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8 Nights of Hanukkah Reading
It is Hanukkah time again, which means that everyone is struggling to find the best gifts possible for those special people. While it is easy to fall back on the ever famous classics like socks and gift cards, why not spend this year’s celebration giving out hours of entertainment at a low, low cost. No doubt everyone reading this article loves to read, so here is a list of eight books by eight of the best Jewish writers to celebrate the holiday.
Posted by David Winnick
Quirk Corral: Obamas’ Book Haul and The Great Spaceship Debate
Image Credit: GeekTyrant
Here at Quirk we’ve spent the week searching the internet for the best bookish, geeky, and crafty links. Whether you are looking for lit picks from the First Family, the latest info on Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, or the definitive guide to British desserts, we’re sure to have something to make your day a little brighter.
Posted by Jennifer Morell
Our Favorite Magical Pets in Literature
These aren't your average puppies and kittens, no, here are six of the best, most magical animal friends a kid could ask for. And I hope you all appreciate the supreme effort I’m making not to populate this list entirely with unicorns.
Posted by Alyssa Favreau
Black Friday: An Faux Anthropological Study
“Yea, for tonight though we feast, tomorrow we prepare for eternity… and shopping!” – Tall Pilgrim
Posted by Margaret Dunham
A Playlist for Severus Snape
At first glance, Professor Severus Snape is an intimidating, sarcastic, unfriendly, and stern man. But don’t be fooled; his frosty exterior hides a passionate heart and noble intentions. One of J.K. Rowling’s more complex, layered characters, he evolves from anti-hero to full-on hero during the course of her books. Which makes him worthy of a playlist in our book.
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” – The Animals
Throughout much of the Harry Potter series, Snape is painted as a villainous character. Harry himself believes the professor has nefarious intentions. Most of the Hogwarts folks don’t realize that, despite his sour attitude, deep down, Severus means well.
“Baby, do you understand me now?
Sometimes I feel a little mad
But don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel
When things go wrong I feel real bad”
“Spellbound” – AC/DC
Since few people know of Snape’s noble intentions, this is the track he cranks up when he gets tired of being perceived in such a negative light.
“I can't do nothin' right
I never sleep at night
Can't even start a fight
My feet have left the ground
Spinnin' round and round
Spellbound”
“Nobody Loves Me” – Bryan Ferry
The title speaks for itself. Severus may not seem like the kind of man who would throw himself a pity party, but every once in a while even he’s going to need a serious wallow. This song, whose upbeat tempo belies its self-pitying theme, is just what he needs in those moments.
“Bad Reputation” – Freedy Johnston
It’s safe to say Professor Snape isn’t one of the most beloved teachers at Hogwarts. His motives are often questioned and people assume the worst of him, which can’t be fun.
“I know I got a bad reputation
and it isn't just talk, talk, talk
If I could only give you everything
You know I haven't got”
“Only You” – Yaz
This melodic, bittersweet song of lost love always makes Snape think of Lily Potter, the girl who got away.
“All I needed was the love you gave
All I needed for another day
And all I ever knew
Only you”
“Love Secret Domain” – The Immortal Coil
When Snape needs to go to a darker place, this track helps. A melodic interpretation of Coil’s more sinister original, this song has a dark, wistful passion to it.
“In little children's heavy heads
My dreams erupt while in my bed
Innocence is dripping red”
“Promise” – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Severus is a man of secrets, one who kept his word to Dumbledore, fulfilling the headmaster’s request to sacrifice him. This tune, full of melancholy and resolution, reminds him of that difficult time.
“The vision softly fades
But there's a light that still remains
And in these walls I feel your sadness wane
But in a moment you'll feel no pain”
“Soul in Isolation” – The Chameleons
Being Severus Snape can be a lonely business. When he lets his guard down in private and allows for a true moment of vulnerability and trepidation at whether he will be successful in his role defeating Voldemort, this tune echoes his solitude and concern.
“Will I live to see his face
Will others come to take my place
In total isolation
Surrounded by fears
Too many crowds
Too many tears”
“Something I Can Never Have” – Nine Inch Nails
Severus was never able to win the heart of Lily Potter, and he's been haunted by that loss ever since. This anthem of longing and unattainability resonates with the professor.
Posted by Margarita Montimore
NaNoWriMo Exercises to Help You Finish Strong
With only a few days left of NaNoWriMo, the exhaustion is probably setting in (unless you’re one of those barbarians superstars who's already finished. These last days will be an adventure for your mind and hands, and we're looking out for both. Here are time-efficient "exercises" to make sure you stay in mental and phalangeal tip-top shape, so you can finish out strong and WRITE THAT NOVEL.
The Chomp
Place your hands together as if you're holding a burger. Now hold a burger and take a bite. Writing is a serious business and you need the protein. Pro-tip: If burgers aren't your thing, pick a food inspired by one of your characters to help you plot while you eat!
Finger Stretches
You've probably experienced your fair share of finger fatigue this month. If your digits start cramping up, you might want to try a nifty finger stretching app like this one. Or, take the time to pause and really ponder what's next for your characters.
The Imbibe
Curl your hands as if you're holding a glass. Struggling with the proper form? We are too—that's why we recommend trying this one with an actual glass of wine, for motivation.
Nuke It
Place your food of choice in the microwave, and press start. You're probably full of noveling stress, so you might want to have a mini-dance party while it's cooking to clear your head.
Halo Time
Pull out that wallet and make a donation to the Office of Letters and Light. You'll feel good, and good feelings make good novels, right?
These are just a few of the things you can do to hold on to your sanity for a couple more days and write that 50,000th word. If you're really struggling, join other writers in your area by attending a write-in! Alternatively, you can become a hermit for a few days and stick with Written? Kitten! to help you stay on track. You can also see if there are NaNo-related socials or events in your region to help keep your motivation levels high.
For more inspiration, check out our previous post, A Round-Up of Tools to Help You Finish Your #NaNoWriMo Novel. Happy noveling!
Posted by Marsha Auguste
