Last year was not a book heavy year for me. There are some years I tear through books left and right, but last year there was a lot of other things going on. Which means I started listening to audiobooks. Some of my favorite audiobooks that I've had a chance to listen to: Wee Free Men A Hat Full of Sky Wintersmith written by Sir Terry Pratchett, and the narrator does a fantastic job with the wide range of characters from the practical main character to the wild pictsies and the wise old broads that inhabit this world. (And I honestly don't think they'd mind being called broads.) Diviners Written by Libba Bray, and the narrator brought the world in the 1920's alive, and managed to make a scary book terrifying. (I had to stop listening and go grab the book to make sure a character was going to be okay because the character was in danger, and then the chapter switch happened...) All told, there were times when I laughed along with the main character, and other times I held my breath as the narrator described a tense moment, scene, and more. Fantastic book. My only complaint - it's the first part in a series. I thought it was a stand alone, so when the ending happened, I groaned a bit because I know I'll be eagerly awaiting the next title, but I was much more in the mood for a stand alone. A Monster Calls Written by Patrick Ness, and the narration... Any format of this book is amazing. The narrator handles the story very, very well. Amazingly so. However the book has some illustrations and arabesque flourishes on the pages that just add to the story. If you don't know they are there, you won't miss them. But after reading the book, and listening to the story, the illustrations just add a bit of creepy and amazing (one would say awe as well). An amazing story. Some of my favorites from last year (although A Monster Calls is probably from the year before, but it's on the Abraham Lincoln list, so I added it to this year). Anyone listen to any good audiobooks I should put on my radar?

Kill my mother collected reviews

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2014/08/28/kill_my_mother_a_graphic_novel_by_jules_feiffer_review.html http://www.npr.org/2014/08/21/342197283/nostalgic-for-noir-feiffers-kill-my-mother-is-a-toxic-treat http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/17/books/review/jules-feiffers-kill-my-mother.html?_r=0 http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/ct-prj-kill-my-mother-jules-feiffer-20140829-story.html http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/jules-feiffers-kill-my-mother http://www.comicbookbin.com/killmymother001.html http://www.tcj.com/reviews/kill-your-mother/ http://www.geeksunleashed.me/2014/09/02/augusts-graphic-novel-of-the-month-kill-my-mother/

Roses of berlin

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2013/10/cover-details-revealed-for-nemo-the-roses-of-berlin/ http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/02/26/reading-league-of-extraordinary-gentlemen-nemo-roses-of-berlin/ http://comicbook.com/blog/2014/03/23/nemo-the-roses-of-berlin-a-mediocre-entry-in-an-extraordinary-universe/ http://www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2014/review-nemo-the-roses-of-berlin/

http://thebookmonsters.com/graphic-novel-review-the-undertaking-of-lily-chen/ http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=7153 http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/03/graphic-novel-book-review-the-undertaking-of-lily-chen-danica-novgorodoff

Candy Bomber

Man, 2013 is rapidly disappearing. The summer, busy as it was, went very quickly. That said, I have read a few items lately, and immensely enjoyed them. Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's "Chocolate Pilot" by Michael O. Tunnell I will admit, I have a soft spot for any book covering either the Berlin Airlift or the Candy Bomber. I remember first reading about the Berlin Airlift in junior high, and it just caught my attention. It's shown up every now and again, and my father once gifted my mother with the Berlin Airlift Hummel, which he showed me just after the three of us watched a documentary on the Airlift and we had had a conversation about it. When we were told that we would be moving sixth grade to the young adult section at our library, and that would entail us taking over the Rebecca Caudil awards, I looked at what was on the list, and excitedly picked this one. It happened to be in, and I took that as a sign.

This book is wonderful. The pictures and memorabilia added so much to the narrative. The author wrote the book to be aimed at kids, and does a wonderful job making history accessible to middle school student. The writing is easy to understand and the author does a good job of explaining the lead up to the Berlin Airlift without making it too childish or too complicated.

a+e 4ever

This was an interesting graphic novel that received a lot of accolades. I thought it was well done with some minor complaints. However, the problem with this is that I have no idea where to put it. The topics discussed are very HS appropriate (sex, sexual identity, being an outsider, being different, body image) but some of the images and language is more appropriate for adult. There is a lot of nudity and the discussion of sex is frank and honest. However, since we don't separate out older teen, where I think this would be a little more appropriate, from younger/middle school teens, it is something that I feel would be more appropriate for the adult section. As I mentioned, this book has received a lot of accolades, and justly so. In some ways, this book reminds me of Blankets, but for non-cis teens, and for a bit more brutal of a situation. More reviews and thoughts on this later.

Not a graphic novel, but read The Hate List

The Hate List by Jennifer Brown I originally set out to review graphic novels and gather information to use if any were ever called into question at my library. I'll start doing that again soon.s However, I do need talk about this book, especially in regards to the current talk in our culture. This doesn't discuss really why the events happened, but the book focuses on the girlfriend, Val, of the shooter, Nick, and follows her through her first day back at school to the end of the book. There are flashbacks to the day of the shooting, as well as different snippets of news reports. You see Val interact with her therapist (who can do back handsprings), her family, and her schoolmates. Through it all, there's the underlying question that Val has to deal with which is how much is she at fault? How much did she encourage Nick when she started keeping a Hate List of people that bullied them, pissed them off, or picked on them. The Hate List started as Val's idea, and it was something that tied them together through their years of dating. You get the idea that Nick's life wasn't the greatest. However, things aren't totally rosy for Val. True, she gets pretty good grades, lives in a nice house, and has a nice younger brother, but ... well, her parents fight all the time and would have been divorced if it hadn't been for the shooting spree at the school. Plus, most of the kids call her Sister Death and go out of their way to torment her. (On the day of the shooting, one of the girls broke Val's mp3 player on the bus to school. She was one of the first people shot by Nick.) (Okay, her dad is also a complete asshat. I know what the author said in the back of the book, but what her father said to her was beyond wrong.) While we are seeing all of this colored through Val's eyes, she rings true as a narrator, and as a traumatized teen. The last quarter of the book had me in tears. I felt so much for Val and what she was going through. The ending worked. I will say, though, given this amazing book, I have a hard time bringing it up to teens. It may be me, but in light of the number of shootings, it's hard for me to bring up the topic. I do plan on putting this on a realistic fiction display and seeing how it does. I highly recommend this book. Brown did a fantastic job writing the story and creating realistic characters.

Friends with Boys

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks

Friends with Boys is a rare treat. It's a fast read, but it's also an enjoyable one. There are plenty of plot lines that haven't been wrapped up, but it feels more real for that. Not all of life's mysteries are wrapped up at the end. I do hope that the author might continue the story, though. All told, it's a very sweet story about fitting in at high school. The artwork is done well, and works. The different characters are believable, and well done. The guilt and awkwardness rings so very true. While I can see this geared for middle schoolers, I think adults may enjoy it as well. Pick it up, if you can. If not, my library has it. Borrow it, and then buy it when you can.

Lucille

http://www.dailyblam.com/news/2011/06/27/erics-top-shelf-graphic-novel-review-lucille

http://gfbrobot.com/2011/02/09/graphic-novel-review-lucille-by-ludovic-debeurme/

http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/content/lucille-review Lucille was a different story. The artwork is not confined to panels on the page, but to the page. No borders, which is just different. That said, it's a story of two lost souls who find each other, and lose each other, but are forever joined. Lucille, the title character, is an anorexic who runs away with a boy who just lost his father, and his name. Running away seemed like a good thing, but it brings it's own challenges as well.

Filthy Rich

http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/content/filthy-rich-review
http://comicsand.blogspot.com/2009/07/filthy-rich-review.html
http://www.bleedingcool.com/2009/08/24/review-filthy-rich-by-brian-azzarello-and-victor-santos-for-vertigo-crime/
http://crimesceneni.blogspot.com/2009/09/wee-review-filthy-rich-by-brian.html
http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/review/filthy-rich

Exit Wounds

http://www.austinchronicle.com/books/2009-05-08/777890/
http://graphicnovelschallenge.blogspot.com/2009/03/rutu-modan-exit-wounds.html
http://www.pulpanddagger.com/maskedbookwyrm/general_e2.html
http://www.publishersweekly.com/973-1-897299-06-0


Modan, Rutu. Exit Wounds. Drawn & Quarterly. May 2007. 160p. ISBN 978-1-897299-06-7. $19.95. F

Caught up in the family taxi business in modern Tel Aviv, Koby Franco receives a peculiar dispatch to Army Spokesman Headquarters. There he meets Numi, a female soldier who has reason to believe that one of the victims of a suicide bombing of a bus station cafeteria in Hadera was Koby's father, Gabriel. Her only rationale is a glimpse on television of a handmade scarf at the attack scene that might have been Gabriel's. With the father/son relationship already estranged, Koby shrugs off the suggestion, denying the grim reality and reinforcing his apathy. Reluctantly, however, Koby joins Numi in hunting for clues that would explain more than just his father's abandoned apartment and go so far as to piece together the last months of all their lives and provide an unintended lesson in trust. Award-winning Israeli magazine and children's illustrator Modan delivers her debut with thin, controlled lines and bulky human figures that seem to be constantly moving in fluid yet lumbering anticipation of the next frame; it all recalls Winsor McCay's early animated shorts. Exit Wounds is a realistic urban mystery with engaging characters who end up being their own biggest clues. While the galley proofs are in black and white and softbound, the final version will be a full-color hardcover. A few instances of language and nudity and a sex scene that lasts for several pages make this appropriate for older teens and mature audiences. A promising debut from an author who knows how to employ emotion.—David Garza, AWBERC Lib. U.S. EPA, Cincinnati

-Library Journal

Bayou

http://graphicnovelreporter.com/content/bayou-review
http://beguilethysorrow.blogspot.com/2010/05/graphic-novelcomic-review-bayou-by.html
http://boingboing.net/2009/05/27/bayou-chilling-ghost.html
http://fierceandnerdy.com/sensational-saturday-bayou-volume-1-by-jeremy-love-book-24-of-2010
http://www.thenerdybird.com/2009/07/graphic-novel-review-bayou-vol-1.html
http://www.dreamstuffbooks.com/blog/2009/08/28/bone-and-bayou-a-graphic-novel-reviews/
http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/05/16/2009-glyph-comics-awards-winners-announced-bayou-sweeps/
http://www.fantasy-magazine.com/2009/02/bayou-by-jeremy-love-patrick-morgan/
http://astripedarmchair.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/a-graphic-novelmemoir-extravaganza/
http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/2009/08/bayou-vol-1-by-jeremy-love.html

Crecy

Reviews:

http://www.avatarpress.com/2007/03/crecy-graphic-novel-new-apparat-gn-by-warren-ellis/
http://www.avatarpress.com/2007/04/fans-of-300-should-check-out-upcoming-ellis-epic-crecy/
http://www.theplugg.com/book-review-crecy/
http://hubpages.com/hub/Warren_Ellis_brings_the_medieval_war_with_Crecy
http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=5320
http://www.abandonia.com/vbullet/showthread.php?p=403318
https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=AVA10014&mode=retail

http://www.librarything.com/work/3221764

Pyoungyang: A Journey in North Korea

Pyoungyang: A Journey in North Korea
By Guy Delisle
ISBN(HC): 978-0896597898

An interesting look at something we don't get to see much of, and an interesting look at how North Korea treats its visitors, as well as some glimpses into their view of the world.

To Sum: Guy Delisle is a contract animator, who takes an assignment in North Korea for two months, and this is his account.

What to watch out for: Not to much, all things considered. Drinking, smoking, some adult situations (parties/hitting on opposite gender, but more the just dealing with being in such a oppressive place when you aren't from there.)

Where to Shelve: There's not much in it that would offend the younger generation, however, the idea of living in another country for two months? Strikes me as more of an adult thing to read. Not saying older teens couldn't handle it, but I think the adults are the ones that would be more likely to pick it up.

Waltz with Bashir

Waltz with Bashir: A Lebanon War Story
Ari Folman and David Polonsky
978-0-805088922

First impressions: There's a lot to this one. As with many other graphic novels, there is a lot said, without a lot being said. It highlights something that many of us didn't know or forgot about; teaching us again about history or reminding us of it.

This isn't an easy book to read. I am saddened to admit that I don't know much of what went on, being very young when this occurred. But it does highlight a failing of my own, and I have a feeling over the next few graphic novels, I'm about to get a major education.

It should also be noted that the movie came first. Although the movie came out of the author's love of graphic novels, and the animated medium allowed for better expression.

To Sum: A gentleman realizes he has no recollections of a massacre that he was present for and goes and talks to others that served with him to find out what happened, and if he was really there.

What to Watch Out For: Well, this is dealing with a 19 year old during the Lebanon war during 1982. There is a scene of a sexual nature, there's fighting, there's blood, there's the shooting of dogs. And the final pictures (actual photographs) of bodies in the street. There's also the idea that there was very little for the soldiers to do to prevent what happened. Oh, and there's a massacre of innocent people.

Where to shelve: The movie is rated R, and that would mean 17+. That would mean adult for my library.

Should a library have it: Honestly, yes. The graphic novel, from what I've read, has been adapted from the movie. Meaning something things have been presented differently as there's no soundtrack, no animation. And as I pointed out, I don't remember much of this going on. I'm sure it was on the news, but I had all but forgotten, if ever I knew. It's not a happy-go-lucky, feel-good novel. But it does show us a different side of oppression - not the oppressor, nor the oppressed, but the witness who can do nothing, or who is helping the oppressed without knowing/knowing it's wrong.

Other links and reviews:

Metropolitan Books Publishes Waltz with Bashir—the Graphic Novel

http://www.grovel.org.uk/waltz-with-bashir/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-engelhardt/iwaltz-with-bashiri-the-g_b_160565.html
http://dejiridoo.com/blog1/reviews/full-reviews/waltz-for-bashir-graphic-novel/
http://middleeast.about.com/od/booksopinions/fr/me090308a.htm

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/122371/waltz_with_bashir%3A_popular_animated_film_released_as_a_graphic_novel/

http://middleeast.about.com/od/booksopinions/fr/me090308a.htm
http://www.zimbio.com/Ari+Folman/articles/19/GRAPHIC+NOVEL+FRIDAY+WALTZ+BASHIR
http://www.zcommunications.org/waltz-with-bashir-part-1-by-ari-folman
http://www.zcommunications.org/waltz-with-bashir-part-2-by-ari-folman
http://open.salon.com/blog/booknut/2009/02/06/waltz_with_bashir
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/39265

The Unknown, Vol. 1

The Unknown, Vol. 1
Mark Waid, writer
Boom! Studios
978-1934506974

Observations: An interesting read, a slight deviation from the normal superhero sort of comics, but it does raise interesting questions not normally thought of by those in tights. Weighing heavily on the main character is the question of what happens after we die, and the story focuses around her and her assistant solving a mystery which involves that question.

To Sum: The world's greatest detective has a sharp mind, a brain tumor, and about six months to live. Now, she wants to solve the greatest mystery of them all... What happens when we die? Too bad other things keep popping up.

What to watch out for: Not much. There is some "cult" like activities and the normal violence. This book is more based around science and philosophy with some story thrown in.

Where to shelve: Adults would like it, but there's nothing in there to stop teens from reading it.

Should a library have it: Mark Waid is well known in the comic book industry, most notably for Kingdom Come, but he's one of those people that you will find pretty much everywhere. He's done some good work, and if people enjoy graphic novels, this would be a good title to recommend. It's similar enough to other things, but just slightly different. It will be interesting to see where the next volume goes.

How I heard about it: At a comic book convention. The cover caught my eye. And then Mark Waid was there.

Other sites of interest:
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/030903-Waid-Unkown.html
http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/the-unknown-mark-waid


Other reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/1934506974/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Solomon Kane

Soloman Kane: Castle of the Devil
By Scott Alie

Overview:

A well done story. Fans of ... Hmmm... I know the people that would pick this up, but I'm not sure what they have in common. They love a good story. They love sci-fi. They love the old comic books. Solomon Kane has two of the three - and in place of sci-fi, this book has a bit of horror/fantasy. But it's definitely in the same vein as... Conan, if only in a different time. Man lives by his code. Does not deviate from his code. And does his best to improve the world.

Maybe more like Punisher. Except Kane's a Puritan, and fights demons. And men. And evil men.

To Sum: Soloman Kane is a Puritan out to rid the world of evil. He travels a lot, and along the way he meets another Englishman in the Black Forest of Germany. (Think Barvaria, Grimms' Fairy Tale sort of setting). Kane cuts down a boy who was dangling, and goes to find out what has called him to this place and what the evil is that he must deal with.

What to watch out for: We do have some... Religiously conservative people in our area. Depending on their mood, I could see them being offended by the demon in angelic form, although in other moods I could see them pointing to that as a way of proving the need for Constant Vigilance. Aside from religion/demonic aspect, there are some horror elements, but nothing too over the top.

Where to Shelve: Honestly, this is a comic book that I see appealing to the older crowd. Not because of content, but because it reminds me of the old pulp comics. Stoic hero saves the day without compromise. Okay, the book is better than that sum, but it does put me in mind of Conan, the Phantom, and other older comics.

Other Reviews:

http://www.indenvertimes.com/mel-odom-solomon-kane-a-compelling-graphic-novel/
http://bookhound.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/solomon-kane-the-castle-of-the-devil-by-scott-allie-mike-mignola-and-dave-stewart/
http://www.epinions.com/review/Book_Solomon_Kane_1_The_Castle_of_the_Devil_Scott_Allie/content_514493943428
http://www.graemesfantasybookreview.com/2010/07/kull-conqueror-solomon-kane-dark-horse.html

Life has intervened yet again

So, life's been busy as of late. Impending births, deaths, and work load. Thankfully, all of that is happening around me (with the exception of the work load... the work load is stemming from the first two not happening to me, but to coworkers.)

And I'm taking a short break from graphic novels to ponder some things, including how to argue in favor of an adult graphic novel section. I really do want to write an article, do a presentation, something on it.

In addition to that, I've finally been convinced to read a novel that everyone's been talking about. Great heroine, a love interest... A fantastic novel, and I can't wait to finish and read the follow up books.

I'm talking about The Hunger Games. I'm about 3/4ths of the way through and what a great book. It's a good distraction for everything else that's been going on.

However, I do have some graphic novels checked out, so I will get those read and reviewed.

Loveless

I've hit my first real stumper. Loveless - the graphic novel by Brian Azzarello.

So, it's Loveless Vol. 1 - A Kin of Homecoming.

My problems are thus and such:

Wow, the language. And yes, it probably could be argued that that was the language they used, however I'm not sure that having n-gger constantly throughout a book is really going to aid the book against any potential challenges. Also, there's plenty of Mother-f*ckers and the like throughout.

There's also about two pages of more explicit sex than I'm comfortable with. One is a scene of a woman seducing her husband - a finger licking, nipple rubbing, and it's implied that it's also vaginal touching, followed be a silouhette of him on top of her in a sexual position. (Missionary, if any one is curious). The next page shows the woman, in flashback, being raped by a union soldier, and finding out that all the men have had a go of her, and - no! wait - the black soldiers haven't, so let them have a go.

Now, if is was presented as more of a historical piece, I don't think I would have such a hard time with it. The art work isn't bad, but... I feel like the book is trying to push the envelope, but instead just crossed the line.

More disturbing to me, I guess, is finding out that a lot of libraries have it shelved in their YA section...

If I'm having a hard time justifying bringing it into an adult section - does it really belong in the YA?

The other problem, is I'm having a hard time finding reviews of this. Which makes me wonder if it belongs in the library.

But this also raises a concern of mine. I'm not for censorship, but I do have a duty to get materials that fit within the standards of the library. I take that to mean the I have to be able to justify why anything is in my section - good review in Booklist, PW, or LJ, but also, if it has good reviews among other graphic novel readers. I'm doing my best to defend my choices and give my library no reason to question what I do, or to have any reason as to doubt my ability.

That being said, it does concern me greatly to hear people say that they have titles like this in their teen section - especially when it says right on the back that it's suggested for mature audiences.

Am I saying they are asking for trouble? ... A little. If I'm having a problem justifying putting this into my adult graphic novel section, does it really belong in the YA?

Comic Book Tattoo

Comic Book Tattoo Special Edition
Various authors and artists
ISBN: 978-1607060314
Published by Vertigo


Some of these stories are out there, some are thought provoking, some are just provoking. Some, well, there has to be a few "eh" in every collection.

To Sum: That being said, this is a collection of short stories inspired by the music and lyrics of Tori Amos. For those not familiar with Tori Amos, she's almost the weird cousin to Sarah McLachlin. She can be raunchy, honest, imaginative, twisted, and brutally open about her experiences.

And the graphic novel reflects that.

This is a hefty tome.

What to Watch out for: Well, this deals with some unusual themes, but if you've listened to some of Tori's music, so does she. There's some scenes and story lines that are dark, and explore an alternative life style. There's some twisty bits. There are also sweet stories, so it's not all weird.

Where to shelve: Adult. Nuff said. Older teens may like it, but this is probably best left in the adult section.

Should a library have it: There is literary merit, yes. There is also some gorgeous artwork.

How I heard about it: I didn't order this one, but did see it at B&N. This was one that was ordered about the time I was hired.

Other Reviews:

http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/content/comic-book-tattoo-review
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=15838
http://www.diamondbookshelf.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=20&s=423&ai=76967
http://www.secondsupper.com/review.php?r=86
http://blog.oregonlive.com/steveduin/2008/09/comic_review_comic_book_tattoo.html
http://www.fantasy-magazine.com/2008/09/comic-book-tattoo-ed-rantz-hoseley/

http://blog.newsarama.com/2008/12/18/interview-comic-book-tattoo/