Hello.
Here's the list for this week. Hopefully I'll be able to get some of this reading done in between Sundance screenings. Yes the movies are coming to town! Well at least my town. I'm very excited.
The Reading List
Stephen Fry in America
Jesus's Son (that's for book club, I can't wait)
A whole stack of wonderful graphic novel trades!
Also the wicked stack of comics that I need to catch up on.
Four Four Two for my football/soccer fix.
Have a great week! Book Slave.
2010-01-19
2010-01-15
Gaining Perspective & The Walking Dead
Hey,
So it's been a rough couple of days. Right now I encourage all that have the means to donate/buy/whatever to relief organizations like The Red Cross to help those suffering in Haiti. A catastrophic event like this helps you put life in perspective.
Speaking of putting life in perspective it is an utter coincidence that this week I finally digged into The Walking Dead. The Walking Dead Compendium Vol. 1 contains the first 48 issues, all written by Robert Kirkman. I wanted to read this series in one big chunk because of the reputation of this series. Kirkman is known for his unrelenting cliffhangers and I didn't want to have to wait for the next volume.
The Walking Dead begins when a police officer from Kentucky named Rick wakes up from a coma. He took a bullet for his friend/fellow officer Shane in a gunfight a month ago. Unfortunately it turns out that while Rick was sleeping the world went to hell. Zombie-esque creatures have taken over and society has fallen. Now I know this sounds just like 28 Days Later but other than this opening premise any similiarities end. Rick reunites with a group of survivors which luckily includes his wife and son. This ragtag group struggles with this new crazy world that tests everything they've ever known.
Now I wouldn't dare spoil what happens along that terrible road. Part of the wonderful horrible experience of this series is that the reader begins to understand that anything can happen. No one is safe. Anyone could die at any moment including the main characters. Kirkman does not hold back in any way. This book is as savage as the world it depicts.
It is a master stroke from Kirkman that this book is not really about the zombies. Sure the zombies are always there in the background. They are a relentless threat. However this story is fueled by the actions of the human characters. Kirkman examines how the continuous horror/violence/death is degrading to the human soul. All the characters are confronted with the darkness that is inherent when one is struggling just to survive. Kirkman doesn't spend any time trying to explain what happened and I hope he never does. It doesn't matter why zombies have taken over. That's just the cataclysmic event that has led us to this new world.
I completely understand how each character reacts but am also repulsed by a majority of it. Let's just say that this series is not for the weak. It makes Scalped look like a nursery rhyme. Reading 48 issues all in one go was a really depressing experience. The moment that you begin to love a character than something horrid happens to them. And I'm not even touching the character of The Governor. As a writer Kirkman puts the reader into the same position as the human characters. And even for this cynical hardened reader that was very difficult. However I don't think that I would want it any other way. To hold back or force a happy ending would lessen the experience. That would make this series just like any other zombie book around right now.
I'd be remissed if I didn't mention the great art from Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn. Black and White is the perfect look for this series. It's the only way that the reader can deal with such horrific images. It also allows for the simplicity of the new world our survivors travel thru. With the loss of a societal structure I loved seeing a world where nature is reclaiming the earth. There are some amazing splash pages that showcase the landscape. Of course there's always a zombie tucked away in the background. This is in stark contrast to the prison which our survivors inhabit. It can't be a mistake that Rick, and others, seems to lose some of their humanity while recapturing their safety. In the prison they visit more violence upon each other than the zombies. Clearly this is intentional and the art reflects it.
It's one thing just to be able to survive. Rick and his family, including those who are not directly related, struggle with finding a way to finally start "living" again. This gives an incredible double meaning to the title of the series. Who are "the walking dead" really? Kirkman wants to confront his readers with that very question. Since this series is open-ended, I don't expect we'll get an answer until the end. Or when every human dies and the answer is moot.
So it's been a rough couple of days. Right now I encourage all that have the means to donate/buy/whatever to relief organizations like The Red Cross to help those suffering in Haiti. A catastrophic event like this helps you put life in perspective.
Speaking of putting life in perspective it is an utter coincidence that this week I finally digged into The Walking Dead. The Walking Dead Compendium Vol. 1 contains the first 48 issues, all written by Robert Kirkman. I wanted to read this series in one big chunk because of the reputation of this series. Kirkman is known for his unrelenting cliffhangers and I didn't want to have to wait for the next volume.
The Walking Dead begins when a police officer from Kentucky named Rick wakes up from a coma. He took a bullet for his friend/fellow officer Shane in a gunfight a month ago. Unfortunately it turns out that while Rick was sleeping the world went to hell. Zombie-esque creatures have taken over and society has fallen. Now I know this sounds just like 28 Days Later but other than this opening premise any similiarities end. Rick reunites with a group of survivors which luckily includes his wife and son. This ragtag group struggles with this new crazy world that tests everything they've ever known.
Now I wouldn't dare spoil what happens along that terrible road. Part of the wonderful horrible experience of this series is that the reader begins to understand that anything can happen. No one is safe. Anyone could die at any moment including the main characters. Kirkman does not hold back in any way. This book is as savage as the world it depicts.
It is a master stroke from Kirkman that this book is not really about the zombies. Sure the zombies are always there in the background. They are a relentless threat. However this story is fueled by the actions of the human characters. Kirkman examines how the continuous horror/violence/death is degrading to the human soul. All the characters are confronted with the darkness that is inherent when one is struggling just to survive. Kirkman doesn't spend any time trying to explain what happened and I hope he never does. It doesn't matter why zombies have taken over. That's just the cataclysmic event that has led us to this new world.
I completely understand how each character reacts but am also repulsed by a majority of it. Let's just say that this series is not for the weak. It makes Scalped look like a nursery rhyme. Reading 48 issues all in one go was a really depressing experience. The moment that you begin to love a character than something horrid happens to them. And I'm not even touching the character of The Governor. As a writer Kirkman puts the reader into the same position as the human characters. And even for this cynical hardened reader that was very difficult. However I don't think that I would want it any other way. To hold back or force a happy ending would lessen the experience. That would make this series just like any other zombie book around right now.
I'd be remissed if I didn't mention the great art from Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn. Black and White is the perfect look for this series. It's the only way that the reader can deal with such horrific images. It also allows for the simplicity of the new world our survivors travel thru. With the loss of a societal structure I loved seeing a world where nature is reclaiming the earth. There are some amazing splash pages that showcase the landscape. Of course there's always a zombie tucked away in the background. This is in stark contrast to the prison which our survivors inhabit. It can't be a mistake that Rick, and others, seems to lose some of their humanity while recapturing their safety. In the prison they visit more violence upon each other than the zombies. Clearly this is intentional and the art reflects it.
It's one thing just to be able to survive. Rick and his family, including those who are not directly related, struggle with finding a way to finally start "living" again. This gives an incredible double meaning to the title of the series. Who are "the walking dead" really? Kirkman wants to confront his readers with that very question. Since this series is open-ended, I don't expect we'll get an answer until the end. Or when every human dies and the answer is moot.
2010-01-13
With Great Power...
Hello All,
As a comic geek I've been thrown for a loop this week. In comic movie news it turns out that Sam Raimi & Tobey Maguire are leaving the Spider-Man movie franchise.
Now I've been a major fan of all three films, even the third one, although I admit it had problems. In my opinion Spider-Man 2 is the best superhero film ever made. It's great performances and script paved the way for movies such as The Dark Knight and Iron Man. I think a lot of credit goes to Raimi for capturing the fun, pathos, and humanity that can be found in this web-slinging hero. It's disconcerting to hear that he has left over "creative differences." What is with Sony Pictures? Don't they realize that Raimi is an able captain for this ship? Apparently not because here comes a reboot with Peter Parker going back to high-school.
In the last two years I've dipped my toes into the Spider-Man Universe. I enjoy the fact that while he's got super powers, he's also a real life guy who is just cannot catch a break. For spider-man if the going gets tough, well then it just gets worse. The best writers, such as Joe Kelly, Brian Michael Bendis, or even Dan Slott, understand that rather than cry over his bad fortune, Peter Parker will throw out a self-deprecating quip. This puts him at odds with the current skinny man-boy greyish brooders that are currently in mode at the cineplex. Peter Parker may be a nerd, but he's not conflicted about it. He's conflicted about where the next dollar is gonna come from, and how he's gonna take care of Aunt May.
So if Sony wants to re-boot Peter Parker back to high school than what source material should they draw from? Many have speculated that Sony will go to Ultimate Spider-man by Brian Michael Bendis. This would be an excellent choice. I've read the first few volumes of this series and enjoyed them immensely. Bendis has a great ability to capture the wise-acre sarcasm and his series features Parker in high school. However I don't think Bendis is interested in writing a Spider-man movie. He's too busy writing every book in the Marvel Universe. Well not really, but pretty close.
Well if I had the chance to bend Sony's ear I think that I have the perfect option: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. I devoured this series about 2 years ago and I love it. SMLJ actually focuses on Parker and MJ in high school, with their romantic travails. In fact Parker as Spider-Man is pretty much in the extreme background. The action focuses mainly on MJ's developing friendship with Peter, her dating Harry Osborne, and how her crush on Spider-Man is tested. It's a fun, adorable, teen series that anyone can read. It's easily adaptable and is already made for the teen market. If that's what Sony wants to focus on, then this is a great choice.
Are you listening Sony? Really all I ask: Don't Screw It Up. Choose great material: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane is a winner.
As a comic geek I've been thrown for a loop this week. In comic movie news it turns out that Sam Raimi & Tobey Maguire are leaving the Spider-Man movie franchise.
Now I've been a major fan of all three films, even the third one, although I admit it had problems. In my opinion Spider-Man 2 is the best superhero film ever made. It's great performances and script paved the way for movies such as The Dark Knight and Iron Man. I think a lot of credit goes to Raimi for capturing the fun, pathos, and humanity that can be found in this web-slinging hero. It's disconcerting to hear that he has left over "creative differences." What is with Sony Pictures? Don't they realize that Raimi is an able captain for this ship? Apparently not because here comes a reboot with Peter Parker going back to high-school. In the last two years I've dipped my toes into the Spider-Man Universe. I enjoy the fact that while he's got super powers, he's also a real life guy who is just cannot catch a break. For spider-man if the going gets tough, well then it just gets worse. The best writers, such as Joe Kelly, Brian Michael Bendis, or even Dan Slott, understand that rather than cry over his bad fortune, Peter Parker will throw out a self-deprecating quip. This puts him at odds with the current skinny man-boy greyish brooders that are currently in mode at the cineplex. Peter Parker may be a nerd, but he's not conflicted about it. He's conflicted about where the next dollar is gonna come from, and how he's gonna take care of Aunt May.
So if Sony wants to re-boot Peter Parker back to high school than what source material should they draw from? Many have speculated that Sony will go to Ultimate Spider-man by Brian Michael Bendis. This would be an excellent choice. I've read the first few volumes of this series and enjoyed them immensely. Bendis has a great ability to capture the wise-acre sarcasm and his series features Parker in high school. However I don't think Bendis is interested in writing a Spider-man movie. He's too busy writing every book in the Marvel Universe. Well not really, but pretty close.
Well if I had the chance to bend Sony's ear I think that I have the perfect option: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. I devoured this series about 2 years ago and I love it. SMLJ actually focuses on Parker and MJ in high school, with their romantic travails. In fact Parker as Spider-Man is pretty much in the extreme background. The action focuses mainly on MJ's developing friendship with Peter, her dating Harry Osborne, and how her crush on Spider-Man is tested. It's a fun, adorable, teen series that anyone can read. It's easily adaptable and is already made for the teen market. If that's what Sony wants to focus on, then this is a great choice.
Are you listening Sony? Really all I ask: Don't Screw It Up. Choose great material: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane is a winner.
2010-01-12
Reading List 1/12/10-1/19/10
The Reading List
Books
Library: The Walking Dead Compendium
(This contains 48 issues, which is basically 8 trade paperbacks. Yeah that's a lot.)
Magazine: Wizard #216
If Dreams Come True I Will Also Be Able to Read this Week:
The Ultimates Collection
The Nobody
Sherlock Holmes: Scandal In Bohemia.
Oh If I Could Turn Back Time Gentle Readers. If only.
Wish me luck. Book Slave.
Books
Library: The Walking Dead Compendium
(This contains 48 issues, which is basically 8 trade paperbacks. Yeah that's a lot.)
Magazine: Wizard #216
If Dreams Come True I Will Also Be Able to Read this Week:
The Ultimates Collection
The Nobody
Sherlock Holmes: Scandal In Bohemia.
Oh If I Could Turn Back Time Gentle Readers. If only.
Wish me luck. Book Slave.
2010-01-11
Where Have you Been? Don't worry I'm Right Here.
Hey Guys,
Sorry that it's been a few days since I've posted. I thought I'd give you all a breather after the barrage of entries for December. Right now I am knee deep in The Walking Dead Compendium. This book's a monster. I think it's big enough to kill a small rodent if needs be. I plan on finishing it in a few days so look for an extensive review on Robert Kirkman's opus. Coming Soon!
Have a great week! Book Slave.
Sorry that it's been a few days since I've posted. I thought I'd give you all a breather after the barrage of entries for December. Right now I am knee deep in The Walking Dead Compendium. This book's a monster. I think it's big enough to kill a small rodent if needs be. I plan on finishing it in a few days so look for an extensive review on Robert Kirkman's opus. Coming Soon!
Have a great week! Book Slave.
2010-01-05
Reading list 1/5/10-1/12/10
Hello All,
Here's the first official full week of 2010. Yay!
Time to bring it eh? Let's start this week out strong. Coming into Year 3, I want the emphasis to be on diminishing the TBR pile. The motivation behind this blog has always been to put out a public challenge to myself. So the reading list is gonna get more specific.
Books
Graphic Novel: Phonogram vol. 1
TBR Pile: Sherlock Holmes-A Study In Scarlet, Sign of Four.
Magazine: Four Four Two December 2009
Comics: Superman #695, The Stand: Soul Survivors #3, Amazing Spider-Man #614-616
Have a Great Week! Book Slave
Here's the first official full week of 2010. Yay!
Time to bring it eh? Let's start this week out strong. Coming into Year 3, I want the emphasis to be on diminishing the TBR pile. The motivation behind this blog has always been to put out a public challenge to myself. So the reading list is gonna get more specific.
Books
Graphic Novel: Phonogram vol. 1
TBR Pile: Sherlock Holmes-A Study In Scarlet, Sign of Four.
Magazine: Four Four Two December 2009
Comics: Superman #695, The Stand: Soul Survivors #3, Amazing Spider-Man #614-616
Have a Great Week! Book Slave
A Sleeper, Giant, and Batman Walk Into a Bar...
Hey All,
Here's some reviews Old-school-style. Enjoy!
Sleeper Season 1
I've waited to read this series for far too long. It is a mix of Donnie Brasco and Wanted with a much more gritty tone. Poor Holden Carver is placed undercover in a criminal organization after discovering that he is impervious to pain. When his handler Lynch falls into a coma Holden finds himself with no link to the outside world. Quickly Holden finds himself caught up in the terrible clutches of Tao, his criminal mastermind of a boss. He also falls in love with the wonderful Miss Misery, a woman who thrives on doing evil. Brubaker creates a wonderful comic noir world. Holden has superhero powers but it is a curse rather than a gift. He has to do horrible things to maintain his cover and be constantly paranoid about where he stands. It is always a complaint about comics that there's nothing new under the sun. Great writers like Brubaker show that that is completely wrong. He creates an entire new world of characters with original back stories. My favorite segment is when we learn the origin story of Miss Misery. Brubaker bends gender expectations in such a wonderful way with her character. It was highly enjoyable and unexpected. I can't wait to see where this will go next.
If you like Sleeper then check out: Criminal, Incognito, Wanted
3 Story: Secret History of a Giant Man
A few years ago it was Matt Kindt's Two Sisters that got me back into reading graphic novels. And then Super Spy blew my precious little mind last year. However I wasn't sure what to make of 3 Story before I picked it up. No spies, a giant, and no puzzles to figure out? What is this? All my fears were assuaged quickly. Kindt is about more than the cleverness of Super Spy. 3 Story is about a giant, but only in regards to how his existence is interpreted by those who love him. His mother, wife, and daughter all try to accommodate him. They build a house, send him to college, and even create a family with him. Despite all this though the reality of the giant's physical condition is that he can never be "one of us". In the end he can't even communicate with anyone. I was struck by panels that showed him always alone. The emphasis on isolation reminded me of Jeff Lemire's work in his excellent Essex County Trilogy. This is a wonderful character study without a hint of hipster-ish irony.
If you like 3 Story then check out: Super Spy, Two Sisters, Essex County Trilogy
Batman: Battle for the Cowl
Despite all the characters depicted on the cover this is really about a battle between two types of vigilantism: Faschism vs. Altruism. Which will win out? Well the ending is kinda inevitable. I mean if you didn't know how this would turn out well then maybe you need to read more comics. But I did enjoy the art by Tony Daniel. Daniel is particularly good with action scenes and muscalature. However writing-wise it's a big step down from Morrison. I like my Batman with a little more complexity. It is a nice hardcover, however I think they should've included more of the cross-overs than just the Gotham Gazette issues. If you can't get it on discount then I'd just hold out for the paperback.
If you like Battle for the Cowl then check out: Batman A Death In the Family, Under the Hood, Batman R.I.P.
Have a great week! Book Slave
Here's some reviews Old-school-style. Enjoy!
Sleeper Season 1
I've waited to read this series for far too long. It is a mix of Donnie Brasco and Wanted with a much more gritty tone. Poor Holden Carver is placed undercover in a criminal organization after discovering that he is impervious to pain. When his handler Lynch falls into a coma Holden finds himself with no link to the outside world. Quickly Holden finds himself caught up in the terrible clutches of Tao, his criminal mastermind of a boss. He also falls in love with the wonderful Miss Misery, a woman who thrives on doing evil. Brubaker creates a wonderful comic noir world. Holden has superhero powers but it is a curse rather than a gift. He has to do horrible things to maintain his cover and be constantly paranoid about where he stands. It is always a complaint about comics that there's nothing new under the sun. Great writers like Brubaker show that that is completely wrong. He creates an entire new world of characters with original back stories. My favorite segment is when we learn the origin story of Miss Misery. Brubaker bends gender expectations in such a wonderful way with her character. It was highly enjoyable and unexpected. I can't wait to see where this will go next.
If you like Sleeper then check out: Criminal, Incognito, Wanted
3 Story: Secret History of a Giant Man
A few years ago it was Matt Kindt's Two Sisters that got me back into reading graphic novels. And then Super Spy blew my precious little mind last year. However I wasn't sure what to make of 3 Story before I picked it up. No spies, a giant, and no puzzles to figure out? What is this? All my fears were assuaged quickly. Kindt is about more than the cleverness of Super Spy. 3 Story is about a giant, but only in regards to how his existence is interpreted by those who love him. His mother, wife, and daughter all try to accommodate him. They build a house, send him to college, and even create a family with him. Despite all this though the reality of the giant's physical condition is that he can never be "one of us". In the end he can't even communicate with anyone. I was struck by panels that showed him always alone. The emphasis on isolation reminded me of Jeff Lemire's work in his excellent Essex County Trilogy. This is a wonderful character study without a hint of hipster-ish irony.
If you like 3 Story then check out: Super Spy, Two Sisters, Essex County Trilogy
Batman: Battle for the Cowl
Despite all the characters depicted on the cover this is really about a battle between two types of vigilantism: Faschism vs. Altruism. Which will win out? Well the ending is kinda inevitable. I mean if you didn't know how this would turn out well then maybe you need to read more comics. But I did enjoy the art by Tony Daniel. Daniel is particularly good with action scenes and muscalature. However writing-wise it's a big step down from Morrison. I like my Batman with a little more complexity. It is a nice hardcover, however I think they should've included more of the cross-overs than just the Gotham Gazette issues. If you can't get it on discount then I'd just hold out for the paperback.
If you like Battle for the Cowl then check out: Batman A Death In the Family, Under the Hood, Batman R.I.P.
Have a great week! Book Slave
2010-01-03
Stats, Oh Stats.
Hello,
Hope you are all having a great start to the year. January is a time when we evaluate the past year and then set up goals for next year. Usually it means that you abandon those goals by the end of the month or set upon a new path. I felt that my goals for last year were pretty realistic. Unfortunately I didn't make it. I wanted to read 25% more than the year before. As you can see below I still needed another 10% or about 15 more books. It's not completely out of reach though. So I think I'm gonna keep that for 2010. I also wanted to read more of a variety of books. I want to continue to expand what I read. These goals will have to center around my TBR pile because that has been the point of all this. My TBR pile has become my Everest. It must be conquered. Or I'll have nowhere to sleep. Seriously, I'm not joking.
Here's Some Stats to Ponder
Books read in 2009: 103
Books read in 2008: 90
% difference between 2008 & 2009: +14%
Average read per month: 8.6 books/mo.
Average read per week: 2 books/wk.
Number read in worst month: 5 (December)
Number read in best month: 14 (June)
Fiction as percentage of total: 19%
Non-fiction as percentage of total: 7%
Graphic Novels as percentage of total: 58%
Everything else: 16%
Well there it is. Have a great week! Book Slave.
Hope you are all having a great start to the year. January is a time when we evaluate the past year and then set up goals for next year. Usually it means that you abandon those goals by the end of the month or set upon a new path. I felt that my goals for last year were pretty realistic. Unfortunately I didn't make it. I wanted to read 25% more than the year before. As you can see below I still needed another 10% or about 15 more books. It's not completely out of reach though. So I think I'm gonna keep that for 2010. I also wanted to read more of a variety of books. I want to continue to expand what I read. These goals will have to center around my TBR pile because that has been the point of all this. My TBR pile has become my Everest. It must be conquered. Or I'll have nowhere to sleep. Seriously, I'm not joking.
Here's Some Stats to Ponder
Books read in 2009: 103
Books read in 2008: 90
% difference between 2008 & 2009: +14%
Average read per month: 8.6 books/mo.
Average read per week: 2 books/wk.
Number read in worst month: 5 (December)
Number read in best month: 14 (June)
Fiction as percentage of total: 19%
Non-fiction as percentage of total: 7%
Graphic Novels as percentage of total: 58%
Everything else: 16%
Well there it is. Have a great week! Book Slave.
2010-01-01
2009 Year in Review
Hello,
So here we are. 2010. Brand new year. Are you excited? I actually am. As I discussed here last year this is my blog-a-versary. I've had a great time writing about all things literary and I am shocked that there are those that enjoy these words.
Here's a breakdown of 2009 by month 10-words-or-less style with links included:
January- Good Fortune. ABA Winter Institute.
February-Learning from Dickens. Picking Fights With Poets.
March-S#!t hits the fan. Schedule opens up.
April-Oh Little Dorrit!
May-Rant about E-Readers
June-Read Many Many Books.
July-Became BPRD obsessed.
August-Met Chris Claremont, Comics legend.
September-Rant about Banned Books.
October-Poetry saves me.
November-The format changes. Asterios Polyp.
December-Best of Lists Galore.
In the end I am so grateful to anyone who stumbles upon this and enjoys it. Thank you humble readers. Happy New Years! Book Slave
So here we are. 2010. Brand new year. Are you excited? I actually am. As I discussed here last year this is my blog-a-versary. I've had a great time writing about all things literary and I am shocked that there are those that enjoy these words.
Here's a breakdown of 2009 by month 10-words-or-less style with links included:
January- Good Fortune. ABA Winter Institute.
February-Learning from Dickens. Picking Fights With Poets.
March-S#!t hits the fan. Schedule opens up.
April-Oh Little Dorrit!
May-Rant about E-Readers
June-Read Many Many Books.
July-Became BPRD obsessed.
August-Met Chris Claremont, Comics legend.
September-Rant about Banned Books.
October-Poetry saves me.
November-The format changes. Asterios Polyp.
December-Best of Lists Galore.
In the end I am so grateful to anyone who stumbles upon this and enjoys it. Thank you humble readers. Happy New Years! Book Slave
2009-12-31
The Answer is Obvious. But the Choice Was Hard.
Hello All,
And we continue on. And on. And on.
Best Graphic Novel I Read in 2009: Asterios Polyp
As I theorized back in well the answer is: Yes!
This was an incredibly hard choice to make. I believe that this has been the year of the graphic novel with so many great original works released. But again I was brought back to how blown away I was by Mazzuchelli's opus on intellectualism vs. humanity.e Art vs. Design. Talking vs. Doing. Love. Life. Everything. I am convinced that each time I read this I will find something new to marvel at. It is a masterpiece.
Here's my original post: Asterios Polyp
Have a great new years! Book Slave
And we continue on. And on. And on.
Best Graphic Novel I Read in 2009: Asterios Polyp
As I theorized back in well the answer is: Yes!
This was an incredibly hard choice to make. I believe that this has been the year of the graphic novel with so many great original works released. But again I was brought back to how blown away I was by Mazzuchelli's opus on intellectualism vs. humanity.e Art vs. Design. Talking vs. Doing. Love. Life. Everything. I am convinced that each time I read this I will find something new to marvel at. It is a masterpiece.
Here's my original post: Asterios Polyp
Have a great new years! Book Slave
Best of the Rest 2009. A Link-a-palooza.
Hello All,
Well I've been killing you all with my Best of 2009 choices this week. Here's a best of the rest of what I've read in 2009. These are books that didn't quite make it but are worth checking out as well. Each are linked with the original review posts from the past year.
Graphic Novels
Richard Parker's The Hunter
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Battlefield: The Night Witches
Queen and Country Vol.1: Definitive Edition
Alias Vol. 1
The Roberts
French Milk
Fiction
Speak
Paper Towns
Thirteen Reason's Why
The Boat
The Night in Question
Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society
You Must Be This Happy to Enter
Non Fiction
What It Is
Have A Great New Years! Book Slave
Well I've been killing you all with my Best of 2009 choices this week. Here's a best of the rest of what I've read in 2009. These are books that didn't quite make it but are worth checking out as well. Each are linked with the original review posts from the past year.
Graphic Novels
Richard Parker's The Hunter
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Battlefield: The Night Witches
Queen and Country Vol.1: Definitive Edition
Alias Vol. 1
The Roberts
French Milk
Fiction
Speak
Paper Towns
Thirteen Reason's Why
The Boat
The Night in Question
Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society
You Must Be This Happy to Enter
Non Fiction
What It Is
Have A Great New Years! Book Slave
2009-12-30
Wonderful Surprises of Heartbreaking Beauty
Hello All,
We continue on.
Best Fiction Book I Read in 2009: Northline by Willy Vlautin
If it was not for a co-worker of mine I never would have picked up this book. His small review ended with the quote above, which at first I cynically snickered at, but then I decided to give it a chance. And oh my god it was the biggest surprise. As I was looking over all the fiction that I’ve read this year it was Northline by Willy Vlautin that I think really did affect me emotionally.
Vlautin is unafraid to ground his stories in harsh landscapes that are full of cruel realities. Set in Las Vegas and Reno, he dwells on the fringes that lie behind the blinking At the center of the story is a lost soul. She lacks any sense of identity for the first 40 pages. It isn't until she decides to leave Las Vegas and her abusive boyfriend, that we learn her name: Allison Johnson. Throughout the course of the book I began to cheer for her to succeed. I desperately wanted her to be happy. I despaired when she would self-destruct and make horrible mistakes. Allison has serious problems but I never felt that she deserved the horrible cards that had been dealt to her. But she has an inner strength that will lead her to overcome those circumstances.
We continue on.
Best Fiction Book I Read in 2009: Northline by Willy Vlautin
“The book will break your heart.”
--my co-worker Zach
If it was not for a co-worker of mine I never would have picked up this book. His small review ended with the quote above, which at first I cynically snickered at, but then I decided to give it a chance. And oh my god it was the biggest surprise. As I was looking over all the fiction that I’ve read this year it was Northline by Willy Vlautin that I think really did affect me emotionally.
Vlautin is unafraid to ground his stories in harsh landscapes that are full of cruel realities. Set in Las Vegas and Reno, he dwells on the fringes that lie behind the blinking At the center of the story is a lost soul. She lacks any sense of identity for the first 40 pages. It isn't until she decides to leave Las Vegas and her abusive boyfriend, that we learn her name: Allison Johnson. Throughout the course of the book I began to cheer for her to succeed. I desperately wanted her to be happy. I despaired when she would self-destruct and make horrible mistakes. Allison has serious problems but I never felt that she deserved the horrible cards that had been dealt to her. But she has an inner strength that will lead her to overcome those circumstances.
2009-12-29
A Risky Book Club Night
Hello,
On this snowy night I attended the monthly Hard Boiled Book Club meeting. Shockingly there were 5 of us there to discuss Risk written by Colin Harrison. I really thought considering the weather and holidays that it would just be me and Zach Sampinos. It was good to see that I was wrong.
Risk is a very New York story. An insurance lawyer's everyday life is interrupted when he is called to the house of his firm's founder's widow. Awaiting her own death, she has recently suffered the loss of her son in a hit-and-run accident outside a bar on the streets of New York. She wants to know what happened and, playing on her deceased husband's respect for the lawyer, entices him into trying to find out what happened.
Originally serialized in New York Magazine, Harrison writes a well thought out whodunit. Admittedly it took awhile to suck me in. The writing style is not hardcore or pulpy. It's much more literary using vocabulary such as fungible, and playing with colloquialisms. I said it was a New York story. Harrison clearly writes to that reading audience by including all kinds of details about New York life. Everyone is obsessed with the Yankees, live in apartments, and take taxi-cabs. Some would consider this kind of regionalism off-putting but I enjoyed it. Being able to recognize even specific geography makes the main character more relatable. He is one of us.
Harrison strives to make clear the mediocrity of his main character. He is not a top PI, or cop/detective. Young sees himself that way. However he has enough of a specific skill set to plausibly solve this mystery. I also enjoyed the relationship that he has with his wife. He often refers to her as being smarter than him and the lack of drama between them is refreshing. It was very "Nick and Norah" the way they played off each other. I would have enjoyed more of that.
Harrison does get lost in his red herrings. I wish more would have been made of the Czech girlfriend or a Russian mob connection. Here I think some of the original serialization starts to show through. Characters drop in and drop out in the course of a chapter. A lot exposition dump occurs in the course of 12 chapters. I was hoping for a bit more complexity. This reminded me of something I would see on television which speaks to the nature of the way that it's written.
Our group was pretty split on the Dickenesque ending. Don't worry, I won't reveal it here. Personally I enjoyed it because of the way that the main character reacts. His actions are always grounded in doing his job, rather than some moral/ethical dilemma. He is not a tortured cynical man. Even as he acquires great fortune he refuses to let himself be changed by it. His wife, Yankees, and $14 wine is all he needs.
I had a good time tonight. Fun was had by all. Happy New Years, Book Slave.
On this snowy night I attended the monthly Hard Boiled Book Club meeting. Shockingly there were 5 of us there to discuss Risk written by Colin Harrison. I really thought considering the weather and holidays that it would just be me and Zach Sampinos. It was good to see that I was wrong.
Risk is a very New York story. An insurance lawyer's everyday life is interrupted when he is called to the house of his firm's founder's widow. Awaiting her own death, she has recently suffered the loss of her son in a hit-and-run accident outside a bar on the streets of New York. She wants to know what happened and, playing on her deceased husband's respect for the lawyer, entices him into trying to find out what happened.
Originally serialized in New York Magazine, Harrison writes a well thought out whodunit. Admittedly it took awhile to suck me in. The writing style is not hardcore or pulpy. It's much more literary using vocabulary such as fungible, and playing with colloquialisms. I said it was a New York story. Harrison clearly writes to that reading audience by including all kinds of details about New York life. Everyone is obsessed with the Yankees, live in apartments, and take taxi-cabs. Some would consider this kind of regionalism off-putting but I enjoyed it. Being able to recognize even specific geography makes the main character more relatable. He is one of us.
Harrison strives to make clear the mediocrity of his main character. He is not a top PI, or cop/detective. Young sees himself that way. However he has enough of a specific skill set to plausibly solve this mystery. I also enjoyed the relationship that he has with his wife. He often refers to her as being smarter than him and the lack of drama between them is refreshing. It was very "Nick and Norah" the way they played off each other. I would have enjoyed more of that.
Harrison does get lost in his red herrings. I wish more would have been made of the Czech girlfriend or a Russian mob connection. Here I think some of the original serialization starts to show through. Characters drop in and drop out in the course of a chapter. A lot exposition dump occurs in the course of 12 chapters. I was hoping for a bit more complexity. This reminded me of something I would see on television which speaks to the nature of the way that it's written.
Our group was pretty split on the Dickenesque ending. Don't worry, I won't reveal it here. Personally I enjoyed it because of the way that the main character reacts. His actions are always grounded in doing his job, rather than some moral/ethical dilemma. He is not a tortured cynical man. Even as he acquires great fortune he refuses to let himself be changed by it. His wife, Yankees, and $14 wine is all he needs.
I had a good time tonight. Fun was had by all. Happy New Years, Book Slave.
Reading List 12/29/09-1/5/2010
Hello,
Here's the plan this week heading into the next decade.
Books
Sherlock Holmes Vol. 1
(Directly influenced by the excellent new Sherlock Holmes movie)
Batman: Battle for the Cowl
Magazines
Vanity Fair
Comics
A Healthy stack of Comic goodness
Comic Pull List: Blackest Night #6
(Note: It's a skip week for comics. Have a nice week off Diamond Distribution.)
Have a great week! Book Slave.
Here's the plan this week heading into the next decade.
Books
Sherlock Holmes Vol. 1
(Directly influenced by the excellent new Sherlock Holmes movie)
Batman: Battle for the Cowl
Magazines
Vanity Fair
Comics
A Healthy stack of Comic goodness
Comic Pull List: Blackest Night #6
(Note: It's a skip week for comics. Have a nice week off Diamond Distribution.)
Have a great week! Book Slave.
Pre-Conceived Notions
Hello,
Howse it going? It's incredibly chilly here. I've considered building a fire in the middle of my room. Can we just move forward to March? Please?
Best Non-Fiction I Read in 2009: It's Complicated: The American Teenager by Robin Bowman and Robert Coles
This was a hard choice because I haven't read a lot of non-fiction this year. However as I looked over the course of what I've read in 2009 it was a collection of photography titled It's Complicated that generated the biggest emotional response. I have always loved photography. However rather than beautiful vistas and sunsets, I love portraits of regular individuals living their ordinary lives. There's a simple beauty that is captured in people's faces that I find more interesting than any waterfall.
It's Complicated: The American Teenager was pulled together through The American Teenager Project by photographer Robin Bowman and sociologist Robert Coles. They branched out across the U.S. and chronicled the stories of teenagers in the 2000s. I feel as if it ranks right up there with the work of Robert Frank. As he captured the beginning of the teenage movement in the 1950s, Bowman captures them at the beginning of a new millenium. Often a marginalized and maligned group I found these intimate portraits both fascinating and heartbreaking. These portraits ask us to reconcile our pre-concieved ideas and stereotypes by using a variety of diverse individuals. I was struck by many of their stories. I still remember the story of a Muslim American teen who was reinvigorated in her faith after 9/11. Or a homeless teen who feels the need to wander like his "Beat" writers. These stories are wonderfully contrasted with a Texan debutante who is excited to be a part of her first cotillion. These cross-sections of the American experience capture the wonderful horrible experience of being a teenager.
Here's my original review from earlier this year: It's Complicated: The American Teenager
Have a great week! Book Slave.
Howse it going? It's incredibly chilly here. I've considered building a fire in the middle of my room. Can we just move forward to March? Please?
Best Non-Fiction I Read in 2009: It's Complicated: The American Teenager by Robin Bowman and Robert Coles
This was a hard choice because I haven't read a lot of non-fiction this year. However as I looked over the course of what I've read in 2009 it was a collection of photography titled It's Complicated that generated the biggest emotional response. I have always loved photography. However rather than beautiful vistas and sunsets, I love portraits of regular individuals living their ordinary lives. There's a simple beauty that is captured in people's faces that I find more interesting than any waterfall.
It's Complicated: The American Teenager was pulled together through The American Teenager Project by photographer Robin Bowman and sociologist Robert Coles. They branched out across the U.S. and chronicled the stories of teenagers in the 2000s. I feel as if it ranks right up there with the work of Robert Frank. As he captured the beginning of the teenage movement in the 1950s, Bowman captures them at the beginning of a new millenium. Often a marginalized and maligned group I found these intimate portraits both fascinating and heartbreaking. These portraits ask us to reconcile our pre-concieved ideas and stereotypes by using a variety of diverse individuals. I was struck by many of their stories. I still remember the story of a Muslim American teen who was reinvigorated in her faith after 9/11. Or a homeless teen who feels the need to wander like his "Beat" writers. These stories are wonderfully contrasted with a Texan debutante who is excited to be a part of her first cotillion. These cross-sections of the American experience capture the wonderful horrible experience of being a teenager.
Here's my original review from earlier this year: It's Complicated: The American Teenager
Have a great week! Book Slave.
2009-12-28
Yes It was Fantastic.
Hello,
My end of the year thoughts continue!
Best Movie Literary Adaptation 2009: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Just to qualify this choice up front: At the time of my writing this I have yet to see The Road or The Lovely Bones so don't give me grief. I fully intend to and who knows you might read about it in the future. Also I want to make clear that I don't see everything that comes out. I don't have time for movies that don't interest me. So moving along...
The Fantastic Mr. Fox is the perfect match of sensibilities. Based on the book written by Roald Dahl, the script was adapted by Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach. In their adaptation the writers expand upon the original book but never enough that it moves away from the original audience or message. Dahl and Anderson share the same viewpoint on human nature-there isn't much difference between humans and animals.
In this adaptation the main character Mr. Fox has regular wants and desires. I was so struck when he says to his wife "I don't want to live in a hole anymore." He struggles with an existential angst which leads him to go back to stealing chickens and cider from his farmer neighbors. It is the thrill of the theft that Mr. Fox becomes addicted to. At the same time we are introduced to the deplorable Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. These three men, especially Bean, are as animalistic as those they are hunting. The parallels are easily drawn.
I have never been a purist when it comes to book to film adaptation. Any adaptation should feel free to expand/make changes from the source material in order to match the different medium. I have been a fan of director Wes Anderson since I saw Rushmore in theaters. He has a definite style and humor that is smart and full of wit. You know that you've watched a "Wes Anderson" film. And I have a feeling that he will never make films any other way.
In Fox Anderson/Baumbach use a look and feel that works on all levels. The stop motion animation allows me to believe in a world where animals walk around in suits, sell real estate, and do watercolors. It was a wonderful choice. These characters can do whacky things, but also show very real emotions. The filmmakers have humor and themes that both adults and children can relate to.
It was highly enjoyable. Check it out in theaters if you can.
Have a great week! Book Slave.
My end of the year thoughts continue!
Best Movie Literary Adaptation 2009: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Just to qualify this choice up front: At the time of my writing this I have yet to see The Road or The Lovely Bones so don't give me grief. I fully intend to and who knows you might read about it in the future. Also I want to make clear that I don't see everything that comes out. I don't have time for movies that don't interest me. So moving along...
The Fantastic Mr. Fox is the perfect match of sensibilities. Based on the book written by Roald Dahl, the script was adapted by Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach. In their adaptation the writers expand upon the original book but never enough that it moves away from the original audience or message. Dahl and Anderson share the same viewpoint on human nature-there isn't much difference between humans and animals.
In this adaptation the main character Mr. Fox has regular wants and desires. I was so struck when he says to his wife "I don't want to live in a hole anymore." He struggles with an existential angst which leads him to go back to stealing chickens and cider from his farmer neighbors. It is the thrill of the theft that Mr. Fox becomes addicted to. At the same time we are introduced to the deplorable Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. These three men, especially Bean, are as animalistic as those they are hunting. The parallels are easily drawn.
I have never been a purist when it comes to book to film adaptation. Any adaptation should feel free to expand/make changes from the source material in order to match the different medium. I have been a fan of director Wes Anderson since I saw Rushmore in theaters. He has a definite style and humor that is smart and full of wit. You know that you've watched a "Wes Anderson" film. And I have a feeling that he will never make films any other way.
In Fox Anderson/Baumbach use a look and feel that works on all levels. The stop motion animation allows me to believe in a world where animals walk around in suits, sell real estate, and do watercolors. It was a wonderful choice. These characters can do whacky things, but also show very real emotions. The filmmakers have humor and themes that both adults and children can relate to.
It was highly enjoyable. Check it out in theaters if you can.
Have a great week! Book Slave.
2009-12-27
Leave it to Dickens and the BBC
Hello,
So I hope you are all enjoying the holidays! I'm looking forward to family festivities tonight and tomorrow. Got the hot chocolate going on. It's all good.
If everything goes as planned I'm gonna space out my Best of 2009. Here's the first.
Best Television Literary Adaptation: Little Dorrit
This was really no contest in 2009. As always it's the BBC that raises the bar for bringing literature to television. Television is often denigrated for how it kowtows to the lowest in our nature. Like reality television for instance. However, while network television has given up on the literary mini-series, PBS/BBC/Masterpiece Theater continues to serve us bibliophiles. They did not disappoint earlier this spring with their spate of Dickens adaptations.
Little Dorrit, having aired to great acclaim on BBC in fall 2008, was the mini-series I was looking forward to the most. And it did not let me down. All my thoughts on the series as a whole can be found here. In retrospect it's still my opinion that Dorrit was topical and dramatic, with brilliant performances. Claire Foy and Matthew McFadayen are wonderful as our protagonists. As an audience member I openly cheered for their mutual happiness, as they overcame the misery that surrounds them. Andy Serkis is a wonderful Dickenesque villian, although perhaps it was a mistake to give him so much exposition. Screenwriter Andrew Davies finds a way to include the absurdism of economic bureacracy, as well as the humanity of these characters. Also if you don't shed a tear for poor young Chivers, well then I think you're not human.
I just have to add that part of the fun of experiencing Dorrit was being able to share my reactions with those on The Egalitarian Bookworm and Dickensblog. I suggest checking out their reactions to Dorrit. Trust me, they are much smarter than I am. Little Dorrit is available on DVD, as well as online. It's well worth checking out.
If I haven't convinced you enough to check this out then here's a trailer from BBC:
Have a great weekend! Book Slave
So I hope you are all enjoying the holidays! I'm looking forward to family festivities tonight and tomorrow. Got the hot chocolate going on. It's all good.
If everything goes as planned I'm gonna space out my Best of 2009. Here's the first.
Best Television Literary Adaptation: Little Dorrit
This was really no contest in 2009. As always it's the BBC that raises the bar for bringing literature to television. Television is often denigrated for how it kowtows to the lowest in our nature. Like reality television for instance. However, while network television has given up on the literary mini-series, PBS/BBC/Masterpiece Theater continues to serve us bibliophiles. They did not disappoint earlier this spring with their spate of Dickens adaptations.
Little Dorrit, having aired to great acclaim on BBC in fall 2008, was the mini-series I was looking forward to the most. And it did not let me down. All my thoughts on the series as a whole can be found here. In retrospect it's still my opinion that Dorrit was topical and dramatic, with brilliant performances. Claire Foy and Matthew McFadayen are wonderful as our protagonists. As an audience member I openly cheered for their mutual happiness, as they overcame the misery that surrounds them. Andy Serkis is a wonderful Dickenesque villian, although perhaps it was a mistake to give him so much exposition. Screenwriter Andrew Davies finds a way to include the absurdism of economic bureacracy, as well as the humanity of these characters. Also if you don't shed a tear for poor young Chivers, well then I think you're not human.
I just have to add that part of the fun of experiencing Dorrit was being able to share my reactions with those on The Egalitarian Bookworm and Dickensblog. I suggest checking out their reactions to Dorrit. Trust me, they are much smarter than I am. Little Dorrit is available on DVD, as well as online. It's well worth checking out.
If I haven't convinced you enough to check this out then here's a trailer from BBC:
Have a great weekend! Book Slave
2009-12-23
A Gift For Us All
Hello,
Two clips that brought me great cheer. I hope they will for you too.
And
Happy Holidays! Book Slave.
Two clips that brought me great cheer. I hope they will for you too.
And
Happy Holidays! Book Slave.
2009-12-22
Reading List 12/22/09-12/29/09
Hey,
Happy Holidays to you all!
Books
Risk by Colin Harrison
Audacity to Win by David Plouffe
Comics
Comics! Comics! Comics!
Magazines
Vanity Fair
Comic Pull List: Amazing Spider-Man #616, Criminal Sinners #3, Detective Comics #860, Fantastic Four #574, Garth Ennis Battlefields Happy Valley #1, Gotham City Sirens #7, Green Lantern #49, New Avengers #60, Northlanders #23, Powers (New) #2, Spider-Woman #4, Stand Soul Survivors #3, Superman #695, Wonder Woman #39
Happy Holidays! Book Slave.
Happy Holidays to you all!
Books
Risk by Colin Harrison
Audacity to Win by David Plouffe
Comics
Comics! Comics! Comics!
Magazines
Vanity Fair
Comic Pull List: Amazing Spider-Man #616, Criminal Sinners #3, Detective Comics #860, Fantastic Four #574, Garth Ennis Battlefields Happy Valley #1, Gotham City Sirens #7, Green Lantern #49, New Avengers #60, Northlanders #23, Powers (New) #2, Spider-Woman #4, Stand Soul Survivors #3, Superman #695, Wonder Woman #39
Happy Holidays! Book Slave.
2009-12-20
Some Babbling Regarding Next Year
Hey,
Don't you hate it when you know that you need to finish a book but you just can't. I'll just have to push through Audacity to Win. Being a political junkie it's feeding all my needs in that regard. However the book is due folks! And I also have 8 billion other things I want to read before the end of the year. Oh the frustration!
I find this happens far too often. Maybe next year I'll have to make a reassessment of my priorities. Should I focus on books that I own? or books that are due back to my library? Should I pass up good stuff even if I never get a chance to look at it again? Also life does end up interceding on occasion. I am taking a major exam soon, and hopefully grad school will follow that. What to do? Well I'll figure it out. It always ends up balancing itself out in the end.
Ultimately I look forward to 2010, and don't worry I haven't given up on this blogging thing yet.
Have a great week! Book Slave.
Don't you hate it when you know that you need to finish a book but you just can't. I'll just have to push through Audacity to Win. Being a political junkie it's feeding all my needs in that regard. However the book is due folks! And I also have 8 billion other things I want to read before the end of the year. Oh the frustration!
I find this happens far too often. Maybe next year I'll have to make a reassessment of my priorities. Should I focus on books that I own? or books that are due back to my library? Should I pass up good stuff even if I never get a chance to look at it again? Also life does end up interceding on occasion. I am taking a major exam soon, and hopefully grad school will follow that. What to do? Well I'll figure it out. It always ends up balancing itself out in the end.
Ultimately I look forward to 2010, and don't worry I haven't given up on this blogging thing yet.
Have a great week! Book Slave.
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