Ch: Maddox Yoon - Blog Posts

Zahra reached for another book with an interesting cover, flicking through some of the pages. She was still very much engaged in the conversation, eyes darting back and forth between the text and her new companion. "There's such a thing as too my sadness and angst. I don't want to read about a never-ending series of tragedy. That's rarely all that realistic or relatable. I suppose it's just nice to feel seen when you're feeling like garbage." Zahra shook her head as the other mentioned how her opinions could be too strong. "It's a good thing. Means you can't be swayed too easily. Also, what can you have strong opinions on if not books? Surely literature is a pretty safe thing to feel strongly about."

Feeling brave, Zahra tilted her head to the side. "Do you happen to have any more recommendations? I think I might be able to squeeze a few more books somewhere on my shelves."

"i completely agree! although i personally don't understand why sad stories are so popular. i just want to kick back and read something so unserious. i don't always want to be stuck in a whirlwind of tragedy, but i guess this is an unpopular opinion because i can't seem to find much literary fiction without tragedy," she shrugged. "at least you have plenty of options!" she added cheerfully. she truly did wish she understood the appeal of those types of books. everyone else seemed to be getting a lot out of these stories. she wondered if there was something she was missing. she laughed along with the other. "yeah, well, sometimes my opinions can be too strong," she admitted, a flush to her cheeks as she looked away.

"that's great to hear. a relief, really. i like to recommend books more than the average person i'd wager, so it feels good to know i'm actually doing something useful. besides, recommendations are always better. especially from someone you can trust."

"Nothing better than a good character study, especially if absolutely nothing happens. Sometimes it's real nice to read about nothing. Although I guess I'm somewhat partial to literature that's not always super, um, happy. That being said, I've enjoyed my fair share of fluffy romances and feel-good classics. There's definitely a time and place for them." Literature had been one of her favorite forms of escapism ever since she was a kid listening to her parents' read to her at night. She had delighted in being able to pick up a book for bedtime, always eager to learn where the story had left off the night before. She found herself missing that childhood wonder and reading solely for fun. Laughing when the other defended her opinion, Zahra nodded along. "Sure. It's good to have strong opinions."

She shook her head vigorously. "Not at all, I appreciate it. Otherwise I would have been stuck here for ages, unable to decide. There are so many good books I would've never picked up if someone hadn't recommended to me."

"i agree. i'm personally a character development person. i prefer a good character arc and relationship building over plot. honestly it could be a 'no plot just vibes' type of book and i'd be happy. frankly, i wish there were more books where nothing happens and everything is just, sorta, happy. i know most people wouldn't really like that, but sometimes i just want to be in a world full of happiness even just for a little while. just to enjoy the temporary lack of stress, you know?" she explained, eyes drifting upward in thought. she cringed slightly at the other's words, not because she disapproved of them. no. she believed everyone was entitled to their own opinions and they were all valid. it never changed the way she thought of a person. but she just had hated the book that much. she shivered a bit. "oh i don't think it has any merit. if i never see that book again it would be too soon," she laughed.

she placed a flattered hand against her chest and smiled broadly. "well thank you! that means a lot to me, honestly. it's good to know i'm not just some annoying person coming to bug people into buying their favorite book," she laughed. "i understand that. never enough time to read all the books in the world."

“Of course not. That would be really boring and unrealistic,” she agreed with a small shake of her head. “I like reading about people who have flaws and who do dumb or morally questionable things, but framing definitely matters. None of those shortcomings are interesting if it feels like the author actually believes that being a shitty person is some sort of a virtue.” While Zahra could be quite withdrawn and even standoffish to a point, she genuinely and evidently enjoyed a good chat with almost anyone as long as she didn’t have to discuss her personal life in any particular detail. “Oh yeah?” she asked with a raised eyebrow, the corners of her mouth twitching, “well, I can’t blame you. Can’t say I’m the biggest fan of that book myself. But I suppose there’s some merit to it.”

She nodded along as the stranger spoke, grateful she seemed to take the lead. “Could’ve fooled me. So, you know, I am sure you would make an excellent bookseller as well. You seem to know your stuff." It wasn't a lie; she was clearly passionate about literature and had no problem approaching strangers to recommend things to them. "I suppose that's true. I wish I had more time to read fiction."

"i do fully believe that not all characters have to be likable in order for the book to be good. i will say, however, there's something so bothersome about them being framed in a way that suggest they're supposed to be likable. i try not to judge too hard, but sometimes i can't help it. catcher in the rye? i think that's maybe the worst book i've ever read," she rambled. she could go on, but she cut herself off with a shy laugh. not everyone wanted their ear talked off about books. "well when you make your assessment, you're definitely going to have to give me an update," she replied.

maddox flushed ever so slightly at the question. it wasn't the first time she'd been asked it. "ah, no i don't work here. i'm actually a tattoo artist. but if i weren't a tattoo artist, then working at a bookstore would probably be my first choice. i do read quite a bit. i've tried to tone it down though. i've learned the unfortunate truth that the more you read, the less stories feel unique."

"That sounds doable. I guess there's a certain kind of catharsis to reading about someone slightly annoying, especially if they grow out of it." While she didn't seek out irritating book characters, hate-reading could act as a weirdly satisfactory way of distraction. "I think I might have to get it, to check out whether you're right about her being annoying," she admitted with a nod, having made her decision.

She studied the woman briefly before moving on to the next shelf to check out its offerings. Zahra was in no hurry to leave and the peaceful bookshop, having realized flipping through the books kept her mocking thoughts at bay. "I take it you read a lot. I mean, you don't work here, do you?"

maddox nearly laughed at the other's question; one she would ask as well. she looked up at the ceiling as she recalled the beginning of the book. "it's not so much that she's annoying in a painful way. she's just annoying in a 'why are you so pessimistic?' type of way. but the more you get to know her and the more she learns and grows throughout the series, the more you let that annoyance fade," she explained, shrugging on shoulder.

"i'm personally not one to go easy on annoying characters. in fact, the only reason i even continued to read the book was because of how perfect the villain was. so if it makes you feel better, there is so many other things to focus on and it'll be over before you know it," she promised.

Zahra studied the cover of the book that had caught her attention for a moment before thumbing through the pages as if trying to catch a word or a phrase that would solidify her decision to purchase the book. However, a voice clearly addressing her made her stop.

"Oh yeah?" she glanced at the young woman before turning her attention back to the book. "Just how annoying are we talking about, though? Is it a pain to get through it?" As much as she wanted distraction, she was of the opinion that life was far too short to be reading bad books. Besides, she certainly had a fairly handsome collection of unread books at home. "Thank you, though. It's good to have recommendations. It did seem pretty interesting."

who: ( open !! ) @bhqextras location: cover to cover

often times when maddox found herself with nothing to do, she would go to the bookstore. it was a knee-jerk reaction, fuck knows she had too many unread books already. but who couldn't resist the excitement of a new book? besides, it was commonly agreed upon that just being in the presence of books was fulfilling enough. she was so enthralled by the stacks, she almost didn't notice the person beside her until she'd wandered far too near to them.

"if you're debating on whether or not to get that one, you should know it's my favorite. though, i'll be honest, the main character is a bit annoying at first. have faith in knowing it is an integral part in the story. i promise she gets way less insufferable."