I came home from a poop day at work to a book exchange package from Katie (faintingviolet) and it made my day. I legit squealed when I opened the first book and saw Wishful Drinking. And I’ve been meaning to read Austenland and start Sandman for yearrrrs. (Although, I will confess that I’m actually super intimidated to start Sandman.)
Thank you so much, Katie! And thank you for organizing this beautimous tradition.
This really is the most wonderful time of the year!
I can’t wait to hear what you think about Sandman, I’ve always thought about starting it, but like you said, have been a bit too intimidated!
I seriously get so happy when I see somebody’s posted about their book exchange gifts!
Sandman is amazing. It’s a truly wonderful series, but some of the art in the early volumes of the series is very 90s, and I would say don’t judge it entirely on Preludes and Nocturnes if you’re not loving it right away. My first volume was Fables and Reflections, an anthology collection fairly late in the series, but it gives such a perfect introduction to Sandman and the Endless. I forget how old I was, probably sixteen or seventeen. It was an absolute revelation. I also remember being a bit disappointed when then getting Preludes and Nocturnes, but I also know you like starting things at the beginning.
The series has its ups and downs, but overall, it’s such a wonderful story and I still adore even the bits that are less than great. Some of the art throughout the series isn’t entirely to my taste, but the writing is superb throughout.
I think I will probably end up liking it quite a bit. The art isn’t really to my taste because it’s very 80s/90s, but the version Katie got me is the recolored one, so it’s a little more updated in terms of style than the original version. I was flipping through it, and it’s very striking looking. But I’m sure the story will suck me in and I won’t care either way.
You are welcome! *continues singing Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year*