Scribble #156

A follow up to Scribble #155 (link here):

Governments and administrations are supposed to help people, not enrich themselves at the expense of others. That is far from civil, just, and humane.

Systems that are evil, fascistic, authoritative, corrupt, cruel, cutthroat, calculating, divisive, exclusionary, exploitative, abusive, violent and aggressive should not exist. Any system run on and by avarice, hubris, egotism, narcissism, obstinance, bullying, constant deceit and betrayal, pettiness, and bitterness should not exist. They are not normal. They are not natural, nor inevitable.

Violence, aggression, and ruthlessness - "masculinity" and "manliness" - are not strengths - they are, in fact, great signs of overcompensation, insecurity, cowardice, childishness, whininess, pigheadedness, laziness, an unwillingness to learn and accept responsibility and accountability, and an "easy way out". We are not animals, nor slaves to our "instincts" or "genes" or whatever excuses you can come up with - we humans are better than that.

Kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, feelings, altruism, truth, trust, charity, philanthropy, humility, open-mindedness, growth, and adaptability - "femininity" and "femaleness" and "wokeness" - are not weaknesses. It takes massive amounts of strength, perseverance, and courage to stick to your beliefs, your causes, your brain, your heart, and your humanity in the face of insurmountable adversity and hopelessness. Calmness, clearheadedness, love and hope in the face of all that is true strength.

Do not trust anyone who takes more than they give.

Treat the "other" and "minorities" with kindness and respect, as you would everyone else. "Tolerance" and "acceptance" are the bare minimum of how you treat other human beings. There is no "other", nor are there "minorities" - no one is minor or lesser. They are normal. They are just people, like you. Everyone is different, so difference is not bad. No one's existence is an inconvenience to you. Get over yourself, and educate yourself, and get some empathy. And therapy.

Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.

I ask you to ask yourselves: What have you done today that is helpful, free, and empowering, to yourself and others? What of your actions and words are loving, caring, and kind?

Scribble #155

My 155th Scribble.

My thoughts.

Below are a collection of my past Scribbles, that, tragically, remain relevant today. More than ever. Even the posts from just a few weeks ago, that need to be adhered to.

Scribble #118

Scribble #120

Scribble #123

Scribble #126

Scribble #127

Scribble #128

Scribble #130

Scribble #135

Scribble #144

Scribble #145

Scribble #148

Public Service Announcement 2026

Remember: Billionaires and politicians should never, ever be immune to rules, laws, morality and human decency.

Once and for all: Say no to capitalism.

Say no to AI.

Say no to gambling.

Say yes to freedom

And hope

And love

And kindness

And compassion

And empathy

And peace

for everyone.

Say yes to education

And books

for everyone.

Say yes to truth

And ethics

And responsibility.

Say yes to humanity

for humanity.

Book Review - 'The English Roses' by Madonna (Writer), Jeffrey Fulvimari (Illustrator)

I, like many others, both then and now, wanted to check out 'The English Roses' because of Madonna. And the cute illustrations.

And yes, as far as children's books penned by celebrities go, there is a lot to criticise it for:

The English Roses themselves - Nicole, Amy, Charlotte and Grace, young girls of indeterminate age (though they are called 'little girls') - are interchangeable in personality, and they are pretty shallow and one-dimensional, the embodiment of stereotypically girly - they are fashionable, they like dancing and dolls, and they 'like the same boys' (page 8) (though at least they play games and read books, apparently). Very heteronormative, though that is to be expected for a children's book published in the early 2000s. Madonna might have partly based the Roses on the Spice Girls (Amy even looks like Geri Halliwell from that era, with her red hair and the Union Jack flags in her clothing).

The girl whom the Roses are jealous of, Binah, for being 'very, very beautiful' ('the most beautiful girl anyone had ever seen'! How old is she supposed to be? This is just creepy) and 'an excellent student and very good at sport' and 'was always kind to people' and 'was special', is clearly Madonna's self-insert (all the above quotes are from page 12, BTW).

The Rose friends' reaction to seeing Binah's oh-so poor and simple bedroom (with 'a single bed' and 'one doll' (page 36) FUCKING GASP!), during their fairy godmother trip into Binah's home, is an overexaggeration, to say the least. Damn early 2000s privileged London children.

Also, Madonna tried way too hard to make her book sound British, with the wording, spelling, slang, and character mannerisms. This was evidently made during her phase of wanting to be British, or at least act like it while living in England.

Lastly, this book is basically, blatantly the 'Hey Arnold!' episode, 'Ms. Perfect', meets 'A Christmas Carol' meets 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Any similarities may be coincidental, but I'm not ruling out any "inspiration".

'The English Roses' was obviously written by a world renowned celebrity.

Although, on the other hand, it is undeniably cute, with the cutest illustrations NOT credited to Jeffrey Fulvimari on the cover, nor on the back jacket of my copy of the book. The only place his name appears is in tiny letters on the title page, compared to Madonna's. It's all about Madonna with 'The English Roses'.

It contains a good message about making new friends, getting to know people, and not judging them, and how no one's life is as perfect as they may seem; we should be kind to everyone, and help them out, and be satisfied with who we are and what we have. The part where Nicole's mother tries to talk to the girls about this, before the fairy godmother shows up to set them right, is perhaps my favourite of the whole book - it's a humanising and cathartic moment.

Speaking of the fairy godmother (she isn't given any other name), she appears in the girls' synchronised dream during their sleepover, and takes them to Binah's home to show them how hard her life really is. The fairy godmother is mean, selfish, hypocritical, snooty and sassy, and I kind of love her for it. She's like the book version of Mary Poppins, a woman with magical powers who hates children and is not afraid to show it, and who acts like she has to teach them lessons out of contractual obligation.

The fairy godmother, as well as the book's narrator, have biting sass and attitude - even savagely breaking the fourth wall in some areas - for a 46-page children's book. Madonna didn't patronise or sugarcoat for her target audience there.

Though the line, 'If you say, "No" [in answering if the reader has ever been jealous], you are telling a big fat fib and I am going to tell your mother. Now, stop interrupting me.' (page 15), is especially jarring when we find out that one of the reasons why Binah's life is sad and hard is because her mother died (she lives with a single father who is mostly out at work). I mean, yikes! How did no one pick up on that?!

But through it all...

'The English Roses' - yes, it's crap, but you know what, it's my crap. My silly stuff. It's campy in a way that was probably unintentional, and that adds a charm to it.

And who can resist those cute illustrations? With little animals, dolls, knickknacks and other details added in here and there?

You deserve credit too, Jeffrey. This isn't just Madonna's creation, that also isn't simply a vanity project or "easy project", as its proceeds to go children's charities (at the time of its publication, and based on where it's purchased, anyway).

I have to praise any story that has female friendship as its major theme, too.

I own guilty pleasure novels and graphic novels - it's about time I had a guilty pleasure children's picture book, and that honour goes to 'The English Roses'.

Final Score: 3/5

Graphic Novel Review - 'Lilith, Vol. 1' by Corin Howell (Writer/Artist), Warnia Sahadewa (Colourist), Jim Campbell (Letterer), Adrian F. Wassel (Editor), Der-shing Helmer (Editor)

Corin Howell's 'Lilith' is a supposedly sexy, sexual, pulpy horror comic. And in a way it is. But there is more to it than that.

FYI, it is not porn.

What it is is very violent, bloody and gory. Several (severed!) panels are truly horrific and horrifying, it cannot be stressed enough.

But apart from that, 'Lilith' is surprisingly funny, and even, dare I say it, cute. And it works! Its beautiful red, black, white and grey artwork is positively manga-esque at times. It doesn't really care for tone, and I mean that not as a detriment. Far from it. 'Lilith' is messy in all the right ways.

It is a pulpy horror comedy throwback comic, about a sexy demoness/vampiress/murderess/royal/super-model named, well, Lilith. She's a hell maiden and an antiheroine who eats people, basically; she's like Elvira, Vampirella, Lust from 'Full Metal Alchemist', Jennifer from 'Jennifer's Body', and an adult-rated version of Marceline from 'Adventure Time'.

Most importantly, she is a lost immortal soul living and surviving in our mortal realm (she lives as a mortal model, and survives by eating mortal flesh).

In her search for clues to return home to her Babylon hell dimension, Lilith reluctantly befriends two queer siblings - one of whom, the absolutely adorable and chatty Penelope Pleasance, is a potential love interest for her - and another demon from Babylon, Michael, who is Byronic, flirty, mysterious, and a match for Lilith in killing. There is a lot of mystery going on, and gross, gloopy demon monster slaying and banishing from the mortal realm.

Indeed, there is more to every character than meets the eye.

Also Lilith has a pet three-eyed cat named Gordy, who gobbles up her human leftovers.

I admit to a shallow reasoning for wanting to read 'Lilith, Vol. 1' - it was all because of the title. I am a fan of the Lilith of legend, not of horror and gore. I sort of expected a better, more sympathetic and feminist interpretation of the Lilith figure - as the first woman, the first rebel against inequality, authority, fascism, and a higher power, and the first woman to demand bodily autonomy and the right to choose. So subsequently she is the first woman ever to be demonised by the patriarchy at the dawn of its manmade conception. She is not a fearful, murderous, literally dick-chomping demon and monster.

However, 'Lilith' the comic is a fun, enjoyable, campy, feminist, occult horror mystery story in its own right. Lilith mostly kills and eats bad men who deserve it, anyway.

It could have been more diverse in its POC rep, and its characters less incredibly stupid for the sake of plot contrivance, but again, it's fun, regardless.

If you like 'Exorsisters', 'Lady Killer', 'Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter', 'The Sandman''s Death character, 'Angela: Queen of Hel', 'Elvira', 'Vampirella', 

'Carmilla', 'Interview with the Vampire', 'When I Arrived at the Castle', 'Ginger Snaps', and 'Jennifer's Body', then go ahead and sink your teeth into the grisly, bloody, yet oddball-y elegant 'Lilith, Vol. 1'.

Horror and humour. Occult and cult. A flight of fancy flesh.

Final Score: 4/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'It's Her Story: Dolly Parton' by Emily Skwish (Writer), Lidia Fernández Abril (Illustrator)

A cute, clever, well-rounded, authentic, abridged comic retelling of Dolly Parton's life for children.

So many accomplishments this lady has! In making all of her dreams come true, for herself and others. Emily Skwish is right - Dolly is like a real-life superhero!

She's an amazing, multitalented, larger-than-life, loving, compassionate, caring, empathetic person. A truly wonderful human. A true star.

Now read these:


'Dolly Parton: Ultimate Fan Edition: Little Golden Book Biography'

'Dazzle Like Dolly: Games, Activities, Quizzes & Fun Inspired by the Queen of Country'

'Pocket Dolly Wisdom: Witty Quotes and Wise Words from Dolly Parton'

'Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Dolly Parton: Country Wisdom for Life's Little Challenges'

'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage'


Final Score (for 'It's Her Story: Dolly Parton'): 4/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Dazzle Like Dolly: Games, Activities, Quizzes & Fun Inspired by the Queen of Country' by Jessica MacLeish, Susana Castro (Artist), Chris Kwon (Artist)

I was sceptical of this at first, but 'Dazzle Like Dolly' is a sweet, comforting, informative, educational, emotionally educational, and empathically educational activity book for children (and adults, too).

It isn't all sparkles, sunshine and saccharinity, either; it isn't childish, nor is it sanitised and puritanized; it tells the truth regarding aspects of Dolly Parton's life and her achievements, up to 2024.

'Dazzle Like Dolly' is all at once an activity book, a quiz book, a writing guidebook and notebook, a Dolly quotes and wisdom book, a Dolly "pep talk" book, and a self-help, counselling and therapy book. You've got to love (and need) its optimistic and positive worldview and attitude, while at the same time it omits and censors nothing. There is a realism to its optimism.

Exploring Dolly's philosophy, humanity, varied feelings, successes and lessons - both personal and career-oriented - it is a very good life coach and tool to have around.

'Dazzle Like Dolly' teaches the importance of being yourself, believing in yourself, putting yourself out there, staying true to yourself and being open and honest, standing up for yourself, working hard to make your dreams come true, aiming higher, maintaining healthy coping mechanisms and strategies, balancing yourself, taking breaks, taking the time to enjoy life and have fun, and helping others in need; and the importance of creativity, philanthropy, empathy, compassion, and kindness - all reflecting Dolly herself.

'Dazzle Like Dolly' is just as inspirational and aspirational as she is.

If only there were more people like Dolly Parton in the world. It would definitely, irrefutably be better.

Dolly's best, perhaps least well-known quotes founded in 'Dazzle Like Dolly':


'Everybody should look and be whatever makes them comfortable so their inner self...can shine.'

'I love being able to do things that create opportunities for others...'

'I'll go to my grave doin' everything I can to make the world a better place and myself a better person.'

'Leave something good in every day.'

'Create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.'

'I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else.'

'I'm not afraid to try anything, and I'm certainly not afraid to fail.'

'Whatever it [processing and channelling feelings] is, I can say it in a song, in my own way.'

'People will use you as long as you let them.'

'I've often said I don't lose my temper as much as I use it.'

'When I'm mad, I'm mad all over. I'm just a person: I like to experience whatever the feeling is and whatever I'm going through.'

'If you see someone without a smile today, give 'em yours.'

'I've always said I will step over you or around you to get where I'm going, but I will never step on you.'

'I write what I write, say what I say, 'cause I feel what I feel.'

'As soon as you realize something is a problem, you should fix it...I would never dream of hurting somebody on purpose.'

'In all relationships--no matter what they are--you have to respect each other.'

'I love peace and harmony, but when you step in my territory, I will call you on it.'

'I look totally artificial, but I am totally real, as a writer, as a professional, as a human being.'

'I always count my blessings far more than I count my money.'

'Everybody has their own journey. They have their own way of doing things. And who am I to judge?'

'I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love.'

'If people want to pass judgement, they're already sinning. The sin of judging is just as bad as any other sin they might say somebody else is committing. I try to love everybody.'

'I'd rather be an honest person than a good liar.'

'I've had to go against all kinds of people through the years just to be myself.'

'I'm very real where it counts, and that's inside.'

'You have to be able to relate to the things you write about, but you don't have to live them personally.'


Here are just a few of my other book reviews about the iconic Queen of Country:


'Pocket Dolly Wisdom: Witty Quotes and Wise Words from Dolly Parton'

'Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Dolly Parton: Country Wisdom for Life's Little Challenges'

'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage'


Final Score (for 'Dazzle Like Dolly'): 4/5

EDIT: How fitting that this is my 1250th review! For thirteen years now I've been doing book reviews!

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage' by Dolly Parton, Tom Roland

'I don't play second fiddle

in nobody's band

And I'm no backup singer
and I won't be a fan

And I'm nobody's co-star
I just play leading roles...

And I won't play a part
unless it's star of the show.'



Here it is, the final book of the Dolly Parton showbusiness history trilogy, that contains 'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones' and 'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics'. Now it's about her life on the stage, in her TV and movie roles, and on her tours across the world.

She is the superstar of every show she's ever been on, shining brightly no matter what.

Even bigger and more detailed than 'Behind the Seams' and 'Songteller', 'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage' is an absolutely mega megastar biographical book, that chronicles Dolly's life up to 2025. In this archive also are photos of everything Dolly, from herself at her best and most inspirational, to her clothes, her concert tickets to places around the world, her concert and tour performance lists, and her album and music video lists. Also the merch, and additional Dolly book promos.

Goddess, how emotional, as well as entertaining!

What a big journey her life is! - the life of a talented, philanthropic superstar heroine.

A heroine who has made her butterfly dreams come true, and has never wasted her blessed, charmed existence, well lived.

Dolly Parton is truly an amazing, strong and resilient lady. Nothing and no one has stopped her from being her best, brightest, and most free, loving, grounded and down-to-earth self. She is true to herself above all else. It seems there is nothing she has not done; nothing she has not experienced; nothing she has not succeeded at; nowhere she has not been. There is nothing she can't do, even now when the Queen of Country Music has reached her eighties.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Dolly Parton is a star and an icon, known all over the globe, for good reasons. She is one of the most talented, accomplished, altruistic, generous, charitable, and important women in the pop culture sphere, and one of the best people on the planet.

She shall remain larger than life, and will continue to do good for others, forever.

Her Imagination Library is a must-mention, as well as Dollywood; most honoured, loved and respected.

Dolly Parton, Madonna, and Marilyn Monroe - the trio of female celebrity showbiz idols and icons who I admire and have read extensively about. I am a fan of women who are not straight, white and (predominantly) blonde, too - I am inspired and educated by them, too. I am all too aware of the issues surrounding privilege and double standards in a white supremacist, patriarchal and capitalist society, and I am an intersectional feminist, and will always try to do better.

So 'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage' - a most recent essential-read for every Dolly fan.

Links to my other Dolly book reviews:


'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones'

'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics'


Final Score: 4/5