Hyperbole and a Half is the new graphic novel by Allie Brosh based on her blog of the same name. I loved this book. It is incredible how expressive her drawings are considering they are composed of just a few lines.
Brosh tackles depression and other unfortunate situations in this book, and it is at times depressing. But it is also highly insightful and extremely funny. I laughed out loud through most of it and wanted more at the end.
Brosh is an original new voice, worth checking out.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Benjamin Franklin's Bastard
Benjamin Franklin's Bastard by Sally Cabot is historical fiction based the lives of Benjamin Franklin and his son William Franklin. As little is known about the true identity of William's mother, Cabot has created a possible story based on lots of research.
It is an interesting and entertaining read, giving us a glimpse inside the family life of one of the founding fathers of our nation. Those who like historical fiction will enjoy this book.
It is an interesting and entertaining read, giving us a glimpse inside the family life of one of the founding fathers of our nation. Those who like historical fiction will enjoy this book.
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Fountain of St.James Court
The Fountain of St.James Court; or Portrait of the Artist as an Old Woman by Sena Jeter Naslund, is a novel inside a novel, switching from present day Kentucky, to the past, during the life of French painter Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (1755–1842).
In the present, we have Kathryn Callaghan, who has just completed her novel, Portrait of the Artist as an Old Woman. Naslund's novel takes place over the course of one day in Kathryn's life as she leaves her novel on a friend's doorstep to read, and goes on about her day, mostly daydreaming. Very little happens, and it is her inner workings that Naslund explores, while weaving in the life of Vigée-Lebrun as well.
The novel was interesting enough, and well written, but somehow missed the mark. I just didn't care all that much what happened to any of the characters. I found it tiresome and forgetful.
In the present, we have Kathryn Callaghan, who has just completed her novel, Portrait of the Artist as an Old Woman. Naslund's novel takes place over the course of one day in Kathryn's life as she leaves her novel on a friend's doorstep to read, and goes on about her day, mostly daydreaming. Very little happens, and it is her inner workings that Naslund explores, while weaving in the life of Vigée-Lebrun as well.
The novel was interesting enough, and well written, but somehow missed the mark. I just didn't care all that much what happened to any of the characters. I found it tiresome and forgetful.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Calling Me Home
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler is a novel about a secret relationship between a young white girl and a black boy, deeply in love in 1930's Kentucky. This is the story of their forbidden relationship and its lifelong consequences.
Kibler writes in present day and the past, speaking from the voices of two women, young and old, each struggling with their own demons, traveling on a road trip together to a funeral. The characters and the story are both compelling and I was hooked from the start.
This is a tragic story that tells of our shameful history and how racism still exists in some parts of the country. A worthwhile read.
Kibler writes in present day and the past, speaking from the voices of two women, young and old, each struggling with their own demons, traveling on a road trip together to a funeral. The characters and the story are both compelling and I was hooked from the start.
This is a tragic story that tells of our shameful history and how racism still exists in some parts of the country. A worthwhile read.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Archangel
Archangel is the new collection of short stories by Andrea Barrett. I am not usually a fan of short stories, as they seem to always leave me wanting more, and I much prefer the novel. However, Barrett is a master, and I was sold from the very first story.
Her writing is filled with scientific discovery, mostly in the early 20th century. Some of it is based on fact and some of the stories have overlapping characters. Barrett is one of the most intelligent writers I've read in a long time. Yet at the same time, her stories are filled with compassion and insight into the human heart.
Amazing. Highly recommended.
Her writing is filled with scientific discovery, mostly in the early 20th century. Some of it is based on fact and some of the stories have overlapping characters. Barrett is one of the most intelligent writers I've read in a long time. Yet at the same time, her stories are filled with compassion and insight into the human heart.
Amazing. Highly recommended.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Intuition
Intuition by Allegra Goodman is a brilliant novel that takes the reader deep inside scientific labs where cancer research takes place. Set in Cambridge, Goodman probes deep into the world of research, politics, ethics, and truth.
A rare achievement. Goodman's writing is pitch perfect and the novel is compelling to the end. A recommended read.
A rare achievement. Goodman's writing is pitch perfect and the novel is compelling to the end. A recommended read.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The Smart One
The Smart One by Jennifer Close is a novel about family. It is the story of three grown kids who move back home to deal with their various problems, and their Mother (who has always been considered the smart one) welcomes them all, and feels overwhelmed at the same time.
Although the novel could have used better character development, Close captures the emotional nuances of the family members well. There's nothing extraordinary here, in fact it's quite ordinary, but that's what makes it a good read, Close's ability to write about everyday life and how we muddle through, with a little help from our family.
Although the novel could have used better character development, Close captures the emotional nuances of the family members well. There's nothing extraordinary here, in fact it's quite ordinary, but that's what makes it a good read, Close's ability to write about everyday life and how we muddle through, with a little help from our family.
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