Percy Shelley (Percy Shelley, #1)

author: David Vandermeulen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/24
date added: 2019/02/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Percy Shelley 1' by David Vandermeulen with art by Daniel Casanave follows the young life of Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Percy Bysshe Shelley was born into an aristocratic family, but didn't want to follow his father in to politics. Instead, he wanted to be a poet and live off the family's money. His atheist pamphlets put him at odds with teachers and priests around him. His spur of the moment romances and proposals got him in to various trouble. The book ends with his relationship with his future wife Mary, the writer of 'Frankenstein.'

I liked this look at the life of this poet. I'm more familiar with people around him, so it was a good way to learn. I liked the illustration style. It was more cartoonish, but it fit the story pretty well.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Saint Patrick's Journey (Peg Saints)

author: Calee M. Lee
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/24
date added: 2019/02/24
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'St. Patrick's Journey (Peg Saints)' by Calee M. Lee with illustrations by Jacob G. Lee is the story of Saint Patrick told with a small peg painted to look like him.

The book takes the peg version of Saint Patrick is taken out and posed in the real locations that the Saint was in. There is also included a timeline of Patrick's different pilgrimages and instructions to create your own Peg version of Saint Patrick.

I liked this book of kid friendly illustrations and text. The story of St. Patrick is told simply and clearly. This was a nice read and timely for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Xist Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Defender - Voliume 1 - Legal Eagle

author: Laurent Galandon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/24
date added: 2019/02/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
In 'The Defender Vol. 1: Legal Eagle' by Laurant Galandon with art by Giroud Volante, a bright defender finds himself in a case that seems unwinnable.

Leo Sully-Darmon can't seem to lose a case. He also loves a good photo-op. When he is approached to represent a woman who is accused of horrendous crimes, he may have found the first case he will lose. All the evidence points to her guilt, but she claims she is innocent. To what ends will Sully-Darmon go to prove her innocence, and are there forces working behind the scenes to deceive him?

It'a good enough story that should have appeal to those who like the lawyer shows on tv. The main character is sympathetic to refugees, so that story seems right out of the headlines. The art was ok and fit the story, but wasn't anything outstanding.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: The Apocalypse Suite

author: Gerard Way
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/24
date added: 2019/02/24
shelves:
review:



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Chicago's Grand Midway: A Walk around the World at the Columbian Exposition

author: Norman Bolotin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/21
date added: 2019/02/21
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Chicago's Grand Midway: A Walk Around the World at the Columbian Exposition' by Norman Bolotin is a walk through history at one of the last world's fairs of the 19th century.

The 1893 world's fair in Chicago had to follow the fair in Paris, and that was the one to bring the world the Eiffel Tower. Chicago tried to one up things with a giant Ferris wheel, and it was quite popular. Also popular along the midway, or plaisance, were exhibits, restaurants, and souvenir stands featuring items from around the world. This book explores what it was like to walk this area of the fair and explains what was seen and heard.

The idea of midway evolved quite a bit after this, so entertainments of this age seem a bit tame compared to more modern amusements. The curiosity of the fair goers and their willingness to interact with other cultures was interesting to me.

I've read a couple other similar books about other fairs, and I enjoy the voyeuristic look at places that were around before I was born. The writing is interesting.

I received a review copy of this ebook from University of Illinois Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield's First Ride

author: Joel Christian Gill
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/18
date added: 2019/02/18
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:



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A Story About Cancer With a Happy Ending

author: India Desjardins
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2019/02/18
date added: 2019/02/18
shelves: young-adult
review:
'A Story About Cancer With a Happy Ending' by India Desjardins with illustrations by Marianne Ferrer and translation by Solange Ouellet is about that seeming rare event in a cancer diagnosis.

Starting with the bright, bland halls of a hospital, we meet our narrator, who was diagnosed with leukemia 5 years ago. She is back to find out what the doctors have to say about how she is doing. She reflects on the journey: the friends she has met and lost, how she hates being told to be strong, and Victor, the young man that means so much to her now.

The title is a bit of a spoiler, but it really doesn't ruin the beautiful story. The color palette is deliberate, and I didn't get why until the end. Then I went back through the book to see where it was used. I think this would be good book to give certain young cancer patients. I really liked this one.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Ella Fitzgerald: My First Ella Fitzgerald

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2019/02/18
date added: 2019/02/18
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Ella Fitzgerald: My First Ella Fitzgerald' by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara with illustrations by Bàrbara Alca is a board book about one of my very favorite singers.

Ella Fitzgerald grew up in New York. When the school she went to was too strict, she would run away and sing and dance in the streets. After winning a singing competition, she was on her way to singing with Chick Webb and his big band, but that wasn't enough for Ella, who became the First Lady of Song.

I loved this adaptation of Ella Fitzgerald's life. I especially loved the illustrations. There are so many fun details in them, from the animals watching little Ella dance, to the portraits of Ella (and the cool green wallpapter), to the many records Ella recorded. It was just fun all the way around.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Emmeline Pankhurst: My First Emmeline Pankhurst

author: Lisbeth Kaiser
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/17
date added: 2019/02/17
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Emmeline Pankhurst: My First Emmeline Pankhurst' by Lisbeth Kaiser with illustrations by Ana Sanfelippo is a board book adaptation of the life of a British suffragette.

Emmeline Pankhurst was born in England to a family that helped other people. She wanted to go to college or get a job, but her parents wouldn't let her. Instead, she fought to help women get the vote and the change the way things were.

I liked the illustrations by Ana Sanfelippo in this book. The colors are bright enough without detracting from the story. The story itself is simple enough for the young to understand. I continue to be impressed by this series.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Kiss: The Elder, Volume 1

author: Amy Chu
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/17
date added: 2019/02/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Kiss: The Elder' by Amy Chu with art by Kewbar Baal is a graphic novel based on a concept album by the band Kiss.

It's the future, and things are bad. There have been wars, and people live underground. They are protected by a robot army and told that someday they will get to leave the city. Some young kids question this and begin exploring the city. They find passageways with strange graffiti. They find an old computer that tells how the city got there. They find giant robots that looks like the band Kiss. Will the giant Kiss robots get to fight? You will have to read to find out.

I liked this story just fine. The art is ok too. I think genuine Kiss fans may be more out of it, but it wasn't a bad read.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Deep Roots

author: Dan Watters
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/17
date added: 2019/02/17
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Deep Roots' by Dan Watters with art by Val Rodrigues is a weird graphic novel about plants that decide to fight back.

Plants and roots have had enough and they've decided to overthrow humans. Humans, of course, decide to fight back. As buildings become choked with roots and fall, and humanoid plant beings invade, a mission is taken to try to understand what is happening and to take the battle to the plants. Along the way, they meet an ancient warrior, and a man caught in the plant's world for over a century.

This book was weird and cool. There are two art styles prevailing and I love the "plant world" art with it tree ring lines informing everything. It doesn't all make complete sense, but it had me turning pages and reveling in the strangeness of it all.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Vault Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Stephen Hawking (Little People, Big Dreams)

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/17
date added: 2019/02/17
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Stephen Hawking' by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara with illustrations by Matt Hunt is a board book in the Little People, Big Dreams series of board books for little readers.

Stephen Hawking was born in Oxford to an eccentric family. Meals would include a good book being read by everyone. Stephen was never the head of his class, but he was quite brilliant and his curiosity came before schoolwork. He was diagnosed with a paralyzing illness, and that's when he became more focused in his studies.

I'm a fan of this non-fiction series for little readers. This one feels a bit too wordy for squirmy toddlers, but I still enjoyed it. The art by Matt Hunt is just great, and this is another great entry in the series.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Her Infernal Descent Vol. 1: Contrapasso

author: Zac Thompson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/16
date added: 2019/02/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Her Infernal Descent Vol. 1: Contrapasso' by Zac Thompson and Lonnie Nadler with art by Eoin Marron is an ambitious graphic novel that attempts to modernize Dante's Inferno.

A middle-aged woman is alone in her home. Her husband and children are gone. She decides to look for them and finds herself looking in the circles of hell. Like Dante's Inferno, she has a guide. This time around it's William Blake, and sometimes Agatha Christie. Throughout her journey are numerous "guest stars" that speak in their own voice. The circles of hell have been updated to reflect more modern takes on sin. Along the way, we learn what actually happened to her family. How far will a mother go to reunite with her family?

Conceptually, I loved this. It's a good idea and it's executed fairly well. Unfortunately, it left me a bit cold. The art and story couldn't keep my attention, and I kept finding other things to read. You may find your journey through this mother's hell different than I did, and it's clever enough that I'm glad I got to read it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Rosa Parks (Little People, Big Dreams)

author: Lisbeth Kaiser
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/16
date added: 2019/02/16
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Rosa Parks' by Lisbeth Kaiser with illustrations by Marta Antelo is part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series of board books. I love this series and review every one they will let me.

This book tells, in a very kid friendly manner, the story of Rosa Parks. From the time she was little, she learned to be brave. Her grandparents told her stories about slavery. She notices the inequality around her. As she grew, she learned to speak up.

The story and illustrations in this ebook are perfect. Short phrases and colorful pictures tell the story of an amazing life.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Mia & Co (Mia & Co, #1)

author: Vanyda
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.88
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/02/16
date added: 2019/02/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Mia & Co' by Vanyda with art by Nicolas Hitori De is about a teenage girl and her group of male friends.

Mia likes to hang out with boys. They play music and video games. Mia likes this group, but some people think it's odd that she only hangs with boys. Mia prefers to do what the boys do. When her favorite band comes to town, she makes plans to go with one of her friends. Mia seems to have feelings for him, but notices he likes another girl. She doesn't seem to have a problem with that.

I really liked the art in this book. Unfortunately, that's not enough to overcome a story that has no arc to it. There is no character journey or transformation. Everyday life things happen, but nothing else. Perhaps this changes in later volumes, but this one felt a bit disappointing to me.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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You can't just kiss anyone you want

author: Marzena Sowa
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.42
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/11
date added: 2019/02/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'You Can't Just Kiss Anyone You Want' by Marzena Sowa and Sandrine Revel is a graphic novel that takes place in another time and place where innocent things can make governments feel endangered.

A little boy and girl are at a movie. He moves to kiss her, and it becomes a big issue. Along the way, his father's poetry is questioned because it's subversive. The boy realizes that his father is in danger. The father realizes the son is in danger of losing his innocence. It's a story that takes place in an unknown Eastern Bloc country about 50 years ago and it's about what people will do to be free, even if it's just inside.

The story is good, as is the art. I think I wanted a bit more, and I felt a little let down by where the story ends, but I liked the message and it is heartfelt.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Narwhal's Otter Friend (a Narwhal and Jelly Book #4)

author: Ben Clanton
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/02/11
date added: 2019/02/11
shelves: graphic-novels, classics, childrens
review:
'Narwhal's Otter Friend' by Ben Clanton is the 4th book in the Narwhal and Jelly series, and it's just as good as the rest, meaning funny and adorable.

Narwhal and Jelly have a perfectly great friendship, until Narwhal meets Otter. Now Jelly isn't sure what to think. Narwhal seems to really hit it off with Otter and they are planning to have an adventure. Jealous Jellyfish makes a new, and rather unusual friend, but what will Narwhal think of Jelly's new friend?
Along with this, there are facts about otters.

I love this series. I love the idea of a fun graphic novel series for young readers, and this series has remained solid and funny for the 4 issues that are out. Ben Clanton's humor and drawings are pitch perfect.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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How to Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps

author: Nicola Winstanley
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/11
date added: 2019/02/11
shelves: childrens
review:
'How to Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps' by Nicola Winstanley with illustrations by John Martz is a laugh out loud picture book about a task that is anything but easy.

Step One: Fill the bath with water, only works if you don't overfill the bath and have to start over. Putting your cat in the bath only works if the cat hasn't decided to bolt out of the bathroom. And it goes on from here to be a silly adventure about something that is anything from simple and complicated by things like having to stop and eat a cookie.

This book is really a lot of fun to read. The illustrations add to the wackiness of the story being told. I think young readers will have a fun time with this one.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Sea Book

author: Charlotte Milner
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.55
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/11
date added: 2019/02/11
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'The Sea Book' by Charlotte Milner is a picture book filled with facts about the ocean.

This book discusses the different habitats of the ocean and the many types of creatures that live in each of them. From the different layers of the ocean, to coral reefs, and the frozen waters. Along with learning about these places and creatures, the reader will learn what kinds of things threaten sealife and coral reefs. Action steps for young readers as well as a fun project to create a reusable shopping bag are inlcuded.

This book has beautiful design and pictures. The information is in nice bite-sized pieces and easy to read and understand.

I received a review copy of this ebook from DK Children and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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My Mom Always Looks After Me So Much!

author: Sean Taylor
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/10
date added: 2019/02/10
shelves: childrens
review:
'My Mom Always Looks After Me So Much!' by Sean Taylor with illustrations by David Barrow is a comforting picture book about the love between a mother and child.

Young Gorilla knows his mother loves him. One day, they take a trip to the doctor, so he can get a vaccination. He would rather think about toys and bananas than doctors and shots. He knows his mother looks after him because she makes him gets shots, and eat vegetables. There are many ways that young gorillas mother shows that she cares.

I loved the illustrations in this book. There are lots of colors and textures. The story is a really good one too, full of comfort and nice feelings. This was a really nice picture book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Boy and the Egg

author: Ellen Delange
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/10
date added: 2019/02/10
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Boy and the Egg' by Ellen Delange with illustrations by Martina Heiduczec is the story of a boy with a big imagination who finds an egg.

A boy outside playing finds an egg. He can't find a nest, so he takes it home. He starts imagining what will come out of the egg when it hatches. His imagination dreams up bigger and bigger creatures. When the egg finally hatches, what will come out?

I enjoyed this picture book, but mainly for the really great illustrations. The story is fine, but I don't think the idea of finding an egg and bringing it home to hatch is a good lesson to emulate. It's still a fun picture book though.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Clavis Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Lost City Explorers, Vol 1

author: Zack Kaplan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/09
date added: 2019/02/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Lost City Explorers, Vol. 1' by Zack Kaplan with art by Alvaro Sarraseca seemed like an interesting premise when I read about it.

The prelude of the story follows an expedition as they uncover something strange and mysterious. One of the explorers gets taken and is presumed lost. We learn that he was the father of our main character and her brother. The company he worked for wants them to sign liability and collect lots of money, but Hel Coates begins to doubt her father is really dead. She assembles a ragtag bunch of friends to find out what really happened.

There are things I found a bit unbelievable about this story. I can usually shake those kinds of things off, but here, they nagged at me. It's pretty mediocre at best at this point in story and art, but it could improve. There are some interesting character interactions going on.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Rock (Ken Games, #1)

author: José Manuel Robledo
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/09
date added: 2019/02/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Ken Games #1: Rock' by Jose Manuel Robledo with art by Marcial Toledano is the first in a series about three characters who are all friends.

Peter Fermat, aka Rock, is a boxer who uses math to calculate how to beat his opponents. In the underground fight world, he is known as The Mathematician. He has a friend named T.J., aka Paper, who has a new girlfriend named Anne. Peter, T.J., and Anne all have secrets they are hiding from each other. Thus begins the web of deception between these three people.

It's an interesting story, and I like how it starts to play out here. There is enough left wide open to make me want to continue the story. The art is pretty solid too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Tosca (Tosca, #1)

author: Teresa Radice
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/04/28
date added: 2019/02/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tosca #1' by Teresa Radice with illustrations by Stefano Turconi is a story where the title character is a supporting character, but it's still a good one.

Lucilla is a princess with a destiny. Her destiny would seem to be to get pushed around by servants and to marry someone she doesn't care for. When a young thief runs away from a royal banquet, Lucilla chases her and finds herself outside the castle for the first time. She meets orphans Tosca and Rinaldo. Rinaldo wants to be a poet and Tosca is an adventuring Robin Hood. Back in the castle, Lucilla overhears plans to overthrow her father's kingdom. Can her new friends help her?

I really liked this story, and the art was full of color and was really very nice. I found out afterwards that Tosca is the star of this series, and I liked her character a lot, so I'd love to read more of this series.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2GxqLJ7

Ask a Manager: How to Navigate Clueless Colleagues, Lunch-Stealing Bosses, and the Rest of Your Life at Work

author: Alison Green
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/09
date added: 2019/02/09
shelves: non-fiction-business
review:
'Ask a Manager: How to Navigate Clueless Colleagues, Lunch-Stealing Bosses, and the Rest of Your Life at Work' by Alison Green is the kind of practical no-nonsense type of book to help folks survive at the office.

There are all kinds of weird and awkward situations that can crop up at work, from accidentally throwing up during an interview and graciously handling not wanting to work overtime or attend after work functions, Alison Green helps guid the reader. There are a series of helpful responses to make in these circumstances and reasons why some situations need to be dealt with more forcefully.

The work comes out of a workplace advice column, and is all very solid. I've consulted the column at times, and shook my head at the kinds of situations people find themselves in. A very good reference guide.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Cowboy in Training (The Adventures of Kid Lucky, #1)

author: Achdé
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/09
date added: 2019/02/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Adventures of Kid Lucky: Cowboy in Training' by Achdé is a loving tribute to famous character Lucky Luke, but this time going back to when that character was a kid.

Kid Lucky was found as an abandoned baby in the desert by a cowboy and brought to town. It was soon discovered that he was really lucky. This book shows some of his exploits with other kids in town. From shooting his shadow with a slingshot, to trying to tame wild horses, and unsuccesfully avoiding baths. The life of the old West is caricatured in this collection of short gags featuring a cartoonish bunch of characters.

The character of Lucky Luke was created by cartoonist Morris in 1946 for Spirou magazine. Although the character isn't as well known in the US, it is hugely popular and has cartoons and video games as well as volumes of comics.

This was a fun take on the character as a youngster. The art is very much in the style of Morris and I enjoyed reading it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Fire-Hot Aunt Vol. 1

author: Katsuki Izumi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/09
date added: 2019/02/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Fire-Hot Aunt Vol. 1' by Katsuki Izumi is a manga about a young man attending school with his beautiful same-age aunt.
Toru's mother and grandmother both got pregnant at the same time. That means Toru's aunt Sugako is the same age as him. When they end up in the same high school, trouble happens. Sugako only sees Toru as her cute adorable nephew at the age of about 6. Toru doesn't like his aunt treating him with familial affection, especially in front of Mochida, the girl he has a crush on. Toru's aunt has some other weird qualities: she's amazingly good at hitting home runs in softball, really doesn't like people calling her old, and is secretly a mythological creature.

At first, I wasn't sure about the idea of the premise, but I didn't have anything to worry about. The art is fun, as are the stories. I liked this comedy of errors with a supernatural element.

I received a review copy of this manga from Akita Publishing Co. Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2Ic12IO

Window Horses

author: Ann Marie Fleming
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/08
date added: 2019/02/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Window Horses' by Ann Marie Fleming is a graphic novel based on her film. It's a story about finding your voice and your family.

Rosie Ming is a young Chinese/Persian poet living in Vancouver. When she publishes a book of poems about Paris, she finds herself invited to a poetry gathering in Shiraz, Iran. It's a chance for her to travel. She meets people along the way who stretch her poetic gift. She learns about famous poets from Iran. She learns about her father, who abandoned her when she was quite young, and she finds out that some stories are more complicated than first imagined.

I really liked this graphic novel. The art style varies from the almost stick figure Rosie Ming, to some of the elaborate drawings illustrating the stories of ancient poets. I initially wasn't sure what to expect, but in the end, I found it to be moving.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Bedside Press, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2BsgWc6

Painted Sky: 106 Artists of the Rocky Mountain West

author: E. Ashley Rooney
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/07
date added: 2019/02/07
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Painted Sky: 106 Artists of the Rocky Mountain West' by E. Ashley Rooney is a survey of 106 contemporary artists mostly residing in Colorado and the surrounding states.

In a foreword by Rose Frederick, the term Western Art is talked about in terms of how it can sometimes dismiss certain art. The artists and works that follow prove there is valid art happening that can have wildlife and Western life as it's subject. The 106 artists work in a variety of mediums. Mostly paint, but sculpture and fabric, and a variety of brush techniques.

I liked the variety of art on display here. The artists comments range from light to more profound. There isn't enough content to learn much about the artists or their work, but it's a nice overview.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2tfIRat

Gothic Tales of Haunted Love

author: Hope Nicholson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/05
date added: 2019/02/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Gothic Tales of Haunted Love' edited by Hope Nicholson and S.M. Beiko is a collection of short stories by a variety of contributors that pay homage to the creepy gothic comics of the 1970s.

I'm not much of a romance reader, but I do like a good haunted love story. This collection of 19 stories and a fun quiz. There is a cover gallery at the end and the collection even includes a reprint of an original story called 'The Promise' by Korean artist Sanho Kim, about a soldier who is saved by two sisters with a promise to marry one of them, and the consequences of breaking that promise.

The stories vary in quality. I liked some more than others. There is a range of diversity here. The problem with including a classic story, is that it just seems to shine above most of the collection. My favorites were the reprint, 'Crush' by Janet Hetherington, Ron Sutton, Becka Kinzie & Zakk Sam, and 'Minefield' by Hien Pham, which is told almost entirely in Vietnamese.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Bedside Press, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2RCATSN

To Drink and to Eat Vol. 1: Tastes and Tales from a French Kitchen

author: Guillaume Long
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/02
date added: 2019/02/02
shelves: non-fiction, graphic-novels
review:
'To Drink and to Eat Vol. 1' written and drawn by Guillaume Long is a series of comics and recipes about all things food. It's a unique and fun graphic novel.

This is a book written by someone who loves food and can be opinionated about food. There is a diatribe about coffee makers, tomatoes, and garlic mills. There are some simple but delicious sounding recipes. There are the trips the author takes and the food experiences for better and worse.

Initially I thought this might be a food snob, but opinionated doesn't come across that way in this book. The art is fun, and there is plenty of humor along the way. There is also an underpinning emotion of food and family memories. I really enjoyed this collection of food comics.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2S7GSUM

Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo

author: Stacy King
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2019/02/02
date added: 2019/02/02
shelves: graphic-novels, classics
review:
'Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo' by Stacy King, Crystal S. Chan and Alexandre Dumas with art by Nokman Poon is an ambitious undertaking for an adaptation. Manga Classics gets it right.

A young man on an upward career path with a beautiful woman to marry finds his path overturned by three conspirators. He finds himself wrongfully imprisoned. With no one to talk to but the man in the cell next door, he's got nothing better to do than to plot his revenge. When the man in the cell nearby dies and leaves his fortune to the now not so young man, it is opportunity to escape and enact his revenge. Now the rich Count of Monte Cristo, he uses other disguises and criminals to get his revenge.

There is a nice afterword talking about the adaptation, which is good, because there are parts of the novel left out or transformed. In this case, it keeps the story faithful to the book and makes the manga move along a bit more. At 401 pages, this is a hefty adaptation. The art is really good in this one and I enjoyed revisiting this story.

I received a review copy of this manga from Udon Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://bit.ly/2S5oxYn