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.
Showing posts with label YA_Lit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA_Lit. Show all posts
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Pandemonium
Title: Pandemonium (volume 1)
Author: Chris Wooding
Illustrator: Cassandra Diaz
Publisher: Graphix (Scholastic)
Copyright: 2012
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-439-87759-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Seifer Thombchewer (his last name from his grandfather who enjoys eating gravestones) thinks he leads a dull life. Seifer’s charismatic, he’s the star of the skullball team, and he has a loving family. Yet, he is drawn to the mountains, knowing that there is something over there and adventure is waiting. Adventure does come to him, though, in the form of kidnapping and being enlisted to pretend to be Prince Talon Pandemonium, Lord Defender of the Realm. The resemblance is uncanny, but there isn’t time to dwell on that as another force is determined on claiming part of the country. Pandemonium spends a lot of its first volume setting up the world and leaving us with way too many questions.
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Recommended Audience: Middle and High school readers
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Things to be aware of: violence, magic
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Further Thoughts: I know Chris Wooding for his YA work, which was a different kind of fairy story as far as I could tell. I’ve never read anything by him so this is my first exposure. Frankly, this title feels like a web comic type of story from the lack of back story to the art.
I picked up this title because it was a “Scholastic Graphic” title and thought “hey, this looks like something with potential.” My first glances, though, disappointed me. I wasn’t interested in the art and I thought it was rather weak. It looked like the artist’s first work, yet I found that as I read it, the art grew and seemed to be what the story needed, even if it is an odd pairing.
The story fits a web comic saga: spend time on the action and world building; then, start explaining stuff. In a way, it’s fine, but on the other hand, I’m worried that because of that set-up, this is all we will get from this series. I didn’t mind the adventure, but I somewhat wanted a little more information than I got about the Seifer-Talon connection (because it’s clear there is one). I certainly thought we’d get an explanation about the ring that shows up in the latter half of the book before the end, but nope. We’re left hanging, since the one character that had been explaining everything did not explain that before the end. Now, I wish this was in a web comic format so I can read more of this.
Overall, it’s a solid, fantasy story with a lot of world building, action, and good comic timing. I’m not sure I’d have purchased this based on a review, but on the other hand, it adds a nice change, especially in paperback. For some reason I keep thinking that this might appeal to readers of Amulet, but I have to admit I haven’t read Amulet yet to tell you if that is true. I’d like to see more of Seifer, but I hope that the next volume gives us a little more back story than this one.
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Source: Library copy.
Author: Chris Wooding
Illustrator: Cassandra Diaz
Publisher: Graphix (Scholastic)
Copyright: 2012
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0-439-87759-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Seifer Thombchewer (his last name from his grandfather who enjoys eating gravestones) thinks he leads a dull life. Seifer’s charismatic, he’s the star of the skullball team, and he has a loving family. Yet, he is drawn to the mountains, knowing that there is something over there and adventure is waiting. Adventure does come to him, though, in the form of kidnapping and being enlisted to pretend to be Prince Talon Pandemonium, Lord Defender of the Realm. The resemblance is uncanny, but there isn’t time to dwell on that as another force is determined on claiming part of the country. Pandemonium spends a lot of its first volume setting up the world and leaving us with way too many questions.
---------
Recommended Audience: Middle and High school readers
--------
Things to be aware of: violence, magic
----------
Further Thoughts: I know Chris Wooding for his YA work, which was a different kind of fairy story as far as I could tell. I’ve never read anything by him so this is my first exposure. Frankly, this title feels like a web comic type of story from the lack of back story to the art.
I picked up this title because it was a “Scholastic Graphic” title and thought “hey, this looks like something with potential.” My first glances, though, disappointed me. I wasn’t interested in the art and I thought it was rather weak. It looked like the artist’s first work, yet I found that as I read it, the art grew and seemed to be what the story needed, even if it is an odd pairing.
The story fits a web comic saga: spend time on the action and world building; then, start explaining stuff. In a way, it’s fine, but on the other hand, I’m worried that because of that set-up, this is all we will get from this series. I didn’t mind the adventure, but I somewhat wanted a little more information than I got about the Seifer-Talon connection (because it’s clear there is one). I certainly thought we’d get an explanation about the ring that shows up in the latter half of the book before the end, but nope. We’re left hanging, since the one character that had been explaining everything did not explain that before the end. Now, I wish this was in a web comic format so I can read more of this.
Overall, it’s a solid, fantasy story with a lot of world building, action, and good comic timing. I’m not sure I’d have purchased this based on a review, but on the other hand, it adds a nice change, especially in paperback. For some reason I keep thinking that this might appeal to readers of Amulet, but I have to admit I haven’t read Amulet yet to tell you if that is true. I’d like to see more of Seifer, but I hope that the next volume gives us a little more back story than this one.
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Source: Library copy.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
MangaMan
Title: MangaMan
Author: Barry Lyga
Author: Barry Lyga
Illustrator: Colleen Doran
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Copyright: 2011
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-0-547-42315-9
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Comic book worlds unite when a rift in one comic book world is opened and that rift grabs a character from the other comic book world. Manga character Ryoko is brought into the American style comic, a “real world” that doesn’t realize it is even in a comic book. Ryoko knows better though, although, he spends time adjusting to the new rules. Marissa, once a popular queen bee, now a questionable freak who goes around in costumes, is the love interest of this tale and learns from Ryoko the secrets of comic books. An intriguing premise, a great diversion, MangaMan is certainly a fun read, but this reader found she had conflicting emotions about this book.
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Comic book worlds unite when a rift in one comic book world is opened and that rift grabs a character from the other comic book world. Manga character Ryoko is brought into the American style comic, a “real world” that doesn’t realize it is even in a comic book. Ryoko knows better though, although, he spends time adjusting to the new rules. Marissa, once a popular queen bee, now a questionable freak who goes around in costumes, is the love interest of this tale and learns from Ryoko the secrets of comic books. An intriguing premise, a great diversion, MangaMan is certainly a fun read, but this reader found she had conflicting emotions about this book.
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Recommended Audience: high school, teens, anime/manga fans, comic book fans
Recommended Audience: high school, teens, anime/manga fans, comic book fans
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Things to be aware of: a sex scene that, after the fact, seems pointless except for humor
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Things to be aware of: a sex scene that, after the fact, seems pointless except for humor
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Further Thoughts: Let me address the sex scene first. You know it is coming when they kiss first the “real world way” then “the manga way.” A lovely two page, manga-spread, shows them kissing then quickly undressing, then BAM, a point is made and we move on. O…k…? Felt kind of pointless.
I like the premise. I like the idea, but I found myself in a multiple reader situation.
My comic book loving self (the part of me that enjoys Batman) loved the idea. It was fun, quirky, enjoyable, and for some reason hopes for more in that we find out what the rift is about.
My manga self (the part of me that enjoys a variety of manga) was offended. Every manga trope was thrown in, but the tropes, to me, seem to be from the 1970s: boys with long hair, boys who look like girls, mecha*, fighting (see Dragon Ball, seriously, the art is SO similar). Not exactly tropes I’ve seen recently, but I’m realizing I’ve been sort of out of touch. Either way, that is what is holding me back from really enjoying this story. Oh, not to mention that at first glance, please pardon this, it looks like references to tentacle porn (Wikipedia it…at home). There is of course a reference by a character about the manga porn and tentacles, but that’s not a large portion of mainstream manga and I’d like to think Ryoko isn’t from one of those books. In fact, he seems to come from a manga that has everything from giant monsters to magic to fighting to on and on.
So, I had The Philosopher Musician read it and after some thought and seeing his reaction, this book is better suited to guys. Girls want to know why Marissa is acting that way. Guys just want to be entertained. There is certainly a little of everything for both groups to enjoy the story.
Overall, Barry Lyga seems to be doing what he does well: taking stereotypes and overdoing it (Fanboy and Goth Girl) to the extent it may make some readers cringe. Looking at the catalog, this isn’t a wildly popular book, even with an endorsement on the cover from Jeff Smith (Bone). If you are looking to add more, interesting one-shots to your collection, go for it, but this is better suited for readers who like their super hero comics or Barry Lyga. Basically, save your money if you need to (although, if you do want it, wait for paperback as it may just have a better chance in paper back instead of hard cover).
*Mecha – Giant robots. Larger than life robots, piloted by humans. Animes like Gundam, Escaflowne, Neon Genesis. (Mom: my high school obsession, the anime Big O. Roger Smith piloted a Mecha).
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Bonus: I saw Barry Lyga speak at WildCat Comic Con a few weeks ago. While I still have some mixed feelings about the book, I have a slightly new respect for it. If money is tight, wait for the paperback. I'm curious to see what the formatting of that will be because I do sort of think the hardcover doesn't work.
Bonus: I saw Barry Lyga speak at WildCat Comic Con a few weeks ago. While I still have some mixed feelings about the book, I have a slightly new respect for it. If money is tight, wait for the paperback. I'm curious to see what the formatting of that will be because I do sort of think the hardcover doesn't work.
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A Little Librarian's View: PA to YA Fest
Any excuse to go to West Chester, PA, is a good excuse to me. West Chester is a lovely college town with a ton of history, lovely buildings, awesome downtown, great book stores such as Armadillo Books and Chester County Book Company, the fantastic West Chester Public Library, and so far, has great food. My trek to West Chester on Saturday, August 21st, though was to visit the PA to YA Festival which was next to the University.
The PA to YA Festival was an event hosted to help raise money to give to librarians to build YA collections and to get books into the hands of librarians (as I understand it). It was also a great event to meet up with authors and bloggers, partake in the book sale, and maybe win some raffle prizes.
Basically, I’ve known about the Bring YA to PA initiative for months after accidentally finding it from, well, “blog surfing.” As a librarian, I was a bit surprised this initiative has existed for a while and I had yet to hear of it in my three official years as a Teen Person. As to the event, when I first saw hints of it, I had thought “YAY! But it is in Philly and I refuse to drive in Philly.” When I saw it was in West Chester, I thought “I’m SO going” and my schedule actually allowed me to!
The event itself was enjoyable and for arriving late (1:30 PM or so) there was still enough for me to feel that I hadn’t missed much. I do regret not partaking in the raffles, but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to pay for chances or not. I also regret not bringing my ARC of Watersmeet to finally get it signed by Ellen Jensen Abbott, but I did get to catch up with her. That was probably the first highlight.
The second highlight was the room for librarians. Yes, a room for librarians. With books. Lotsa lotsa books. The librarian that traveled with me was excited to learn that she could take 20 books back to her library to put into the collection. For her, this is perfect as her library seems to have spent a good portion of their book budget, which means, technically, no new YA. This situation also was perfect for her since I’m somehow this walking encyclopedia of what is popular and what is not, what the book is probably about, and how the reviews for the books were, both blogosphere and professional (re: Voya). This in and of itself, is the most useful part to librarians here in Pennsylvania because of all the budget cuts happening. I’m not going to go into it here but you can read more here (PA Library Association).
But here is the only downside to the festival that I noticed: Many authors and bloggers, very few librarians. From my own library system, I ran into only one other person and not in Youth Services. From there, I only ran into a total of maybe 2 or 3 more library people. West Chester has perfect access to three library systems and for surrounding areas, West Chester is only an hour to a few hours’ drive to there. I can only blame myself for not seeing more Library System people since I didn’t send out an e-mail. Bad, bad me. I also may have missed people because I was half an hour late, but I did stay the whole time so I keep thinking I should have seen some friends!
Except for that small issue, I enjoyed the event and am hopeful and excited for the possibility at the event next year. My only hope for next year is that the venue is 1.) bigger and/or 2.) has an area for socializing as everyone kind of just fell into places in the tiny hallway between the rooms.
For librarians, it would have been the perfect event to get favorite books signed, network and socialize, and pick out books for their libraries and some ARCs for themselves. For bloggers and authors, I could tell that it was a great social event. I hope that the organizer (Harmony) behind the event saw this as a successful event and I’m sure that the money raised Saturday, from a large amount to even the smallest amount, will help the libraries who need it. We librarians are quite the thankful bunch. I just love the fact that this exists to help supplement YA Services in PA.
Pennsylvanian librarians, I urge you, that the moment you find out when this event happens in 2011, clear your calendar (like you do for your conferences). I know I will find a way to attend next year for the authors not signed up yet, the book sale, and maybe I’ll be able to socialize a little more. This is just too nifty of an event to miss out and it is so rare to have an event like this that I can actually drive to!
The PA to YA Festival was an event hosted to help raise money to give to librarians to build YA collections and to get books into the hands of librarians (as I understand it). It was also a great event to meet up with authors and bloggers, partake in the book sale, and maybe win some raffle prizes.
Basically, I’ve known about the Bring YA to PA initiative for months after accidentally finding it from, well, “blog surfing.” As a librarian, I was a bit surprised this initiative has existed for a while and I had yet to hear of it in my three official years as a Teen Person. As to the event, when I first saw hints of it, I had thought “YAY! But it is in Philly and I refuse to drive in Philly.” When I saw it was in West Chester, I thought “I’m SO going” and my schedule actually allowed me to!
The event itself was enjoyable and for arriving late (1:30 PM or so) there was still enough for me to feel that I hadn’t missed much. I do regret not partaking in the raffles, but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to pay for chances or not. I also regret not bringing my ARC of Watersmeet to finally get it signed by Ellen Jensen Abbott, but I did get to catch up with her. That was probably the first highlight.
The second highlight was the room for librarians. Yes, a room for librarians. With books. Lotsa lotsa books. The librarian that traveled with me was excited to learn that she could take 20 books back to her library to put into the collection. For her, this is perfect as her library seems to have spent a good portion of their book budget, which means, technically, no new YA. This situation also was perfect for her since I’m somehow this walking encyclopedia of what is popular and what is not, what the book is probably about, and how the reviews for the books were, both blogosphere and professional (re: Voya). This in and of itself, is the most useful part to librarians here in Pennsylvania because of all the budget cuts happening. I’m not going to go into it here but you can read more here (PA Library Association).
But here is the only downside to the festival that I noticed: Many authors and bloggers, very few librarians. From my own library system, I ran into only one other person and not in Youth Services. From there, I only ran into a total of maybe 2 or 3 more library people. West Chester has perfect access to three library systems and for surrounding areas, West Chester is only an hour to a few hours’ drive to there. I can only blame myself for not seeing more Library System people since I didn’t send out an e-mail. Bad, bad me. I also may have missed people because I was half an hour late, but I did stay the whole time so I keep thinking I should have seen some friends!
Except for that small issue, I enjoyed the event and am hopeful and excited for the possibility at the event next year. My only hope for next year is that the venue is 1.) bigger and/or 2.) has an area for socializing as everyone kind of just fell into places in the tiny hallway between the rooms.
For librarians, it would have been the perfect event to get favorite books signed, network and socialize, and pick out books for their libraries and some ARCs for themselves. For bloggers and authors, I could tell that it was a great social event. I hope that the organizer (Harmony) behind the event saw this as a successful event and I’m sure that the money raised Saturday, from a large amount to even the smallest amount, will help the libraries who need it. We librarians are quite the thankful bunch. I just love the fact that this exists to help supplement YA Services in PA.
Pennsylvanian librarians, I urge you, that the moment you find out when this event happens in 2011, clear your calendar (like you do for your conferences). I know I will find a way to attend next year for the authors not signed up yet, the book sale, and maybe I’ll be able to socialize a little more. This is just too nifty of an event to miss out and it is so rare to have an event like this that I can actually drive to!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome to 2010!
Happy New Year!
Last night I celebrated with a bunch of good friends, and while the night ended a little weakly, the entertainment was fun (although, I currently have some reservations about this). This morning I learned that people are still alive and not too terribly hurt.
In other news, my Twitter feed is alive with information about the CYBIL Finalists being announced. As a Y.A. Librarian, I have to look at the middle school and Y.A. categories. As a comic nerd, I have to look at the Graphic Novel list. Honestly, I like the Middle Grade list and I will be trying to read them (I like lists and always think "I'm going to read those!"). The Y.A. though, I have mixed feelings about. I totally agree with The Dreamer as it was a web comic before a book (and one I discovered through a friends blog layout of all places), but aside from Outlaw (a Junior Library Guild selection), I don't know any of these titles, even the ones that came through my "library filter." They do look interesting though and if I get a chance to read them, I'll post reviews.
Otherwise, expect more reviews in the upcoming year (graphic novels, my YA are posted at the work blog), and now that I'm following CYBIL, I will be finding my favorite graphic novel of 2010 and nominating it.
Last night I celebrated with a bunch of good friends, and while the night ended a little weakly, the entertainment was fun (although, I currently have some reservations about this). This morning I learned that people are still alive and not too terribly hurt.
In other news, my Twitter feed is alive with information about the CYBIL Finalists being announced. As a Y.A. Librarian, I have to look at the middle school and Y.A. categories. As a comic nerd, I have to look at the Graphic Novel list. Honestly, I like the Middle Grade list and I will be trying to read them (I like lists and always think "I'm going to read those!"). The Y.A. though, I have mixed feelings about. I totally agree with The Dreamer as it was a web comic before a book (and one I discovered through a friends blog layout of all places), but aside from Outlaw (a Junior Library Guild selection), I don't know any of these titles, even the ones that came through my "library filter." They do look interesting though and if I get a chance to read them, I'll post reviews.
Otherwise, expect more reviews in the upcoming year (graphic novels, my YA are posted at the work blog), and now that I'm following CYBIL, I will be finding my favorite graphic novel of 2010 and nominating it.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Still Here
I had to put off posting for a while as I had to determine my username for here and for work (wanted them separate). It was possible I was going to have to change this one. Luckly enough, I figured out a new username for there to keep the one here. YAY.
In other news, I'm progressing SLOWLY through Love*Com. Why did I agree to read this one? I mean, I saw a review in passing, started reading it and to me, it's a little better than a soap but he's yanking her around way to much to make me happy. She was sure, confident and then fell in love and is all weak and whiney. UGH. At least volume 7 shows some progress which makes me wonder what volume 8 looks like. Unforutnately, the next batch I'm reviewing is Love*Com 4-7. It is surprisingly clean though and perfect for the teen angst/drama club (I can't stop reading for the drama. The Philsopher Musician is surprised I'm still reading it).
I really have to point you to this post (a good friend of mine). When in doubt about graphic novels, all I can say is read them. Unless you know someone like me who will grab a copy of League [of Extraordinary Gentleman] and say "Oh, here's a naughty bit, oh and this one, and this one..." and show them to you because I've read it. Although, I don't remember the implied stuff like in Wish (which I'll have to re-read).
In other news, I'm progressing SLOWLY through Love*Com. Why did I agree to read this one? I mean, I saw a review in passing, started reading it and to me, it's a little better than a soap but he's yanking her around way to much to make me happy. She was sure, confident and then fell in love and is all weak and whiney. UGH. At least volume 7 shows some progress which makes me wonder what volume 8 looks like. Unforutnately, the next batch I'm reviewing is Love*Com 4-7. It is surprisingly clean though and perfect for the teen angst/drama club (I can't stop reading for the drama. The Philsopher Musician is surprised I'm still reading it).
I really have to point you to this post (a good friend of mine). When in doubt about graphic novels, all I can say is read them. Unless you know someone like me who will grab a copy of League [of Extraordinary Gentleman] and say "Oh, here's a naughty bit, oh and this one, and this one..." and show them to you because I've read it. Although, I don't remember the implied stuff like in Wish (which I'll have to re-read).
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Waiting Rooms are Great for Reading.
Thursdays, at the moment, I have off. It's my day to chill, read, do whatever needs to be done.
Today, I was the driver for my dad to some medical related stuff so I found I had 2 hours or so in a waiting room. Instead of going out, like I thought I would, I wrote and I read.
I finished Mom's Cancer which almost made me cry with "Mom's Afterword" then Brian's Afterward. I then picked up The Professor's Daughter which is an intriguing little graphic novel. The basic plot is the professor's daughter is in love with a living mummy from Egypt. There is murder, mystery, and obviously romance and it is a very, very quick and light read. As I said, intriguing. Lastly, I picked up and read The Good Neighbors, book 1, Kin by Holly Black.
Holly Black is talented, very much so, but she is sadly tagged with her success on The Spiderwick Chronicles. The Godo Neighbors series is actually her first trip into the world of graphic novels and I must say, it is superb. The ending has me begging for book two so I'm happy I picked up this book.
Today, I was the driver for my dad to some medical related stuff so I found I had 2 hours or so in a waiting room. Instead of going out, like I thought I would, I wrote and I read.
I finished Mom's Cancer which almost made me cry with "Mom's Afterword" then Brian's Afterward. I then picked up The Professor's Daughter which is an intriguing little graphic novel. The basic plot is the professor's daughter is in love with a living mummy from Egypt. There is murder, mystery, and obviously romance and it is a very, very quick and light read. As I said, intriguing. Lastly, I picked up and read The Good Neighbors, book 1, Kin by Holly Black.
Holly Black is talented, very much so, but she is sadly tagged with her success on The Spiderwick Chronicles. The Godo Neighbors series is actually her first trip into the world of graphic novels and I must say, it is superb. The ending has me begging for book two so I'm happy I picked up this book.
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