CPL's Book a Week Challenge discussion

Happy Star Wars Day! I'm currently writing this thread while watching Star Wars: A New Hope. It's the Mos Eisley cantina scene and it's hard not to do a little dance to the music. It's some of the most iconic of the series.

We talk a lot about books on here (and with good reason!) but let's talk about hobbies and other favorites this week. What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing when you're not reading? What are your favorite movies and television shows? Are you into music?

And, do you have any books you like that reflect those hobbies or favorites?

I am an incredibly boring person and don't really have much in the way of hobbies outside reading. I do enjoy photography on an amateur level, though it is heavily tied into my fandom life- my roommate cosplays and I shoot most of her sessions.

We all know I'm a huge nerd- Star Wars, superheroes, Doctor Who, anime/manga, fantasy, science fiction, Disney, Lord of the Rings...- these are just a few of my favorite things! Most of them can tie back either to books or spawned tie-in books. Which are my guilty pleasure.

Tell us about your hobbies and favorites!

I've always been a big nerd, but it was something that I was made to feel badly about for a long time, so I never fully embraced it until recently. I am now perfectly content allowing myself to enjoy all the nerd things.

Being quarantined with the biggest nerd I know has been amazing. We've watched several anime series (including the newest season of My Hero Academia, whose season finale had me trying to hide the fact that I was crying from my boyfriend, who I think was also shedding a tear or two, haha) and game a ton. I ran through of a bunch of walking sims - my favorites being What Remains of Edith Finch and The Painscreek Killings. We are playing World of Warcraft together, and I am playing Tales of Vesperia on my Switch - both of which have been loads of fun. My boyfriend is a big Magic the Gathering player. I play too, but I enjoy the social aspect of going to the game store and hanging out with people, so playing online usually is lacking something for me. Yesterday, though, we got on Discord with several of our Magic buddies and played together. I came in third place out of eight people, and it was great to hear everyone and catch up.

I've been doing a fair amount of cooking and baking. I don't particularly love the process, but I love the outcome! So far, I'd say the best meals I've made are chicken lettuce wraps, shepherd's pie, and bourbon chicken. I've baked many loaves of banana bread and more brownies than I'd like to count (...because I ate most of them, ha!).

I've been in a big mood to watch Doctor Who lately, but I cannot find anywhere to stream it online. I was hoping to do a full rewatch up to where I abandoned it (around season 9) and then finally catch up. I also wanted to watch Torchwood again - the first two seasons are some of my favorite material out of the DW universe.

I am trying to write creatively in my spare time, but I haven't been super inspired lately. Between work, anime, and obscene amounts of gaming, I am easily filling my days.

I've always been a nerd: Star Wars, Star Trek (and the books about the different series). I love movies: Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and the Hobbit. Lately I've been binge watching tv shows: Arrow, The Flash, Super Girl, Legends of Tomorrow, The Librarians...
While working from home, I've been working on getting my house organized, but I started a jigsaw puzzle this weekend: a 1000 piece puzzle of the Marauder's Map from Harry Potter.

My hobbies are knitting, sewing, and cooking. I would love to do more creative writing, but with work and small kids it’s just not possible right now. I never have the mental capacity and the solitude at the same time.

As far as tv and movies, I don’t really like sci fi or fantasy. I like true crime documentaries and reenactment shows, ghost shows (but I never get to watch them because my husband hates them and I get scared if I watch them alone lol), and comedies. The Good Place is one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. I loved it.

My two hobbies are reading & cooking. So much cooking happening & lots of eating.
My DVR is down to 40% for the first time in ten years. Ha ha. I love sci-fi, mystery & more. Murdoch Mysteries, The Expanse, Altered Carbon, Supernatural. As a family we have started Jack Reacher.
It’s been fun to see what everyone else is doing with their time.

Everyone has such great hobbies! Thank you for sharing!

Ashley wrote: "I've always been a big nerd, but it was something that I was made to feel badly about for a long time, so I never fully embraced it until recently. I am now perfectly content allowing myself to enj..."

Yes, embrace it! That's awesome that you've been able to find ways to still enjoy Magic despite being in quarantine. And congrats coming in third!

Funny you should mention Vesperia... my roommate just got a Yuri figure so that and her art print of him went up last night. And one of my first photo shoots with her was an alternate costume Judith. She is a huge Tales fan (and, when you live with one, you end up becoming one yourself, lol).

Ann wrote: "I've always been a nerd: Star Wars, Star Trek (and the books about the different series). I love movies: Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and the Hobbit. Lately I've been ..."

I'm always jealous of people who find puzzles relaxing; they just make me want to scream, lol. Have fun building the Marauder's Map! That will be so cool when it's finished. You'll have to share pictures.

Elizabeth wrote: "My hobbies are knitting, sewing, and cooking. I would love to do more creative writing, but with work and small kids it’s just not possible right now. I never have the mental capacity and the solit..."

Are you working on any knitting or sewing projects right now? I have heard such amazing things about The Good Place. It's on my list to watch.

Ingrid wrote: "My two hobbies are reading & cooking. So much cooking happening & lots of eating.
My DVR is down to 40% for the first time in ten years. Ha ha. I love sci-fi, mystery & more. Murdoch Mysteries, Th..."

Cooking is one of the hobbies I wish I had the patience to learn but I never do, lol. Have you tried any fun recipes since this started? And all such good shows! I love Supernatural.

I am currently reading "The ABC Murders" by Agatha Christie. I enjoy physical activity and reading. Its great to know that everyone is keeping safe and positive during this trying time!

Joanna wrote: Funny you should mention Vesperia... my roommate just got a Yuri figure so that and her art print of him went up last night. And one of my first photo shoots with her was an alternate costume Judith. She is a huge Tales fan (and, when you live with one, you end up becoming one yourself, lol).

I am having so much fun with Vesperia!! I tried another Tales game a while ago (Zesteria, I believe), and ended up getting distracted by other things, but this one has been very enjoyable. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, as it is the game that consistently came up when I looked up games similar to my all-time favorite - Eternal Sonata. Have you or your roommate played that one? It is the most beautiful video game I have ever played, and I still routinely replay it because I just love it so much.

I think I'd like a figure of Estelle, Judith, and Rita. I do love strong, powerful women! :-)

Ashley wrote: "I am having so much fun with Vesperia!! I tried another Tales game a while ago (Zesteria, I believe), and ended up getting distracted by other things, but this one has been very enjoyable...."

There are some great female characters in Vesperia. I don't know who they made figures of, though. I've noticed it always seems to be just the main male protagonist (which stinks because I'd love to get Estelle).

I've never heard of Eternal Sonata but about my roommate. She's played so many games, lol.