Hello from the rock I’m living under because I recently discovered Shameless on Netflix. It has about a thousand seasons, so I feel like a bit of an idiot for not knowing about this show sooner. For those of us, who have been living under this rock with me, Shameless is a story centered around the lives of the Gallagher’s, a large family living in the Southside of Chicago. Frank, the father, is a deadbeat alcoholic, who only causes more chaos than help for his family. Fiona, the oldest, has assumed care of her five siblings. They struggle financially, emotionally, and, sometimes, physically, but what I love most about the show is the core love that they all have for each other. Whenever they get into trouble, they work together to figure something out – the kids, I mean, not Frank. Often they are working AGAINST Frank in order to survive.

I’m only four seasons in and the show just gets more and more wild as it goes on. Although Fiona, is the central character, the siblings and side characters get strong storylines as well. As the kids grow up, we see them navigating puberty, school, friends, and romance along with other challenges that come with being poor, living in a rough part of town, and being influenced by their alcoholic, narcissistic parent.

I’ve been thinking about the idea of “windows” and “mirrors” in stories and whether I prefer one over the other. When it comes down to it, I think I lean towards “windows” in the sense that, I like to read or watch characters going through things that I’ve never experienced. I like seeing how their choices play out and live vicariously through them.

Occasionally, though, while I’m reading or watching these stories play out through the window, I will encounter the shiniest mirror into my soul and it will hit hard. The narcissism that Frank exudes is so spot on that I can’t help, but cringe whenever he’s on screen. Without going into too much detail, I will say that I’ve experienced heavy narcissism from people in my life and it shaped me into a person that I didn’t like very much. It took way too much time and therapy to work my way into a better mindset, but it’s always going to be a part of me. So even when I’m watching these characters go through struggles that I, thankfully, had the privilege of never experiencing, I do feel their reactions to Frank Gallagher deep in my heart.

Anyway, not to get on a rant about my past woes. I really just wanted to come on here today and explain why I’ve been slacking in the book and book posting department. I feel like I started this blog with a bang and lately it’s sort of become more of a whimper. Hopefully I can back into a stronger cadence because I’ve really enjoyed having an outlet for my random book ramblings. I’ve also enjoyed reaching out to authors on Twitter to let them know how much I appreciate all of the hard work they’ve put into writing and publishing their books! Here’s to doing our best!