Mini Review: Stars and Swipes; Hugs and Misses by Wilhelm Staehle

Disclaimer: I received these for review from the publisher. This did not affect my thoughts in any way, nor am I being compensated for this.

Stars and Swipes by Wilhelm Staehle
Publisher: Quirk Books
Release Date: December 3rd, 2014

Stars and Swipes illuminates lesser-known--maybe for good reason--moments in US history. Join the Boston Terrier Tea Party, Lady Liberty struggling to flag down a cab in New York, and Lewis & Clarke & Dwayne for comedic insight into the Land of the Free. Send a historic barb to your favorite patriot!

Okay, I actually do really love this because I'm a fairly big history nerd but especially an American Revolution history nerd, so I got such a kick out of these cards. I loved most of them, and I just found them to be hilarious. I really want to share this with my US History teacher because I know she'd love it. I honestly can't even think about parting with some of these cards because they're just so great. I absolutely love this set, and if you're a history nerd, particularly an American history nerd, I highly recommend that you check this out!

Hugs and Misses by Wilhem Staehle
Publisher: Quirk Books
Release Date: December 3rd, 2014

Hugs and Misses is full of lovelorn ladies and roguish gentlemen suffering through painful encounter, indecent proposals, tasteless pick-up lines, and failed attempts at charm. The postcards feature the truths about love and relationships that we're not permitted to say aloud (lest we find ourselves sleeping upon the couch).

While I loved the history one, this one fell a bit short for me. I didn't enjoy this nearly as much, probably because I didn't find the jokes as funny. There were a few I didn't understand, a handful I really liked, and the rest were pretty mehh to me. I'm still not sure how I feel about this pack. I can see some people loving it, but it didn't stick completely with me. I might give this away at some point. ;)

Stars and Swipes: Quirk Books | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Hugs and Misses: Quirk Books | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Wilhelm Staehle: Website | Twitter | Facebook

TV Tuesday (#6): Spotlight: Orphan Black

Once a month on a Tuesday, I'll showcase a TV in some way, whether it be an episode review (or bundle), a discussion, some thoughts and reactions, Top Tens, a fan!mix, or a recommendation.

TV Show Showcase: The other day, I had a sudden burst of inspiration. I was thinking about Red Band Society and about my favorite and least favorite character(s) when I suddenly got this idea. For the next few weeks, I'll be spotlighting some of the many shows I watch.  I watch so many shows, but I still haven't talked about most of them on here. I could be writing reviews, but I've been so busy that it's already been a hassle to try to keep up with one or two shows, let alone write some reviews. So this is my way of mentioning and talking about the shows I love.

Today's show is one that I have talked about before, but I'm just too obsessed not to talk about it. It's my favorite show at the moment, hands down.

When did you first start watching the show? Why did you start watching it?

I'm not quite sure! I had known about it because I semi-follow BBC America, but I think I heard one of my friends praise the heck out of the show, and I decided that I needed to watch it. It was probably mid-season 1 when I started watching, possibly earlier. I've been hooked ever since, and I'm SO glad I found this show. Literally the best thing ever. I NEED MORE.

Who's your favorite character?

THIS IS THE HARDEST QUESTION. But I think I have to go with Sarah and Felix. All the clones, really, but I think Sarah edges out a tiny bit. I really love them all, and I love Delphine and Kira and Mrs. S (well, I did then didn't then did) and Paul (well, I did then didn't then did then didn't then did) and Cal.

Who's your least favorite character?

Leekie or Vic or Tomas or the Proletheans

Favorite guest star or addition to the cast?

Cal, Gracie, Doctor Marian (excited to know where the plot is going), Mark. Don't make me pick, though it's probably Cal. 

Favorite episode?

HOW ABOUT ALL OF THEM?!

What's your favorite aspect of the show?

Aren't you tired of hearing about it? It's so intense and well-paced in that it's quick but allows you to follow the plot. I love all the plot twists. I love how it explores the complexity of people and shows changing relationships and character growth. The cast is literal perfection, especially Tatiana Maslany. This show is so near perfect I hope it'll remain that way forever. 

What's your least favorite aspect of the show?

That it's so short! 10 episodes per season and per year! There are also times when some of the characters annoy me or give me second-hand embarrassment, but in the end, I still love it.

OTP and/or ships?

Conflicted between Sarah/Paul and Sarah/Cal. Delphine/Cosima. Gracie/Mark.

What do you think/predict about the future of the show?

I HOPE IT NEVER ENDS. But in all seriousness, they could take this show anywhere. I have faith that it'll remain perfect and amazing, and I hope I'm not wrong. I think there's a chance it'll become more mainstream, but it's already a cult-favorite. Sure, it's not big-big, likely because it's hard for many people, myself included, to find a place to watch the show, but there's such a large following. I can that only growing, and it makes me so excited. I hope my love never dies.

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