Setting

Calvin and Hobbs
These books were a godsend for a lonely, only child. I can’t think of a character I connected with more as a child. A precocious only child, check. His main company is his stuffed animal, check. Spends most of his day lost in his imagination, check. Thank you Bill Watterson.
By Atomic Historian3 years ago in Critique
The Giver
Banned in some states for talk of death, hidden feelings, and silent desires. Held back from the minds of students because of its "controversial themes." Read it when I was 10. Still lives on today, through all its tribulations, as a book that understands love-- how we love, and why.
By Chloe3 years ago in Critique
X-Men: The Animated Series
Let’s be honest, X-Men: The Animated Series made the Marvel Cinematic Universe what it is. If this show didn’t exist, they’re would have been far less hype over the X-Men movie in 2000. This show was amazing from the theme song, to every plot line. We love and miss it.
By Atomic Historian3 years ago in Critique
The Managerial Revolution
There are few books that have had such a large influence on my life. The Managerial Revolution by James Burnham is one of the few that have changed my life's trajectory entirely. It is a fascinating, insightful, and contemporaneous look at the conflict between Fascism, Communism, and the New Deal.
By Atomic Historian3 years ago in Critique
Extremely Bad
Have you ever been asked, “What’s the worst book you’ve read?” I am often asked this when people find out my passion for literature. I always answer the same: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. This book is exhaustingly unreadable. I stopped after the second chapter. I want my time back.
By Atomic Historian3 years ago in Critique
The Menu at my local Wetherspoons
Their dishes displayed in attempt to seduce with their low prices and wide range, yet I can’t help but notice the promise to have my order on the table a mere ten minutes after I order and worry how they intend to cook the meat. I order anyway, of course.
By Sian N. Clutton3 years ago in Critique
Vocal
You weren’t my first. Probably not my last. But of all the others' past, you’re the one that’s lasted. Vocal, you’re the best writing platform I have found so far. You’ve helped me grow. You’ve made me mad. You’ve made me smile. You’ve made me the writer I am today.
By Atomic Historian3 years ago in Critique
A Critique of Vocal . Top Story - August 2023.
Vocal is a platform for people to create and share their work and be rewarded for reads with bonuses as well as getting rewards for entering and succeeding in writing challenges.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 years ago in Critique
The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is all we need. It will make you laugh and cry. It will make your heart bleed. Published in 1964. Forever a work we will adore. Not many words. Not many needed. When we learned to care for a tree. We learned more than we ever needed.
By Atomic Historian3 years ago in Critique
~Fahrenheit 451!~ Telling the Truth!
~Fahrenheit 451!~ Young Ray uses machine imagery to construct the setting & environment of the book, making it masculine in form and attraction. There is no thought of invitation to Women as readers in his world! Ironically, this only leaves me with the recommendation to stick to his TV Show!
By Jennifer Cooley3 years ago in Critique
The Office
A show that found a way to make staplers in Jello, awkward silence, and small-time office antics worthy of a Dunder Mifflin Dundie. Episodes would make me laugh out loud. Even though I often cringed as it was hard and soft at the same time.
By C. H. Richard3 years ago in Critique
"Long Live The Pumpkin Queen"
The book Long Live The Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw is a sweet and enthralling sequel to the Tim Burton's movie "Nightmare Before Christmas." It has a powerful theme of growth, courage, loyalty, bravery, and staying true to one's self, no matter where you go, or what situation you're in.
By Hope Martin3 years ago in Critique