Shadow & Bone, Is It Still Good? REREAD reading vlog + review

TL;DR

A reader revisits Leigh Bardugo's "Shadow and Bone" and reflects on the nostalgia and problematic elements of the story.

Transcript

okay i have my first issue with this book and i'm also really really loving it in shadow and bone as well right now on a deeper level she is actually kind of an interesting character and that made me kind of want to talk about the difference between fun nostalgia and not fun nostalgia i think i figured out the reason why i could never really see th... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤔 The video reflects on the appeal of wishful thinking stories and self-insert characters.
• 💡 The vlogger appreciates the nostalgia that evokes positive feelings and dislikes the nostalgia that perpetuates toxic ideas.
• 👧 There is criticism of the focus on appearances and girl hate in "Shadow and Bone".
• 🌍 The vlogger finds the world and concept of the story enjoyable, despite the problematic elements.
• 🤨 The video raises questions about whether young adult books should perpetuate toxic ideas for relatability.
• 😀 The vlogger highlights the tragic circumstances and lack of belonging faced by Alina in the story.
• 📔 The fast-paced nature of the book is noted as a positive aspect.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main plot of "Shadow and Bone"?

"Shadow and Bone" follows Alina, who discovers she is the Sun Summoner and becomes the hope to defeat the Shadowfold, a dark pit inhabited by dangerous creatures.

Q: How does the vlogger feel about the nostalgia in the story?

The vlogger reflects on the difference between fun nostalgia and not fun nostalgia, finding the self-insert characters and wishful thinking appealing.

Q: Does the vlogger believe the focus on appearances in the book is problematic?

Yes, the vlogger criticizes the constant focus on appearances, the fat-shaming, and the portrayal of girls and women based on their looks. They question if these toxic ideas should be perpetuated in young adult books.

Q: Is the vlogger intrigued by the relationship between Alina and the Darkling?

The vlogger expresses interest in the concept of the main character falling in love with the villain but acknowledges the unhealthiness of the relationship. They find the Darkling's idealistic motives intriguing.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video is a reading vlog about re-reading "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo to see if the story holds up.

• The story follows Alina, a girl with special powers, in a Russia-inspired country called Ravka, as she becomes the new hope to defeat the Shadowfold.

• The vlogger notices problematic elements, such as a focus on appearances and girl hate, but still finds the world and concept of the story enjoyable.