Novel (16)

Book Review: The Twilight Man

Book Review

The Twilight Man

a graphic novel by Koren Shadmi

Publish date: 08 Oct 2019

Read courtesy of Netgalley.com

I don't care whether you're a fan of "The Twilight Zone" or not. This graphic novel biography about Rod Serling is excellent. It's strength is that it showed the evolution of the man and his storytelling. The drawings were clear and not confusing while maintaining drama and emotion. It was a quick read for 169 pages. And the ending didn't disappoint; well, in real life it did, but this iteration of the storytelling did not. I cannot wait to get this for my high school library!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Pub Date: 02 Apr 2019
Read courtesy of netgalley.com

Mera: Tidebreaker is an origin story of Mera and Aquaman. It says so on the back cover. Otherwise, I never would have known these characters already existed. I'm not a comic book hero follower, so this was a total introduction to these characters for me.

As a graphic novel, it fell a little flat. As others have opined, the romance developed too quickly in story form; although, I could see the foreshadowing of Mera being unable to fulfill her plan and to end up loving rather than hating her father's foe. That's part of the story's flaws, too; it was really a quite predictable story. But there was confusion, too; without background knowledge of the characters, I had to read others' reviews of the graphic novel to know that Xebel was a penal colony.

I was enthralled by the drawing, however. It's difficult to give the ocean a personality, and illustrator Stephen Byrne's portrayal of water was fantastic. On the other hand, his portrayal of Mera was inconsistent.

Because of the terse treatment of the plot, I don't know whether or not this would best be recommend to fans of DC Comics or to people who are newbies of the DC Comics franchise. Both might be disappointed.

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The Comic Book Story of Video Games by Jonathan Hennessey and Jack Mcgowan, published by Ten Speed Press, publication date October 3, 2017.

This is my first non-fiction review, so be gentle on me :o)

I'll begin by saying how surprisingly interesting I found the subject to be; I intended to read this to see if my high school Manga-loving students would like this. I've decided that, even if they wouldn't, the robotics-, engineering-, and coding-type gamers would! There were so many interesting factoids in the telling of this history. (I'm tempted to leak a few to you here, but I wouldn't want a spoiler alert tagged to this review.) Suffice it to say, that in 181 pages of story, I annotated 24 or so places with 'interesting factoid.'

The vocabulary might be a bit elevated for some high schoolers, but those with an interest in this topic will probably glean or look up the meanings of the unknown terms; it doesn't happen often enough to turn off a reader. There were a few places where I felt a chronological disconnect to the unfolding of the history, almost as if the author thought the relevance of a fact was more important in deciding its placement than pure chronology; if only that were always the case... at least twice I needed to reread sections because I thought I had 'missed' something, but rereading didn't clarify the information placements. Still, it was historical, so I tried just to absorb the significance of the information without the need to strictly enforce the chronology.

The storytelling depends heavily on Moore's Law without ever explaining it. (see http://www.wired.co.uk/article/wired-explains-moores-law if you, too, don't know Moore's law.) There were also a few places where I would have liked to have been told the source of the information being touted as fact since I practice a healthy skepticism of weighted adjectives that appear alongside data.

The distractions described were fairly minor to my overall enjoyment of the history of video games (hint: my first personal awareness of video gaming coincides with page 87 or so). I thoroughly enjoyed the many pop culture, political, and historical gaming evolutionary connections the author made throughout the story. Psychology, marketing, politics, war, engineering, computers, electricity, culture... the author included something with which a multitude of readers could engage. (Simply put: something for everyone.)

My enjoyment was OBVIOUSLY enhanced by the clever, detailed, and engaging drawings in this graphic novel. At least twice I full-stopped reading just to appreciate the humor and allusions the drawing provided to heighten the experience. The pictures were not merely embellishments; they sometimes were the story! Some of the best pictures were enough to jog my memory, explain something new, or complete a written explanation. [Note: The cover doesn't do the inside any justice.]

I'm looking forward to recommending this title to my non-fiction readers as well as my computer, gaming, coding, and Manga-ing students (and teachers!)

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The Year of the Beasts by Cecil Castellucci

The Year of the BeastsThe Year of the Beasts by Cecil Castellucci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With alternating chapters of prose and comics, Cecil Castellucci has woven a gripping tale of sisters, young love, a summer of changes and jealousy that will rip two sisters apart. Tessa and her younger sister Lulu have always hung around together and been very close. But this summer, Tessa is old enough to go to the carnival alone and not be embarrassed about what her parents look like, say and do. But Tessa will not be allowed to just hang out with her best friend, Celina. If Tessa wants to go to the carnival with her best friend, Celina---younger sister Lulu must come too. Tessa has had a crush on Charlie forever and this will be the night that they hold hands or kiss--Tessa can feel it. When she gets separated from Charlie in line, it is Lulu who goes into the sideshow with Charlie and emerges holding hands. This is the beginning of Lulu's first relationship and Tessa's mounting jealousy toward her sister. But Castellucci doesn't just paint these sisters black and white----there is irrational feelings and moods---Tessa loves her sister, and wants the best for her---just not with Charlie. When strange boy Jasper seems to keep popping up, Tessa begins a secret relationship with Jasper (made easier by the fact that he lives next door to Celina---where the sisters spend so much time)and as the summer rolls on---Tessa really cares for Jasper but still is angry with her sister because not only did she steal her secret crush; Lulu has gotten taller and needs more clothes and shoes. Her mother keeps buying Lulu new things but not Tessa. I really liked the allusion to Medusa, who turns anyone who looks at her to stone. You can see the inner turmoil of Tessa through Medusa's hair of snakes. Tessa hates herself for feeling this way; but she just can't help it. What will happen to the sisters, Charlie and the secret boy, Jasper? You must read this, I was totally unprepared for the climax---even though there were hints, signs, etc. As always, I love Cecil's books, now I love Nate Powell's graphic illustrations, I was left with such a tragic feeling...

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The Adventures of Superhero GirlThe Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the 2014 Hub Reading Challenge and enjoyed introduction by Kurt Busiek. This was a funny look at a SuperHero Girl who doesn't have superhero powers like flying. She also doesn't have a tragic past and an arch nemesis. What she consistently has is the will to help others be it an old lady or battling monsters or ninjas. She has a roommate who has to help out once in a while and a brother who is a famous superhero, Kevin. Recommended read!


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Will and Whit by Laura Lee Gulledge

Will & WhitWill & Whit by Laura Lee Gulledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the 2014 Hub Challenge. Willemina (Will) lives with her aunt after her parents die in a car accident. Will has a great group of friends, an aunt who is now her caretaker, she is afraid of the dark and keeps really really busy. With the coming of hurricane Whit, power is out for an extended time, resulting in Will confronting some deeply hidden fears. This graphic novel does not disappoint.


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October Mourning by Leslea Newman

October Mourning: A Song for Matthew ShepardOctober Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard by Lesléa Newman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I want to thank Lauren Strohecker for this wonderful gift to our library and with it her advice that it is a must read for young adults. I wholeheartedly concur; in 68 poems in this spare, yet piercing novel in verse, the author was scheduled to speak at Matthew Shepard's college and found out just before about the savage beating this young man received. Leslea Newman kept her keynote engagement and spoke and wept at the sheer horror of this hate crime toward an innocent victim who succumbs to death 5 days later. Newman has taken many elements of Matthew Shepard's last hours and imagined what may have been; the road, the fence he was lashed to, the biker, the murderers, the pistol, the deer and so much more. This book is a tribute to Matthew Shepard who died as a result of a hate crime at the hands of gay haters. This book is also a history lesson that every child, young adult and reader needs to explore because in the reading of this book, you will be changed. This book needs to be read by everyone.
I especially gained even more knowledge through the author's introduction, her epilogue, her afterword, notes, explanation of poetic forms and resources. Newman brings sympathy, anger, sorrow, and compassion to each and every word in this book. Highly recommended.

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Drama by Raina Telgemeier

DramaDrama by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Callie is the set designer in her middle school’s stage production of Moon Over Mississippi and with her can do attitude she will not let budget woes and squabbles between the crew members hold her back. This graphic novel takes the reader into the world of the school play; the fun, long hours and companionship leading up to the school play. A thoroughly enjoyable, funny look at middle school friends, crushes, and everyone “ behind” and “on stage” pulling off plays to entertain and inspire. I loved tis book and even though it is middle school; Callie is in 8th grade; I know my students who enjoy graphic novels will love this book!

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Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Anya's GhostAnya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vera Brosgol has penned a great graphic novel dealing with self-esteem, friendship, family, and loyalty. Anya came to the United States from Russia when she was a youngster and has gone through the ESL classes, worked very hard to blend in and lose the Russian accent. Anya has a best (only) friend Siobhan who isn't really nice and a crush on a besketball player. When Anya won't give Siobhan a cigarette, an argument erupts and Anya flees through the park and falls down a hole. In this dark cavern, she finds a skeleton and a ghost arises from the skeleton and tells Anya her name is Emily and she was murdered in 1918 and loved a soldier. Anya is rescued and goes home to find Emily, the ghost, has followed her home because their was a little bit of Emily's bone in Anya's bookbag. After some trepidation about Emily, Anya starts enjoying having a ghost for a friend; she gives her answers on tests, tutors her and helps her dress better and get to a party with the guy she loves on the basketball team. But all is not rosy for Anya; the basketball player is a PLAYER and jumps on girls at parties and through a little research Anya finds out Emily is not really who she says she is...and now Emily gets scary and begins to threaten Anya with harm to her family! What is a girl to do? This colors in this graphic novel consist of greys, whites and black, a perfect background for the darkness behind Emily the ghost. A very enjoyable read and even though Anya has issues; she is/becomes someone who cares about others and will stand up for what is right. Highly recommended,

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Exposed by Kimberly Marcus

ExposedExposed by Kimberly Marcus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liz is a great photographer, a senior with a loyal boyfriend, and best friend forever in Kate since they were six years old. But all of this changes when their once a month slumber party is marred with a fight. Liz accuses Kate of being too comfortable and never taking a chance, their argument ends in Liz angry and stomping up to her room, leaving Kate in the basement. What happens next is open to interpretation. This novel in verse reminded me of the Alex Flinn book, Fade to Black where the reader is not sure who is telling the truth...this is what happens in Exposed and Liz's lens of the world changes, and she begins to lose her moral compass. A great read for girls, reluctant readers, and anyone who likes novels in verse.

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My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

My Friend DahmerMy Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Backderf's graphic novel aboout his high school years and "friendship" with serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer is truly creepy. Dahmer was an outcast and made fun of his whole life. He was bullied in school (but never retaliated)had no friends, drank to cover his to cover his torment. Dahmer was gay in a time when it was kept a secret. His parents fought consantly and bitterly. It was this horrid life that propelled Dahmer to satisfy his urges and begin to kill. The black and white comics, the climate of his high school life and Dahmer's isms are perfect Def Backderf. The Sources contain even more information and notes on a sick, twisted Dahmer.

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Tilt by Ellen Hopkins

TiltTilt by Ellen Hopkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The young teens in Hopkins’ novel, a companion to Triangles, make decisions for love that alter their lives. In this engrossing novel in verse; teens deal with issues gripping and devastating such as HIV, pregnancy, sexting, and the death of a family member. The book uses profanity and graphic sex in order to drive home the reality that love/sex is harsh and reminds teens to be more deliberate and smart. Fans of Hopkins will LOVE this book


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Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill

Wicked GirlsWicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wicked Girls is a great novel in verse exploring the Salem Witch Trials and the young girls who were called seers and were taken over by witches that these girls named. The witches were put in jail and then on trial. Hemphill does a good job of setting up the world in which these girls lived and the fact that the French and Indian War was involved; some were servants and others were a little more privileged. Strict religion and piety were very important and there was too much punishment by parents and relatives of very physical beatings. I think Anne Putnam was the most needy and in the end the girl I disliked the most because she became very arrogant and if she didn't like someone, Anne and her mother would come up with names of "witches" to punish. Hemphill ends the book with a listing of the real girls and what happened to them. She gives the names and a hsitory of the real people accused by the girls, an authors note that I find very helpful concerning research and trying to decide what theories were plausible and what were not.

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Dogs of War by Sheila Keenan and Nathan Fox

Dogs of WarDogs of War by Sheila Keenan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This graphic novel was part of the 2014 Hub Reading Challenge. I loved the three stories of dogs in WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War and their accomplishments, bravery and love for their handlers. Their stories were inspired by real military history. I especially liked the final story about Sheba, a German Shepherd, who stayed in Vietnam to continue to serve while his handler returned with PTSD, and how a boy and his dog Bouncer, helped him to search for answers. Highly recommended!

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Karma by Cathy Osterle

KarmaKarma by Cathy Ostlere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, very very long but so worth the saga and drama during the tumultuous time in India when Indira Gandhi was assasinated. I loved Maya, Sandeep, and understood the failings of her family because of their cultural beliefs.It is 1984 just after Indira Gandhi has been massacred; Maya and her father are caught in the middle of this crisis in India as they have returned from Canada to bring her mother’s ashes to her home in India. Two love stories are explored in this stunning novel in verse; will Maya be able “to speak” to Sandeep and her father?


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Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Chasing BrooklynChasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Schroeder's 3rd book in free verse is achingly poignant as Brooklyn and Nico still mourn the death of Lucca. Brooklyn was madly in love when Lucca was taken from her and she is still missing him, writing him letters and buying their favorite comic books. Her mother has left with her 2 brothers and Brooklyn remains with her father. Nico was Lucca's younger brother, but they were very close. Nico's best friend, Gabe dies and Both Brooklyn and Nico are stunned. They knew he was suffering, but they were in pain themselves. Now Brooklyn has nightmares about Gabe and Nico is being haunted by Lucca TO HELP BROOKLYN. That is easy for a ghost to say since Nico is still running away to handle the pain. To honor his dead brother's wishes, he encourages Brooklyn to change, start running with him and participate in a marathon. I was compelled to read this book, I felt so badly for Brooklyn and Nico, will they find that they can go on without their beloved Lucca? A must read! It has all the elements YA's will love--drama, suspense, fear, anger, loss and longing!

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