AvidBards
Reflections

LGBTQIA+ in Media: A History of Struggle & Progress

Throughout history, literature and film have served as mirrors to society, reflecting the complexities of human identity, love, and struggle. Within this vast cultural landscape, LGBTQIA+ voices have long fought for visibility, often facing censorship, discrimination, or erasure. Yet, these voices persist, shaping narratives that challenge norms, inspire activism, and provide a sense of belonging for countless individuals. LGBTQIA+ in Cultural History LGBTQIA+ representation in literature can be traced back centuries, albeit often hidden in subtext or coded language due to societal restrictions. Writers like Oscar Wilde, whose novel The Picture of Dorian Gray subtly addressed themes of queerness, and…

View Post
Reflections

Oscars’ Glow Fading? Why the Academy Awards Might Be Overdue for an Exit

Another Oscar Sunday has come and gone and year after year, I sit with the same questions. We’ve all been there, sitting through the glitzy, high-pressure spectacle of the Academy Awards (the Oscars), eagerly awaiting the results, trying to predict who will take home the golden statue. For years, the Oscars have been the ultimate measure of success in film, a night where everyone gets dolled up, takes their turn on the red carpet, and for some, their one shining moment in the spotlight. But lately, it’s feeling like we might be watching a relic in slow decline. So, what’s going on?…

View Post
Academic

Understanding Modernism: Books That Shaped a Literary Revolution

Alright, let’s talk about modernism—one of the boldest, most experimental, and mind-bending literary movements in history. If you’ve ever picked up a book and thought, “Wait, what did I just read?” chances are, you were deep in modernist territory. It’s the era that shattered traditional storytelling, embraced chaos, and gave us some of the most challenging (but rewarding) books out there. Modernism in literature, which roughly spanned from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, was all about breaking the mould. Writers rejected the neat, linear storytelling of the past in favour of fragmented narratives, unreliable narrators, and experimental…

View Post
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…

View Post
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…

View Post
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…

View Post

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Where to next?