ARTICLES BY VICTORIA

Enjoy the selection of articles Victoria has written about books, art, and design.

What she reads if she loves comics

Book List - FEATURED - April 18, 2019

When I was a kid, my mom used to bring me Archie comics. Though many years have passed since those days pulling for Veronica to win Archie’s heart, my love for comics/graphic novels of any kind has still remained. Whether it be superheroes saving the world, comic book adaptations of Pride and Prejudice or The Handmaid’s Tale, or something more artistic like works by Christophe Chabouté, I am ready to dive in. Here are five authors that you should check out if you love getting lost in the pages of an illustrated haven of extraordinary humans, darkness and epic stories.

What she reads if she loves fantasy

Book List - FEATURED - March 27, 2019

When I was younger, some of my favorite stories were filled with talking animals, magical quests and the inevitable battle between good and evil. There is something so intrinsically wonderful about getting thrown down the rabbit hole of a great fantasy or science-fiction novel. Anything can happen in a world with uniquely diverse characters, magical storylines and the exploration of lore. These are my top recommendations for the reader who loves fantasy novels.

What she reads if she loves ’90s movies

Book List - February 22, 2019

The ’90s… I remember you well. The decade of fanny packs, Beanie Babies, gel pens, Tamagotchis, slap bracelets, the Rachel haircut, iconic TV shows and more romantic comedies than I can count. With the recent 20th anniversary of She’s All That and the 25th anniversary of the tartan plaids with knee-high socks of Cher Horowitz, we’ve rounded up the books you need to read if you’re like me and love to relive this golden era. This is what you should read if you love ’90s movies.

6 Books to give you a new perspective in 2019

Book List - January 9, 2019

Now that it’s 2019, can you say you’re determined to make this year the best one yet? When it comes to starting anew, the only thing I can say is that I grow a little wiser, more well-read and less apt to give up on myself each year. Part of my shift in philosophy is due to the books I have been reading lately, and lucky for you, 2019 is packed with newbies from some of my favorite motivational writers. Make this the year that you become the best you you’ve ever been. Here are five books to give you a new perspective in 2019.

What she reads if she loves #GIRLBOSS

Book Lists - December 5, 2018

In 2007, I started my own graphic design company. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I was determined to make it. Over 11 years later, I have failed and gotten up more times than I would like to admit. Yet, throughout that entire time, I have been my own boss. This is why reading books like Sophia Amoruso’s #GIRLBOSS are so important to me. I love to see how people found their success and what obstacles they overcame along the way. If you are loving the message and vibe that Amoruso has in #GIRLBOSS, then think about checking out these books to get motivated.

What she reads if she loves horror movies

Book Lists - October 18, 2018

Every year on October 1, I get a certain ghoulish glee in knowing my favorite Halloween and creepy movies will be playing non-stop. Whether it be a selection of Tim Burton’s finest, The Craft, Hocus Pocus, Interview with the Vampire or The Addams Family, there is nothing better than getting comfy and settling in to watch a creeptastic film. Because of my love for these types of movies, it might not be the biggest shock that I do love a spooky read. Here are my top bookish recommendations you might want to check out if you enjoy a good fright. This is what she reads if she loves horror movies.

5 Empowering reads for successful women

Book Lists - October 12, 2018

One would think that women would know how powerful and smart they are by now. Yet, we are constantly shying away from asking for raises or putting ourselves into boxes we should be breaking down. Lately, I have become tired of my whining and constant comparison to others, so I decided to take action the one way I know how. I looked for books that would guide, inspire and empower me to get off my highly-caffeinated butt. These are the top five books to empower you to become the woman you want to be.

5 Books to help find your voice

Book Lists - September 12, 2018

In 2017, the world we live in fundamentally changed. Women and men of all colors, shapes and sizes decided to speak out. They needed to have their voices heard. For me, it wasn’t until the shocking #MeToo movement, the TimesUp response, and the building of a Rose Army that I decided to regain my voice. Today, we live in a world where being equal is something many of us have to fight for. As with a number of things in my life, I have started my path to becoming more ‘awake’ and speak out through books. Here are five books that helped me discover my inner activist.

8 Books to celebrate diversity in fiction

Book Lists - August 26, 2018

What makes our world so great is the variety of people, places and cultures that inspire us. But with so much variety, why is there not more diversity in the books we read? I will admit, things are changing in the book world – new exciting voices are being published that represent a variety of ethnicities, religious backgrounds, sizes and gender identities. However, we are not there yet, and this is not entirely the fault of the publishers. If readers push for more diverse books, things might start changing more quickly. We all need to open our minds and step outside of what we see as the norm. Think of all the characters you will meet, places you can visit and life experiences you can learn about just by reading. For me, this expansion of my reading world has become more important. Here are eight diverse books I’ve read this year that I think are worth your time.

10 YA novels perfect for all ages

Book Lists - July 10, 2018

When I was a teenager, I took trips to the bookstore and library to walk the stacks. I would revel in the fact I had my own section. I loved searching the shelves and picking out the perfect book I hoped would transport me to another place. For years, young adult novels have only been for teens. However, in 1997 a little book called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone changed everything. Now, as an adult, I can’t help but gravitate to the young adult novels being published today. The lines have been blurred and there is no shame in one-clicking a book with the first category marked as “Teen.” These are my current top 10 YA novels which adults and teenagers alike can obsess over.

@artbookscoffee’s favorite books of 2018 (so far)

Book Lists - May 21, 2018

Within the pages of a good book, I can be transported to just about anywhere. If I am lucky, I will meet people that will stay with me long after I close the cover and squish the book onto my overcrowded bookshelf. I will admit that I have a bit of a book hoarding problem and my to-read pile is always stacked precariously high. However, each time I get to pick my next read, I still get that twinge of excitement and anticipation. Sometimes, I revisit old favorites. On occasion, I discover a hidden title from years ago. However, most times I clamoring over the newest titles to be released ready to dive in with a large cup of coffee by my side. Here are the top five books I have adored this year…so far.