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Tori | 30+ | she/her | fanfic writer & reader (AO3 booksong) | fiction omnivore | MLIS student | megane, sports anime, & polyshipping enthusiast |
Merch haul from Anime NYC! I had a blast and was delighted to find some fantastic stuff from underrepresented series faves like runwind and Yona. Also ended up with a new and very ‘me’ deskmat hehe
August 26, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Merch haul from Anime NYC! I had a blast and was delighted to find some fantastic stuff from underrepresented series faves like runwind and Yona. Also ended up with a new and very ‘me’ deskmat hehe
i know everyone is (rightfully) hyped about a ton of big anime series this summer, but if you're a fan of shoujo or cute shows in general, PLEASE do not overlook Betrothed to My Sister's Ex, feat. a sweet but not twee heroine finding her self-esteem, and the most adorable simp of a love interest
July 19, 2025 at 1:17 AM
i know everyone is (rightfully) hyped about a ton of big anime series this summer, but if you're a fan of shoujo or cute shows in general, PLEASE do not overlook Betrothed to My Sister's Ex, feat. a sweet but not twee heroine finding her self-esteem, and the most adorable simp of a love interest
caught the new naoko yamada movie on a whim and it was so good?? wonderful movie to start the year with; it’s lovely in both visuals and heart and the characters are a DELIGHT. also strong polyship vibes if you like wearing those goggles the way I do!
January 26, 2025 at 10:56 PM
caught the new naoko yamada movie on a whim and it was so good?? wonderful movie to start the year with; it’s lovely in both visuals and heart and the characters are a DELIGHT. also strong polyship vibes if you like wearing those goggles the way I do!
SHOUSHIMIN: HOW TO BECOME ORDINARY
This one's not for everyone--based on another novel by the author of Hyouka, this meandering, low stakes anime leans heavily on the interesting direction, deliciously animated desserts, and the impenetrability of its two MCs and their strange codependency.
This one's not for everyone--based on another novel by the author of Hyouka, this meandering, low stakes anime leans heavily on the interesting direction, deliciously animated desserts, and the impenetrability of its two MCs and their strange codependency.
January 2, 2025 at 11:42 PM
SHOUSHIMIN: HOW TO BECOME ORDINARY
This one's not for everyone--based on another novel by the author of Hyouka, this meandering, low stakes anime leans heavily on the interesting direction, deliciously animated desserts, and the impenetrability of its two MCs and their strange codependency.
This one's not for everyone--based on another novel by the author of Hyouka, this meandering, low stakes anime leans heavily on the interesting direction, deliciously animated desserts, and the impenetrability of its two MCs and their strange codependency.
WIND BREAKER
Do you like the dynamics and rivalries of sports anime? Do you also like delinquents with hearts of gold and a sense of justice? HERE IS YOUR ANIME. What can I say, I love all these dumb boys so so much, and Cloverworks did a fantastic job with the action animation and sound design.
Do you like the dynamics and rivalries of sports anime? Do you also like delinquents with hearts of gold and a sense of justice? HERE IS YOUR ANIME. What can I say, I love all these dumb boys so so much, and Cloverworks did a fantastic job with the action animation and sound design.
January 2, 2025 at 11:26 PM
WIND BREAKER
Do you like the dynamics and rivalries of sports anime? Do you also like delinquents with hearts of gold and a sense of justice? HERE IS YOUR ANIME. What can I say, I love all these dumb boys so so much, and Cloverworks did a fantastic job with the action animation and sound design.
Do you like the dynamics and rivalries of sports anime? Do you also like delinquents with hearts of gold and a sense of justice? HERE IS YOUR ANIME. What can I say, I love all these dumb boys so so much, and Cloverworks did a fantastic job with the action animation and sound design.
DANDADAN
Sorry but I can't NOT include this one, no matter how obvious. Packed with explosive and dynamic animation, shameless insanity, and character chemistry I (and many others) have been helpless to resist, this really does deserve every bit of its hype in my opinion.
Sorry but I can't NOT include this one, no matter how obvious. Packed with explosive and dynamic animation, shameless insanity, and character chemistry I (and many others) have been helpless to resist, this really does deserve every bit of its hype in my opinion.
January 2, 2025 at 11:09 PM
DANDADAN
Sorry but I can't NOT include this one, no matter how obvious. Packed with explosive and dynamic animation, shameless insanity, and character chemistry I (and many others) have been helpless to resist, this really does deserve every bit of its hype in my opinion.
Sorry but I can't NOT include this one, no matter how obvious. Packed with explosive and dynamic animation, shameless insanity, and character chemistry I (and many others) have been helpless to resist, this really does deserve every bit of its hype in my opinion.
ORB: ON THE MOVEMENTS OF THE EARTH
In our current time, this tense and beautiful historical drama, about a succession of citizen scientists researching heliocentrism in the face of Church doctrine, is even more powerful than normal. And it's still airing (though confined to Netflix), so go jump in!
In our current time, this tense and beautiful historical drama, about a succession of citizen scientists researching heliocentrism in the face of Church doctrine, is even more powerful than normal. And it's still airing (though confined to Netflix), so go jump in!
January 2, 2025 at 10:51 PM
ORB: ON THE MOVEMENTS OF THE EARTH
In our current time, this tense and beautiful historical drama, about a succession of citizen scientists researching heliocentrism in the face of Church doctrine, is even more powerful than normal. And it's still airing (though confined to Netflix), so go jump in!
In our current time, this tense and beautiful historical drama, about a succession of citizen scientists researching heliocentrism in the face of Church doctrine, is even more powerful than normal. And it's still airing (though confined to Netflix), so go jump in!
SENPAI IS AN OTOKONOKO
Super moving and thoughtful series about high schooler Makoto negotiating their gender identity, with the help of two friends--bubbly Saki who is sorting through much more complicated feelings underneath, and childhood friend Ryuji, who's been in love with Makoto for years.
Super moving and thoughtful series about high schooler Makoto negotiating their gender identity, with the help of two friends--bubbly Saki who is sorting through much more complicated feelings underneath, and childhood friend Ryuji, who's been in love with Makoto for years.
January 2, 2025 at 10:37 PM
SENPAI IS AN OTOKONOKO
Super moving and thoughtful series about high schooler Makoto negotiating their gender identity, with the help of two friends--bubbly Saki who is sorting through much more complicated feelings underneath, and childhood friend Ryuji, who's been in love with Makoto for years.
Super moving and thoughtful series about high schooler Makoto negotiating their gender identity, with the help of two friends--bubbly Saki who is sorting through much more complicated feelings underneath, and childhood friend Ryuji, who's been in love with Makoto for years.
YATAGARASU
Possibly the most Tori-coded show of 2024, the complex worldbuilding, excellently paced court intrigue, and fantasy elements (the characters shapeshift into RAVENS) kept me glued to it every week. There's action, betrayal and scheming, and wonderfully fleshed out relationships all around
Possibly the most Tori-coded show of 2024, the complex worldbuilding, excellently paced court intrigue, and fantasy elements (the characters shapeshift into RAVENS) kept me glued to it every week. There's action, betrayal and scheming, and wonderfully fleshed out relationships all around
January 2, 2025 at 9:14 PM
YATAGARASU
Possibly the most Tori-coded show of 2024, the complex worldbuilding, excellently paced court intrigue, and fantasy elements (the characters shapeshift into RAVENS) kept me glued to it every week. There's action, betrayal and scheming, and wonderfully fleshed out relationships all around
Possibly the most Tori-coded show of 2024, the complex worldbuilding, excellently paced court intrigue, and fantasy elements (the characters shapeshift into RAVENS) kept me glued to it every week. There's action, betrayal and scheming, and wonderfully fleshed out relationships all around
THE CONCIERGE
Ok this one's actually a movie, but it's an absolute delight! Being a department store concierge for animals may bring its own challenges, but this is a super relatable portrait of customer service and kindness, with fantastic designs and an uplifting message.
Ok this one's actually a movie, but it's an absolute delight! Being a department store concierge for animals may bring its own challenges, but this is a super relatable portrait of customer service and kindness, with fantastic designs and an uplifting message.
January 2, 2025 at 8:33 PM
THE CONCIERGE
Ok this one's actually a movie, but it's an absolute delight! Being a department store concierge for animals may bring its own challenges, but this is a super relatable portrait of customer service and kindness, with fantastic designs and an uplifting message.
Ok this one's actually a movie, but it's an absolute delight! Being a department store concierge for animals may bring its own challenges, but this is a super relatable portrait of customer service and kindness, with fantastic designs and an uplifting message.
TOO MANY LOSING HEROINES
This joins my list of shows that LOOK like harem/fanservice series, but have the writing chops and character animation to actually be much more. There's a lot of solid discussion of teenage romance, communication, and genuinely funny hijinks (with also some fanservice, yes)
This joins my list of shows that LOOK like harem/fanservice series, but have the writing chops and character animation to actually be much more. There's a lot of solid discussion of teenage romance, communication, and genuinely funny hijinks (with also some fanservice, yes)
January 2, 2025 at 8:24 PM
TOO MANY LOSING HEROINES
This joins my list of shows that LOOK like harem/fanservice series, but have the writing chops and character animation to actually be much more. There's a lot of solid discussion of teenage romance, communication, and genuinely funny hijinks (with also some fanservice, yes)
This joins my list of shows that LOOK like harem/fanservice series, but have the writing chops and character animation to actually be much more. There's a lot of solid discussion of teenage romance, communication, and genuinely funny hijinks (with also some fanservice, yes)
THE ELUSIVE SAMURAI
If you can handle frequent tonal swerves from wacky comedy to devastating violence (this is the Assassination Classroom mangaka's work), this is a gorgeous and colorful historical 'AU,' with an underdog hero whose greatest strength is his love of running away from conflict.
If you can handle frequent tonal swerves from wacky comedy to devastating violence (this is the Assassination Classroom mangaka's work), this is a gorgeous and colorful historical 'AU,' with an underdog hero whose greatest strength is his love of running away from conflict.
January 2, 2025 at 8:07 PM
THE ELUSIVE SAMURAI
If you can handle frequent tonal swerves from wacky comedy to devastating violence (this is the Assassination Classroom mangaka's work), this is a gorgeous and colorful historical 'AU,' with an underdog hero whose greatest strength is his love of running away from conflict.
If you can handle frequent tonal swerves from wacky comedy to devastating violence (this is the Assassination Classroom mangaka's work), this is a gorgeous and colorful historical 'AU,' with an underdog hero whose greatest strength is his love of running away from conflict.
A SIGN OF AFFECTION
Probably my favorite shoujo anime of the year, this is beautifully directed and animated, has leads with great chemistry and believable relationship dynamics, and depicts deafness in accurate, respectful, and non-infantilizing ways.
Probably my favorite shoujo anime of the year, this is beautifully directed and animated, has leads with great chemistry and believable relationship dynamics, and depicts deafness in accurate, respectful, and non-infantilizing ways.
January 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
A SIGN OF AFFECTION
Probably my favorite shoujo anime of the year, this is beautifully directed and animated, has leads with great chemistry and believable relationship dynamics, and depicts deafness in accurate, respectful, and non-infantilizing ways.
Probably my favorite shoujo anime of the year, this is beautifully directed and animated, has leads with great chemistry and believable relationship dynamics, and depicts deafness in accurate, respectful, and non-infantilizing ways.
DOPPELGANGER - Naomi Klein
What starts out as an annoying mistake--the author being confused for far-right Naomi Wolf--leads to a much deeper examination of how we construct our identities online, and all the ways people can slide so seamlessly from left to right, or from reason to conspiracy.
What starts out as an annoying mistake--the author being confused for far-right Naomi Wolf--leads to a much deeper examination of how we construct our identities online, and all the ways people can slide so seamlessly from left to right, or from reason to conspiracy.
January 2, 2025 at 1:21 AM
DOPPELGANGER - Naomi Klein
What starts out as an annoying mistake--the author being confused for far-right Naomi Wolf--leads to a much deeper examination of how we construct our identities online, and all the ways people can slide so seamlessly from left to right, or from reason to conspiracy.
What starts out as an annoying mistake--the author being confused for far-right Naomi Wolf--leads to a much deeper examination of how we construct our identities online, and all the ways people can slide so seamlessly from left to right, or from reason to conspiracy.
ICARUS - K. Ancrum
Ancrum has some of my favorite prose ever, and this story of a boy raised as his father's revenge and protégé was just as good as her previous books. Weaving together trauma, the world of art restoration, and the way our bonds with others rescue us, this is really one-of-a-kind.
Ancrum has some of my favorite prose ever, and this story of a boy raised as his father's revenge and protégé was just as good as her previous books. Weaving together trauma, the world of art restoration, and the way our bonds with others rescue us, this is really one-of-a-kind.
January 2, 2025 at 1:16 AM
ICARUS - K. Ancrum
Ancrum has some of my favorite prose ever, and this story of a boy raised as his father's revenge and protégé was just as good as her previous books. Weaving together trauma, the world of art restoration, and the way our bonds with others rescue us, this is really one-of-a-kind.
Ancrum has some of my favorite prose ever, and this story of a boy raised as his father's revenge and protégé was just as good as her previous books. Weaving together trauma, the world of art restoration, and the way our bonds with others rescue us, this is really one-of-a-kind.
PREQUEL - Rachel Maddow
A book-length expansion of a podcast the author wrote and produced, Prequel deep-dives into exactly how close the U.S. skirted to fascism leading up to WWII, and how ominously it mirrors current events. Turns out a lot of the rhetoric was always coming from inside the house!
A book-length expansion of a podcast the author wrote and produced, Prequel deep-dives into exactly how close the U.S. skirted to fascism leading up to WWII, and how ominously it mirrors current events. Turns out a lot of the rhetoric was always coming from inside the house!
January 1, 2025 at 11:51 PM
PREQUEL - Rachel Maddow
A book-length expansion of a podcast the author wrote and produced, Prequel deep-dives into exactly how close the U.S. skirted to fascism leading up to WWII, and how ominously it mirrors current events. Turns out a lot of the rhetoric was always coming from inside the house!
A book-length expansion of a podcast the author wrote and produced, Prequel deep-dives into exactly how close the U.S. skirted to fascism leading up to WWII, and how ominously it mirrors current events. Turns out a lot of the rhetoric was always coming from inside the house!
LONG LIVE EVIL - Sarah Rees Brennan
My favorite book of the year; rather than tell a generic isekai villain tale, it genuinely interrogates the tropes and appeal of villainy, expertly balancing banter and pathos. It's hilarious, heartbreaking, and I think most of my friends on here would LOVE it.
My favorite book of the year; rather than tell a generic isekai villain tale, it genuinely interrogates the tropes and appeal of villainy, expertly balancing banter and pathos. It's hilarious, heartbreaking, and I think most of my friends on here would LOVE it.
January 1, 2025 at 11:44 PM
LONG LIVE EVIL - Sarah Rees Brennan
My favorite book of the year; rather than tell a generic isekai villain tale, it genuinely interrogates the tropes and appeal of villainy, expertly balancing banter and pathos. It's hilarious, heartbreaking, and I think most of my friends on here would LOVE it.
My favorite book of the year; rather than tell a generic isekai villain tale, it genuinely interrogates the tropes and appeal of villainy, expertly balancing banter and pathos. It's hilarious, heartbreaking, and I think most of my friends on here would LOVE it.
UNMASK ALICE - Rick Emerson
I actually never read Go Ask Alice, but as a teen and a bookstore employee it was inescapable. This was an insane and fascinating deep dive into how one ambitious, shameless author shaped the conversation on drugs and teen culture panics, and basically got away with it.
I actually never read Go Ask Alice, but as a teen and a bookstore employee it was inescapable. This was an insane and fascinating deep dive into how one ambitious, shameless author shaped the conversation on drugs and teen culture panics, and basically got away with it.
January 1, 2025 at 11:35 PM
UNMASK ALICE - Rick Emerson
I actually never read Go Ask Alice, but as a teen and a bookstore employee it was inescapable. This was an insane and fascinating deep dive into how one ambitious, shameless author shaped the conversation on drugs and teen culture panics, and basically got away with it.
I actually never read Go Ask Alice, but as a teen and a bookstore employee it was inescapable. This was an insane and fascinating deep dive into how one ambitious, shameless author shaped the conversation on drugs and teen culture panics, and basically got away with it.
THE ILIAD - Homer, translation by Emily Wilson
The internet is currently fighting over Wilson's Odyssey (which I read last year), but I haven't seen much about her Iliad yet! I really enjoyed not only the translation but her extensive footnotes and commentary on the themes and historical context.
The internet is currently fighting over Wilson's Odyssey (which I read last year), but I haven't seen much about her Iliad yet! I really enjoyed not only the translation but her extensive footnotes and commentary on the themes and historical context.
January 1, 2025 at 11:32 PM
THE ILIAD - Homer, translation by Emily Wilson
The internet is currently fighting over Wilson's Odyssey (which I read last year), but I haven't seen much about her Iliad yet! I really enjoyed not only the translation but her extensive footnotes and commentary on the themes and historical context.
The internet is currently fighting over Wilson's Odyssey (which I read last year), but I haven't seen much about her Iliad yet! I really enjoyed not only the translation but her extensive footnotes and commentary on the themes and historical context.
HOW TO HIDE AN EMPIRE - Daniel Immerwahr
Add this to the long list of books giving me a better U.S. history education--this book goes far beyond just Puerto Rico to examine all of the territories, colonies, and bases America has claimed over the years, from guano islands to the entire Philippines.
Add this to the long list of books giving me a better U.S. history education--this book goes far beyond just Puerto Rico to examine all of the territories, colonies, and bases America has claimed over the years, from guano islands to the entire Philippines.
January 1, 2025 at 11:26 PM
HOW TO HIDE AN EMPIRE - Daniel Immerwahr
Add this to the long list of books giving me a better U.S. history education--this book goes far beyond just Puerto Rico to examine all of the territories, colonies, and bases America has claimed over the years, from guano islands to the entire Philippines.
Add this to the long list of books giving me a better U.S. history education--this book goes far beyond just Puerto Rico to examine all of the territories, colonies, and bases America has claimed over the years, from guano islands to the entire Philippines.
THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS - Stephen Graham Jones
I am not a big horror fan, but the way this novel is deeply steeped in an indigenous perspective made its atmospheric and spiritual horror really stick with me. I felt like the first third was the strongest, but it locked me in all the way through.
I am not a big horror fan, but the way this novel is deeply steeped in an indigenous perspective made its atmospheric and spiritual horror really stick with me. I felt like the first third was the strongest, but it locked me in all the way through.
January 1, 2025 at 11:20 PM
THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS - Stephen Graham Jones
I am not a big horror fan, but the way this novel is deeply steeped in an indigenous perspective made its atmospheric and spiritual horror really stick with me. I felt like the first third was the strongest, but it locked me in all the way through.
I am not a big horror fan, but the way this novel is deeply steeped in an indigenous perspective made its atmospheric and spiritual horror really stick with me. I felt like the first third was the strongest, but it locked me in all the way through.
FILTERWORLD - Kyle Chayka
I read several books this year on how weird and disorienting our world feels and why, and this was one of the most eye-opening. From the way algorithms are subtly shaping coffee shops décor to the content-ification of creativity, there's deep dives into all of it here.
I read several books this year on how weird and disorienting our world feels and why, and this was one of the most eye-opening. From the way algorithms are subtly shaping coffee shops décor to the content-ification of creativity, there's deep dives into all of it here.
January 1, 2025 at 11:11 PM
FILTERWORLD - Kyle Chayka
I read several books this year on how weird and disorienting our world feels and why, and this was one of the most eye-opening. From the way algorithms are subtly shaping coffee shops décor to the content-ification of creativity, there's deep dives into all of it here.
I read several books this year on how weird and disorienting our world feels and why, and this was one of the most eye-opening. From the way algorithms are subtly shaping coffee shops décor to the content-ification of creativity, there's deep dives into all of it here.
ANCILLARY JUSTICE - Ann Leckie
I will admit it took me quite a while to get into this book, but once I did I ended up reading the other two in the trilogy right after. From interesting treatments of gender to sharp commentary on colonialism, identity, and love, this is solid speculative sci-fi.
I will admit it took me quite a while to get into this book, but once I did I ended up reading the other two in the trilogy right after. From interesting treatments of gender to sharp commentary on colonialism, identity, and love, this is solid speculative sci-fi.
January 1, 2025 at 11:06 PM
ANCILLARY JUSTICE - Ann Leckie
I will admit it took me quite a while to get into this book, but once I did I ended up reading the other two in the trilogy right after. From interesting treatments of gender to sharp commentary on colonialism, identity, and love, this is solid speculative sci-fi.
I will admit it took me quite a while to get into this book, but once I did I ended up reading the other two in the trilogy right after. From interesting treatments of gender to sharp commentary on colonialism, identity, and love, this is solid speculative sci-fi.
Happy New Year from the west coast!! It sure doesn’t always end up happening, but here is traditional New Year Oreki once again with the wish for myself and all of you too.
January 1, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Happy New Year from the west coast!! It sure doesn’t always end up happening, but here is traditional New Year Oreki once again with the wish for myself and all of you too.
i could try to tell you that the reason i'll be watching 'the magical girl and the evil lieutenant used to be archenemies' this season is because it's a fluffy, silly half-ep-length good time with lovely animation, but let's be real it's because someone laser-targeted this dork at me
July 10, 2024 at 1:16 AM
i could try to tell you that the reason i'll be watching 'the magical girl and the evil lieutenant used to be archenemies' this season is because it's a fluffy, silly half-ep-length good time with lovely animation, but let's be real it's because someone laser-targeted this dork at me