Author name: Roger Hyttinen

Why I’m Low-Key Obsessed with the Aardvark Book Club

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AdobeStock 802335972.

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’ve recently fallen down the rabbit hole of the Aardvark Book Club, and I’m low-key obsessed. Like, I’ve already started carving out specific “me time” just to dive into these books (don’t judge me, it’s self-care). It’s funny because I wasn’t even specifically looking for a book club; I was just scrolling through a random Reddit forum (as one does at 11 PM on a Thursday) when people started raving about this new book subscription. And naturally, as the nosy book lover that I am, I had to check it out.

Let me just tell you… so far, 10 out of 10, no regrets. They’ve been dropping some gems. You know how some book clubs kind of miss the mark with their selections? Like, either too meh or too literary (FYI, I love a good deep read, but sometimes, I just want juicy writing that doesn’t require 27 degrees to get through). Well, Aardvark seems to strike the perfect balance. It’s got this nice mix of thought-provoking books and those stories that completely draw you in without needing to consult a dictionary every other page. The kind of stuff that makes you actually excited to get home, curl up, and make some tea. (Okay, I said “curl up,” but realistically, I’m probably sprawled across the couch in a position that makes my spine cry out for help.)

The craziest thing is that I didn’t even hesitate to sign up. Reddit folks have opinions – sometimes brutally honest ones that make you rethink your life choices for a minute – but this thread was full of such genuine enthusiasm that I figured, why not? It was like this silent book whisperer guiding me to hit “Join.” And oh boy, I’m glad I listened to the collective bookish voices of Reddit this time. (Shoutout to the internet for occasionally being helpful and not just full of weird memes. Occasionally.)

Another cool thing about Aardvark? You actually get to pick from a few fresh titles each month, which is awesome. I’m all for surprises, but sometimes I like steering the ship, you know? So far, their picks have been on point. It’s like they somehow hacked into my Goodreads account and curated suggestions just for my very particular moods. One of the books I grabbed last month had me on an emotional journey from fresh intrigue all the way to “do not disturb, we are having a MOMENT with this book” territory.

Oh, fun fact: According to some random stats I found on the internet (because I’m a professional procrastinator), people who join book clubs tend to read 1.5 times more than those who don’t. Crazy, right? So technically, I’m not just enjoying a bunch of amazing books; I’m raising my reading game like a pro! I’ll take it.

Anyway, if you’ve been in a reading rut, or if you just secretly love getting thoughtful, handpicked books without obsessively scrolling through a million reviews first — Aardvark might be your answer. Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch me in another forum, ranting about the next great novel I found in their selection.

Until then, if you need me, I’ll be over here, probably finishing yet another book, ignoring my laundry – because priorities.

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Queer Magic & Monster Madness: My Favorite LGBTQ+ Paranormal Shows & Movies

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Paranormal A haunting portrait of a character with glowing eyes pierces through the darkness of a shadowy room, casting an eerie and mysterious aura.th glowing eyes

Okay, so, like, you know how much I’m obsessed with all things spooky and queer, right? It’s like peanut butter and jelly, or maybe more like, um, vampires and werewolves? Anyway, I’ve been binge-watching a ton of LGBTQ+ paranormal shows and movies lately, and I just had to share my absolute faves with you guys. These are the ones that keep me up binge-watching at 3 a.m. when I’m whispering, “Just one more episode” (and probably making questionable life choices). Don’t judge—you’ve been there! There’s something extra satisfying about watching queer characters battle demons, bend magic, or straight-up punch a vampire in the face. Here are my top magical and spooky picks that feature LGBTQ+ characters. You can watch these while ignoring your texts like a true fan.

Let’s kick this off with The Magicians. If you haven’t seen this show yet… where have you been?! Trust me. This one’s not your basic “Oh I’m a wizard, I guess?” story. You’ve got sexy magic, inter-dimensional travel, talking animals, and—best of all—some stellar bi and queer representation. Quentin Coldwater and Eliot Waugh’s relationship? Ugh, I loved their dynamic. There’s actual emotional depth beneath the sass and spells. And that scene in Season 1 where Eliot says, “I love you,” and Quentin’s just standing there, all confused and feels-y. Yes, give me more. Add tons of sarcasm and a bit of trauma, and this show just cracks me open every time. Magic in this universe has consequences—and so does love.

Okay, moving on to something darker, Cemetery Boys! So, technically this is a book, but I couldn’t not mention it. It’s about a trans boy, Yadriel, who accidentally summons a very cute (and very dead) boy’s ghost. Cue all kinds of paranormal hijinks. Ya’ll, if this doesn’t scream “Netflix, please adapt me right now,” then I don’t know what does. I mean, I’m just here waiting with popcorn and high expectations. If we do get a TV adaptation, it’s going to be the kind of show that lands smack dab on your rewatch list. Until then, just say it with me: GIVE US A CEMETERY BOYS SHOW.

Now, we can’t skip over the absolute pillar that is Buffy the Vampire Slayer—specifically, Willow and Tara. Do you remember when Tara showed up and Willow’s super shy “just friends” energy turned into “My goddess, I’m in love”? Besides the apocalypse-of-the-week format that never got old (giant snakes, Hellmouths, casual chaos?), their relationship felt groundbreaking at the time. Two witches falling in love while fighting the forces of darkness… like, what could be better? Not to mention Willow’s huge coming-out arc hit a lot of emotional beats, balancing Buffy’s epic battles with something much more intimate. Plus, Tara was just a cinnamon roll in witch form, and we deserved more of her. Let’s not talk about “Seeing Red.” Nope. Not today.

Alright, onto Teen Wolf. If you missed this cultural phenomenon back in the day, I’m both sad and… also jealous, because you get to experience it with fresh eyes. Stiles Stilinski, let’s be real, carried about 90% of the show with his personality alone. Then there’s Danny Mahealani, openly gay and casually awesome, hacking the plot forward while being, you know, cool about it. Is the plot a chaotic mess drenched in werewolf drama? Absolutely. But it’s fun wolf drama. More wolves, more gay characters—that should always be the goal moving forward.

Also, y’all, we’ve gotta talk about Shadowhunters. A bisexual warlock named Magnus Bane, played by the ridiculously charismatic Harry Shum Jr.? Say less. I don’t need any more convincing. Mix in Alec Lightwood, who’s super awkward yet emotionally intense when he comes around to fully owning who he is, and bam—you’ve got one of the most well-loved queer relationships in the genre. I still get feelings about Malec. They’re soft, but also deadly powerful. Magnus casually saving the world while wearing perfect eyeliner and fabulous jackets. Honestly, I aspire to be this extra in every aspect of life.

And if you’re into comics, you HAVE to check out ”Dead Boy Detectives.” It’s based on the DC comic book series, and it’s got this quirky, dark humor that I just adore. Plus, the two main characters, Edwin and Charles, are ghosts who solve crimes together. How cool is that? Unfortunately, the show was canceled after only one season. Typical Netflix.

And, while it might not be everyone’s usual cup of (blood? soul essence?), Hemlock Grove sticks with me too, because that show was a whole vibe. You’ve got vampires, werewolves, and a bunch of weird small-town magic sprinkled in, all wrapped up in horror. It’s a big yes from me, and I’ll never forget the vibe Famke Janssen threw down. There’s something about all that supernatural angst and subtle queer undertones that gave it… an edge.

Some other must-watch LGBTQ+ paranormal faves include:
– Legacies (hello, Hope Mikaelson, can we talk about queer witches?)
– The Old Guard (immortal warriors with soft but tough gay romance!)
– Sense8 (magic sci-fi vibes with a beautifully diverse queer cast)
– Supernatural (oh, the queerness in this show is subtle but there, especially with Cas and Dean moments – Plus, it’s got some seriously awesome queer characters, like Charlie Bradbury.)
– Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (I mean, the witchy queer representation was super fun.)
– Wynonna Earp (#WayHaught anyone? A bisexual cowgirl meets police officer dynamic. I love.)

Also adding quick nods to: The Haunting of Bly Manor, Constantine (queer vibes in both the show and movie), True Blood (was there any character not a little bisexual?), The L Word: Generation Q (because, ghosts?), American Horror Story (Coven, specifically for the witches), Interview with the Vampire, What We Do in the Shadows (quirky but gay vampires? Always yes), Torchwood, Being Human, Midnight, Texas, and Penny Dreadful.

Anyway, that’s my list. If you’re not already drowning in queer paranormal content, you’re welcome. Grab some popcorn or whatever your go-to binge snack is and dive right in. Monsters, magic, and queer romance? A winning combo!

 

Nick Michelson is 16 and he:

👻 Can see ghosts
🃏 Reads Tarot cards
💭 Gets visions of the future
🏃‍♂️May or may not have a crush on his best friend.
🔥 And ghosts come to him for help
☠️..and some, for revenge

Read the book that began it all…

book cover for Nick's Awakening

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Kolchak: The Night Stalker – A Blast from the Past (with Fangs!)

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Kolchak Night Stalker book 2025So, in my latest weekly newsletter (which, let’s be honest, is just me ranting about whatever I’ve been obsessing over that week), I talked about something I hadn’t thought about in years—Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Yes, that delightfully campy 1972 TV movie that scared the ever-loving crap out of me when I was twelve. And yes, it’s been that long. Let’s not dwell on that part.

The whole thing started because I recently got my hands on the restored version of the original book, which came out via Kickstarter (but don’t worry, it’s available at retailers now if you missed out). After devouring the book in record time, I had that I must see this on screen again moment and went on a YouTube hunt. Lo and behold, there it was. And let me tell you, watching it as an adult was an experience.

For the uninitiated, Kolchak: The Night Stalker is about Carl Kolchak, an investigative reporter with the fashion sense of a man who fell into a thrift store in the dark and came out looking fabulous (or at least, memorable). Played by Darren McGavin (who you probably recognize as the dad from A Christmas Story), Kolchak is a snarky, wisecracking journalist who stumbles onto what should be the biggest story of his career: a vampire terrorizing Las Vegas. Because yes, this movie isn’t just a fun little detective mystery—it’s full-on supernatural horror, complete with a very old-school bloodsucker who isn’t interested in brooding or tragic backstories. This guy just wants to eat people.

It’s got everything: frantic newspaper office scenes, police who refuse to listen (because of course they do), and that classic 1970s TV movie feel—which, if you know, you know. It’s a perfect mix of noir and horror, with a heavy dose of that era’s delightful over-the-top dramatics. And McGavin? Oh, he absolutely carries this thing. His Kolchak is exasperated, relentless, and way too determined for his own good. I love him for it.

As for the book? It was a blast. Originally written by Jeff Rice, it tells the same story but with even more of Kolchak’s dry, sardonic wit. You can feel his frustration oozing off the page every time someone calls him crazy—which, to be fair, happens a lot. If you’ve ever been the one person in the room who knows the truth while everyone else just dismisses you as ridiculous (I see you, conspiracy theorists), then you’ll get a kick out of Kolchak’s struggles. Plus, the restored 2025 version has a bunch of bonus material, making it an even better excuse to dive in.

So if you’re in the mood for some classic ‘70s horror goodness, I highly recommend both the book and the movie. Read it, watch it, and then join me in wondering why we don’t have more cranky reporters fighting the supernatural on TV anymore.

Until next time—don’t let the vampires get you!

The Night Stalker-eyes.

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Back at It (Kind of), After My Accident – Because Stories Won’t Write Themselves!

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Magical feather

Hey, friends! 👋

Sooo, here’s a tiny life update: I’ve been slowly making my way back to the blog after the little accident situation I found myself in. Yeah, that fun chapter of my life. 🙃 First off, I really appreciate all the good vibes and emails you guys sent over – seriously, it meant a lot while I was basically Couch Potato Extraordinaire™. But lately? Big news: I’m somewhat functional again! I can sit at a computer (and by “sit,” I mean kind of awkwardly balance and shift around like a rusty robot, but hey, progress is progress).

One of the first things I jumped back into, of course, was my book projects. I’ve got a couple of those marinating in the background 📝, and now that I can actually type again without looking like I’m fighting with the keyboard, I’ve been chipping away at them. Honestly, it feels SO good to be creating again. It’s like the world’s longest quiet stretch has been lifted, and I’m reconnecting with my brain’s weird ideas again. The rust isn’t cute, but you get it.

And speaking of writing, if all goes well (🙏), I’m hoping to resume weekly short stories starting next week! So, for those of you who’ve been missing those little inbox surprises (I see you!), keep an eye on your email. There will likely be some quirky, half-baked characters and chaotic plots heading your way soon. Yay! 🎉

That said, I’m still quite a ways from being fully recovered. My accident? Let’s just say it was not the kind of adventure I recommend (and 0/10 stars; would not sign up again). It’s been slow-going, and there are days where I can’t do much except stare longingly at my to-do list while becoming one with my heating pad. BUT! At least I can do the thing again. The writing. And that, my friends, is LIFE to me.

I definitely won’t be posting daily like I was when I was doing my movie-a-day challenge (what was I even thinking with that brain-melting commitment?!) – but maybe, just maybe, I’ll give that challenge another go next year. 🧐 We’ll see how it goes. Gently dipping my toes back in for now and trying not to faceplant.

Anyway, just wanted to pop on here and say that, yes, I’m alive. Yes, I’m writing again. And yes, you’ll be seeing some more action on this blog soon-ish. Not “movie-every-day” level action, but let’s start slow and see where it lands. 😅

Talk soon,
Your slightly stiff, slowly recovering, but excited-to-write storyteller

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Where have I been?

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Image of a hospital

Hey friends,

Soooo, you’ve probably noticed I’ve been a little MIA lately (unless you’re thinking that I’ve suddenly become some sort of desert hermit). But yeah, there’s a solid reason for it. I had a bit of an accident. By “bit of an accident,” I mean—I shattered both my hip and my pelvis. Like, if my bones were a vase, they’d be more like fine china that slid off the shelf in slow-motion while you’re too far away to catch it… but, you know, in bone-form. Ta-da! 🎉

So yeah, long story short, I’ve been spending the past three weeks in the hospital getting acquainted with Oxycodone and pitifully watching subpar daytime TV. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t as glamorous as it sounds. To top things off, I just spent another week in Rehab. Not the rockstar kind of rehab, though. More the “oh no, I need to walk again without resembling a newborn giraffe but I can put no weight on my left side” kind of rehab. Turns out, learning to navigate the world with a pelvic injury makes you feel like a clumsy puppet with half its strings cut.

It’s gonna be a bit of a haul getting back to my usual self, and I’m still in recovery mode (iced coffee and binge-worthy series included on prescription). So, sadly, my posts might pop up less often.

Now, if we rewind a bit, you might remember I was doing that little movie-a-day challenge? Yeah, that thing where I tried watching a movie every day for a year. Let me tell you, I gave it a good shot. I hit over 300 days in a row! That’s basically an entire year in dog-movie-watching years (yes, I invented that term). But here’s the thing. With my current physical predicament, lying around in bed all day with a shattered pelvis isn’t exactly ideal for movie marathons. Somehow, I can’t even find the energy to hit “Next episode” anymore, and that tells you all you need to know. Sooo yeah, I think it’s fair to say that challenge is wrapped up. Cue dramatic applause 🎬

Was it an epic journey filled with incredible stories, strange plots, and too many bad CGI explosions to count? Yup. Did I feel like I was living in the IMDb database half the time? Absolutely. It was a cool challenge, and hey, I even discovered some weird indie gems along the way (plus, I’m now an absolute pro at finding obscure Korean thrillers). But every hero’s journey comes to an end. Every dragon eventually flies off into the sunset. And this hip-shattered movie lover is calling it a day on the one-a-day rule.

But! I still totally plan on tossing the occasional movie review your way! I mean, c’mon, you didn’t think I was walking away cold turkey, did you? If anything, I’ll be filtering my “best of the best” binge-watching for you. Gotta stay classy, right? (Sort of.) I’ll just make ‘em a little less frequent than before because, you know, bones.

Random fact here! Did you know that recovery from a pelvic fracture can genuinely take up to 8-12 weeks (or longer in some cases)? Oh! And the pelvis is actually made up of three bones: the ilium, ischium, and pubis. My pelvis? All three in shambles. It’s like I won the pelvis injury lottery… 🎉🏆

ANYWAY, what this all boils down to is: I’m still alive. I’m still watching things on TV and spending way too much time on Reddit and YouTube, and I’m still planning to share cool stuff with you all. Just… less, ‘cause I’m trying to assemble my skeleton back into some semblance of normal. Pretty wild how much you appreciate working legs when you’ve got crutches jammed into your armpits, huh?

If there’s one silver lining, I’ve also got loads of time to reflect on life… and answer those deep, deep questions like: Why can I never just eat one potato chip? Or Do hospital gowns have a union because damn* if they’re not all ill-fitting*. And I’m hoping that when you’ve gotta power through obstacles (even ones that involve crutches and orthopedic inserts), a bit of positivity, good conversation, and real good movies can brighten things up.

Til’ next time, fam. You know I’ll be floating in and out of the digital realm. Resting, watching, and probably rewriting the list of “Best Action Sequences of 1992-1999” because, well, priorities.

Let’s keep it real. Always.
Roger

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Movie-a-Day Challenge: The Creator

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The creator movie posterThis post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 305! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey, friends!

So, I finally got around to watching The Creator—you know, that new sci-fi flick from 2023 that had everyone talking like it was the next big thing. It’s directed by Gareth Edwards — you know, the guy who brought us “Godzilla” (2014) and “Rogue One”? I’ve gotta say, I went in with this weird mix of excitement and skepticism—like, I was pumped for the visual feast but also low-key worried it would be all flash and no substance, just another shiny robot movie trying way too hard to be profound. But, boy, was I wrong. It’s like a rollercoaster ride that slams on the brakes halfway through and turns into a leisurely stroll through a philosophical garden. Intrigued?

So, the movie’s set in, like, this dystopian future where AI and humanity are basically at war, and I couldn’t help thinking about the whole “art imitates life” situation we’re in right now with AI getting smarter and (according to some folks) kinda terrifying. Now this isn’t your everyday Siri-gone-rogue scenario, but a full-blown conflict with advanced robots.

John David Washington plays Joshua, a hardened ex-special forces agent tasked with hunting down the Creator, the elusive architect of the AI’s ultimate weapon. is tasked with finding and destroying this super-powered AI weapon.

But here’s the kicker: the weapon is a kid, named Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles). A freaking six-year-old AI who looks more like an actual kid than any doll I had growing up, and, yeah, cue all the complicated feelings.

Washington is his usual intense self, bringing a gravitas to Joshua’s haunted past and inner turmoil. But it’s Voyles who steals the show. Like, you know how some kids seem to have wisdom beyond their years? It’s like that, but times ten. Alphie’s connection with Joshua is, okay, unexpected. I was half-prepared for their relationship to fall into cheesy territory, but there’s this raw, almost parental love that sneaks up on you. Believe me, it’s quite disarming, especially when you start to question who’s saving whom here.

But despite being an AI, Alphie is surprisingly emotive, thanks to Voyles’ nuanced performance and some impressive CGI. Her bond with Joshua forms the emotional core of the film, and it’s genuinely touching to see Joshua’s hardened exterior soften as he interacts with Alphie.

But then, the film takes a sharp turn. It shifts gears from action-packed spectacle to a more introspective exploration of humanity and AI. We delve into questions of consciousness, free will, and what it truly means to be alive. It’s heady stuff, and while some might find it a bit jarring, I appreciated the ambition. It’s like Edwards is trying to challenge us, to make us think beyond the explosions and laser beams.

One of the things that got to me was the moral grayness of the whole thing. There’s no clear hero or villain—just a bunch of beings, human or otherwise, trying to survive in this mess of a world (though there are a couple of characters who tiptoe dangerously close into ‘asshole’ territory). The film doesn’t spoon-feed you ethical answers, which is almost frustrating at times, but also gave my brain some much-needed food for thought. I guess I’m into movies that make me think while I’m still trying to digest my popcorn, you feel me?

Now, I’m not usually one to get all philosophical, but this film hit me. Like, in this blend of circuits and flesh, where does humanity actually end? And am I really that different from a machine just trying to make sense of feelings and memories? Maybe it was the movie or maybe it was the late-night popcorn-induced existentialism, but yeah, I went there.

Anyway, The Creator is the kind of movie that packs an emotional punch in places you weren’t expecting it to, while still delivering on the shiny sci-fi spectacle we all crave. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly ambitious and visually stunning. And, honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I want: something that’s a little messy, a little beautiful, and sticks with you longer than just the two-hour runtime. Just be prepared for a wild ride that might leave you with more questions than answers.

Cheers!
Roger and Out

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