The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 1

author: James Tynion IV
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/31
date added: 2022/03/31
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Nice House on the Lake' by James Tynion IV with art by Alvaro Martinez is a graphic novel about a group of people all connected by a man named Walter.

Walter has been collecting friends for years. Everyone sees him as a little odd, especially with his game where he asks how the world should end. When he invites a select group of friends to his lake house for a week, the somewhat friends and acquaintances find that things aren't at all what they seem, and neither is Walter.

I didn't expect this story and I found it thrilling and compelling. The ephemera that accompanies the story in the form of transcripts and emails is a really nice touch to this strange story. The art sets a great mood and tone to the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Philip K. Dick: A Comics Biography

author: Laurent Queyssi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.25
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/27
date added: 2022/03/27
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Philip K. Dick' by Laurent Queyssi with art by Mauro Marchesi is a graphic novel biography of the famous writer.

The framing story is told in flashbacks from his hospital bed at the end of his life. By all known accounts, Philip K. Dick was a driven person who used narcotics to help his creative process. This is self-evident from some of his bizarrely entertaining books and stories. It also likely contributed to his paranoia and strange speeches at cons. But he is nonetheless a favorite author of me and others.

This is a fairly unflinching biography and I appreciate that. I liked the cast of real life characters, like Tim Powers. The art is really good and I really liked this story where truth is stranger than fiction.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from papercutz and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Smurfs #24: The Smurf Reporter (The Smurfs Graphic Novels)

author: Peyo
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/27
date added: 2022/03/27
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'The Smurfs #24: The Smurf Reporter' by Peyo is a graphic novel about a village of famous blue characters.

This time around, one of the Smurfs gets the idea that the old way of getting news isn't working. This leads to the creation of a printing press and finding gossip to fill the pages which leads to comedy and bad feelings. This also leads to a plot by Gargamel to capture the Smurfs.

It's fun and also kind of a send up of news and news culture. The satire is pretty strong here and makes for a good story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from papercutz and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Lions of Leningrad

author: Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.38
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/27
date added: 2022/03/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Lions of Leningrad' by Jean-Claude Van Rijckeghem with art by Thomas Du Caju is a graphic novel about a group of young friends during the siege of Leningrad.

In a framing story that takes place in 1962, a concert hall is attacked by a gunman. It turns out the first chair violin has a history with the gunman and the flashbacks begin. The friends from her childhood come from different backgrounds and experiences, but they play together and even survive together.

This is a pretty good story of friendship and betrayal during war and communism. The characters stories take twists and turns as they try to survive. The art is solid and I enjoyed reading it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dead Reckoning and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Lions of Leningrad Volume 1: I am Chapayev

author: Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/27
date added: 2022/03/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Lions of Leningrad: 1. I am Chapayev' by Jean-Claude Van Rijckeghem with art by Thomas Du Caju is a graphic novel about a group of young friends during the siege of Leningrad.

In a framing story that takes place in 1961, a concert hall is attacked by a gunman. It turns out the first chair violin has a history with the gunman and the flashbacks begin. The friends from her childhood come from different backgrounds and experiences, but they play together and even survive together.

The framing story doesn't get resolved in this volume, but does in the second one. I think works better in the complete form, so do yourself that favor. The art is good and I liked the story so far.

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


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The Poorcraft Cookbook

author: Nero Villagallos O'Reilly
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/27
date added: 2022/03/27
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The Poorcraft Cookbook' with story and art by Nero Villagallos O'Reilly is a graphic novel showing how to shop and set up a kitchen, followed by a compendium of recipes.

Poorcraft is a series of books about living more frugally. This time around The first part of the book is the story of two friends. One is showing the other how to save money by shopping and cooking. This sets up educational trips to dollar stores, grocery outlets and restaurant supply stores. Then the majority of the book is a series of 1 or 2 page recipes.

This is a clever idea and would make a great gift for someone starting out in a new apartment. The approach is solid, the art is fun, and the recipes seem mostly pretty accessible.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Iron Circus Comics. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Swashbucklers: The Saga Continues Tp

author: Marc Guggenheim
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.92
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/23
date added: 2022/03/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Swashbucklers: The Saga Continues' by Marc Guggenheim and Andrea Mutti is a graphic novel continuation of a series that was long thought to have ended. Or had it?

Based on a series from the 1980s that I vaguely remember, the premise is pirates in space. The crew of the Starshadow was blown to complete bits the last time we saw them, but in comics, unlike life, these things are rarely permanent. The ship does not survive as well as a few of the crew. And now, the very enemy that blew them up needs their help to save Earth.

I remember the original series, but not fondly enough to want a reboot. The story reads fast enough and reminds me of that somewhat forgettable series I read long ago.

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


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Book Love

author: Debbie Tung
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/23
shelves:
review:



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Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins (Big Nate, #26)

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/23
date added: 2022/03/23
shelves: childrens
review:
'Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins' by Lincoln Peirce is the 26th volume of the Big Nate series.

This time around, the Corn Muffin in the title gets Nate into detention. Nate tries to get free treats from the bakery that sponsors his baseball team. He also gets in a contest at school to find out who can find the best gossip story.

You know what you're getting with this series. If you enjoy other volumes like I have, you will enjoy this one too.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Europe Comics and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Someone to Talk To

author: Grégory Panaccione
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/20
date added: 2022/03/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Someone to Talk To' with story and art by Gregory Panaccione is a graphic novel about a lonely guy who makes an accidental call to his past.

Samuel is celebrating another lonely birthday. When he has a mishap with his mobile phone, he picks up his old phone and calls his old childhood phone number. The person who answers is a surprise and they start a relationship that will help both of them. That will include helping Samuel break out of his shell and start a new relationship and start writing that book he's always wanted to write.

This one has all the feels. It deals with how we trap ourselves in our lives and don't take risks as we get older. I really liked this feel-good story and the twists and turns it takes.

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


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Wingbearer

author: Marjorie M. Liu
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/20
date added: 2022/03/20
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
In the graphic novel 'Wingbearer' by Marjorie Liu with art by Teny Issakhanian, a young girl makes a strange journey to save the world and maybe learn a little about herself along the way.

Zuli lives in a mysterious tree and communes with the spirits of birds. When she learns of a threat to the tree and the birds, she makes a journey to another world with only her bravery and a magical bracelet. Along the way she encounters strange creatures who may be allies, or may want to sabotage her quest.

This was a great read and Zuli is a great protagonist. Her courage and naivete lead her to trust, sometimes to her benefit and sometimes not. The companions she finds along the way are nicely rounded characters. The art is colorful and has an animated look to it. I think this is one that young readers will enjoy reading with its good story and enjoyable art.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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East-West

author: Pierre Christin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.34
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2022/03/20
date added: 2022/03/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'East-West' by Pierre Christin with art by Philippe Aymond is a graphic novel biography of the French comic book writer and creator.

The title refers to two very different road trips and landscapes that the author and his friend and co-creator took. The first takes place in Utah during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. The second is through a Communist held Bulgaria during the Cold War.

The writing and art are good. I might have enjoyed it more if I'd known a bit more about the author. Overall, I felt pretty disconnected from the narrative.

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


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To Drink and to Eat Vol. 3: Treats and Tribulations from a French Kitchen

author: Guillaume Long
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.67
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/14
date added: 2022/03/14
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'To Drink and to Eat Vol 3' with story and art by Guillaume Long is another outing in the world of a Parisian food columnist.

This time around the author has some fame, so there is quite a lot of self-referential humor, some things work better than others. The usual elements from the first two volumes are here like recipes and trips with friends and food.

I like this series, but I liked the first two volumes quite a bit more. Once the book settles in and stops making fun of itself, it got better, in my opinion.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Jane Eyre

author: Stacy King
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1847
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/27
date added: 2022/03/12
shelves: classics, graphic-novels
review:
'Manga Classics: Jane Eyre' by Stacy King and Crystal S. Chan with art by SunNeko Lee is a really good adaptation of one of my favorite classic novels.

Young Jane is raised by distant family who mistreat her and ship her off to school to be forgotten. Jane leads a rough existence, and loses her best friend to a sickness brought on by lack of food and heat in the school. When she comes of age, she takes a job as a governess and meets a mysterious stranger. Her life will never be the same.

And that's about the lamest synopsis I've ever done. The Manga Classics series is wonderful and I'm pleased to report that they didn't ruin this classic for me. I loved how subtly the artist worked cats into the story since she loves them so much. Also, the height of Jane and Rochester was based on the height difference between Crystal Chan and her husband. These little details along with some essays about the original story are included.

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


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To Drink and To Eat

author: Guillaume Long
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2020/02/26
date added: 2022/03/09
shelves: 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. It's now in a new edition, which now includes a Foreword by Nguyent Tran.

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 Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Narwhal's School of Awesomeness

author: Ben Clanton
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/08
date added: 2022/03/08
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Narwhal's School of Awesomeness' by Ben Clanton is book #6 in the fun Narwhal and Jelly series.

Narwhal and Jelly visit a school full of enthusiastic fish, but their teacher is sick. Narwhal decides to become the substitute. If you imagine that at least one lesson will involve waffles and a game called 'Tag! You're Awesome,' you'd be correct!

This is such a fun series and each new book brings new creative stuff for the aquatic friends to play with.

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


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The Bad Mood

author: Moritz Petz
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/08
date added: 2022/03/08
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Bad Mood' by Moritz Petz with illustrations by Amelie Jackowski is a picture book about the power of our emotions.

One day, Badger wakes up in a bad mood. He grouses about rubbing his bad attitude off on everyone. Once he finally starts feeling better, he realizes how his mood affected everyone. How does he turn things around.

This is a book with a pretty good message. The illustrations are great and it would be a good read for young readers.

I received a review copy of this ebook from NorthSouth Books Inc. and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Gemma and the Giant Girl

author: Sara O'Leary
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.02
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/08
date added: 2022/03/08
shelves: childrens
review:
'Gemma and The Giant Girl' by Sara O'Leary with illustrations by Marie Lafrance is a picture book about a doll discovering the world is a lot bigger than she thought.

Gemma is a doll that lives in a forgotten doll house with her family until one day a giant girl finds the dollhouse and starts making changes. Gemma has a chance to see the world, but what will her reaction be?

I liked this gentle story about a little person who has to deal with some big changes. The illustrations are delightful.

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


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The Empress of Salt and Fortune (The Singing Hills Cycle, #1)

author: Nghi Vo
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/06
date added: 2022/03/06
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Empress of Salt and Fortune' by Nghu Vo is the first novella in The Singing Hills Cycle and was the February pick for my online book club.

It's an engaging book and written well, but left me with more impressions of story than actual story. I liked the descriptions of objects and the storytelling nature of the book. The characters are interesting and I like the lesson of underestimating people.


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Marsden Hartley's Maine

author: Donna Cassidy
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/06
date added: 2022/03/06
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Marsden Hartley's Maine' by Donna Cassidy, Randall Griffey and Elizabeth Finch is an exhibit gallery focusing on the work centered in Maine by Marsden Hartley.

Marsden Hartley was a modernist painter and poet who came from Maine and eventually tried to become famous for that, but fame seemed elusive during his life. His painting has heavy lines and vibrant colors and the paint is layered on the canvas. Among the multiple essays includes one about his poetry as well as one investigating his painting style.

I confess to knowing little about Marsden Hartley before reading this book. His painting style is not one I find particularly interesting, but I have a new appreciation for his work and life after reading this book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Yale University Press, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Ruth Bader Ginsburg

author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/06
date added: 2022/03/06
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Ruth Bader Ginsburg' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Judit Orosz is volume 66 in the Little People, Big Dreams series for young readers.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an iconic role model and this book tells her story from when she was little to her rise to the Supreme Court. Her mother taught her to be independent and she excelled as a student and a law professor, but it is her role as a Supreme Court justice that she will be most remembered for.

I like the illustration style and this series. As always, included at the back is a series of facts and real pictures that are always just as interesting as the people featured in this series.

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


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Cranky Chicken

author: Katherine Battersby
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/06
date added: 2022/03/06
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Cranky Chicken' with story and art by Katherine Battersby is a graphic novel for young readers about a particularly grumpy chicken.

In this hilarious novel, we meet a cranky chicken who meets a worm and they become friends. The worm tries to understand what makes the chicken so cranky and the chicken finds less to be cranky about.

I think kids will get a kick out of this story and root for worm and chicken. The illustrations are simple but well done. I recommend it for young readers.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Alabaster: Pale Horse

author: Caitlín R. Kiernan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2014/10/05
date added: 2022/03/05
shelves:
review:
'Alabaster: Pale Horse' by Caitlin Kiernan collects a series of stories about her character Dancy Flammarion. There are illustrations throughout the book by Ted Naifeh.

Dancy is a young albino girl who is tasked by an angel to dispatch evil in the world. Specifically in the Southern U.S. She seems small and unable to perform the tasks. Her relationship with the angel seems vague, burdensome, and almost hallucinatory. Her travels find her on foot, being kidnapped by travelers, and in spooky places like abandoned buildings and dangerous gas stations. Throughout, she is threatened and unhelped, and yet she endures.

I liked the order the stories were presented in. The reader will have to discover that for themselves. Caitlin Kiernan provides some interesting history for where the character came from. The drawings by Ted Naifeh are a bit different from his work on Courtney Crumrin, but not wholly dissimilar. The stories are very much of a place, but I hesitate to use the term Southern Gothic to describe them. The stories are well written and this is a very interesting character. I enjoyed these stories and I'd like to read more by this author.

I was given a review copy of this ebook by Diamond Book Distributors, Dark Horse and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this really good collection of stories.


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The Legend of Brightblade

author: Ethan M. Aldridge
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/01
date added: 2022/03/01
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'The Legend of Brightblade' with story and art by Ethan M. Aldridge is a graphic novel about a young man finding his way in the world.

Prince Alto comes from a line of heroes, especially his own mother Lady Brightblade. The bard that fought by her side is training Alto, and that is what he wants to be. His mother does not approve and that forces Alto to run away. His journey finds him in strange new company, and he might even end up being a hero of sorts too.

I liked this story of striking out on your own to pursue the thing you are good at. I liked the odd characters the story brings along the way, and even though the story feels a bit predictable, I enjoyed the journey. The art has an interesting look to it also.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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