As a dyed in the wool introvert, I understand the power of shell. But that’s not what this is about. I finally watched Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. If you haven’t yet, please do. Trust me. It’s lovely.
I never watched the original shorts (didn’t even know they existed, like, 10 years ago). I’m generally not a stop-animation fan, but I loved this movie. This isn’t a scene from the movie, but it gives you a sense of it. You can watch it with the whole family … by yourself when you’re fighting a mini migraine.
This animated shell really does cover the gamut of human experience — heartbreak, loss, adventure, kindness, and love. Through it, Marcel and those around the shell navigate the fear of pain, the courage to embrace change, and the importance of connection and community. It even touches on the vagaries of “social” media.
I never thought I’d find myself cheering so hard for and tearing up over an animated shell. In a way, I love it the same way I love Becky Chamber’s Wayfarers or Monk and Robot books — it’s lovely and nice and kind and inspirational.
If you’ve seen it, let me know what you loved about it! Yes, I am assuming….
My writing update
I’ve finished revising book 3 in The Lyra Cycle — did I mention that already? I feel like I did. Anyway, it’s off to the beta reader … so there will be more work once it gets back. Now, I’m working on a short story that may end up being not so short before diving into the next novel.
But it big news — the Armchair Alien store is live! Why buy direct? It’s a great way to support authors since we don’t have to give the big online stories their cut, in this case myself and my Armchair Alien co-conspirator.
My TBR shelf
I just finished up Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes, the first book of 2023 — I think I’ll start a thread of 2023 books read. This one was a lot of fun. It’s a space adventure on a cargo ship, so it’s right up my alley … or totally in my orbit.
Now I hop onto Station Eternity! I’m looking forward to that one. A mystery in space. That combines so much of what I love. Just get some sword and sorcery in there and it would be perfect.
Happy reading!
— CR