Graphic Novel Review: Stitches by David Small

What a nice week!  Although my Goodreads Challenge tells me I'm 2 books behind, I've been reading a lot this week and will have several books finished in no time.  It has been a great, relaxing week with my family.  Besides one absolutely KILLER cold day yesterday, the weather has been beyond temperate.  It's delightful.

Thankfully, all this R&R has made me so much more eager to get online and get back to blogging!  It's time to catch up on reviews, so I have to share this amazing graphic novel I read last month. 

Synopsis:  In this graphic novel, we get the startling and touching memoir of David Small.  As a child, his well-meaning parents raised him with a starkness that left him unhappy and even angry.  Not understanding his parents' issues until he was much older, the story merely enters into the trauma and tragedy that young David experienced.

After developing cancer as a young boy, that resulted in him losing one of his vocal chords, he spent a lot of time growing up with an imposed silence and a scar that left him feeling tormented.  How do you talk back to clueless and sometimes cruel parents and family members when you can't speak? 

Review:  I've had Stitches on my shelf for some time, possibly intimidated by its ghoulish looking cover.  Thankfully I pulled it out and was completely absorbed in the story from the beginning.  Told from the perspective of the author as a little boy, his memories are clouded with the surreal and the stark.  The memories that stood out to him the most were those that shaped him and transformed his future.  His story was and is mesmerizing and one that I couldn't put down.

The writing and pictures in this graphic novel are superb.  They set this gray-about-the-edges tone to the piece that makes you feel an incredible amount of angst for this child.  I wanted nothing more than for him to triumph, which is hinted at by the fact that he has published this genius piece and been the finalist in multiple awards, including the 2009 National Book Award. 

His story is haunting, human, and humble.  In some strange way, those things that tormented David are the grand-size version of things that haunt all of us as adults.  Although I haven't experienced a fraction of what he has, his story touched me and reminded me of some of the isolation, fear, and anger that always go along with growing up--even if it's only minuscule.  His ability to create a life out of what appears to be some of the greatest horror, is inspiring.

Stitches is genius.  For graphic novels, this is definitely on the serious side, with dark tones and topics; however, it was one of the best stories I've read in awhile. 

*FTC Disclosure:  This review was based on a library copy of the book.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day to everyone here in the U.S.!  We skipped the parades this morning in exchange for sleeping in, which was a great decision, in my opinion.  Now we're heading off to a family BBQ and a bonfire later tonight.  It's going to be a great celebration that is as chilled out as possible. 

I don't know that I'll be sneaking in any reading today, which is fine with me.  I have family that will be moving to the Midwest soon, so we're just going to all hang out together, while we can.  It's going to be great, relaxing fun!  If you don't believe me, let me share the beautiful, sunset view from my mom's house.  This reminds me why the country is so darn relaxing.

Have a great day, wherever you're at!

Paris in July 2012

Bonjour! It's that glorious time again to celebrate Paris in July!  Last year I had just gotten home from France, so I was really eager to join in.  Although my trip was a year ago, that one month wasn't long enough and I'd like to participate again. 

As with last year, Tamara at Thyme for Tea and Karen at Bookbath are hosting this fun month.  It will run from July 1st to the 31st, and as they mentioned, "...the aim of the month is to celebrate our French experiences through reading, watching, listening to, observing, cooking, and eating all things French."  Here are some of the things you could do to participate:

• Reading a French book--fiction or non-fiction
• Watching a French movie  (Here is my "triple" review from last year if you want options!)
• Listening to French music
• Cooking French food
• Experiencing French art, architecture, or travel (or reminiscing about past travel to France)
• Or anything else French inspired you can think of...

I'm really excited to do something non-work related, so I'm eager to get going on this fun challenge!  I know I have two books already started and a few other ideas brewing.

Last year I purchased some Edith Piaf music, thanks to a little experience on our bus ride through France that I'll share later.  I've seen this movie before, but remember very little about it and had next to no context for the story.  This time, I'm coming with a bit more knowledge and a lot more curiosity!

Remember this disaster?  Well, I'd like to try this again.  I'm going to do a little reading up on Apple Tart Tatin and see if I can get it right.  Now, who can I take all my attempts to, because this would ruin my diet!

I'm actually already reading Paris My Sweet and want to finish it up soon.  The discussions about food are torture, but such SWEET torture! 

Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow is actually Juliet Grey's follow up novel to Becoming Marie Antoinette, which I reviewed here on my blog.  (See review here:  Becoming Marie Antoinette)  I've had this on hold at the library for months now, so I'm excited to get reading.  I actually started it today and got sucked in pretty quickly.  I've been reading a lot about Marie Antoinette and the kings of Versailles, so this will be another fun one to read.

Well, that is what I'll be doing.  I'm not sure if I'll be posting on specific days or not, but I really am excited to get started.  For information, visit Tamara or Karen's blogs to get started.  I'd love to know if you'll be joining in and what you're thinking about doing for it.  Au revoir!

Weekend Cooking: Trying to Use Kale

Like most folks, I'm always trying to figure out ways of getting more veggies into my diet.  No insult to my mom's great cooking, but I wasn't exactly raised on a variety of veggies that could be prepared in a variety of ways.  We were a meat and potatoes family, with boiled or canned vegetables on the side.  Now I'm left trying to figure out how to cook vegetables in something other than water!  As an adult I've really tried to incorporate new vegetables into my diet and think this is one way that feels pretty decent for doing that.

Veggies before adding the pasta.

This is based on a Giada De Laurentis recipe that I've adapted...a lot.  This is my Pasta with Squash & Zucchini recipe, that I've also added Kale into.

1 box/package Orecchiette (or shape of your choosing)
1/2 lb. sausage (I like sweet Italian)
1 yellow, crook necked squash
1 small zucchini
1/2 bundle of Kale
4-5 cloves garlic
red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil

Start by prepping all of your vegetables.  Your squash and zucchini should be cut in roughly the same size chunks (I like to stick to semi circles of each).  Slice your garlic into thin slices and set aside.  Prep your Kale by pulling the leaf away from the stem & then slicing a rough chiffonade (small ribbons) of the leafs.  Now you're ready to cook!

Begin cooking the pasta as directed.  In another pan, heat the pan on medium-high heat.  Fry the sausage until brown and remove to a plate on a paper towel.  In the drippings left behind, stir in your garlic slices and red pepper flakes and cook for a minute, followed by the squash and zucchini.  Cook until veggies are soft--about 4 minutes. Toss in the kale slices and cook an additional minute or two until the kale wilts.

When the pasta has cooked, drain it (retaining a little pasta water for the finished dish) and put it in with the vegetables.  Use a little of the pasta water to loosen up the whole mixture.  It's ready to serve!

This was really good and kept very well.  I think that the kale will take some getting used to, even though its flavor isn't really that strong.  This was still a nice way of adding it in to a recipe. 

*For more weekend cooking, go to Beth Fish Reads.  You'll find all sorts of great food-related posts and recipes!  

Review: The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

Synopsis:  From Goodreads, "There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face before Annah left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the Horde as they swarmed the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters. 
 
Annah's world stopped that day, and she's been waiting for Elias to come home ever since. Somehow, without him, her life doesn't feel much different than the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Until she meets Catcher, and everything feels alive again.  But Catcher has his own secrets. Dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah has longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah: can she continue to live in a world covered in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?"

Review:  As the final book in The Forest of Hands and Teeth series, I have to say that this one was a doozy.  Carrie Ryan has, what feels to me, like a subdued and subtle writing style that works more with character feelings sometimes than with the external descriptions.  This book still covered a lot of how our characters felt, but there was a lot of action.  So much so, that I often had to remember who I was reading about and try to picture where they were at.

If you're familiar with this series, you know that basically the entire country has been infected by zombies.  Each book followed a different, but connecting character that now comes together in this final book.  In this case, they are obviously somewhere like New York City, hopping from building to building to stay away from the zombies that surge through the streets, subways, and bridges below.

There is a lot of character interaction here that has them trying to look past their fears to connect with the people who are still "alive" and healthy as they are.  I'm not sure how hopeful I would be in their position, nor ready for love and companionship.  The romantic parts actually reminded me of those action films, where the building could be blowing up and the couple still finds time for a major make out session.  Maybe it's just me, but romance would be far from my mind if a bunch of non-communicative zombies were out to kill me.

I think the book was well written, with enough tie back to other books, for the three to feel put together.  I'm still not 100% sure how I feel about it.  I sometimes felt like the action went on and on until I was exhausted by it all.  I realize that's my own reading bias, but I started to wear out!  I also felt like the ending was kind of a cliff hanger.  Unless I missed something, I don't think another book will be following this, so I'm really wondering what happens to these characters.  Yes, even though all the running, jumping, and climbing exhausted me, I'm still wondering about the future!

Bottom line:  Carrie Ryan is a great writer, and I love her "turn of a phrase."  The zombie action exhausted me, but there is a lot here if you're ready for it.

*FTC Disclosure:  This review was based on a library copy of the book.

Review: Just Say Yes by Phillipa Ashley

Yes, it's been awhile since I posted.  Rather than go into a long explanation of where I've been, which has more to do with my level of fatigue than anything else, I thought I'd dive right back in with what I love most--BOOKS.  Nothing would be better than to tip-toe back into my blogging than by reviewing Phillipa Ashley's newest release here in the U.S., Just Say Yes.  It came out the first of June, and was such a great book to read to help me refuel my depleted engines.

Synopsis:  From Goodreads, "Lucy Gibson needs to get away. When her good-looking, popular boyfriend Nick Laurentis, winner of reality TV show Hot Shots, proposes to her on air she's stunned -- into silence. Every girl loves a romantic gesture, but she's just not ready for that kind of commitment. With the press hounding her as the one who callously broke Nick's heart, Lucy escapes her London flat to seek refuge in an isolated Cornwall cottage. But little does she realise that life down there will be far from uncomplicated!"

Review:  What is not to love about a Phillipa Ashley novel?  Honest.  Her heroes make you swoon and her plots feel familiar, have an unexpected twist, but always end up feeling satisfying.  In this novel, Lucy Gibson has a shocking situation happen with her reality-star winning boyfriend that has her feeling stunned and in need of some space to think.  We've all been there--meaning the needing space thing.  What happens when you're not given a chance to think or people jump to conclusions too soon?

Besides making me feel like I want to move to England--once again--this book made me feel a range of emotions that pulled me into the story.  The people she meets in Cornwall add more depth to Lucy's story and I wanted even more from them.  These characters were great and added that contrast to Lucy's fast-paced life back in London.  I won't lie though.  There was one scene on a topless beach that had me flipping pages back to make sure I read it right.  Perhaps my naivete with nude/topless beaches made me think I was reading it wrong, but that was one shocking moment that threw me and would have had me snorting out my beverage if I'd been drinking one at the time.  (Made you curious now, right?)  Regardless, this wasn't a gratuitous book, just filled with some interesting twists and turns. 

Beaches at Cornwall.  Anyone else bewitched by this? 
Photo Credit: http://www.cornwallwaterfronthomes.co.uk/cornwall

Overall, I have become a real fan of Phillipa Ashley's novels.  I like her characters and interesting stories.  Also, as a serious Anglophile, I love being introduced to parts of England I wouldn't get to go to normally.  In this case, we went from London right on down to the seaside in Cornwall.  Honestly, I have to get back to England soon.  If you're looking for a great summer read, with a bit of romance and a happy ending, then this novel and all of Phillipa Ashley's other novels will surely fit the bill.

*FTC Disclosure:  This review was based on an advanced review copy from the publisher. 

Whew.  I did it.  My first foray back into my blog.  :)  Thankfully I had such a great book to pull me back into it all.  Thank you to everyone who has checked to see what's up.  Sorry I've been so negligent.   Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things!

Review: Habibi by Craig Thompson

School is out!  Believe it or not, I'm so busy that I've hardly had time to notice.  Between meetings, errands, and preparations for a presentation I'm part of next week and the start of summer school, I've been plowing forward.  Most of it has been exciting though, so I can't complain.  I already have plans for next school year, so I know I'm switching gears in a good way.  It was  good year.  Now I'm eager to get some rest after this next week!  Bring on the summer!

Did I mention that I have some amazing plants going outside in my own urban garden?  Love.  I can't wait to see how they do this year, especially since I managed to get everything in a month earlier than last year.  I'll have to post some pics soon.

As for reading, I'm terribly behind, but I now have more time for reading AND reviews!  For instance, here's one I read during the readathon, and I'm still thinking about it.  After reading and loving Blankets, how could I ever pass up Craig Thompson's newest graphic novel Habibi?

Synopsis:  From Goodreads, "Sprawling across an epic landscape of deserts, harems, and modern industrial clutter, Habibi tells the tale of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves bound to each other by chance, by circumstance, and by the love that grows between them. We follow them as their lives unfold together and apart; as they struggle to make a place for themselves in a world (not unlike our own) fueled by fear, lust, and greed; and as they discover the extraordinary depth—and frailty—of their connection.

At once contemporary and timeless, Habibi gives us a love story of astounding resonance: a parable about our relationship to the natural world, the cultural divide between the first and third worlds, the common heritage of Christianity and Islam, and, most potently, the magic of storytelling."

Review:   Habibi is a hard one for me to review.  I loved it, but know that it's not an easy topic or direction for many readers to take.  I love the way Thompson takes on challenging emotions and topics head on, making his characters painfully human and vulnerable.  This one was no exception.  Dodola learns early that to be a girl is a dangerous and powerful thing all in one.  Taken advantage of for her sexuality, we see a wounded character who tries to survive in a world that seems to only want her for what she can provide men physically.  Despite this, she tries to move forward in her life and to protect the little slave child Zam, who comes into her life like a child she never knew she wanted or needed.  Together, they try to piece out happiness.

There is a lot of tragedy and and edgy harshness that I didn't expect.  In that, it was haunting and and made its characters more beautifully flawed and intriguing than before.  I really felt pulled in by Habibi and have long considered its characters and themes.  Let me not kid anyone though.  This is a gritty story about two harshly treated characters.  If you're game, I highly recommend it.  The pictures were beautiful and really propelled the story.  For me, it was a story that made me think and feel, which I love.

*FTC Disclosure:  This review was based on a library copy of the novel.