Queer Fairy Tales, Outdoor Reading Chairs, the Perfect Ice Cream Reading Snack, and More

Looking for a new book to read, a new snack to eat while reading, or the perfect chair to read and snack in? We have all the recs in this issue of The Splash Pad.

Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales by Melanie Gillman

When I first started writing about queer books, there was a big gap: there were queer books for adults, picture books about two mom or two dad families, coming out books for teens, and not a lot else. In particular, there were basically no middle grade books with queer representation. I’m so happy to see that has changed in recent years, especially as kids are finding the vocabulary and (relative) safety to come out younger on average. Other Ever Afters is exactly what it says on the tin: original queer fairy tales, told in beautiful, detailed pencil crayon illustrations. Melanie Gillman is one of my favourite artists, and I’ve loved every book they’ve done. I recommend this to all ages, and I only wish I could go back in time and give this to my younger self.

– Danika Ellis

Arcade Spirits Visual Novel 

Are you a reader who is curious about video games but has no idea where to start? Do you have terrible reflexes for gaming? Did you get a Nintendo Switch in 2020 and haven’t used it since you got tired of Animal Crossing? Then I have the recommendation for you! I picked up Arcade Spirits at my library, and I have now realized that the video game genre I’ve been looking for is “visual novel.” It really is part way between a game and a book: practically a pick-a-path novel. You choose the dialogue to help save a video game arcade, with help from an AI and your friends. And, of course, you can choose to romance your new coworkers (men and women). No skill required!

– Danika Ellis

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

It's an oldie but a goodie! I think this is a must read for anyone who wants to be better at sales. For the non-sales folks, understanding how people think, what influences us, and behavioral psychology in general can be super helpful in all aspects of work and life, so I’d recommend this to everyone. I’ve read lots of “sales” books, and this is definitely one of the best I’ve come across. I also like how he uses lots of examples to highlight each of the principles he talks about in the book, making it very relatable and easy to understand for anyone.

 – Yan Klats 

Ana María and The Fox by Liana De la Rosa

I requested this inclusive historical romance from my library because Erica featured it in an In Reading Color newsletter and accidentally paired it with Vanessa’s Deep Dive into Mexican history via Like Water For Chocolate. I highly recommend you do the same! De la Rosa has given us a glorious, extremely gentle (all peril resolved swiftly and conclusively!) romance with a biracial couple, set in London during the French occupation of Mexico, as they fight for both their communities and for love. Having already learned more about the conflict that the Luna sisters were fleeing from Vanessa made the reading experience that much richer. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

– Jenn Northington

Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones

Alright. I get what all the fuss is about. These bebe ice cream cones are legit. Not only are they repeat Customer Choice awards winners, they also make excellent reading snacks. Thought you couldn’t enjoy a scoop on a cone? Think again! You don’t have to worry about ice cream melt getting on those pages because 1) it’s neatly coated in chocolate, and 2) it’ll be down the hatch before it even has a chance to drip. I’ve only had the coffee bean flavor, but I’ll be staking out the freezer aisle for more options.

– Sharifah Williams

A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung

I’ve been going back and forth on listening to audiobooks on my school drop off/pick ups and listening to new music or podcasts. But the moment I started Chung’s second memoir, I had to listen to it even when I got out of the car. This moving book is about grief and loss, about navigating tremendously life-altering experiences in the midst of COVID, and it’s also about growing up without the economic security and racial/ethnic privileges as one’s peers. If you loved Chung’s first memoir All You Could Ever Know, you’ll want to pick this up, and even if you haven’t read it, you’ll be captivated by this story of family, loss, and change. The audio is performed spectacularly by Jennifer Kim. 

– Kelly Jensen

The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro

This work of horror hooked me with its stunner of a cover and two words in the description: La Llorona. For those unfamiliar with the legend that’s been scaring wee Latine kids into well-behaved submission for centuries, La Llorona translates to Weeping Woman or Wailing Woman. In some versions of the story she’s a ghost on a riverbank, in others a grieving and murderous woman condemned to wander the earth after drowning her children for reasons that also vary (you can read all about her role in Mexican oral and literary traditions in this bonus rec). The Haunting of Alejandra is the story of a woman haunted by La Llorona as she unravels dark secrets in her family history. I’m only about halfway through, but I simply must recommend it. Follow it into the dark, and if you were to encounter a woman shrouded in white weeping for her children there…run. 

— Vanessa Diaz

KingCamp Hammock Camping Chair

Now that the weather is finally warming up, I long for those perfect days spent reading in gorgeous parks in the sunshine. I am also 38 years old and in possession of a back that flips me the bird when I try to be cute and sit or lay for too long on a picnic blanket in the grass. Because I also have hammock trust issues, I think this hammock camp chair is the solution I need in my life. It comes with a pocket for my beverage of choice and provides a delightfully reclined and supported experience, according to the person I saw using one in the park just last week. Adding to cart now.

— Vanessa Diaz