Tag: book (Page 2 of 2)

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 – 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- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson

December 13, 2020 /

In Caste, Isabel Wilkerson attempts to frame the caste system in America. As the reader, you must survey the foundation on which the country is built.  Wilkerson examines the caste systems of two other societies in comparison: Nazi Germany and India.  Through this, she illustrates the pillars of caste systems and how caste infiltrates our lives. She shows the backlash created when individuals rise above their station. Finally, she highlights the often-overlooked consequences on society and offers hope at healing these divides.  

Caste is unrelenting and eye-opening. Wilkerson crosses between theorizing, research, and anecdotal illustrations.  Her personal experiences are especially poignant as they show vulnerability. Critics claim that the book flounders in depictions of slavery and the Jim Crow South. The oppression experienced by African-Americans is familiar terrain for readers, but without this groundwork, the book would lose stability. Wilkerson’s examples are often vivid and brutal.  Her depictions were not gratuitous and drove her argument. 

In the final quarter, this work truly shines.  Where Wilkerson may leave readers despairing early, she shows a road forward here.   The material is more topical and relatable as well. She has made this an understandable and accessible subject for many readers, especially those searching for meaning in “structural racism.” Lastly, Wilkerson leaves us with a simple call to action around recognition, knowledge, and understanding.

A Review: The Old Truck, by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

December 6, 2020 /

The Old Truck is written and illustrated by two brothers, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey.  This children’s book is a look into the life of a young girl and her family’s farm through the lens of the family pickup truck. 

Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey have created a story that drives the imagination. The Old Truck is more than just a story about a vehicle.  Through the truck, we see the grit and perseverance of people.  The reader gets a glimpse at their dreams.  

The art style is simple and geometric in many places, but drives the narrative clearly.  The Pumpheys created these images with over 250 stamps that they crafted. The colors are cool, but vibrant, and effectively convey season, emotion, and theme. From the smiling farmer’s daughter to the chickens frenzied by the truck’s ignition, young readers will also be captivated.  

The Old Truck will hold a special place on their bookshelves.

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