Tips for Tuesday - Books: Practical Rules for Cursed Witches & Given Our History, and Movie: Stand Back, Doors Closing

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Books: Practical Rules for Cursed Witches & Given Our History

Me - Practical Rules for Cursed Witches is a witchy, sapphic cozy fantasy.

The characters are endearing, albeit a bit flat. The protagonist, Delilah, is fierce, determined, and sassy but also loyal and caring. Kieran is an absolute sweetheart who shows so much kindness to those around him despite how little was shown to him. Briar is less likable as she's extremely prickly and often rude, however, beneath it she has a good heart. Unfortunately, beyond those traits, there wasn't much to them so it was hard to truly care what they were going through and where they ended up.

The relationships formed between these characters were definitely the heart of the story, with Delilah and Kieran's friendship being my favorite. Their dynamic was so much fun to watch and I loved that Delilah– Kiernan's first-ever friend– cared so deeply for him. The romance between Delilah and Briar, on the other hand, could've used more development. It seemed far more based on physical attraction than an actual emotional connection, especially since the two barely took the time to get to know each other. Their banter was also a bit boring, but they shared some cute moments and I found myself rooting for them more as the book went on.

The plot of this book was intriguing as it surrounded two curses, neither of which the characters fully understood. The mysterious nature and vague details regarding these curses piqued my curiosity and kept me interested in continuing to read but the slow-paced writing didn't match the intensity of the circumstances the characters were in. Obviously, it's a cozy fantasy so it isn't supposed to have super high stakes or tons of action but a book– especially one that's over 400 pages long– either needs to have deeply developed, complex characters or a captivating, well-paced plot if it's going to keep readers engaged.  Sadly, this book had neither making for a cozy and sometimes cute but ultimately unremarkable read. If the plot really appeals to you or you're looking for a surface-level but easy-to-read young adult cozy fantasy, you might enjoy reading this book. I just found that it was a bit too long for the story it was telling and it lacked the character/relationship development I need to connect to a book.

Mom - Given Our History was a frustrating novel about a couple who meet as kids in camp and are obviously meant for each other but don't get together until years later for stupid reasons. Although at first when they were young it made sense that Clara would be reluctant to start a deeper relationship with Theodore, even though she clearly always loved him, because she didn't want to change anything.  He was her best friend and she feared losing him if things didn't work out.  However, as they got older, her reasons for pushing him away were just pigheaded and stubborn. It made her a kind of annoying character even though the pair made a cute couple, and he was a great guy. It was evident that he always cared for her even though she kept pushing him away. If you love a book with a big payoff in the end and don't care what it takes to get there, you may enjoy this book.  However, if you are interested in unique stories with original conflicts that don't seem artificial or overused, maybe not so much. 

Movie: Stand Back, Doors Closing

Today we are recommending Stand Back, Doors Closing, a sweet and engrossing film reminiscent of Before Sunrise. Julissa and Ryan are at a crossroads in their respective lives when they meet on the DC Metro and spend an intense day together. She is mulling over whether to drop out of grad school. He is dealing with the recent breakup of a relationship. Although at first they are deeply guarded with each other, gradually they break through each other's masks, reveal their true selves, and fall in love. The couple are charmingly played by Carmen Berkley and Reilly Walters respectively who have a nice chemistry. All in all, it is lovely and appealing film.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

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