Ok, here’s a new list of books that I’ve recently read:
Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk from W.W. Norton & Co.: Nope, not for me. At all.
Prince of Stories: The Many Worlds of Neil Gaiman by Hank Wagner, Christopher Golden and Stephen R. Bissette from St. Martin’s Press: I was disappointed by this book. Probably because I knew most of the anecdotes about Gaiman’s work already and also by the fact that I’ve really enjoyed Golden’s fiction, but this is a different beast entirely.
Tonoharu by Lars Martinson from Pliant Press: I have never heard of Martinson before, but he excellently captures the feeling of alienation that one must feel when dropped into a foreign culture. His drawing style is very cartoony, and the four panel page structure of this graphic novel really serves the story well.
Blue Pills by Frederick Peeters from Houghton Mifflin Company: Peeters expressive brushwork beautifully illustrates this tale of how love can go right. Unlike most introspective graphic novels, Blue Pills is not full of the navel gazing that I’ve come to expect; a very welcome change!
The Eternal Smile by Gene Luen Yang & Derek Kirk Kim from First Second Books: I’m a big fan of both Gene Yang & First Second Books so it’s no surprise that I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Three slightly connected short stories that make you question whether most people want reality or the freedom of fantasy — and the answers will surprise you.
Aya of Yop City by Marguerite Abouet & Clement Oubrerie from Drawn & Quarterly: I read the first volume of Aya about a year ago and when I saw this second volume on the shelves at the library I grabbed it immediately. Continuing the tale of a teenage girl living in 1970’s Ivory Coast, this funny book presents a warm and lighthearted vision of Africa that we don’t often get to see.
You really do read ALOT!!!
Two-sentence book reviews? What a great idea. Didn't think it was possible. But excellent job. Sometimes you have to read deep into a lengthy review to discover if the reviewer enjoyed it or if it's any good. But you've cut right to the chase, and that's something to aspire to. Nice!