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Superman: Action Comics, Volume 1: Path of Doom by Dan Jurgens et al.

February 21, 2021 /

Clark did not expect to reveal himself to the world this soon, but when Lex Luthor dons the shield of the House of El, it is time to suit up. He also didn’t expect to team up with Luthor against one of his most fearsome enemies – Doomsday.  We have a battle to the death on our hands with the Kryptonian hunting, killing machine.  Who will come out on top?

Art Style

The panels told the story, but they felt a bit static and lifeless. I was looking for a bit more here.

Did I put it down?

No, but I wanted to be done with the story earlier than expected.  Doomsday has had enough stories that this one did not even interest me sentimentally.

Content

Doomsday is no walk in the park for the Man of Steel. We see references to his prior “death,” and there is plenty of comics-style violence here.

Would I recommend Path of Doom?

I was not as impressed here as I was with Son of Superman. The art and dialogue were stiff, and the experience never came to life. I still like this as a prelude to future stories, and it sets the table for some exciting arcs. I will continue reading the series, but I am looking forward to the Tomasi work more. 

Check the title out here.

A Review – The Dirty South by John Connolly

February 14, 2021 /

Rural Arkansas is limping through the 1990s.  A thin veneer of normalcy covers Cargill.  Chief Evander Griffin is investigating three murders that appear to be connected. The crimes threaten planned improvements from outside investment. On the heels of the second murder, Charles Parker, a former police officer from New York, arrives in town searching for the man that murdered his family.  What will he find?

Writing Style

Connolly’s writing felt slow and methodical. The mix created suspense and anticipation. The Dirty South is darker than a book like Moonflower Murders and less like a “whodunit.”

Did I put it down?

Not really.  Once I saw the path, the story was gripping.

Who should be reading this?

The images presented are unsettling.  As with most thrillers of the sort, there is some violence mixed perversely with sexuality. The language is tame comparably.    

Would I recommend The Dirty South?

Yes, without question.  The first chapter or so of this book did not impress me.  I felt that the language and atmosphere were slightly pretentious, or at the very least long-winded.  Sometimes I forget to meet the author on their ground.  I put the book down, came back the next day, and could not have been more impressed.  

Rural Arkansas is not much different from where my grandparents lived when I was a child.  Southeast Missouri is very similar. Isolation can be overwhelming in the countryside.  As I got older, I also saw that the social interactions and politics were different than in the city.  The setting and characters resonated with me.  I could tell that Connolly had done his research.  They say to write what you know.  Connolly made sure that he understood the dynamics at play in a small community. 

Beyond this, the story was intricate and unpredictable.  Parker’s character, although flawed and unsettling, plays a foil to the rest of the cast.  When I have the time, I will be visiting the earlier novels in this series.

Check out the book here!

A Review- Superman, Volume 1: Son of Superman by Peter J. Tomasi et al.

February 7, 2021 /

As a displaced Clark lays this universe’s Superman to rest, he looks to the fate of his own family.  His young son Jonathan is struggling with controlling his powers.  As the Kents adapt, a ghost of Krypton detects a member of the House of El and his son. 

Art Style

The colors certainly grab the eye.  The red and blue tend to do this.  They are vibrant, but the tone is appropriate throughout. I especially enjoyed the sections with Jon using his powers.  The portrayal is raw and wild.  Superman has a particular style, and I found that with this first volume.

Did I put it down?

No, but I did pace myself. A reader could devour this book in one sitting. With this genre, returning to admire the artwork enhances the experience.  I almost always find something that I missed.

Content

A couple of moments struck me as particularly brutal for a Superman story. One of these highlights the dangers of Jon using his new powers unchecked.  Beyond these, we are talking about generic comic-book violence.

Would I recommend Son of Superman?

I absolutely would. I had set down Superman during the “New 52” era because I found the early story convoluted and lacking directions.  Other quality titles only highlighted these failures at the time.   I have been looking for any excuse to return to this title, as I have enjoyed Superman since I was a child.  I fully intend to continue delving into this title.

Tomasi and Gleason set an immediate direction for Supes here. This story is not about the baddies. Here, Superman is building a family and finding his role in this world. He isn’t just an alien to our world, but our universe as well.  While filling the previous Superman’s boots, Clark builds trust with Jon, and Lois finds her place surrounded by two superpowered beings.

A Review- The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and War

January 31, 2021 /

By John “Chick” Donahue & J.T. Molloy

In 1967, the war was raging in Vietnam.  Public opinion in the US had turned against not only the military but also the troops.  Protests broke out across the country and specifically in New York City.  George “Colonel” Lynch, a bartender in New York, wanted to show his support.  Inspired by the Colonel’s idea, “Chick” Donahue embarked on his new mission.  He was going to deliver beer to neighborhood guys in Vietnam.

Writing Style

The pacing of this novel was almost frantic.  I would compare the book to a movie like Forrest Gump in that sense. We skip from one unbelievable series of events to the next. Being driven by the narrative, we do miss out on the setting.  The writer even references other media such as Full Metal Jacket to expound.

Did I put it down?

 I read the entire novel in one sitting. The pacing affected this. The voice was also conversational and made for an easy read.

Who should be reading this?

The setting is the Vietnam War.  Although the perspective is unique, the content is not.  The horror you find in any war novel is here as well.  Violence and language are prevalent throughout the entire story.

Would I recommend The Greatest Beer Run Ever?

Yes, I would. As I said earlier, the book reminded me very much of Forrest Gump, which I have always enjoyed. The difference is that this time the story is true.  By the end, I needed to pace myself.  In a way, I was searching. I found myself looking for character growth.  

Donohue’s mission neared insanity. He was reminded of this regularly throughout the story.  I never quite felt that revelation for “Chick,” at least not until the very end.  I don’t want that to take away from the story or what he did.   In some ways, what he did defines honor and friendship.

A Review- The Best of Me by David Sedaris

January 24, 2021 /

Normally, I would discuss the plot here. With this being a collection of stories and essays, I will change tactics slightly. If you have never read Sedaris, The Best of Me is a collection of work spanning his career. 

I was introduced to Sedaris with Me Talk Pretty One Day in 2007. The work was assigned for a course in non-fiction during my time at University. I still recommend that book to anyone looking for something humorous or engaging.  I am always disappointed that I have yet to read any of his other works. 

When I began this review blog, I made a goal to read this collection.  I do not regret that decision.

Writing Style

I recognize the Sedaris that I remember from Me Talk Pretty One Day. He has always been frank and unforgiving, but I find more sentimentality there now. The newer stories were even more poignant and relatable. He writes from a completely different set of life experiences.  Somehow, I could still imagine myself in a similar situation.

Did I put it down?

I did take my time with this book.  My first instinct was to rush through and enjoy the entire book in one sitting.  I was able to digest this better at a slow pace.

Who should be reading this?

There is some language, sexuality, and morbid curiosities sprinkled throughout the stories.  The stories lean towards tasteful. 

Would I recommend The Best of Me?

I find this difficult to answer.  If you have read his other works, you may not need this collection.  I am not that person. I will say that see his older material juxtaposed against the newer did create more of a narrative than I expected.  There is some merit in this. 

The later works spoke to me and left me reflecting on my relationships. He touches on both serious and humorous moments while discussing topics like mortality and alcohol abuse effortlessly. Nothing seems out of its place. In this, many readers will find a microcosm of their life experiences.  In the end, this book gave me another lens through which to look at my own life. 

Check out the book here!

A Review- Fangs by Sarah Andersen

January 17, 2021 /

Two people fall in love. Well, a vampire and a werewolf fall in love. Andersen’s graphic novel Fangs follows their exploits. 

Art Style

Andersen’s book is in black and white.  Compared to other work she has done, the artwork here is simple.  For the most part, the art tells the story well.  A few panes left me questioning what was happening.  

Did I put it down?

I took my time, and I gave it my full attention. Unfortunately, I still put it down after about 30 pages.  I had been expecting something more narrative, and the book was more like a collection of comic panels from the newspaper.  After resetting those expectations, the book flowed better.

Content

I would consider this comically mature.  Nothing is overly-explicit, but we are still dealing with vampires and werewolves.

Would I recommend Fangs?


I am sure that there is an audience for this. With the story being light-hearted and humorous, I found enjoyable moments. If someone were looking for a comic strip style story, I would recommend this. For those who must read everything supernatural, this is a book for you.  If you are looking for a connected plot, this isn’t what you will find.

A Review- A Time For Mercy by John Grisham

January 10, 2021 /

Five years ago, Jake Brigance won a stunning verdict in the Hailey case.  He is now on the verge of victory in a major civil suit when Drew Gamble murders his mother’s boyfriend, a local police officer.  Officer Kofer was popular with locals, but a drunk and abusive in his private life.  Judge Omar Noose tasks Jake with defending the teenager. Jake’s attempt to keep Drew from the gas chamber will fan the flames of hatred in this small Mississippi town.  

Writing Style

This was everything that I expected from a John Grisham novel.  He is an excellent writer, and his style is easy to read. A Time for Mercy verged on being formulaic, but I must remind myself that the formula works.  That said, this book was not the road less traveled.

Did I put it down?

Yes, but I came back. As soon as I heard that Grisham was releasing this novel, I was excited.  Jake Brigance is alluring and always leaves me wanting more.  Every story has its magic.  I am not sure if it is the southern charm or the small town turmoil, but I needed to find out what happened next. 

Who should be reading this?

Mature content is covered here.  At the risk of spoiling the plot, I will not be specific in my description. 

Would I recommend A Time for Mercy? 

Sure, but let me preface that. For me, the initial scenes felt contrived and unemotional.  One example would be Drew’s rationalizations before the killing.  They were out of place and unrealistic.  Once you wade through the unavoidable references to the Hailey case, Jake’s financial troubles, and some half-hearted posturing over social issues, you may find a message here worth the time. 

The characters are where the story shines.  Grisham has brought this small town to life.   Although I love characters like Lucien and Harry Rex, Grisham’s additions were welcome as well.  

A Review- 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon

January 3, 2021 /

The Story:  A young child is trying to wait out the long nights before Christmas comes.

Art Style: The art style was playful and cartoonish. This added to the enjoyment and anticipation of the story.

Did I put it down?  No, I did not. Also, the book kept my daughter’s attention.

Content: The content here is heart-warming and wholesome. For all those that celebrate Christmas as a holiday, this is a great read.

Would I recommend 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas? Absolutely. I enjoyed this follow-up to Fallon’s other early childhood books.

A Review – Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark

December 27, 2020 /

The Story:  Maryse Boudreaux, with her companions Sadie and Chef, is on the hunt in the Jim Crow South.  Their prey is far from customary.  They are hunting supernaturally created Klan members. With her silver sword in hand, Maryse slashes her way through waves of monsters and even into different dimensions.

Writing Style: Throughout Ring Shout, I could hear Maryse’s voice, and I could feel the South in the dialogue and the environment. The character and her motivations were developed early but also expanded through the story.  I did have some trouble with Nana Jean’s Gullah dialect, but it did lend authenticity to the character. 

Clark’s writing ignites the reader’s imagination. While incredibly visual, his descriptions incorporate all the senses to astound and horrify. A few uncomfortable moments made my skin crawl. 

Did I put it down?  Yes, but the week seemed short, and Christmas celebrations stole the majority of my time.  I read the story in about two to three short sessions. More importantly, I looked forward to returning to the book.

Who should be reading this? Young adults will approach this content well.  This novel does have its share of violence and language, as well as some adult content.  Behind all of the themes, there is a sense of moral responsibility and consideration.   

Would I recommend Ring Shout?  I would without reservation. Magical swords. Monsters. This story has a bit of everything.  Those who enjoy Lovecraft’s horror or Tarantino’s films, Django Unchained and Inglorious Basterds specifically, would enjoy this fictional romp through the Jim Crow South.

A Review- Barking by Lucy Sullivan

December 20, 2020 /

The Story:  After a year, the death of her friend still haunts Alix Otto.  Stalked by a shadowy hound, she is institutionalized after a desperate series of events.  Barking tells the story of Alix’s journey through her grief and the system. 

Art Style: Sullivan’s book is fully in black and white.  The pencilled style gives a feeling that is both ethereal and raw.  When searching for my next read, her erratic art style attracted me to this book.  The layout was fluid throughout the book, changing with Alix’s state. This format lends itself well to the subject matter. 

Did I put it down?  Not once. The opening sequence was intense and disturbing.  I found myself immediately invested in Alix as a character. 

Content: Sullivan is discussing delicate material.  The main themes of the book revolve around mental health. Suicidal ideation is a subject matter early, and mental health institutions are addressed as well.  We do see some vulgar language used by characters, but this is not gratuitous. 

Would I recommend Barking? Absolutely. Admittedly, the topics discussed could be troubling for some readers. Beyond this, Sullivan does telling a compelling story. Take a look at the book along with other authors for this publisher at https://unbound.com/books/barking/.

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