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Movies

Beyond the Rom-Com: Unexpected Valentine’s Day Movie Picks

Ah, Valentine’s Day—the annual festival of roses, overpriced chocolates, and an endless barrage of romantic comedies. While there’s nothing wrong with a classic love story (I even wrote a recommendation of my favourite period dramas for Valentine’s Day one year), maybe this year, it’s time to shake things up. Instead of another predictable “boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy stands in the rain declaring his love” scenario, why not try something… different? Love stories don’t always follow a traditional formula, and sometimes, they are even better when they defy expectations. Here are some unconventional Valentine’s Day movie picks for…

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Reflections

The Rise of Celebrity Biographies

A New Chapter in Self-Promotion? Today’s post is a bit more of a reflective one as I delve into a topic that has been on my mind recently. In recent years, the literary landscape has seen a significant surge in celebrity biographies and memoirs, and not just from stars who have been in the public eye for decades. Even relatively young celebrities—such as pop star JoJo (formally known as Joanne Marie Levesque), former Nickelodeon actress Jennette McCurdy, and, most recently, pop icon Britney Spears—are publishing tell-alls that often top bestseller lists. This trend extends to high-profile figures like Prince Harry…

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Reflections

2024 Reading Wrapped: 46 Books, 18,900 Pages, a Year in Stories

A new year is here, and with it comes that magical moment of possibility—the chance to reflect, refresh, and start new adventures. There’s something so satisfying about looking back at the chapters we’ve closed, especially when they’re literal chapters (hello, bookish wrapped!). As 2024 turns into 2025, I’m excited to share the highs, the surprises, and the twists in my reading journey. Whether you’re here for recommendations, relatable opinions, or just to talk books, let’s kick off the year with a celebration of stories! Let’s talk about my 2024 reading year because, wow, I was deep in book series and…

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Movies

6 Non-Typical Christmas Movies to Add to Your Holiday Watchlist

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the classic debate: what’s the best Christmas movie? While many of us have our tried-and-true favourites like Home Alone, Love Actually, or The Grinch, (all of which we have previously included in our list of favourite Christmas movies) if you’re anything like me, you might getting a bit tired of watching the same movies year after year. There’s something refreshing about stepping outside the traditional canon. So, I figured I’d bring you a few suggestions that will suit you if you’re in the mood for Christmas vibes but with a…

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Movies

“Violent Night”: A Wildly Unrefined Christmas Ride

In a season dominated by holiday cheer and wholesome traditions, Violent Night strides in like a Viking swinging a battle axe, shaking up the yuletide movie formula in a way that’s both absurd and oddly captivating. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, this darkly comedic thriller takes the beloved figure of Santa Claus and throws him headfirst into a chaotic hostage situation, blending Christmas kitsch with Die Hard-style action and Deadpool-esque humour. While the movie’s writing leaves much to be desired, its willingness to embrace its outrageous premise makes it a surprisingly fun ride for those seeking a break from Hallmark holiday…

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Books

The City of Tears by Kate Mosse Book Review

Love, Loss, and the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre: A Closer Look at The City of Tears and Its Shifting Historical Lens Title: The City of TearsAuthor: Kate MossePublisher: PAN MACMILLANThemes: Forbidden love, Religious persecution, Family loyalty, Survival amidst conflict, Identity and belonging In The City of Tears, the second instalment of Kate Mosse’s trilogy on the Huguenot diaspora, Mosse picks up the story of Minou and Piet amid one of the most turbulent events of the 16th century—the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Building on themes of survival, faith, and the harrowing toll of religious conflict introduced in The Burning Chambers…

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