The Quill

—Seth VanEss, True Crime Editor

Plastics: The Bane of Recycling

Recycling metal, paper, glass, and plastic saves water, energy, time — the list goes on. For me, recycling is as automatic as tossing something in the trash. I always try to avoid throwing things away. By this point, I’ve probably accumulated hours of staring at empty cans or plastic containers trying to decide if I can recycle them or not.

Generally, it’s obvious what has to go in the trash and what I can actually put in the recycling. Tin cans go in the recycle bin; plastic cling wrap goes in the trash. The cardboard from a box of pasta goes in the recycle bin, but the plastic windows from the container have to go in the trash. However, some things just aren’t this clear.

Most things that I’m unsure where to dispose of are plastic. When in doubt, I’ve held to the rule that if the object in question has the recycling symbol on it then it must be recyclable. I’m sure I’m not the only person in the world to make this assumption. However, recently I’ve come to understand that while this may be technically true, there are some definite exceptions.

Most plastics have a recycling symbol on them, a triangle made up of arrows, and in the center of the symbols there’s a number — 1 through 7. Until recently, though, I knew these numbers impacted the recyclability of plastics, but I thought it was simply the higher the number the harder the plastic is to recycle. Which isn’t totally off. However, different areas are only equipped to recycle certain plastics.

Basically, objects with the numbers 1 or 2 are almost always accepted for curbside recycling and sometimes 5 as well. We can still recycle some other types of plastic; we just have to be a bit more creative. For instance, gathering up plastic bags — even the ones from inside cereal boxes — and taking them to a drop-off point at a grocery store. To help you find more information, here are the recycling guides for Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan and some guidelines for all of Wisconsin.

Among the many book genres that exist within the literary world, there is none that opens our mind to magical worlds, rich characters, and epic narratives quite like fantasy. A good fantasy book is like a portal, a conduit from our own world to another, that connects with each of us in a slightly different way. And for that reason, we have chosen to highlight some of our contributors’ favorite fantasy novels in this issue. Make sure to check these works out when you get the chance!

Are you a fan of epic fantasy stories? The kind that span across 15 novels, including a prequel novel, three companion books, a pair of short stories, and a TV adaptation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be prone to enjoying Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series as much as I have. Released from 1990 to 2013, The Wheel of Time is a coming of age story for protagonist Rand al’Thor, but there is also an underlying theme of grappling with one’s identity as well. At the moment, I am currently reading book two, The Great Hunt. Despite only having recently been introduced to the series, I found that it has become a favorite of mine nonetheless, largely due to it being heavily inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

The premise of the story is simple: Rand, along with a large cast of friends and allies, must navigate the complex, ever-changing, and currently unnamed world where it takes place, all in order to defeat the Dark One, a cosmic force of darkness that threatens to undo the very fabric of reality, only to rebuild it in his own image. This tale occurs from the perspective of 148 characters, some of whom have larger roles than others, but despite their overall impact on the narrative, they each contribute to the reader’s understanding of the world in some capacity.

However, while The Wheel of Time is often praised for its worldbuilding in particular, its most powerful writing can be found in scenes featuring the protagonist himself. Rand is a character who fits into the arguably overdone “chosen one” trope well, but it is the manner in which Robert Jordan presents this role that sets him apart from many other authors who play with the same idea. Rather than receiving all of the power, friendships, and plot armor that most “chosen one” protagonists are gifted with, Rand has to deal with enemies who are constantly hunting him, friends who fear the power he is capable of, and “allies” who wish to use his status to push their own agendas.

All in all, The Wheel of Time is a series that has quickly risen to the top of my favorite fantasy novel series, and if that’s your thing then you should consider checking it out for yourself.

Ever dreamt of riding your own dragon? Diving into Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing is your ticket to an exhilarating adventure! This book kicks off the Empyrean series with a bang, blending military fantasy, romance, and high-stakes action. With its vivid world-building and unforgettable characters, Fourth Wing gets you hooked with just a few chapters. I devoured this book last month, and it has quickly become one of my favorite fantasy reads of all-time.Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old destined to be a scribe, was never supposed to be risking her life in the most brutal and deadly program at Basgiath War College. From a condition that affects her bones and ligaments and leaves her in chronic pain (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), to the unforgiving dragons and merciless cadets, Violet’s odds of survival aren’t looking too good. Enter Xaden Riorson, a brooding dragon rider whose presence is captivating and mysterious — and who Violet is warned to stay far, far away from.

Rebecca Yarros masterfully keeps you on your toes through the book, strategically planning for the end of each chapter to be an unanswered question that drives you to keep reading. She beautifully curates the world of Navarre in such a way that you can almost imagine being there and flying the dragon yourself. The series is yet to be completed, but three of the books (five planned) are available now. Fourth Wing ends with the biggest cliffhanger of all, so I recommend having the second book, Iron Flame, at the ready.

—Katie Frank

Terry Pratchett’s books are funny and light, but also reflect on what it means to be human and the society we live in today. He writes in such a way that you are forced to stop, slow down, and pay attention; it is impossible to read a Terry Pratchett novel quickly. If you like dry humor, quirky characters, witches, footnotes, and mild chaos, you will love this book and probably Pratchett’s entire Discworld seriesAll of the Discworld books are set in the same world and some share the same characters. However, the vast majority can be read as stand-alone novels in any order you would like. Wyrd Sisters is my favorite simply because it was the first book I read in the series and remains the one I have read first and the most times.

Wyrd Sisters loosely parodies the plot of Hamlet. A king is murdered, and his throne is usurped by the man who killed him, who was pushed to do so by his wife. Even as the couple settle into their new positions of power, the old king is not completely gone. Instead, he hangs around and tries to protect his son through the aid of a local coven of witches —Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick. As the king’s son grows, so does his usurper’s hold over the kingdom. Finally, the three witches must prepare for a showdown between the truth of their world as they know it, and the new king’s use of a carefully crafted narrative to change the world to meet his own ends (and his wife’s). Will the king’s plan succeed and push the witches out of the society they are the caretakers of? And does it really matter what route you take to a good result, as long as you don’t start cackling?

So, you’re thinking about cozying up with your next juicy romance novel. We’ve all been there. Whether you’re single or happily locked down, there’s something comforting about a good love story. The fantasy, the catharsis, and oftentimes, the predictability.

When it comes to cliché tropes, the romance genre is full of them. From enemies to lovers to fake dating to the love triangle, there’s no shortage of familiar plot lines. Maybe you have a favorite; maybe you’re indifferent or love them all; maybe there’s a select few you avoid like the plague. You can decide which book you’ll pick up next, sure, but you can’t decide your fate.

Don’t worry though, this quiz can! Answer the questions below and count up your score to find out your romantic destiny*.

*Not single? No problem! Take this quiz as a source of your perfect book recommendation, you lucky dog! 

1. What’s your favorite fiction genre?

1. 1. Fantasy (+0)
   2. Science Fiction (+1)
   3. Realistic Fiction (+2)
   4. Historical Fiction (+3)

2. You’re on vacation. What’s the view from your window?

1. 1. Teal waves crashing on the shore of a coastal town (+0)
   2. The moon glowing over a big city skyline (+1)
   3. A waterfall cascading into a lush jungle (+2)
   4. The Northern Lights gleaming above the mountaintops (+3)

3. What’s your favorite season? 

1. 1. Winter (+0)
   2. Spring (+1)
   3. Summer (+2)
   4. Fall (+3)

4. How do you fall asleep?

1. 1. On my back (+0)
   2. On my side (+1)
   3. On my stomach (+2)
   4. All of the above/ not sure (+3)

5.  What’s your go-to beverage? 

1. 1. Coffee (+0)
   2. Tea (+1)
   3. Juice (+2)
   4. Water (+3)

6. You’re in the market for a new pet. What are you getting?

1. 1. Cat (+0)
   2. Dog (+1)
   3. Bird (+2)
   4. Hamster (+3)

7. What’s doodled in the margins of your notebook?

1. 1. The classic “S” (+0)
   2. A realistic eye (+1)
   3. Literally anything else (how creative!) (+2)
   4. Nothing — they’re pristine! (+3)

8. If you could have a superpower, which would you choose?

1. 1. Flight (+0)
   2. Invisibility (+1)
   3. Super strength (+2)
   4. Telepathy (+3)

9. What mythical creature is your favorite?

1. 1. Unicorn (+0)
   2. Dragon (+1)
   3. Phoenix (+2)
   4. Mermaid (+3)

10. What are you putting on your ice cream sundae?

1. 1. Hot fudge  (+0)
   2. Caramel  (+1)
   3. M&Ms  (+2)
   4. Nothing/ I don’t want one (+3)

Add up your points: your total decides your results!

0-5: Friends to Lovers
A classic, heartwarming trope that makes for a lovely slow burn. Navigating the transition between being friends and something more can be difficult, but the payoff is beautiful. I’m happy for you! Some friends-to-lovers books to try:

• • Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
  • Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
  • Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malina Lo

6-11: The Love Triangle
Ooh, the drama! The options! The love triangle fulfills many fantasies! The tricky part — who do you choose? (Or, how do you make the throuple work?) Some love-triangle books to check out:

• • Black Swan Affair by K. L. Kreig
  • An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

12-17: Enemies to Lovers
Tension, transformation, and fiery chemistry — the trope that turns resentment into passion. Whether due to misunderstandings or sheer hatred, the thrill of the build up makes that emotional payoff so incredibly worth it. Here are some enemies-to-lovers books to check out:

• • The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
  • The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

18-23: Fake Dating
Maybe you’re trying to impress family. Maybe you don’t want to be caught in a lie. Whatever the case may be, this romantic facade starts to blur the line between what’s fake and real, when suddenly those pretend feelings aren’t so pretend anymore. Some fake-dating book recommendations:

• • The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
  • The Wrong Date by Sienna Waters

24-30: Soulmates
No beating around the bush in this trope; this pair is meant for each other! Brought together by fate, no matter the obstacles — your love transcends time and circumstance. Lucky! Some soulmate trope books to try:

• • Every Day by David Levithan
  • Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

—Brooke Schoening, Book Quiz Editor

It Ends With Us is a 2016 novel that hit the big screen in 2024. The book takes you on a journey through relationships built on domestic violence. It Ends with Us is a dark story that brings you to many beautiful places. It will have you championing the main character Lily Bloom and sometimes feeling bad for the antagonist. It’s written with words that will evoke all of your emotions and keep you engaged right through to the end.

According to Atlas Corrigan of It Ends with Us, “Everything is better in Boston.” While you will not be able to call and reserve a table for two at his Boston restaurant, BIBs, you will have many opportunities for amazing culinary experiences when you travel to the book’s location! Boston has a diverse menu to choose from, including places serving up classic American cuisine, bowls of famous New England clam chowder, a fresh seafood scene, a Chinatown with award-winning sustenance, and, of course, the famous Fenway Frank!

Boston has an ever-evolving and booming food scene, but you can get a taste of more than just food there! The city is full of historic battlefields, museums, harbors, and natural scenery. It is the location of the 2.5-mile-long, red brick Freedom Trail, which guides you to important sites from the American Revolution. You could stroll through Granary Burying Ground and pay your respects to the likes of Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, members of Ben Franklin’s family, victims of the Boston Massacre, or any of the 2,300 marked graves.

Boston is home to Fenway Park and a short commute to MIT and Harvard University. It gives you an opportunity to attend the opera or the ballet, the zoo, or the aquarium. You can shop until you drop for fashion or stroll along the beaches of the Gulf of Maine/Atlantic Ocean.

After a long day of sightseeing, you will need somewhere to take off your shoes for the night. According to TripAdvisor, the most popular neighborhoods for lodging are Downtown Boston, North End, or Back Bay. In these locations, you’ll find yourself protected and safe with a choice of familiar chains or boutique hotels, close to the sites and the food scene. It seems that Boston has something for every person of every age in entertainment, food, and lodging. But you’ll have to go there and experience it yourself to find out if Atlas was right!

Recognizing our differences and celebrating the connections that unite us is significant. The quotes here share a common theme of love and appreciation for diversity. Reflecting on these ideas during February encourages us to foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of one another as we navigate our interconnected world.“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.” —Unknown

The quote emphasizes the valuable contributions of diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. This richness enhances creativity, innovation, and compassion within our globalized society. Each individual brings unique ideas and traditions, deepening our understanding of what it means to be human.

Engaging with those from various backgrounds allows us to appreciate different viewpoints, fostering empathy and collaboration. By embracing these differences, we can build a more vibrant and harmonious community, enabling us to grow together and celebrate the intricate tapestry of our interconnected world.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” —Audre Lorde

Black History Month, observed from February to March 1, serves as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of Black Americans across various fields throughout history. 38th President Gerald R. Ford (1974-77) emphasized the importance of this month by encouraging Americans to acknowledge the often-overlooked achievements of Black individuals when he stated, “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” —Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo’s quote beautifully reminds us that the open joy in life often springs from the experience of being loved. It’s not merely about being appreciated for our best traits; it’s about the profound comfort of being cherished even with our flaws and imperfections. This unconditional love brings a sense of security and belonging, affirming our worth just as we are. Ultimately, it underscores the vital role of love as a basis of happiness in our lives, illuminating the profound connection we all seek.

Valentine’s Day evolved from traditions and stories and has become a holiday. So, this month and throughout the year, let’s also reflect on the order of love.

“If you have no one to love, love yourself.” —Buddha