was intricate. So here's a different kind of crime novel. Where the main character is a female detective with our favorite no-bullshit attitude (that's a trope you /have got to/ keep in crime novels) but also a secret that doesn't come back to haunt her in the end. It's just a part of who she is.And that's what I liked about City of the Lost: the characters have secrets that they are working to move past. And strangely enough, secrets like murder seem to be much less dangerous for them and everyone else in the end. It's the corruption and drug-dealing that really turned some of the characters in the book into fucking despicable people.Also, I didn't hate the main character, she didn't do illogical shit just so the author could create drama because they've run out of ideas and generally, I liked the perspective.I liked that the book dared to question the impact of committing terrible things on a character's psyche, I liked that it dared to show a secluded town as not a creepy place with deeply disturbing things lurking underneath the surface, and I liked the treatment of Dalton and the point that the author was making - yes, he is not like the others but there is nothing to fix. He is just a person who has made his choices. The narrative wasn't trying to go all savior on him and the characters that did have been proved wrong.So yes, while this was a really good book (although that resolution could have been a little longer, just sayin') it was also a very interesting one at that. It offered a unique perspective and not going to lie, it felt like a breath of fresh air amidst detectives tortured by their lives and their pasts. Here is one who doesn't pity herself. Here is one who is a badass while still caring about her friends and falling in love. Here is City of the Lost.

3) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Honestly, if you’ve been following me for a certain amount of time, you’ve probably seen me wax poetic about it. 

This book made me decide to become a writer and it’s a book about books. Utterly enchanting.  Here’s my post about why you should read it.

4) The Likeness by Tana French

Another murder mystery because that’s just how I roll.

Tana French’s plot twists are the best thing ever and this book reminds me so much of The Secret History’s aesthetic (although it doesn’t romanticize it). French actually said she was inspired by the dynamics of close-knit groups as seen in TSH.My Goodreads review is very long so I’m just gonna copy a few bits:

What really managed to take me in were the larger than life characters, much like those I'd read about in Donna Tartt's The Secret History. They are so much more than your usual minor character; they have their quirks, they are way more interesting than anyone in the real world would be and they are simply a pleasure to read about.

Starting from the ever mysterious Daniel, the mother hen as I've grown to call him, and finishing up with Raphael who, as well as being my namesake, intrigued me the most - they are the people you always wished you could start a friend-family thing with, the people you'd probably hear and learn amazing things from. Moreover, not only they are interesting but they are mysterious. A whole universe in its own.

So, if you’re into good murder mystery and a dark and deep aesthetic that isn’t dark in a grim way, but in a “oh, I want to learn more, this is twisted but also fascinating” way - then do yourself a favor and read The Likeness. 

5) Aristotle and Dante Discover the Serets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

This book feels like growing up and like orange sunsets spent hanging out with a boy you’re in love with in the park that has seen your first scars and it feels like dipping your toes in the pool and feeling young and insecure, and it feels like everything in the world.

I suppose most of you have read it but if you haven’t - go do it now. Don’t think about it. Just go read it. 

6) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

I don’t read YA lit very often but when I do, I fall in love with the books I read. 

If you’re looking for a gorgeous story that will keep you up reading until dawn breaks and if you’re ready to get completely lost in a new universe, then ACoTaR series is your kinda series.

There's a reason why this book has a Goodreads rating of 4.74. 

7) Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami

I’m not really a fan of Murakami; Norwegian Wood was too weird for me. But Dance Dance Dance was delightfully odd and if you’re looking for a book to get you out of your comfort zone, DDD is your pal.

8) Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes

Okay, you’re wondering - wtf, Lana? I thought we were friends? Why are you reccing the world’s first novel to me?

BECAUSE IT IS AMAZING AND HILARIOUS!

We are all idealists here, come on! Don Quixote was too! Let’s go, get to reading!

9) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Gorgeous and dark and intricate. The Thirteenth Tale feels like finding an old chest in your grandmother’s attic and unearthing all of your family’s secrets, the good and the bad.  

10) The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Don’t watch the movie, read the book. And if you want to watch a movie, watch the Swedish versions. Way better than American 20/10.

[marauders-groupie]

omg wait LANA I JUST NOTICED THAT YOU STARTED WRITING BELLARKE FICS AGAIN MY HEART OMG brb bout to marathon read THEM

Zoe, hi! It’s so nice to hear from a familiar face! :)))

I hope you’ll enjoy them! My writing style has changed a bit, but I’m still sappy af. Sending you popcorn and love!

[niylah]

Hey babe!! It's my birthday on the 3rd of october!! :) xoxo

I’ve added you! thank you love <3

[marauders-groupie]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL!! aaahh I hope you have an incredible day xo 💖

Thank you, Zoe! <333

[peterstarkss]

clarketoearth replied to your post “ok wth is this horse on the bottom of my screen???”

mine died in 6 seconds omfg

same!! i clicked on it and it wouldnt go away and then i get the message that it died. try hatching a new one?? lmao

[niylah]

Ahhh I love your new URL! ❤

thank you Zoe you sweetheart <333

[bellamyblak]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL!!! <3

thank you so much!!!!