note #4: april 2023
Wish I could be part of that world...
“I don’t know when, I don’t know how, but I know something’s starting right now
Watch and you’ll see, some day I’ll be part of your world…”
INTRODUCTION
Well, another month has gone by all too quickly, but it’s been a rather lovely one on my end. Lots of exciting things have been happening—including a promotion at work—and I’ve actually been enjoying the spring season for once. It’s been way too warm for my tastes, but I do love the longer days and the ability to take long walks without losing the light.
As promised, this newsletter is going to be a little different as it’s dedicated to the thing I love more than Twilight: the one and only The Little Mermaid. To be honest, this is such a personal topic that I’ve had trouble writing about it. I hope you enjoy what I have to say, no matter how clunky it might be. As always, thank you for reading and I hope you’ve been well and treating yourself kindly.
Without further ado…
A FISH OUT OF WATER
By the time this newsletter reaches your inbox, Disney’s live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid will be about a month away from hitting theatres. Aside from Twilight, I honestly don’t think I’ve been this excited—and anxious—for a movie and I’m already feeling the same mix of emotions for Wicked. You see, The Little Mermaid lives in every fiber of my being. So much of who I am is thanks to this movie and fairy tale, even if I didn’t recognize why until much later in life.
I don’t remember when I first saw the animated film, but I was too young at the time to really understand why the movie and story resonated with me so instantly and strongly, but now it’s all amusingly obvious as I look back and view Ariel and her journey through my older, hopefully wiser, eyes.
At its core, The Little Mermaid is about a young mermaid who feels like she doesn’t belong. Ariel longs for a life “out of these waters”, a life in the human world where, in her mind, she’ll find the happiness, belonging, and love she doesn’t have beneath the waves. I’ve always been able to understand why Ariel would sacrifice so much just for a chance to live on land because when you feel like an outsider, especially at such a formative age, you just want to be where you feel whole.
From kindergarten through high school, I was one of two or three Asian kids—and one of the few people of color in general. I was the adopted kid who didn’t look like his cousins who were in the same grade. I was the boy who liked mermaids and Sailor Moon, and who definitely had a crush on Prince Eric, though he didn’t realize it at the time. For so long, I was an outsider. Like Ariel, I had a loving family and supportive friends, but I was quickly outgrowing my ocean. I reached a point where I grew tired of trying to fit in and instead wanted a place that would fit me. The Midwest was my Atlantica and a city like New York eventually provided what the world above provides Ariel: a place to grow. To transform.
Also, did you know Hans Christian Andersen wrote “The Little Mermaid” in response to his unrequited feelings for another man? (His name was Edvard, and I hope you also find this funny all things considered. #TeamEdward) When I learned this, all the pieces of my love for this story and fairy tale fell fully into place. It was a sort of “a-ha!” moment where the realization stops you in your tracks and makes you think, “Of course that’s the reason.” You can learn more about the story behind the story here. And while the prince ends up marrying someone else in the original tale, Prince Eric ended up being a bit of an ideal hero: someone who loves you unconditionally.
Now, with May 26th quickly approaching and with it Halle Bailey’s take on Ariel, I find myself even more in love with Disney’s adaptation of Andersen’s love letter. We have a new Ariel that represents so many of us who’ve been left outside the frame, relegated to the sidelines. People who’ve been silenced and forced to keep their true selves under the surface. I met Jodi Benson a few years ago at NYCC and thanked her for helping me find my voice in a world that doesn’t often want me to have one—and I hope this new take on a little mermaid’s desire for a sense of self gives voice to a whole new generation.
FROM MY SHELF TO YOURS
I recently read Lauren Asher’s The Fine Print and I’m so mad I waited this long to read it! It’s such a fun, romantic, and perfectly executed grumpy/sunshine romance with a dash of billionaire swagger. Zahra and Rowan work so well together—bless Zahra for calling out Rowan’s bullshit—and I loved seeing their relationship take shape over the course of the novel. What also sold me is the fact that Zahra advocates for better accessibility at the park and I’m always here for disability/accessibility advocacy!
Want to purchase a copy for your shelf? I highly recommend shopping via Bookshop or directly through an indie bookstore, if possible! Not sure where to go? Why not try my personal favorite, Schuler Books?
Note: This is not not asponsored or affiliate recommendation, just a store I genuinely want to support!
DEEPLY OBSESSED
Here’s a round-up of all my latest obsessions ranging from upcoming books, TV/movies, Broadway, music, and everything in between!
“Mermaids” by Florence + the Machine: Well, this song couldn’t have come at a better time—and I wouldn’t be surprised if Florence’s management purposefully dropped the song ahead of The Little Mermaid. In true Florence fashion, this is a sultry, haunting song with a stunning melody and instrumentation. I also highly recommend listening to it while strutting around your city. The beat really makes you feel like a moody badass.
@MyBlogIsGreat: I recently came across Kelsey’s Instagram and I’m so glad I did because their graphics are STUNNING and I always love finding new romance readers to follow. I’m particularly in love with the Wes Anderson carousel.
DEFINE “PUBLISHING”
As a reminder, if you have a question about publishing that you’d like me to try to answer, please submit it via this anonymous Google form.
Thank you for your love and friendship. Thank you for your time and thoughts. I hope your week is full of stories and adventures, and I’ll see you next month!
Lots of love,
DJ
DJ, if you ever want to write a Little Mermaid retelling, I will be the first in line to read it. Just saying.
There is just too much goodness in one newsletter. Thank you for sharing part of your world with us and also for bumping THE FINE PRINT higher on my TBR!