GIVEAWAY: 3 Month Conscious Box Subscription!

I have a great weakness for subscription boxes. I love getting a package in the mail each month full of wonderful new products to try out that I normally wouldn't come across. The latest company I've tried out is Conscious Box! They are dedicated to providing the most ethical, sustainable, and honest businesses that create the purest products available. Each month, you meet 10-20 of these companies right at your doorstep! 

How Does Conscious Box work? 

Conscious Box is the best way to discover the most ethical and sustainable products on the planet!  Focusing on strict tenets of organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products, each month Conscious Box will introduce you to healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts! 

You can enter different ways, each day to increase your chances of winning! 

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WWII & NYC Exhibit at the New York Historical Society

Two great passions in my life are New York City and learning more about the history of World War II. I talk about both subjects often online, devour books on this subject, and will watch any movie (no matter how cheesy) that takes place in New York or during WWII. So when The New York Historical Society opened an exhibit simply called "WWII & NYC" mere blocks from my apartment, it felt like it was a showcase just for me.

 The Second World War (1939–1945) was the most widespread, destructive, and consequential conflict in history. WWII & NYC is an account of how New York and its metropolitan region contributed to Allied victory. The exhibition also explores the captivating, sobering, and moving stories of how New Yorkers experienced and confronted the challenges of “total war.

The highlight of the trip for me was seeing one of the original "Instrument of Surrender" documents, which was Japan's official surrender on Sept 2, 1945. Only 20 copies were created at the time and they have not been displayed in New York since 1945. I was unable to take a picture of it because it is placed under a protective cloth away from lighting. 

The only downside to visiting the Historical Society is that cover charge is $15, which seems a bit much for such a small exhibit. I instead went on a Friday night between 6 & 8pm, where you can pay what you want. Cheers for affordable educational experiences!

I in turn picked up the book that accompanies this exhibit written by Kenneth T. Jackson who is a Professor of History at Columbia University and is the Editor-in-Chief of The Encyclopedia of New York City. If you are a WWII & NYC fan like myself but are unable to visit the exhibit you can purchase the book on their site for only $9.95

In their store they were also selling 1940s pin up dresses that I swooned over and then lamented over the prices. They were completely stunning but were $150 each. When I can afford it, I'm going to buy one of these dresses and wear it every day until it becomes socially unacceptable. 

In short, if you enjoy this time period I would highly recommend going to visit this exhibit, located at Central Park West and 77th street in Manhattan. It is well worth the trip.

Photos of the exhibit provided by The New York Times

Bookish Journal #6 "I Believe"

Last night I was talking with Mara (@MarvelousMaraW) about our favorite books and how I was toying with the idea of getting a tattoo that incorporated all my favorite quotes (these days I want about a million tattoos). She sent me a picture of the long quote from "American Gods" that starts with "I can believe things that are true and I can believe things that aren't true and I can believe things where nobody knows if they're true or not." You can find the whole quote here.

This is reminiscent of  writing prompts I had to do in college as a Creative Writing major. I also love this wonderful speech by the character Samantha how it is written as stream of conscious. In turn it made me think of, what do I believe?:

I believe in stories. I believe that New York City is the greatest city in the world not because other cities are lacking but because the magic that has happened to me here could only have happened to me on Broadway, in Times Square, Downton, Uptown, on the corner of 55th and 5th avenue . I believe in paying too much for coffee and hardly spending any money at all on clothes. I believe in train rides and airports and brand new pens with blue ink. I believe that people are good until you get to know them. I believe that the people who need a lot of material things are trying to make up for the lack of emotional connection in their life. I believe that I have borderline personality disorder with a mix of bi polar and athazagoraphobia and mostly hypochondria. I believe that those who steal other's ideas lack imagination and lacking imagination is the worst of most offenses.

I believe in internet relationships and falling in love with someone you met off of Twitter or Tumblr or Myspace. But not Facebook. That is where the rapists come from. I believe in snail mail and that feminists are too radical for me to be associated with. I believe in Santa Claus but not Jesus. If I need to believe in somebody, I'd like to believe in somebody who smiles and likes cookies and is kind to weird animals. I believe that I've lived many lives and before each life I have sat down and written out the life I am about to have. Mother Teresa said "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much." I believe that I didn't give myself anything I couldn't handle. I believe in soul mates of all kinds, even evil ones. In each life, wouldn't Captain Hook come back as somebody new to hound Peter if only to make him a better person each time?

I believe in texting and running through Riverside Park and climbing rocks in Central Park. I believe in Chinese food take out and going to the movies by yourself. I believe in taking showers in the dark and taking as many naps as your day allows. I believe in writing and going after your dreams as soon as you can think of them. I believe that every person has at least one great true love, but not everyone ends up with them. I believe that the great loves of my life are Manhattan and my cat. I believe that a person cannot reach self actualization until they've had a serious relationship with really good sex. I believe that if you marry your high school sweetheart that you are a coward. I believe in drinking coffee naked. I believe in living in a city where there are three Starbucks cafes within a three block walking distance. I believe in wearing expensive underwear.

I believe in eating bagels with cream cheese everyday. I believe that most lies need to be told in order to keep this world in order. I believe that wearing yoga pants every day and every where is socially acceptable. I believe in sleeping with an eye mask on and making absurd decisions. I believe in cutting people loose who make you uncomfortable. I believe in getting out of your comfort zone, but doing it on your terms.  I believe in doing what makes you happy and as long as you aren't harming anyone so fuck everybody else. I believe in being crude, honest, judgmental and saying what's on your mind and that Robert Downey Jr. cat gifs are the best things in the world.

The "Stuff of Legend" Leather Bound Hardcover Limited Edition

There are certain comic books that I will recommend others to read, no matter what their preferences are. "Stuff of Legend" by Mike Raicht and Brian Smith with illustrations by Charles Paul Wilson III is at the top of my list, every single time. 

As most of you know, WWII is my favorite time period, especially in New York City. This book starts off in Park Slope, Brooklyn in 1944 with a boy whose father is fighting in the war. The boy is suddenly kidnapped by the terrifying Boogeyman and his toys decide to go off into the Dark realm of the closet to get him back. Once the toys reach the this realm, they are turned into actual forms of themselves-such as the teddy bear Max is now a real bear, the toy solider now a man. But they are not the only toys who have ventured off into the darkness, and these other toys' intentions are motivated by scorn and bitterness.

Every person that I have suggested "Stuff of Legend" to has also fallen in love with the characters, the compelling story and the breathtaking art. I had the honor of doing a book club with Mike Raicht and Paul Wilson at a Midtown Comic Book club a while back, and they are two of the nicest and most talented guys in the industry. They have a passion and sincerity about their work that is unparalleled.

Lucky for you, a stunning leather-bound hardcover limited edition consisting of the first two volumes is available to buy online for $49.99. This book is worth every single penny, I give it a Bookishbelle A++ for quality of the cover, pages, and of course- story. 

"As Allied forces fight the enemy on Europe's war-torn beaches, another battle begins in a child's bedroom in Brooklyn when the nightmarish Boogeyman snatches a boy and takes him to the realm of The Dark. The child's playthings, led by the toy soldier known as the Colonel, band together to stage a daring rescue. On their perilous mission they will confront the boy's bitter and forgotten toys, as well as betrayal in their own ranks. The Stuff of Legend is a haunting and ultimately redemptive tale of loyalty, camaraderie, and perseverance. 

 This hardcover collection brings together the first two volumes of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel The Stuff of Legend (The Dark and The Jungle) in one beautiful, 260-page edition. The book also contains never-before-printed character sketches and artwork by series artist and Russ Manning Award nominee, Charles Paul Wilson III."

I cannot recommend this book enough and I hope to hear that MANY of you check it out as soon as possible! Also, show the creators some love! Follow writers Mike @MikeRaicht, Brian @YourPalSmitty , and illustrator Charles @cpwilsoniii as well as the 'Stuff of Legend' Facebook page!

Sisters of Los Angeles: NYC Glass Set

You all know of my love affair with the city of New York. I love the skyscrapers disappearing into the clouds, the crazy people on the sidewalks, and the underlying feeling that at any moment something magical will happen. I never pass on the chance to incorporate more New York magic into my life, so I easily fell in love with Sisters of Los Angeles' New York Borough glass set:

"Sisters of Los Angeles love their Sisters & Brothers in NY and in celebration has launched this six glass series by Barbara Bestor featuring New York and the 5 Burroughs. Each glass tells a pictorial story of what is uniquely special about New York, Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. SoLA glasses are printed with organic inks in Los Angeles. Hand wash."

The glasses are great for having people over because it automatically solves the problem of which glass belongs to you, just be careful if your friends all have an affinity towards a specific borough! This set of six is well made: sturdy and a good size to fit in even the smallest of Manhattan apartments. I give them a Bookishbelle B+ for design and quality!

Sisters of Los Angeles has a whole collection of city themed products, which I think would make excellent gifts for all occasions. Magazines have suggested that they could be used as groomsmen's gifts or a new home presents. Personally, I would give them to someone who is moving away from their beloved city, so they can take a bit of the old life with them.

You can purchase the set on the Sisters of Los Angeles website for $66. While you're there, make sure to check out their other New York products, including t-shirts, bracelets, shot glasses, bags and more!

Also, show some love to their Facebook and Twitter!

How Ryan Gosling Feels About "Hey Girl" Memes

This past weekend I was able to sit down with many talented movie stars at press days for the films "Olympus Has Fallen" and "The Place Beyond the Pines". You can look forward to those interviews over at The Daily BLAM!

One of the people I talked with was none other than Ryan Gosling. He mentioned how glad he was that his "Drive" costume has now become so iconic that people dress up as him for Halloween or at Comic Con. 

I then brought up his "Hey Girl" memes, and how he felt about it. Did he think it was funny? Weird? Flattering? His response was:

"You know that picture of Fabio on the roller coaster getting hit in the face with the pigeon?  I feel like that pigeon: wrong place, wrong time."

That's not exactly the comparison I would make personally....if anything I would think he's more Fabio than Pigeon...

In any case, we still love the memes Ryan, even if you don't.

           

 

Motivational Mondays: Fit Fan Girl Sara

Keeping up with Motivational Mondays, this week's inspiration for me is Sara Krueger, a super fangirl as well as total fitness badass. Since 2008 she has lost and kept off 90lbs! Sara tweets everyday about the everyday life of being a geek who also kick ass in the gym and at home. She especially inspires me for her 100% enthusiasm and positivity on Twitter with her goofy pictures dedicated to both geekery and fitness. Here is more about her:

You have gone on an incredible fitness journey, what was the turning point in your life that made you want to change? What inspired you? 

I was in the dressing room at my favorite store in the mall.  At that time my baby girl was 3 months old and I was ready to attempt to go jean shopping for the first time in what seemed like forever! I grabbed the usual 15/16 size jeans I always bought over the last 5 years, took them into the dressing room, slid my feet in, stood up, and the jeans didn't even make it up my thighs. You know that feeling when you get dumped, or when your crush rejects you, that is the exact feeling. I just sobbed into my hooded sweatshirt so nobody could hear me. I knew if I wanted to leave with new jeans, I would have to bump up to a size 17/18, which was NOT happening. THAT was my turning point! I refused to buy the next size up and I swore to myself the next time I entered that dressing room with jeans I was going to slip them right on and they will be in a size 13/14.

As far as bring inspired, that same day I went home, got online and just literally Googled "weight loss stories".  I came across one blog who was run by a college student.  She had lost 50lbs on her own while in school, and documented her entire journey. She took pictures of EVERYTHING! Her food, her cute workout clothes, post workout sweaty pics, her goal swim suit, what was inside of her fridge, and how she managed to lose weight and keep it off all while being a full time college student. She wasn't a mom. She wasn't a wife.  She didn't have a personal trainer. She was never a contestant on a weight loss relaity show with camera in her face for a million dollar prize.  She exposed her raw self for the world to see. That's when I thought, "Ya know what?  It's my turn!" That girl's blog was the start of my inspiration to get my ass moving! That was back in 2008. Since then, I can't even count how many people on a daily basis inspire me :) My daughter and husband first and foremost, as they have been my biggest supporters since day one!

Your handle on Twitter is @Fit_Fangirl, how has being a fangirl motivated you to stay in shape? 

I always stay true to who I am. Be the best version of me. I wanted to expose my journey to others out there who are just as driven and passionate about being a fangirl/fanboy but who also may be struggling with their body weight/image. When you think "fitness" do you really think of a chick in in a STAR WARS shirt and kneehigh R2D2 socks? Probably not. Which is why I ensure I stay true to my own "fitness swag" where I show  that you can be a nerdy fangirl and be able to rock out a 5K in cute geek-chic style! I want to show the world that you can get fit, live a healthy lifestyle and not change who you are! I am from Wisconsin, so I wasn't ever giving up my cheese! I'm a brat-eating-beer-drinkin-fangirl from the midwest and proud of it! I never plan on changing that either, so if I never have ripped "Dark Knight" armor suit abs then so be it! 

What are your favorite parts about being a fangirl?

Being considred a "rare breed" The girl who wears a Batman shirt on date night, the office chick who has the cool Darth Vader candy dish at work, the estrogen that dons a Rebel Alliance tattoo on the back of her neck, and given the choice between attending Fashion Week or Comic Con .. clearly we all know where I'm headed!

What are your top favorite comic books or movies?

I will openly admit I'm not hardcore into comics .. but .. I do appreciate anything by Frank Miller & Robert Kirkman. As far as movies goes...Star Wars, Batman (1989), Tron, Sin City, LOTR trilogy, Star Trek (JJ Abrams), Demolition Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, all the Alien movies, all the Predator movies, Mission Impossible 4, The Hunger Games, Prometheus, V for Vendetta, TROY, 300, and I have HUGE fangirl love for anything Disney & Pixar!

I love your geek style! Where do you find all your awesome clothes, especially those socks! 

Ha! Who me? Are you kidding me? I wanna raid YOUR closet girl :) All of my geeky kneehigh socks are from ThinkGeek.com, a dangerous website for this fangirl! That site has so much awesome stuff! A lot of my shirts I end up finding at garage sales during the summer months, I tend land comic/movie tshirts for less then a buck! I always like to hit up the "mens" section at stores like Target or Old Navy. They always seem to have great selection of "geeky" shirts and in which I just end up grabbing a small that fits great!

You can find Sara on Twitter at @Fit_FanGirl

and on her facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/FitFanGirl

Paperman Threesome (Thanks CollegeHumor!)

You know you've made it when you win an Academy Award. You know you've made it when Tumblr is flooded with gifs of every second of your film. You know you've REALLY made it when CollegeHumor turns your innocent story into a sexy after dark special.



Enjoy fellow Paperman fans:

CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos

GIVEAWAY: 'Paperman' (Aka 'Wreck-It Ralph) Ultimate Collector's Edition Blu-ray

It is no secret that I am obsessed with Disney's animated short, 'Paperman' which recently won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. It represents everything I love most in life and the paper airplane was also my first tattoo!

The contest ends this Friday, March 8th 2013, which also happens to be my 4 year Twitter Anniversary! I can't believe that it's been this long but since then I have met the most amazing people and have made life long friends. So what better way to celebrate than to give away my favorite short film!

In this awesome 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray +DVD + Digital Copy) you get 'Paperman', and also some movie called 'Wreck-It Ralph'. ;)

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From Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Wreck-It Ralph” takes viewers on a hilarious journey. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has played the bad guy in his popular video game. In a bold move, he embarks on an action-packed adventure and sets out to prove to everyone that he is a true hero with a big heart. As he explores exciting new worlds, he teams up withsome unlikely new friends including feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman). The film is directed by Emmy®-winner Rich Moore. 

By tweeting, liking my page on Facebook, and commenting you can earn more entries! And the more times people use the link you post, the more entries for you too! This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only. Thanks for playing!

Her Universe Launches 'Ask Ellen'

One of the best parts about being a geek, Her Universe, has announced a new service that will benefit fangirls, away from the trolls: 

Bullying has been a major problem in the fangirl community and actress Ashley Eckstein has been an advocate in the anti-bullying movement. Wanting to help fight this issue and many other concerns which directly affect fangirls, Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and founder of Her Universe™, a leading sci-fi apparel line for women, announced today a new monthly online column offering support and advice to female fans on matters that affect them. The new "Ask Ellen" column is written by Ellen Connell and will run throughout the month on the Her Universe blog at www.HerUniverse.com. "Ask Ellen" will be an ongoing sounding board addressing everyday issues that affect the lives of fangirls and offering possible solutions to these problems. 

"Ellen and I have been friends for many years now," said Ashley Eckstein. "This past summer after attending San Diego Comic Con together we both felt a need to do more for the fangirl community. I wanted to find a way to offer advice to fangirls dealing with everyday issues like bullying and Ellen felt compelled to put her knowledge from her studies in clinical psychology to good use. Together we came up with the idea for our column, 'Ask Ellen.' I grew up reading the 'Dear Abby' column in the newspaper, so I am very excited to be able to offer something similar to our fangirls."

Ellen Connell has a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology and is working towards becoming licensed as a Psychologist in California. Before returning to graduate school for her degree, she worked in the animated television and film industry for several years. Two of those years, she worked at Lucasfilm Animation as a Script and Casting Assistant Production Manager for the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and met Eckstein. Although Connell loved working on The Clone Wars, she also felt called toward another passion—helping people directly as a therapist. Having grown up as a theatre geek who loved fantasy, Connell didn't always fit in with the other kids in her class, and she remembers feeling the loneliness that came from thinking that she didn't belong. After learning to improve her self-esteem as an adult, she felt a desire to help people, especially girls, who struggle to feel better about themselves. Connell left Lucasfilm to attend graduate school, training in psychology, and is currently working as a psychotherapist in San Diego. 

"I'm really excited to work with Ashley and the Her Universe community through the 'Ask Ellen' column," Connell said. "I hope to offer support to girls who are struggling to feel good about themselves. I'm glad Her Universe provides a community for fangirls, and I look forward to contributing to it in any way I can." 

The "Ask Ellen" column is part of a special year-long campaign, "Year of the Fangirl," which will highlight and recognize one of the fastest growing segments of the sci-fi/fantasy/pop culture audience...women. Every day a different fangirl will be spotlighted on HerUniverse.com, to showcase the community's diversity, dreams and interests. The "Year of the Fangirl" campaign officially launched February 25th; however, additional elements and opportunities for female fans will be added throughout the year including a very special event in coordination with San Diego Comic Con. More information will follow soon.

Source: Her Universe

Disney's 'Oz' Balloon in Central Park

One of the reasons why I love living in New York City is that there is always something exciting happening that wouldn't happen anywhere else. This morning Disney launched a hot air balloon in Central Park to promote their new film 'Oz The Great and Powerful'!

This part of Central Park is also right near my apartment! I think this is a brilliant marketing tool because now as the balloon flies over Manhattan, every person young or old will see the balloon and become interested in this new movie coming out this weekend.

Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great wizard but into a better man as well. 

 “Oz The Great and Powerful” is produced by Joe Roth, with screen story by Mitchell Kapner and screenplay by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire. Grant Curtis, Palak Patel, Josh Donen and Philip Steuer are serving as executive producers. “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013.

Source: Disney

Motivational Mondays: Comic Book Researcher Mara Whiteside

Starting today, the theme here on Bookishbelle is Motivational Mondays, where I interview the people I've met online who motivate and inspire me through their career choices and adventurous lives. When I came up with this idea, I knew the first person I wanted to formally talk with was my dear friend Mara Whiteside. Mara and I became fast friends at the end of last year as a result of discussing The Hobbit movie on Twitter. Since then we constantly text about our geek filled lives and she has given me tremendous advice & support every time I have needed it.

Mara is a terribly fascinating person. She is currently a Psychology Doctoral Student at the University of Central Arkansas where one of her topics of research is how comic books and graphic novels can be educational and therapeutic to children. She is also the comic section editor at NerdSpan, a writer for various sites, and an avid comic book collector as well as cosplayer. 

I still have this issue!
It's my mom's copy,
seeing as mine was
destroyed by youthful
enthusiasm

Z: What was the first comic book you read that really meant something to you?

M: I was lucky growing up. I had a mom who collected, read, and shared her comic books (to a certain extent) with her grubby-handed kids. I don’t really remember a time where I wasn’t exposed, in one format or another, to comic books or the heroes featured in them. I do remember one comic in particular that, for whatever reason, meant something to me as a kid. 

Mom would take us to the comic book shop so she could pick up her issues. Every once in a while, we were allowed to pick out a comic book to read. One time, I followed her lead and picked up a Supergirl comic book. The cover was awesome! It had a #1 on the cover! My mom was reading it! I had my own copy! It was the perfect storm. Never mind that I had no idea what was going on in the issue (trust me – I read that comic book over and over when I was young; it was beyond my 7-year-old comprehension). I don’t think it was the content of the comic that meant a lot to me. Rather, I’d say it was the opportunity to have my own fun reading material that mimicked my mom’s preferences.

Z: Could you go into detail about your research process and what you’re interested in knowing more about?

M: I am currently working on my doctorate in school psychology, so I tend to look at comics from an educational perspective. I’ve read countless articles and books about the reading practices in schools and the inability of students to love and understand what they read (for those interested, I recommend Kelly Gallagher’s Readicide as a starting point). It’s a shame that so many students are losing their love of reading because course requirements do not reflect their developmental stage or cognitive abilities. I mean, most of the high school required reading was originally written for adult readers. Teenagers are at a disadvantage cognitively at the get-go. Rarely do readers find these books enjoyable and seek out more reading after graduation.

 As a student, I aim to empirically support the use of reading material that meets students where they are and teach the techniques they need for more advanced reading. All the while, I hope to be able to inspire students to develop a taste for reading. My dissertation will be looking at how graphic novels, used as a supplement in a classroom, can increase reading comprehension and motivation to read. In the meantime, I like doing side projects that have something to do with the therapy process in general.

Last year, a colleague (Allen Thomas, @80Grey) and I presented research on gender differences in a comic book shop and a content analysis of female comic book characters. The reception was amazing, especially considering it was a psychology conference. This year, we will be talking about transportation (readers’ ability to connect and become part the stories they read) differences between comic books and text-only narrative. The idea behind the transportation study is to provide an empirical foundation for support of graphic novels and comic books in bibliotherapy. In short, I look at the educational and therapeutic applications of comic books and graphic novels.

The proposal issue!
I'll be getting it framed soon

Z: Not too long ago you were given a pretty awesome wedding proposal, how did your fiancé, Matt, pull it off?

M: It was adorable. He had been secretly collecting comic book issues featuring weddings for weeks. One Wednesday, I was bombarded with wedding comic books everywhere I went. My car, my office, my comic book stores, my apartment…It all cumulated with Fantastic Four Annual #3, the wedding of Sue Storm and Reed Richards. Then he asked if I would be the Sue Storm to his Reed Richards. Afterwards, we ate pizza and played Mortal Kombat. 

Z: What three comic books would you recommend people to check out? 

M: That’s a hard one. There are so many great issues out there! All of these are going to be series or runs because it’s way to hard to narrow down to one issue! First, check out Terry Moore’s Rachel Rising. It’s a great horror/suspense comic that features women. The first two volumes are out, but I recommend buying it month to month. It’s a smaller publisher, so YOUR DOLLAR COUNTS!

Next, read Bryan Q. Miller’s Batgirl run. There are 24 issues, and you can find them on ComiXology. If you only want to read one, I recommend giving issue #17 a try. It will steal your heart. Finally, look at Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Captain Marvel. It is so nice to see solo and team female books revitalized in the Marvel company. After X-23 was cancelled, I nearly lost it. Marvel’s decision to green-light Captain Marvel, Red She-Hulk, Fearless Defenders, X-Men, and Uncanny X-Force (an equal balance of men and women!) is the best decision that company could make. I am a sucker for Marvel women, and I will throw my money at any book that features them. Now, if we could just get Spider-Woman her own series again…

Mara & Matt
cosplaying as Zatanna & Constantine

You can find Mara on the Internet at the places linked below. (I must mention that when I asked her to send me links, she first emailed me pictures of Link from Zelda. This is why we are friends.)

Where I am the section editor for Comics!

http://talkingcomicbooks.com/author/mwhiteside/

Where I write comic book reviews!

http://www.misfortunecookie.ca/author/marawhiteside/

Where I write about books!
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8946242-mara

Because I’m a book nerd, I want to chat about graphic novels & books with you!  https://twitter.com/MarvelousMaraW

Do you have friends that you think are inspiring and deserve to have more exposer online? Recommend someone for future Motivational Mondays in the comments below or email me at zoe@bookishbelle.com