I Date Dead People (My Boyfriend is a Monster 5)

Title: I Date Dead People (My Boyfriend is a Monster #5)
Author: Ann Kerns

Illustrator: Janina Gorrissen
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)

Copyright: 2012

Price: $29.27

ISBN: 978-0-7613-6007-0
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Nora and her siblings see ghosts, but they try not to tell their parents because their parents would freak out, or worse: bring in a ghost hunting show. Each sibling seems to have a ghost that follows them. For Nora, it is Tom Barnes, a teenager who died at the house over one-hundred years ago and could never seem to leave. The two instantly fall for each other, leading Nora to dismiss the attentions of the most popular boy at school.

What starts out as innocent haunting for the siblings though, takes a dark turn as angry ghosts begin to make themselves known and inhabit the house, forcing the family out of the house. Nora is determined though to bring her family home. Readers return to the series with a ghost love story of Tom and Nora.

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Recommended Audience: high school

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Things to be aware of: Ghosts
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Further Thoughts: Nora prefers to date Tom. Tom is a ghost. This intriguing ghost love story features our continuing recurring characters the guidance counselor and Mr. James. The added bonus is that Mr. James actually knows Nora’s father so we get to learn a little background information on him (and watch him freak out over the ghosts, which looks like a major hint of something).

As I’ve mentioned before, our heroines are pretty strong and know what they want in this series. Although, I find it odd that Nora doesn’t mind having a relationship with a ghost when the most popular guy at school likes her, but there is an appeal to a ghost who can’t leave the house. What makes Nora fantastic though is that she refuses to back down, as previous heroines have, when their love is out fighting. Nora is just as much a part of the solution as Tom is. Once again, the ending to this love story is not exactly what one might expect, which I like because it isn’t exactly a happy ending.

My only complaint is that while the art is fantastic, I swear the one character looks like Dicey from volume 1. This volume is illustrated by the same artist as volume 1, but the character isn’t Dicey. I was actually disappointed because I was hoping I was going to finally see some overlap in stories. It’d be nice to see how our previous characters are doing, but again, I don’t expect anything until a grand finale.

Although, something interesting to note is that between volume 1 and this volume, the town names both begin as “Saint.” Coincidence? Now I’ll have to go back and look at the names and see what kind of connection there is.

Once again, I’m impressed. This volume isn’t as strong as the beginning, but then, I’m still following it and I’m still interested in what is next and still want to know why our two characters keep appearing. Well done!

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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Title:  Rapunzel’s Revenge
Author: Shannon and Dean Hale
Illustrator: Nathan Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Copyright: 2008
Price: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1-59990-070-4
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Have you ever wondered what happened to Rapunzel before she was placed into her tower of solitude? Did she live an idyllic life? Rapunzel’s Revenge tries to answer some of the before questions by presenting a young Rapunzel, who has an independent streak that causes Mother Gothel, her witch mother, no end of grief. One day though, Rapunzel goes too far, causing her to be locked away for four years. As time passes, she thinks, she reads, she eats, and she trains, especially when the day comes that she might never get out of the tower. When she escapes, she meets the possible Prince Charming of the fairy tales, only to trick him so she can make her way into the world. Rapunzel’s life is about to change as she is confronted with a world of hatred and “eat or be eaten” wild west world that Mother Gothel has created. With the help of Jack (of Beanstalk fame) and his goose Goldy, Rapunzel sets out on adventures to right the wrongs and end Mother Gothel’s reign, once and for all.
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Recommended Audience: Middle school and up.
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Things to be aware of:
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Further Thoughts: Take the wild west, mix in a little fairy tale of Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and maybe even Hansel and Gretel and you have this book. Rapunzel is a strong character, very unlike the ones who wait in the tower for their prince to come along. This Rapunzel is out for a taste of adventure, and to save her real mother. While 20 feet of long hair as whips and lassos is slightly unbelievable, this is a fun romp of a heroine’s tale. I enjoyed discovering the world that she was in and facing some of the same feelings.

The art partially makes this title so believable. Hale (no relation to the authors) creates detailed scenes, living characters, and more as readers travel the story. Overall, this book deserves all the praise it has received over the years and is a fine fit in school libraries.
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Bonus: PA Young Readers Choice Nom.

Source: Library Copy.

YALSA Book Lists: A Rant

I'm late to this. I know I am because I kind of hoped it'd blow over when I actually wanted to see the lists again. As it should be semi-public knowledge here, I normally pick on the "Great Graphic Novels for Teens" lists that YALSA puts out. I like them. They can be a good start, BUT there's just some stuff on there that doesn't hold a teen's interest (Prime Baby [my review] is a prime example). I've tried to be involved, but only learned last year that I can actually suggest stuff. I have one to suggest for this year actually...

Well, today, I finally ran into YALSA's "block." Basically, if you have been under a rock, when you decide to take a look at YALSA's lists, you see a "Thanks for your interest blah-blah give us your information or skip all this and sign in."

I hate signing in. Mainly because for some dumb reasons my passwords hate me. Or the system hates my password. I also don't always remember my user name and/password and ALA Connect and Member Services have still left a bad taste in my mouth (basically, I asked recently why we can't get invoices. The state library association gives me one right off the bat AND I can access it for say, when I want to print it off for taxes. I asked if this could be consider and got a "no"). As if ALA doesn't get enough of my money right now.

Yeah, I could just end my membership there, but if I didn't like YALS so much, I would.

Ok, so why did I finally run into this block? I wanted to add the book lists to my resources page because it looks somewhat sparse and I haven't started looking for stuff to add yet. My first thought was "Let's check to see if that block is there."

Yes it was. What the hell?

Now read this post on the YALSA Blog.

Read it? Did you take a look at the comments?

Here we go. First, all the information about the awards is available outside of the wall, EXCEPT the actual list themselves. So, I can nominate a book without actually signing in or giving them my information (except in the process). That means non-members could try to nominate books. In certain cases, I understand that, but I'd think that should be more behind the wall than it is. I can also learn all I want about the award, see nominations (WHAT?), but not actually see what won. That is messed up logic.


"Members who want to access the lists on reference desk computers or other non-personal computers and don’t want to login with personal information can also bookmark the links for the lists and awards. These URLs are now posted in the “Members Only” section of the website." That's kinda nice, but something about this irks me. That is also somewhat messed up logic. If I want to book mark the link, am a non-member, but need it to do my job, I have to get a membership to get special links? Um...

"Fourth, several people have raised the question about whether it is worth it to ask for this information. The answer is we’re not sure yet, but we think it might be." Ok, you've been at this since February to when this was posted on May 30. Frankly, you should know whether or not this is working. I'm not impressed with the statistics.

"Fifth, some members have indicated that they are against this change because they feel that YALSA is restricting or putting up barriers to information. In fact, YALSA is doing the same thing that most of you do every day in your own libraries..." Yes, but when I want e-books from my library or want to browse my library or any library collection, I don't have to log in to do it. While I get the database analogy, it doesn't fly because it isn't true of every database or even the catalogs. I also can get that library card for FREE (the majority of the time) in order to access the information. In order to get access to these lists, I have to do what Facebook's apps basically do: get my information to enjoy it or pay a lot of money for a list.

YALSA, you are "putting up barriers to information" especially in a time of budget crunches and closures. I'm thinking of city librarians who just want to promote reading or justify the need to purchase books. The time strapped librarian who doesn't have time to fill out forms and forgets when s/he gets home because of how tired the person is.

I'm also looking at this fact, which is wrong, absolutely wrong:

• The Newbery and Caldecott List is public, but the Printz is not. And don't get into the fact that these are different divisions. I recognize that, but they are also respected awards and I find the Printz equivalent to that. If other divisions can do this, so can YALSA. Put other stuff behind the walls. Stuff that people would be glad to pay for.

By the way membership is down 3.7% according to the President's Report



Disclosure: This is a rant. I may not know all of the details and may not have read up on all of the details leading to this decision on YALSA's behalf. It may not be prudent to take this discussion out onto my blog, but honestly, others are doing it too and I restarted the discussion on twitter. I'm very annoyed about this and am just using this as a way to vent. There are great blogs out there and a very nicely written post,with more comments and links, was done by Liz B of A Chair, A Fireplace, and A Tea Cozy (link to her reaction to the update from June 5)

Things Discovered...after the majority of this was written

• The Philosopher Musician thinks that as a patron and person, lack of access to the links is uncool and that the basic list itself should be available freely as it is very basic information...SO
• He just discovered the Printz List is available on Wikipedia. To be honest, I'm kind of embarrassed that I didn't think of this first and am sorry if YALSA forces it to come down after this information comes to light.
• Also, kudos to whoever is maintaining that Wikipedia page.

Introducing My Mother.

HI MOM.

My mom got a blog. Oh noes. Not really. I'm part of the reason why she has it: to talk about romance novels and libraries. Frankly, like me, she knows a lot on that genre. She's been reading romance since I can remember and for the last 5 years or so has been seriously studying it. If you bookmarked her old page, please update it, because due to a Google Hiccup, she had to start over so...

Romancing Your Library - What your patrons wish you knew. Romance fiction for librarians.

And if we sound similar, it is seriously because I am her kid. I think we sound similar online anyway...

Chopsticks: A Novel

Title: Chopsticks: A Novel
Author: Jessica Anthony
Illustrator: Rodrigo Corral
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin Group)
Copyright: 2012
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-59514-435-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Piano prodigy Glory Fleming is bored, lonely, and tired of being forced into something she is not. She just wants to be a teenager, especially when she falls for the mysterious neighbor boy, Frank. As the two grow closer together, Glory’s playing falls apart. She stops mid performances and often finds herself breaking into themes and variations of “Chopsticks.” Essentially, readers work through Glory’s world before her disappearance and you are left to wonder what was real and what was not.
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Recommended Audience: high school
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Things to be aware of: nudity (drawings); swearing
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Further Thoughts: I know. This is not a graphic novel, but oddly enough, I could picture libraries placing this in the graphic novel section because the library just wasn’t sure how and where to catalog it. So, I read it and here’s my review:

It is a pretty work, but I’m confused and this book unsettled me.

I know I’m supposed to recognize that Frank was a figment of her imagination, but I’m so confused because of the evidence presented. I saw the overlaps easily in school logos and timing in regards to things that involved him and her, but still, I find myself confused by something. I think it is because he was actually presented as a physical person. I look at spreads to see the clues and I do, but my mind can’t process it like I think I’m supposed to. There are lots of positive reviews out there and I must admit I was interested in reading it. The only thing that makes sense to me is that she plays “Chopsticks” when she wants to imagine him or think of him because of the mention of notes F and G.

This is not a graphic novel. It is a scrap book and I suspect that the library copy I have has it in the right spot: Fiction. I think a professional journal called it a graphic novel while another called it fiction. I feel the photos and the lack of a comic book feel is what tips the scales for me regarding this book.

Overall, this is a pretty book, but I suspect it might need some reader’s advisory help in order to go out. It might appeal to the reluctant reader, or the artist, but overall it confused this reader.

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Source: Library copy.

What can you expect in my reviews?

I'm experimenting. I'm trying to write more, especially since I'm reminded of Ray Bradbury on this sad day. Also, my other blogging gig has been revealed.

Simply put, this is my explanation about my reviews here and over there.

1. Currently, I get GNs that are of interest to me or I feel I should read because everyone is talking them up. Mainly, the talking up bit is because, well, I should know about it and generally I have to wonder, if the librarians are talking it up, is it really that awesome (lately it has been 50/50)?
2. I get books from the library, Netgalley, purchasing them (wish I had more funds for that...I miss my manga habit) and if people give them to me for free (ARCs, friends, etc).
3. I will not hesitate to rip into a book (aka give it a negative review). If you want to know what I mean, please find the review on Marvel's Pride and Prejudice. I cannot stop talking about how much that book irked me and yet it got such high praise.
4. Since I sometimes give negative reviews, please look at it as another voice out there and not that I hate your book. I truly believe that books have their readers and places and that we can't all love the same books. If we did, life would probably be boring. On the other hand, I will make every effort to find some sort of positive in the book, be it that it is suited better to school librarians, adult readers (see Prime Baby as an example), etc, or that the art is pretty or the plot was pretty good but not for me. Negative reviews should exist and I find it my duty to tell you my thoughts on the book.
5. I'm writing from both a professional stance and that of a graphic novel reader. My main reading habits include the following: comics, graphic novels, manga, young adult books, and non-fiction for grown-ups. I dabble in chapter books and picture books (but picture books are so easy to read in a few minutes and so much fun). I will probably post YA once in a while, but like non-fiction for grown-ups, it is mainly pleasure reading and to improve my RA skills. Huzzah!
6. If you want a completely professional stance, visit The Graphic Classroom. They have great professional reviews and that is where you can find my "professional voice."
7. If it looks like I have a DC slant, I do and openly admit to the fact I love Batman. He is my favorite hero and have read a lot about him (and Catwoman). I will read other comics though. Believe me. I will read almost everything in a comic format (excepting gore. No. Way. Not my style.).
8. Not every comic/graphic novel I read will get reviewed. I gotta have my mind candy and truly pleasure reading. 
9. This blog exists mainly as a place to tell my friends and family (Hi Mom!) about what graphic novels to get for their libraries since I'm seen as some expert because I read comics. Go figure.

Ok. I think that's it regarding the "Important Stuff You Should Know" about my reviews. One of these weeks I'll get into:

• Why I don't read book blog book reviews.
• Why I tend to blog only reviews and very rarely other stuff.
• Why I love webcomics and eventually web comic reviews (or web comic book reviews)
• And other mysteries as I feel I have to explain them.

Lou!: Secret Diary

Title: Lou!: Secret Diary (volume 1)
Author: Julien Neel
Illustrator: Julien Neel
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)
Copyright: 2012
Price: $27.93
ISBN: 978-0-7613-8776-3
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Precocious tween Lou is in love with the boy across the street. How will she ever confess her love to him? Although, this is only one of the many problems she faces in this book. A few of the problems she faces include being taken seriously as a fashion designer, setting her mom up with the new neighbor, and helping her mom when it comes to a visit from Memaw (Grandma). Lou’s story is told in one to two page comic spreads that can easily be read in small sittings, but you have to read it in order as the spreads do build upon each other.
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Recommended Audience: upper elementary
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Things to be aware of: revealing clothing, characters in underwear.
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Further Thoughts: Oh look, another French import. My first thought when I grabbed this one was that I wasn’t going to enjoy it. Why? It was too bright, too kiddy, too girly, and lastly, it was Graphic Universe. I’m still not used to them putting out anything decent.

Well, this one was decent. Frankly, I enjoyed this a bit more than I thought I would. Lou is fun. Lou is actually really smart and a bit wise for her age of 12 going onto 13. Her mom is completely childish (I mistook her for an older sister in the beginning), but they obviously care about each other. Also, the timing in the comics is impeccable. I found something funny in everything, excepting Lou’s back story about her parents. That was just touching and I know that we’re going to be exploring that more in the future.

The art is colorful and things are easily recognizable, like cell phones and the now past Game Cube. I don’t think that detracts from the story though. It will be recognized as “video games” and the phone is still as cell phone. Otherwise, these are full color comics with fantastic, comedic details.

Any tween will easily relate from the fact their crush picks his nose to parent troubles to just general tween drama. A strong yet relatable heroine makes this a great pick for that tween generation.

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Source: Library copy.