Over the Garden Wall.

Alright, so I have been debating doing this post for a while. Not for any particular reason, just because I didn't think anyone would be interested in reading about it. Now, I cannot help myself, I have become obsessed with Cartoon Networks mini series Over the Garden Wall.

Over the Garden Wall is about half brothers Wirt, and Greg (as well as Greg's frog) and their journey through the Unknown trying to get back home. Now, not to give too much away, but in the first episode the boys are warned of a monster simply called The Beast who lives in the woods. The ten episodes show Wirt and Greg's journey trying to find their way home and the people they meet.

At first glance this show isn't all that much. But if you watch it all the way through, you will find so many beautiful moments. The story is bitter sweet, and the characters are endearing, and the animation is beautiful. The series to me is like a fairy tale, folklore, Beatrix Potter mixed in with something out of either Neil Gaiman's head or Tim Burtons. I could honestly go on about this series for hours. But there is just so much to it.

I feel like this series has a lot to offer a wide range of audiences. It has some cute elements for children, darker moments and recognizable cast for the adults. But it also grows deeper than that. There is a mystery element, and a fantasy element, and a psychological element. And there is so much more.

The main protagonist Wirt is so relatable to me. He is awkward, and timid, and can't really talk to girls. But at the same time, he cares so much about those he interacts with on a personal level. And he is clever, and kind. Greg on the other hand is a big goof ball, but so intelligent in his own special way. He is cute, and charming and he just brings a smile to your face. Greg I believe is the braver of the two, and easily the more optimistic. Despite the dark elements of the show, Greg is always there to create some light moments.

Another important character is Beatrice the bluebird. And I love her so much. She is sassy, and driven, she is someone who knows what she wants. But she does take it too far, and I think that's what I love about her character. I don't want to give too much away, so all I'll say is this: she doesn't really do what's right until it's too late. It's hinted that she wants to, but she doesn't do anything about it. And for some strange reason, I adore that personal struggle with her character.

Finally, there isn't a good show without a good villain. And The Beast is terrifying! Even though we never see more than just an silhouette of The Beast, the design is just so creepy. There is very little that we as an audience know about The Beast. And personally, I think that makes him even scarier.

I cannot stop thinking about this show, and I recommend it to any one who just needs something new to watch. Over the Garden Wall is really a breath of fresh air.

September Favourites.

So, the first month of school has just flown by. And like most people, there are things that I have fallen in love with. So without further adieu, my first favourites list. I have no idea if I'll be doing these every month, but we'll see. And I will not be listing everything, but enough to have a decent list of things I love.

Alright, so I've been going back to some of my old interests. One of those being anime, and I have been watching a lot of anime this month. Actually over the last few months, but regardless, here are the shows I have fallen in love with.

Madoka Magica: This show is so cute, and so sweet, and ripped my heart out. The animation style is stunning, the story line is interesting, and it's just so amazing in so many different ways. There are three movies as well to go along with the series, however two of the movies are a compilation of the entire anime series. But the other movie is just heart breaking as well.

Attack on Titan: Now, when I first started it, I am not going to lie, I didn't like it that much. However, I continued watching episode after episode. It's safe to say the series has grown on me. The animation is again so beautiful to watch, and the story line is interesting and heart breaking. The one big drawback besides the gore is the series ended on a huge cliff hanger, and it won't be back for a while.

Devil is a Part Timer: I watched this after I finished Madoka Magica, and Attack on Titan, I needed something light and funny. This fit the bill perfectly. It's goofy, cute, has a bit of a dirty sense of humour, and the characters are so likeable. If you are looking for something silly, a little childish, but still fun I highly recommend The Devil is a Part Timer.

I figured I would add cartoons to this list, because there are two cartoons that I need to mention.
One is Gravity Falls. Gravity Falls is about twins Dipper and Mabel and their summer with their Great Uncle Stan in the sleepy town of Gravity Falls. This show is so intricate, and there are mysteries within the mysteries. The characters are funny, and relatable, the villains are surprisingly scary for a kids cartoon.

The second cartoon is a super short series called Over the Garden Wall. Now, I have watched bits of it before, but I could never find where to watch it. That was until now. I finished the whole series in the course of an evening. And I am so glad I did. The series is a little weird, but one has to expect that from Cartoon Network. But the story telling in this is beautiful, and is riddled with symbolism and so many deeper meanings. The Beast, the main villain of the story is terrifying. He is one of the most serious, scary villains I have seen in a show meant for kids.

For me, this wouldn't be a favourites list if I didn't include books. Now, I haven't been reading a lot, but that's because after I moved, I don't own many books now. But one that I did finish not that long ago was Steven Kings the Shining. This book was scary, and intriguing, and I had such a hard time putting it down. There is a reason this book is so iconic.

The final favourite I want to squeeze in here is the laptop case I bought at some anime store here in the city. It is a little small, but it's super durable, and I find myself taking it everywhere. Plus the Attack on Titan wings of freedom are nice touch.

Those are most of my favourites for this month, hopefully next month, I'll have more interesting things to write about. Tell me, what sort of things do you want me to blog about?

The Catcher in the Rye 101.

As I was finishing The Catcher in the Rye, I knew I wanted to write some sort of blog post about it. However, my challenge was in deciding if it was a book review, or a book discussion. As I am typing this, I realize I want this to be a little bit of both. So I am calling it The Catcher in the Rye 101.

The Catcher in the Rye is about a young boy named Holden Caulfield who has been kicked out of yet another school. Not much after that happens. Holden bums around New York City talking to various different people from various different point of their own lives.

This book is usually forced upon students in English class, so I can see why many don't like it. I however enjoyed it. It wasn't my favourite book of all time, but I still really liked it. Holden is at a stage in his life where he trying to come to terms with growing up. A theme that all of us I assume can relate to.

Holden doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, he doesn't know who he is, but all around him, everyone has everything all figured out. And he does not like it. I personally feel like Holden is one of the most relatable characters. We all have had feelings of being scared of being a failure, and not living up to the expectations put upon us.

Even though there isn't a lot of action in this book, the people that Holden meets, and talks to all give the reader a feeling of normality. It all feels like Holden is just going about his day, and we as the reader are along for the ride. It's a nice feeling to read something, and know in the back of your head that something huge isn't coming. But at the same time, the book does have a lot of slow elements to it. I found myself asking "who cares" at several points through the book.

So, do I recommend The Catcher in the Rye? Yes, I do, but I recommend it with an air of caution. Do not go into this book with huge expectations for profound realizations during your first read through. The Catcher in the Rye is a book that you do need to read more than once. But each time you read it, you do get something different out of it.

If you are interested in going more in-depth in themes, symbols, and the background, check out John Green's crash course videos about this book. Crash Course The Catcher in the Rye Part 1.