Our Blog
What Your Dad Should Read Based on the Character He’s Most Like
[Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash]
Ever watch a movie or show and come across a character that just screams your dad? Maybe your father figure is an Uncle Phil type (strict, but encouraging and loving). Maybe he’s more like the Mad Hatter (an avid tea drinker with curious inclinations).
No matter the character your father figure reminds you of, for this Father's Day, we're recommending books based off of the pop figure your dad most resembles.
Posted by Gabrielle Bujak
Memorable Pop Culture Smiles
[Image by Kranich17 on Pixabay]
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile!” cheers the eponymous song from Broadway’s Annie, and pop culture is certainly filled with memorable characters who just can’t stop cheesin’. Some smiles are broad, others quiet and mischievous. Some smilers are clever tricksters and others are insecure middle schoolers, but regardless of style, we’re rounding up all of the most memorable mandibles in pop culture!
Mona Lisa, Leonardo DaVinci
The Mona Lisa is perhaps one of the most well known and beloved portraits ever created, and the most entrancing thing about her is the subtle smile she wears. Historians, novelists, conspiracy theorists, and art lovers alike have all speculated on what the significance of her quirked smile, though the truth may remain forever a mystery. Either way, no one can talk about memorable smiles without thinking of this classic masterpiece.
Cheshire Cat, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
If there ever were a grin that exemplified kookiness and smugness in one sinister smile, it would be the toothy smirk of the Cheshire Cat from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. “We’re all mad here,” is his teasing refrain as he teleports from branch to branch, offering so-called wisdom, all the while confusing poor Alice more and more.
The Grinch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Grinch’s malevolent, Christmas-stealing-smile is perhaps one of the most GIFed images on the internet. It’s slow and sinister upward curl is iconic in the truest sense of the word. The only thing more impressive than this animated heart-freezing grin is the fact that Jim Carey, who played the Grinch in the live action version released in 2000, can actually make the face in real life!
The Joker, Batman
“Let’s put a smile on that face!” cackles the Joker in almost every adaptation of the classic character, another example of a crazed smiler. The nefarious clown has more backstories for his smile than he does teeth, but the ambiguity of his smile doesn’t make it any less terrifying. Whether he’s frustrating and bamboozling Batman in the movies or on the page, this comic criminal is one of our favorites.
Pac-Man
If you’ve ever played an arcade game in your life (and even if you haven’t) you’ve probably seen the incredible chomping jaws of Pac-Man racing towards a blue and white ghost, or perhaps a juicy bonus fruit. When you’ve got a smile that takes up half your face, you’d want to show it off too! Pac-Man has been grinning and gaming since the 1980’s and is still going strong with more than thirty licensed game appearances to his name.
Stanley Ipkiss, The Mask
Stanley Ipkiss is the average-Joe banker who stumbles across a supernatural mask that grants its wearers superpowers in The Mask series of comics and movies. The mask in question gives its wearer not just superpowers, but also an enduring smile that leers at the viewer, no matter the tone of the scene. This is also another nod the incredible facial muscles of Jim Carey, as he played the hapless-turned-hokey Ipkiss in the 1994 film adaptation.
Raina Telgemeier, Smile
Not everyone has a perfect smile… especially in middle school! Adolescence can be one of the hardest times to find a reason to smile, especially when your front two teeth are accidentally knocked out! Luckily, Raina Telgemeier’s award-winning graphic memoir Smile exists to help kids going through their own dental woes love their smiles too.
Toothless, How to Train Your Dragon
Nothing is cuter than Toothless from the How to Train Your Dragon movies. His smile is a little different from most of the others on this list, because instead of a mouthful of shiny choppers, he’s as gummy as his name suggests. But don’t let his adorable smile fool you – mess with him too much and his fangs will come out!
Which smile is your favorite? Tweet us at @quirkbooks to let us know!
Posted by Hannah Frank
The Literary Roles of Dev Patel
Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels
Dev Patel shot to fame thanks to the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, and since then, he’s starred in everything from action films to high drama to retirement comedy. Most recently, Patel has found himself at the center of casting controversy, thanks to his portrayal of David Copperfield. Many fans and critics applauded the decision to cast based on sheer charisma and talent, rather than race, but of course, a vocal minority was none too pleased about it.
However, there’s no doubt that Patel’s role has changed the way we look at classic literary characters (hopefully for the better), opening up future adaptations as well. In honor of the film, we’re taking a look at some of his other literary roles.
Posted by Rose Moore
We Bite: Buffy Vs. Other Vampires from Pop Culture
TV still from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
One of the most iconic TV shows to ever hit the air was the fantastic Buffy the Vampire Slayer starring Sarah Michelle Gellar in the titular role. This show was by far one of the most popular shows of its time, spawning its own well received spin off in Angel, and of course a slew of comic books, all of which met with acclaim. Still, throughout the series, Buffy fought an ever reproducing cadre of no name vampire foes. Some eventually left the ranks of irrelevant to become famous in their own right like Spike and The Master, but who really remembers the names of the thousands dusted along the way? Perhaps it is time to consider the outcomes of a Buffy fight against some real tough vampire foes.
Posted by David Winnick
How to Exercise Like You’re in a Training Montage
It's World Health Day, and even though we're #stayinghome to help flatten the curve, we can still exercise! Are you excited to start training like a soon-to-be-action star? Of course you are! And like any would-be hero/ine, you know exactly how to get there: an epic montage.
But what really goes into a great montage, and what do you need to know to get started? With these simple steps, you’ll be the best around in no time.
Special Trainer’s Note: Absolutely train like you’re in a montage, but always remember to stay safe, rest, and refuel/rehydrate as you do. These scenes are generally cut from the final montages, but they are crucial to succeeding in the long run and improving a little more every day.
Posted by Margaret Dunham
National Film Score Day: Book and Film Score Pairings
Photo from @kostyadyadyun on Unsplash.
Ever listen to a song and think, “Oh, wouldn't this fit perfectly with this book?" Whether you associate a song with a specific character, world, or book scene, it’s easy to get as lost in music as it is in a great read, especially when it comes to film scores. Usually relying on instruments and non-lyrical choir harmonies, scores are composed solely for the purpose of a movie, and because of that, often have an underlying narrative that’s vague but powerful enough to elicit specific emotions. They’re dramatic and moving, and applicable to the characters and worlds we love.
That’s why for National Film Score Day, we’re pairing some of our favorite movie scores (we physically had to restrain ourselves from including at least three Hans Zimmer scores) with their fitting book match. Click each song title to give them a listen on YouTube!
Posted by Gabrielle Bujak
