This week I’m talking about all those things I wanted to do or learn after reading a book. Since I read a LOT of fantasy, you’re probably going to see a theme here and they’re all going to be totally outlandish. It’s really a shame that our world doesn’t offer many of the things I’ve mentioned below. Perhaps they could make the world a better place (or not, depending on which one you look at).
Learn the professional art of thieving/pirating
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
This sounds bad but pirates and thieves always seem to have the grandest adventures.
Talk to and transform into animals
Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce
It may have been a mistake to read this book so young because it’s my go-to superpower wish now.
Become proficient with a bow and arrow
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Archery is so much fun but I seriously suck. No way I’d survive with this weapon without a little more training.
Fall down a rabbit hole
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Though tea parties and red queens sound lovely, I think I’d like this Wonderland much more.
Learn the art of witchcraft
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Okay, y’all knew this one would make the list. Still waiting on my Ilvermorny letter (because Americans have their own school!).
Do something death-defying
Girl on a Wire by Gwenda Bond
I don’t know if I’d want to walk the wire but to put myself in that kind of situation would be amazing.
Become a natural historian of dragons
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
I have a biology-esque degree…I could totally do this…now where are the dragons?
Be a dragon rider
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Following up with the dragons, now I need one of my own.
Follow the faeries
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
I wouldn’t mind getting to know Puck, at least…
Always have a love for books no matter the circumstance
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
If Celaena can face monsters and villainous foes while still enjoying reading, so can I!
What do you want to learn/do after reading a book?
Oh, where to start…
Archery, sword-fighting (not the fancy fencing nonsense, proper bash-your-shield-in-with-a-longsword fighting), (wo)manning siege weapons, riding a horse, or, yeah, or a dragon. Can you tell I’m a fantasy reader too?
On a slightly tamer note, Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas & The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare left me regretting I never learnt to play an instrument. Jem’s violin, Celaena’s piano, anything would do.
The only one I can hold claim to is being able to ride horses, having grown up with them all my life. But give me a sword and teach me to fight? A tad medieval but man, that would be so much fun!
I LOVE when characters are musically inclined. It always adds that extra depth to them. I was a percussionist for 10 years and never regretted it (not nearly as graceful or elegant as a violin or piano but banging the drum all day is too much fun to pass up lol).
Archery is a great one, and I totally agree. Thieves and pirates (and adventurers in general) have all the best adventures in fantasy books! And being an historian of dragons or studying them would be awesome! It is a shame there are none around…
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Right? Give our world a few dragons and everyone will be so obsessed/freaked out that they won’t be able to worry about much else. It would be quite the adventure!
I love archery, but I never really get to participate in it because there isn’t much opportunity. I bet being proficient in it would be super enjoyable. Love all these responses; a natural historian of dragons SOUNDS AMAZING. Sign me up!
TT @ IntroToBlurb recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: things from books that I want/don’t want to do IRL.
That’s my struggle as well. We did it for a week every now and then in high school gym class but that was the extent of it. Without going to an actual range (or hunting like the majority of “archers” do in my area), there isn’t many other chances to learn.
And yes! We shall start a band of dragon historians to quest across the globe in search of the scaly beasts lol.
I would love to do a lot of these things too! If only……
Jo recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #67
Great list! I almost put become a pirate on mine as well, haha.