I've had this on my bedside table for some time. I love the cover - it draws you right in and you want to know more. Why is he handcuffed? With 7 pairI've had this on my bedside table for some time. I love the cover - it draws you right in and you want to know more. Why is he handcuffed? With 7 pairs of handcuffs? Who is this guy? Why is his face in shadow? Great visual to pique interest.
Unfortunately, the rest is so so. It definitely covers all the high points of Harry Houdini. But the graphics fall flat and carry none of the intent of the cover. The monotone colour scheme - although I'm sure done to ensure the reader knows that these stunts and this man were of the past - only lends to the flatness and boring art presentation. For being such a visionary man with the art of slight of hand and magic, this book lends nothing to his genius. One hopes that the kiddies will try out the other books about Houdini that are listed in the back and not be so put off that they don't bother. I know I will....more
This is a great book for kids - especially those who looooove dinosaurs!! It's such a wonderful insight into the incredible imaginations and the visioThis is a great book for kids - especially those who looooove dinosaurs!! It's such a wonderful insight into the incredible imaginations and the visionary nature of the people who decided to see beyond the bones - to see the possibilities and the probabilities that these bones used to be something. Not just any 'something' either. Something really really big!
It just goes to show how someone can follow a passion in their lives and see it to fruition. That they can see others find the magic and believe. Powerful message for a book!
The illustrations are brilliant! I love Brian Selznick. His drawings are sensitive and imaginative and the colours are wonderful. I especially love the drawing of a young artist happily sketching in Central Park while beneath him lay the remnants of the destroyed dinosaurs. No doubt it's a truism!! And wouldn't it be cool to find them!
I love this story! What's better than drawing up a new best friend when you're feeling sorry for yourself?! Only it's a drawing that has a mind of it'I love this story! What's better than drawing up a new best friend when you're feeling sorry for yourself?! Only it's a drawing that has a mind of it's own - a frankenstein friend so to speak. Pretty quickly you realize that you've created a monster ...... and he's taking over your world.
Too fun! Wonderfully illustrated! The monster is hilarious and wonderfully beastly! The solution is right at hand and Jeremy takes control in the end. And he makes real friends!...more
Oh I wish I'd had this book to read to my kids when they were young! We're a family that loves it's word games and puns - this book would have been a Oh I wish I'd had this book to read to my kids when they were young! We're a family that loves it's word games and puns - this book would have been a welcome addition to the reading. It's wonderfully clever and beautifully illustrated and I love how the pictures reflect the words - how the angles, colours and lines match to blend the two sides of the story at the same time. It's truly marvelous!
And the topsy turvy story is really really superb. It's sooooooo easy to see the reverse of the story just by flipping the lines from back to front. Not such an easy thing to do either. It may be a palindrome with words, but the meaning is not the same!!! ...more
Oh to be as sublime a writer as Neil Gaiman - the way he can blend his thoughts into the perfect words is truly magical. And they're doubly blessed asOh to be as sublime a writer as Neil Gaiman - the way he can blend his thoughts into the perfect words is truly magical. And they're doubly blessed as they've been brought to life through the wonderful illustrations by Charles Vess.
Every girl should be given this book by their fathers - it's a blessing for the wonder they are and can be. It's the hopes and dreams we all have for our children - to be happy and strong, to be wise and compassionate but especially to be true to the you that you are....more
This was a hard book to rate. There were parts that were so well written - things so well put - that it left me breathless. Then there was the vast maThis was a hard book to rate. There were parts that were so well written - things so well put - that it left me breathless. Then there was the vast majority that, although interesting, just didn't come up to par. That was incredibly lacking or void of emotion ... or something. The possibility of the book was huge, but didn''t leave me reallly wanting more - even though it's the first of three and didn't end smoothly. You know it's a book in a series. You know that the true end of the story won't happen til some point in the future, in another book. You know that ... but somehow one just expects a better 'end' to this particular phase.
Pet peeve of mine. If you're writing a series of books - make each book end. It's a concept that not everyone seems to get.
Anyways.... Mordred, bastard son .... is a book about the legendary King Arthur, or rather, a book about what happens before and around the King Arthur time - the subplots so to speak. The raison d'etre of the legend of King Arthur. The story behind the story. The story that began the story and runs beside the story. Hahhahaa!! Sorry. This book is basically the sick and sordid beginnings of the family that begat King Arthur. It shows that all is not that history, nor what stories, portray. That often what is apparently beautiful and wonderous, is usually rotten from the inside out. That family histories are full of skeletons in the closet that will often - and usually do - come out and bite your ass. Mordred happens to be one. Doomed by his beginnings and his families history, his tale begins a glimpse into the fall of camelot.
This particular segment shows us the calm before the storm. Who Mordred is and why he is what he is. It starts with a question and a mystery and gets you right into the past and the story. It just doesn't end properly. It ends mid stream. I just so happen to hate that. Yes - I will pick up the next book. I want to see the how the next tragedy transpires, because we all know that it's not forever happy in Camelot. All things must come to pass. It will be interesting to see it from Mordred's point of view.
This was a huge surprise for me. Don't ask me why. It was partly the subject matter - the gangsta aspect of this deeply disturbed family dynamics thatThis was a huge surprise for me. Don't ask me why. It was partly the subject matter - the gangsta aspect of this deeply disturbed family dynamics that had all of them pitting against each other. (So much for brotherly love). It was partly the complexity of the story - alliances, both political and traditional that go wrong, corruption - moral and ethical - what depths can depravity go to and the whole question of right and wrong...... this story had it all. It was also partly the underlying sickness that pervades the whole story. How that sickness, when allowed to exist gets out of control.
How what comes around, goes around.
This story centers around Ayako, the youngest member of a long standing Japanese family. Only, she's not all that she seems. She is the love child of an illicit affair between the patriarch of the family and the wife of one of his sons. But no one is allowed to see her as such. Her true mother has to call her sister. The family has to see her as the youngest child of their father. Until the father falls ill. As he clings to life in a coma, they banish Ayako to the cellar. The cellar becomes her world. She stays locked up for 23 years. The story is about the family and their relationships with each other and the world in general. And with their troubled sister and her past.
It's a beautifully done story. The graphics are great. You get such a great feel for the time and place. I found it a little disconcerting that the main character of Ayako reminded me so much of Astro boy, until I read that Osamu Tezuka created Astro boy. Then I could let it go. This particular artist is said to have created the manga phase - and this manga I like. It's not heavily stylized yet as I've come to see the modern manga to be. It's wonderfully expressive without being too comical. Especially for such a heavy topic. A children's graphic novel this is not.
This is one of those books that is best described as 'sweeping'. The words are wonderfully crafted and in so few sentences can portray emotions of culThis is one of those books that is best described as 'sweeping'. The words are wonderfully crafted and in so few sentences can portray emotions of cultural differences and changes so gently and accurately, it leaves you really breathless. Not just cultural differences - but also the growing pains you find in families and with ourselves as things are found, lost and refound.
The book follows a man from early manhood to the legacy of family he creates well beyond his life. It's not told with a lot of detail, but with enough to make you feel like you know the family well and understand their day to day lives and dilemmas. It also spotlights the difficulties that face people who venture from what they grew up in and know and how they make their lives their own, while enhancing and embracing their backgrounds. It's wonderfully showcased. The story really flows from person to person very seamlessly, so it's told from various perspectives as their lives unfold and it makes it much more true to the experiences.
I think I like how you realize as the story progresses, you become each of the characters and you get to see it all from their particular point of view. Being a little older, with older kids and having parents that are into their 80's, it really makes you sit back and think about being in the middle and what it means - what you understand of your past and what you give to the future. It's an interesting position and makes you wonder at it all - how your parents did what they did, how your children will fare with their lives - where you're going next in your own life. What you will call yourself when it comes down to it!...more
This has been the best book I've read in a while - for using your brain as a tool to yield the results you want. Easy to read, well written with lots This has been the best book I've read in a while - for using your brain as a tool to yield the results you want. Easy to read, well written with lots of valid examples and things to try on your own plus a great resource list at the back on key words and other sources to check out. It has some really excellent visual examples too - some I've seen before but lots of others I haven't. It really is a great book to get you beyond the wall - whether it's creativity or just in your life in general.
It was interesting that he left the personal application at the end of the book because I don't think he really wants you to focus primarily on that part - even though it's still an important aspect to realize to attain your goals. It's more the idea that you can yield the results you want if you just look for them - especially outside the box. The personal side of it though is one of the more deciding factors - you have to believe in yourself and you have to make your own happiness ... even if it means it's at the expense of the expectations of others and especially because of that.
There was some real gems of ideas in this book. Lots to think about ....and lots to apply....more
Lately, I've been one to try and seek a path. Or at least figure out if I'm on a path. Or near a path. Or at least, which fork in the path I should veLately, I've been one to try and seek a path. Or at least figure out if I'm on a path. Or near a path. Or at least, which fork in the path I should venture down. I figure it's never a waste of time to evaluate and really be conscious of where you are at in your life. There have been times that I'm completely confident and have asked no questions. And there have been times - at this particular moment in my life that is - where everything is in a shade of vague. All is questioned, all is unclear and all is uncertain. That's where I lose my confidence and complete sense of direction. So it never hurts to ask for directions.
This book all in all wasn't bad. It does give some great ideas and some actual practical things to try. It really makes you realize that you ultimately choose everything. That's scary.... and exciting. It really does mean that there's no where but up. Ever wonder how some people seem to have it all fall in their laps? How some seem to never falter or have those off times? To think that it's all a matter of mind over matter - that you can control.. that anyone can control their ultimate destiny - is really exciting. The hardest part will be overcoming all those personal demons that like to keep you down and out. With those techniques, I plan on getting rid of them for good!
Great great book - I'll review it soon! Really worth the time to read and reflect on war's madness and what people do to survive physically......and mGreat great book - I'll review it soon! Really worth the time to read and reflect on war's madness and what people do to survive physically......and mentally. ......it was worth taking a few days to contemplate this one.... and believe me, you will contemplate it.
I haven't stopped thinking about it. Now, part of that may be because of November 11 - there is a lot of articles in the papers and shows on the boob tube that have brought war up front and center this week. Part of it may be just the month of November - bleak and dreary - grey and cold .... generally just blah because you know what's coming *sigh*. But most of it is because of how the book was written. It's not that the book was sooooo well written that you can't get over the grace of the writing - the writing is okay. It's the format on how he decided to tell the story that gets to you, throws you into the pit of the thing and makes you understand the horror of what war is. How surviving on a day to day basis is almost beyond endurance when you and everyone in the city are targets - over random bombing or the cruel snipers.
Told through the dialogue of three random people as they live their lives over a week or so, this story tells of how a cellist takes his instrument everyday, sits in the middle of a plaza where a random bomb had recently killed 22 civilians while they were waiting in line for bread (and injured countless others), and plays a lament. He has decided to come out once a day for everyday that a person was killed. It was all he had to give back. He had no idea whether it would be a suicide mission or not. He had no idea if anyone else cared or not. He just had to do it. Those three narrators tell how it did affect others - specifically, how it affected them.
Random acts always have ripples of effect. Truly powerful ones. And music can be one of the most powerful sources ever. Nothing can make a person stop in their tracks faster than music can. I don't care what the genre of it is either - a beautifully done piece played with heart and soul can take your breath away. It shows how important art is in your life too. How it can make the difference between destruction and civilization. How important it is to never underestimate its influence either.
I've gone through this book a ka-jillion times... mouth watering, drooling..... haven't made a thing yet! But I will!! Pictures are perfect and none oI've gone through this book a ka-jillion times... mouth watering, drooling..... haven't made a thing yet! But I will!! Pictures are perfect and none of the recipes seem to be too complicated. Definitely want to try a bunch out! (Been wanting popcorn balls since I saw the picture of them. I wanted to make them for Halloween but decided that there was no point as NO ONE makes those delicious treats to give out anymore. Everyone is too paranoid of home made stuff - might contain metal ingredients or some other poison. Lordy - what's our world coming to?! But..... I digress). And the FROZEN ELVIS!!!!!!! I really want the frozen Elvis! Has anyone out there tried it? It sounds enticing - and gross - all at the same time. I'm compelled to it - like not being able to look away from an accident. It's had me buying bananas like crazy, but I just haven't got up the nerve. *sigh*
I suppose the whole idea of this is to have awesome snacks for guests ..... but personally, I think I'd rather just have them for us for a meal!! No doubt you can make that choice for yourselves! I've made mine!...more
I mean - how can you not give a children's book that talks about underwear types a five star rating?! Tighty whities no less!! It gives hope for all oI mean - how can you not give a children's book that talks about underwear types a five star rating?! Tighty whities no less!! It gives hope for all of those people out there who would like to write a book but don't know about what ....or whether their idea has merit enough to be published. Tighty whiteys people - your published book opportunity is waiting!!
I can''t honestly say what attracted me to this book the most. It's not content, although it is a wee bit of a scream. Definitely kids would love it! Underwear does have that 'snort' factor that kids love. No, I have to be honest and say it's the actual tighty whitey underwear feature that the front cover has. Sadly I found I couldn't stop touching it..... made me feel a little dirty after a while when I stopped and thought about it!! Hahahha! But it definitely gave it the open the book factor for me!
Then I noticed that the author's name on the front of the book isn't Todd Goldman, as stated on Goodreads. No....... the story is by Todd H. Doodler. (I'm thinking it's actually Todd Goldman, but his alter ego in tighty whiteys). Odd. I found it odd. Disturbing as well, but once I started stroking the tighty whitey fabric I didn't care. Let Todd have his fun. Doodler!............*snort*....more
Now these are Vampires!!! Hahahahaa!!! I love the premise of this graphic novel......a hybrid that can exist in the day but has a weakness with a new Now these are Vampires!!! Hahahahaa!!! I love the premise of this graphic novel......a hybrid that can exist in the day but has a weakness with a new moon. Gives endless possibilities over the original species to be sure and lots of opportunities for the two types to clash. Looking forward to this series - one with a serious bite!!!!
The graphics in this book are fantastic. Sexy and wild, beautifully composed with fantastic lines and suggestive details - and the simplicity of the colour schematic makes it all the more inviting and keeps it in line with it's time. They don't skimp when it comes to the violence of the vampire either - which I liked. I really don't think they're supposed to be cuddly......or sparkly........or whatever. I think they're always on the edge of that violence that bore them in the first place. This novel doesn't let you skip out on that but puts you front and center.
Of course, the writing helps too. With Scott Snyder and Stephen King writing duo stories it was sure to have an edge like a double edged sword. It didn't disappoint!...more
Well, this was an ok book for younger kids that want a bit of scare. 2.5 is really all I'd give it truthfully. It was a rehashing of some stories but Well, this was an ok book for younger kids that want a bit of scare. 2.5 is really all I'd give it truthfully. It was a rehashing of some stories but put into graphic form. Actually - the graphic element resembled more of the Sims in a haunted house more than anything. All that was missing was the green diamond spinning above their heads! So that was a bit of a turnoff for me. Stills of computer generated scenes and people don't belong in the graphic novel genre....but that may be a personal pet peeve. And the few stories that were also included without the 'graphic' side will no doubt be skipped over or ignored completely - even though they were good ghost stories in themselves.
All in all, not boo scary enough for me! Nor really a good graphic novel. But for kiddies it may provide a scare if they read alone at night in bed!...more
I have to admit that this is one of the best post apocalyptic -zombie book series that I have read. Mind you - I haven't really read too many, sooooo I have to admit that this is one of the best post apocalyptic -zombie book series that I have read. Mind you - I haven't really read too many, sooooo I may be shooting off my foot. Regardless - this was a great read!
Firstly - the cover art is awesome. It's in line with the first concept book and has enough WTF factor to make you want to pick it up and see what's all the screaming is about. Hmmmmm......... or is she biting? Whatever. It's a great shot and the colour (or suggestively lack there of - except in strategic spots) is really well done. I like how it makes you feel . Curious. Anxious. Intrigued.
I also liked how it is in line with the actual story itself. Talking the talk and putting your money where your mouth is. But that may be alllllll me conjecturing on the idea and that may not have actually been one of the original ideas. Just saying - (if it is though, it 's genius!).
What I loved about this series isn't just the characters - and they really are great despite the teenage angst and romance stuff (which isn't overdone either so it doesn't kill the book), it's the really awesome way the author has made this post apocalyptic world that is now zombie-land, so believeable. How the horror of the day to day stuff is ramped up like crazy when everything you live your life by is to really and truly a fight to survive. How it's ultimately the choices you make in your life that make the difference. How those choices can define who you are and where you go and what you do. Despite the zombies.
I also love how he has made you think of what a zombie is. Certainly, he expounds on what you traditionally know, but he also makes you rethink what they actually are and what made them that way. I really love when an author makes you think outside the box........ or casket ..... or whatever.....without taking away any of the horror of the moment when those characters are face to face with them. And it's great when it's all juxtaposed against the reality of others who take advantage of the horror to gain power and influence over those who don't want to face it. Great concepts! Great story! ...more
Now this is the hard hitting, rude and ruthless Spider that I've come to enjoy! This segment of the Spider saga is a good one and is once again proof Now this is the hard hitting, rude and ruthless Spider that I've come to enjoy! This segment of the Spider saga is a good one and is once again proof positive that the pen is mightier than the sword. It's persuasive and invasive, it's smooth and sinuous and it's utterly merciless and penetrating when it hits the truth in the eye. This may be some futuristic nameless fantasy megalopolis, but the message is as true for us now in the real world as it is for Spiders.
The message? Be conscious. The truth is there under the gloss. You can change it....more
This is my first foray into Christopher Moore. He's been on my TBR list for awhile and judging from the basic reviews of his writings you either will This is my first foray into Christopher Moore. He's been on my TBR list for awhile and judging from the basic reviews of his writings you either will love his style or hate it. I didn't have any particular prejudice about him one way or the other, other than I had gleaned that he had some wit and seemed to take on his book subjects with tongue in cheek.
Well, that proved to be true. If you're not prepared to go with the flow of someone becoming a 'death merchant' then don't even bother picking this book up.
Personally, I found his style to be refreshing. Tongue in cheek it may be, but the basic subject matter is somewhat serious. It's basically a humorous book about what happens after you die. Specifically what happens to your 'soul' when you expire - or at least, what Christopher Moore wildly imagines happens to a soul when a person dies. I have to hand it to him, he has a very vivid imagination! And the story got increasingly wilder as the story progressed... until it slipped over the edge near the end. But by that point, you're so far in you just have to go with it. I do have to admit that the ending was a surprise for me. I didn't see it coming actually. At least, it wasn't the outcome I was expecting. Mind you, there were a few things that I wasn't expecting, so I guess that was only fitting. A nice surprise none the less.
What I found interesting was that he wrote this book during the time his own mother was dying. So no doubt it was done as a therapeutic exercise to come to some sort of understanding to what does happen to a person when they die and what happens to their 'soul'. It's amazing that he had such a biting wit over the course of the story actually, or at least kept such a serious story from getting too morose. It couldn't have been an easy thing to do. I know that in life, you might as well laugh as cry. It's all a point of perspective I suppose. Christopher Moore certainly has a positive one.
As an initial introduction to his writing, I wasn't disappointed. I'll be sure to pick up another and hope it's just as witty. ...more
Another great simple book that helps you look at art in basic ways. This series is a great way to help remind you to 'see' what art does - in all genrAnother great simple book that helps you look at art in basic ways. This series is a great way to help remind you to 'see' what art does - in all genres - all the way through the ages. Meant for kids, but adults can get a lot from it too. ...more
I have to admit that I enjoyed this book by Edward Rutherfurd way more than the Irish Princes one. This one wove the characters lives through time mucI have to admit that I enjoyed this book by Edward Rutherfurd way more than the Irish Princes one. This one wove the characters lives through time much more successfully and much more subtly. Probably because the history of New York is a history that I'm more familiar with, it was a much more satisfying read. Whatever it was, I found that it was a very enjoyable story.
I did enjoy how certain artifacts travel down through time, changing hands through the family and consequently changing meaning. It was a nice reminder of why you keep certain family heirlooms, but are unsure of the exact reason why - other than it was treasured by your Aunt or your mother. Makes you realize that everything usually has a story and how it does get lost in time. Sort of sad in it's way. On the other hand, it's also a realization that everything can be reinvented and life goes on.
It's also a reminder that family is important. In this day in age, it's easy to forget it - but it's something that you shouldn't. It's also interesting how interconnected your lives with people are. How important it is not to burn bridges, as those kind of events tend to turn with time and bite you in the ass. Or at least show up later down the road. I always say that what comes around, goes around. I think there's a lot of truth to be said about it. ...more