Review: The Amazing Tour Is Not On Fire + Dan and Phil's Story of TATINOF (No Spoilers)

   The Amazing Tour Is Not On Fire
   Released: October 5th 2016 via YouTube Red
   Length: 96 Minutes

   PG-13
   Stage Show Recording

   Dan and Phil present their hit international stage show "The Amazing Tour Is Not On Fire"! A performance inspired by the best of their videos, live and interactive with a real audience—along with some surprises you’ll never see coming.

   When Phil microwaves his laptop, he and Dan are warped into a universe where the internet is destroyed and everything from their online world has become real! As they work out how to entertain the real-life audience, a mysterious figure decides to teach them an important lesson. (youtube.com)

   After touring through the UK and US, Dan Howell (danisnotonfire) and Phil Lester (AmazingPhil) announced that their LA show at the Dolby Theatre will be filmed and released as YouTube Red Original Movie. Understandably their fans, especially those in places that didn't host any shows and thus couldn't go and see it, were very excited.

   Unlike other YouTuber tours and shows, Dan and Phil created an entire stage show with a proper script, music, props and audience participation (very consensual as Dan mentions in the actual show) bringing their YouTube Channels and personalities onto big stages.

   Diving into the stage show, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Sure, I've seen a few spoilers over the past months but I didn't know anything about the plot or how any of it actually looks like, which was honestly the best way to go into this show. As avid viewer of both Dan and Phil, I got all the inside jokes and could enjoy every aspect of the show easily which definitely enhanced my viewing experience.

   If you go in as very casual viewer, or a parent who's being forced into watching it with their kid, I don't think you'll enjoy the show just as much simply because of all the references to their videos and  the things Dan and Phil have done over the years. Please be warned.

   As fan of the two, I enjoyed the show tremendously. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing and it basically left me feeling very happy and positive. A message the two want to bring across with the show is that being weird or different is okay, that you can reach your goals and fulfill your dreams if you believe in yourself. I definitely got that from it.

   Looking at it from a more subjective perspective I still think it's a very cool stage show with an amazingly decorated stage and two very funny guys jumping around on said stage trying to entertain the audience. Speaking of which, you could really see how much joy the show was giving them which was just another layer of amazing really.

All in all I give The Amazing Tour Is Not On Fire 5 out of 5 stars, 

subjectively and not just because I'm a fan.

* * *

   Dan and Phil's Story of TATINOF
   Released: October 5th 2016 via YouTube Red
   Length: 61 Minutes
   PG-13
   Behind the Scenes Documentary

   The behind-the-scenes story of Dan and Phil’s adventure on tour! An intimate and epic documentary film chronicling everything from creating their stage show, to life on the road and reflecting back on its legacy. (youtube.com)

   Have you ever wondered how stage shows happen and what happens behind the scenes during tours? Dan and Phil's Story of TATINOF will show you exactly that. Over the course of an hour you get to see who helped Dan and Phil create the show, how parts of it came together, how the look of the stage became what it is in the end, and what actually happens behind the scenes of the stage during the show itself.

    I was really curious to see how Dan and Phil came up with the show, how they as people of the internet who have nothing to do with big stage shows managed to create exactly that. Seeing them learn how to dance or learn tricks was really interesting, as well as seeing their adventures through the USA in their giant tour bus.

   Something that was also quite unique and interesting was seeing their fans talk about the show, express their feelings and see just how excited they were and how happy Dan and Phil, and the show, made them.

   The narration that leads us through the documentary was really well done and entertaining with the typical Dan and Phil humor.

   All in all I think Dan and Phil's Story of TATINOF is really interesting and a fun look behind the scenes. When you decide to watch these two, definitely watch the Stage Show first and then the documentary because spoilers. I had a really good time watching the documentary and I'll definitely watch it, along with the stage show, again soon.

I give Dan and Phil's Story of TATINOF 5 out of 5 stars.

My Opinion On Fan Fiction (Blogmas Day #21)

   Welcome to Blogmas day 21!
   Today, as the title suggest, I will be talking about this very controversial thing most people ignore or try to avoid: Fan fiction. Some of us, me included, have found themselves at a point in their life where you've just been so engrossed in a fandom, for a movie, TV show or book, that you started to dream up your own stories involving their characters or world. Some did it with Star Wars, others with Twilight, One Direction or Teen Wolf. Then there are others who just think fan fiction is awful and should be shunned.
   Today, we, and by that I mean me, will discuss both those points. Let's go!

   First up, what is fan fiction? Fan fictions are stories, be it one-shots that count not even 100 words or full on novel length stories written by the fans of a certain thing. There are many different types of fan fictions, romantic ones, tragic, smutty or even full on disturbing ones, whatever you might want to read, I'm pretty sure someone wrote it.
   Personally, in the past I've actually read an interesting amount of fan fictions. I started out thinking that it was the worst idea ever, but soon I discovered that some of the people writing those fan fictions are mad talented at what they are doing. I'm pretty sure you could take some, change the names, and you'd have perfectly working novels that could potentially be best sellers, in a good way, not the Fifty Shades of Grey way. During my obsessive music phase, or the peak of my fan fiction reading time, I found myself reading fan fictions about people like Ville Valo, the singer of HIM, Jared Leto, the singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, or Harry Potter, more specifically Dramione (Draco x Hermione) type fan fictions. I know Draco and Hermione have never been a thing yet they will always be my dream OTP, sorry Ron.

Ville Valo (HIM)

   When it comes to the stories about Ville Valo I've encountered one that I actually saved onto my laptop many years ago because it was just that good. It was really long, had an amazing protagonist and just a wonderful story filled with adventures, music and fun. I had a great time. In the Dramione department I stumbled upon another gem called Victim of the Fall which just blew my mind. The story is centered around Hermione and is just so incredibly well written I can't even explain it. If you like sad, living through the aftermath type stories that explore interesting ideas set in the Harry Potter world definitely check this one out. Seriously, someone from the Publishing world should take a look at it.
   Then also, just so the person won't get mad at me, I have to mention a story someone I know is currently posting on Wattpad that's also crazy good called Confide in Me which is a danisnotonfire fan fiction. For those who don't know danisnotonfire aka Dan Howell is a YouTuber from the UK whom I like so that was already a good enough reason for me to give it a try. So, here you go, I mentioned your story, hope ya happy now. Check it out guys.

   But, now, let's have a look at the other side of the argument being that fan fiction is awful and everyone who reads and writes it should be shunned from society, basically every parents standpoint on the topic when they realize that their kid is reading Johnlock (Sherlock x Watson) fan fiction on tumblr.
   I can understand people who think this way, especially after reading some of the more disturbing fan fictions that you hear about in certain fandoms. Whatever you do, don't look them up and don't read them, you will never be able to get those images out of your brain so I won't mention any titles but if you read them you know what I mean. But, besides overly disturbing and cringeworthy smut there are also those "fun" fan fictions that are clearly written by 12 year old that look a little something like this:
   OMG Harry Styles walkd into the rum & kissed me @ the mouth and omg said he luvs me & we married the nxt day.

Harry Styles
(One Direction)

  That was the worst example I could make up but it's 2am so I'm sure you can forgive me. But, I'm sure you get the gist of what I mean. Stories that are extremely badly written, have plots that make no sense or just represent what 12 year olds thinks love is because Harry is perfection, or Justin Bieber, whichever you prefer.
   I know other parents also say that they discourage their children from writing fan fiction because they believe it's pointless, seeing as those stories are not novels that could get published nor are they really getting them anywhere in life, they are just fan stories about things that would never happen in such a way in real life. I can kind of understand where you're coming from with that argument.

   But, looking at both arguments I'm sure you can find a million more for each side, argue for or against them, and we will never find the ultimate answer. Some people tried to discuss the question if fan fiction is literature, mostly concluding that no, it's not.

   According to dictionary.com these are the definitions for literature:
  1. writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays.
   2. the entire body of writings of a specific language, period, people, etc.: the literature of England.
   3. the writings dealing with a particular subject: the literature of ornithology.
   4. the profession of a writer or author.
   5. literary work or production.

   Just looking at that definition, fan fiction could actually be considered literature since those stories are bodies of writings in specific languages, periods or about people, and contain the expression of permanent and universal ideas as essential features. Some of those stories deal with more then just the writer's love for Harry Styles, some deal with depression, existential and identity related crisis or self harm, many in a way that could help the reader through their own depression by showing them a way through it. It's incredible what some of those fan fiction writers manage to create.
   At the end of the day, my question is, does it matter if fan fiction is valuable literature or not? I don't think so. Most of these writers don't seek recognition for their bold ideas or discussions on world moving topics, but rather praise from those who are in the same fandom.
   Personally I think parents should encourage their kids to write these stories, except for the disturbing ones, because, essentially, fan fictions are just another type of creative writing. Would you rather have your daughter party and drink her brain out at sixteen or sit in her room writing smutty fan fiction and sharing it with her friends or fandom members? I think the latter is more desirable, especially when you look at how well Fifty Shades of Grey or the After series did. Both of them used to be fan fictions but are now best selling stories with millions of fans and readers. Who knows, maybe that silly story your daughter is writing could be like that one day too?

   To end this endlessly long post, I can only say that while I get both sides of the argument, one saying that fan fiction is amazing and the other saying it's awful, I think everyone should have the freedom to decide for themselves if they want to get involved, either by writing or reading it, and if your daughter/son is writing these stories, let them do it. Of course, if they happen to write disturbing stories involving really damaging ideas and acts, stop them immediately! I mean the good stories, the silly or funny ones, those should be encouraged.

   And that's it, that's my discussion of fan fiction. Tell me your opinion down in the comments down below (no need to sign up), share your experiences with fan fiction, or tweet them at me, @Alice_Reeds. I hope you enjoyed this post and I will see you guys tomorrow!

Review: The Amazing Book is Not On Fire by Dan Howell and Phil Lester

The Amazing Book is Not On Fire by Dan Howell and Phil Lester
Expected Publication: October 8th 2015 by Ebury Press
Number of Pages: 224 Pages (Hardcover)
Series: No

   Hello reader,
   In this book is a world. A world created by two awkward guys who share their lives on the internet!
   We are Dan and Phil and we invite you on a journey inside our minds! From the stories of our actual births, to exploring Phil's teenage diary and all the reasons why Dan's a fail.
   Learn how to draw the perfect cat whiskers, get advice on what to do in an awkward situation and discover which of our dining chairs represents you emotionally. With everything from what we text each other, to the time we met One Direction and what really happened in Vegas... (goodreads.com)

   This was an incredibly fun read that made me laugh loads thanks to Dan and Phil's humor that so nicely translated onto paper. As someone who really likes to watch their videos having the ability have something from them, especially in book form, standing on my shelf is really nice, which I guess is also exactly what they've been going for. For this review I will try to keep my inner fangirl at bay and try to be as objective and unbiased as possible.
   When the first YouTuber book wave hit the news I groaned inwardly because when I think of a book I imagine a novel and not a collection of stories, pictures, or pieces not even written by the YouTubers but someone else. But, when I heard that danisnotonfire and AmazingPhil were working on a book I got really excited and hoped for it to be something fun. Luckily I got just that.

   I enjoyed this conversation type vibe that a big chunk of this book had going on because it almost felt like reading a transcript of their video(s). I also really liked how different their writing styles were, which was also underlined by two certain stories that can be found inside the book(those who have read it will know which ones I mean). Dan uses longer, wonderfully articulated sentences, whereas Phil's parts felt a bit simpler, typically Phil like (which will probably only make sense to those who've watched his videos), but funny and intriguing nonetheless.
   Another good thing was that despite the fact that, for example, I've seen almost all of Dan's videos, and a number of Phil's, I still learned so much new stuff about them in this book. I really enjoyed the way they described their University life and, once again, felt awe when reading that Phil is so smart and has a Bachelor and a Master.
   The format of this book was also quite fun. There were many colors used, many really cool and interesting pictures to look at, and the story about what really happened in Vagas was brilliant. Let's also not forget the part where they talk about the time they met One Direction. Even someone like me who isn't really involved in the One D world nor really listens to their music, I could feel the emotions that Dan and Phil were describing and I could perfectly understand them. I applaud them for that.

   All in all I think The Amazing Book is Not On Fire is incredibly funny, interesting, and immensely entertaining. I finished it in under twenty four hours because I could just barely make myself stop. This was definitely a YouTuber book that did not disappoint me, but rather made me want to pick up more of them, though I only think there is like one more out there that I really want to have. So if you're a fan of Dan and/or Phil, I think you're very likely to enjoy this read, and even if you're not, you could still give it a try even if only for the laughs and giggle.

I give The Amazing Book is Not On Fire by Dan Howell and Phil Lester 5 out of 5 Stars.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Amazing Book is Not on Fire by Dan Howell and Phil Lester

   Hey guys!
   Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine in which we discuss our most anticipated upcoming releases.

   The book:

The Amazing Book is Not on Fire by Dan Howell and Phil Lester
Expected Publication: October 8th 2015 by Ebury Press
Number of Pages: 224 Pages (Hardcover)
Series: No

   Hello reader,
   In this book is a world. A world created by two awkward guys who share their lives on the internet!
   We are Dan and Phil and we invite you on a journey inside our minds! From the stories of our actual births, to exploring Phil's teenage diary and all the reasons why Dan's a fail.
   Learn how to draw the perfect cat whiskers, get advice on what to do in an awkward situation and discover which of our dining chairs represents you emotionally. With everything from what we text each other, to the time we met One Direction and what really happened in Vegas... (goodreads.com)

   My thoughts:

   I never read this types of books but I really, really like Dan and Phil so when I heard that they were writing a book I immediately know that I would make an exception for them, no matter what type of book it would be.
   Would I prefer a novel over what this book is? Definitely.
   Do I mind that this book isn't a novel? After that whole Zoella ghostwriter chaos/drama months ago, not at all.
   Dan and Phil are super funny and have so many different, interesting and fun stories to tell that I'm sure this book will be great. If you don't know these two yet, however that would be possible, go and check out their YouTube channels.