Welcome to Bluestocking Bookworm!
Let’s get the most common question out of the way first. What exactly is a “bluestocking”? I am so glad you asked!
A bluestocking is an intellectual or literary woman. It was a term used in Victorian times in a derogatory way to describe women who went beyond their “place” and decided to do obscene things like read books and get ideas – instead of leaving all of that heavy lifting to the men. In more modern times, we have reclaimed this word and now use it proudly, and in a more gender-neutral capacity.
Meet the Bluestocking Bookworm
My name is Erin and I am a thirty-something woman who lives in the frozen wilds of Canada with my husband (whom I lovingly call Mr. Blue) and our dog (Cricket). Our house is overrun with books, but my husband doesn’t mind too much.
When I am not reading, I can be found playing video games, baking up yummy treats, making crafts, or spending time with one of my three amazing nieces. I am a classically trained soprano, and I love musical theatre. My favourite colour is purple, and I will wear flip-flops until there is snow on the ground.
I was made a reader in the lap of my parents. They could never deny me a book, even if I was being a rotten child. The first book I remember learning to read was Mortimer, Be Quiet by Robert Munsch, and the first novel was The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. By third grade, my reading comprehension level was at a high school level, and I have never slowed down.
In the fall of 2016, I became a Little Free Library steward, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences ever! Before I just loved sharing my thoughts on books, but now I get to share the actual books. Combined with the fact that I live in a lower income neighbourhood, and have the opportunity to make a real impact when it comes to getting positive representation into the hands of my very diverse neighbourhood kids.
I am a chronic illness warrior. The two main issues I battle daily are fibromyalgia (a chronic pain condition) and ulcerative colitis (a form of inflammatory bowel disease). I also have a host of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and adult-onset ADD. I have chronic insomnia, and am a migraneur. I work in a lessened capacity because of my illnesses, but I am hoping to secure a job where I can work with books.
I self-identify as queer. Queer as heck, in fact. The technical term I find myself fitting within is demipansexual but queer works for me just as well. This is a recent realization in my life.
I am an ally and an advocate. I am a white woman who is trying to be aware of my privilege in life. I reject and defy white supremacy, homophobia, misogyny, fascism, sexism, ableism, and oppression in all forms. I choose to fight.
About the Blog
Bluestocking Bookworm was created to be a nexus of book reviews, opinion pieces, discussion starters, and more. Books are something I can still enjoy fully, even when my body is behaving badly.
While I could never pick a favourite book, I can definitely identify my favourite genres pretty easily. I read both young adult and adult in fairly equal measures, and I especially love fantasy and dystopian books. I also read a fair bit of science fiction, horror, historical fiction, and mystery. I read some graphic novels, and am generally not opposed to an infusion of smut – as long as it fits within the story.
All of my reviews are spoiler free, and I will not read series out of order.
In 2018 I challenged myself to read more diversely, and it was the best decision I have ever made. In fact, I now pretty much avoid books written by straight white men in favour of their more diverse alternatives. They are just… better.
I will never be able to read all the books I own, and I am trying to be OK with that.