Book Report(s)

A selection of summer reading, artfully arranged thanks to BigHugeLabs… it’s been an eclectic season – so, I am going to focus on the graphic novel and fiction highlights first and save the batches of non-fiction for a later posting.

Graphic Novel Highlights

Blankets by Craig Thompson ::  I read this huge (600+ pages) in a few hours – mind you, it is a graphic novel.  As I turned the last page, I wiped the tears away from my eyes.  It was a profound story, and one that hit so close to home.  One of the most beautiful graphic novels I have encountered, and probably one of my favorite new books altogether.  Thompson has a few other graphic novels, and another one in the works (according to his blog – lots of illustrations!), and I will definitely be reading them.  Highly recommended. [ Full review at Goodreads ]

Alan’s War: The Memories of G.I. Alan Cope by Emmanuel Guilbert ::  This graphic novel was my second by Guilbert (the first was The Photographer, which I enjoyed very much and review back in the spring) and it was told from a different angle – it was oral history illustrated. Simple story with simple graphics – quite appealing. The artist met the storyteller and the project was born from their conversations on WWII experiences. Understated and subtle drawings with a lot of emotion. [ Full review at Goodreads ]

Fiction Highlights

Nothing quite matches the monumental fiction that I encountered within the last year (Atwood, Russell, Collins) but I was entertained by a few things…

The Passage by Justin Cronin :: “Where’s Lolly?” “No idea… haven’t seen her in awhile…” –  This monster book came along with me to the beach -  and once we arrived, I disappeared with this book (and a bottle of beer). It’s been called epic. Yes, it is that. Can’t put it down. Yep, that too. And when people ask me what it’s about, I can’t quite figure out what to say other than “Military experiment gone wrong – viral vampires, post-apocalyptic… The Road… I am Legend…” and because this is similar to many of the other books I have been reading of late, I usually get an eye-roll and a smirk.

There are some great reviews of this book already posted, so I will just add that I was definitely entertained: the first section of the book was my favorite, taking place in the near future (2012 or 2013). Not really a horror story in the way that I was scared to turn the lights off… and if I recall, there were even a few times I laughed. One such part – towards the end – was not intended to be funny… but every time Roswell, New Mexico is mentioned (this time in a completely non-alien context) I have to laugh because I grew up there and have endured many a-question about my Roswell life… I have a feeling that this book is just going to gain more steam, so go ahead and get on the train  [ Full review at Goodreads ]

Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell :: Probably my lowest rated book to be included – but the subtitle here is “highlights”, and it is definitely something I won’t be forgetting any time soon… A crazy trippy ride. This book was my companion on an inter-continental flight -read it cover to cover on the plane. I was conscious of my seat mates reading over my shoulder… and there was slight embarrassment as this book is full of expletives and explicit scenes. But hey, it’s about mobsters. It’s kind of their “deal” to be like that. It’s a hell of a story – parts of it really grossed me out and I am not usually squeamish. Other parts were very informative. Bazell is a real doctor and he shares lots of information on anatomy, pathology, etc. I figure if any one asks me about this book in the future, I will most likely remember the gross parts as they are the ones that stick with you. I will never think of shin bones the same way. Style reminded me of Irvine Welsh and Chuck Palahniuk – raw and gritty but ultimately good storytelling.  [ Full review at Goodreads ]