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1Ellesee
Fifteen shy for 2013--was a very slow reading year. Read more periodicals and online articles than books, which I simply did not count. Also, more non-fiction. Need to wean myself off the World of Warcrack and get back to the reading. So, that's one of my resolutions/goals. READ MORE! My brain has become mushy jelly--so now I must make myself smrt. ("a" intentionally omitted for humorous effect)
On yer mark! Get set! Read!
On yer mark! Get set! Read!
2Ellesee
1: From the Ruins of Empire : The Revolt against the West and the Remaking of Asia by Pankaj Mishra
3Ellesee
2: My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki
8Ellesee
9: Cue Cards for Life: Thoughtful tips for Better Relationships by Christina Steinorth, MA, MFT
Read for Early Reviewers:
Mostly common sense material if one was not raised by gorillas. Definitely aimed at the white, suburban, middle/upper-class socialite-wanna-be, quasi-professional "home-maker female. A blatant generalization: I do not envision men, working class or people of non-white ethnic heritage giving two-hoots about this book. Best chapter: taking care of aging parents. Had some helpful advise and it was clear that Steinworth's specialty was in this area. Worst chapter: "How to be a Corporate Drone" (not really the title, but should have been). Anyone following Steinorth's "advice" in a work-place environment will soon find themselves the butt of "goodie-two-shoes" derision and ostracism.
I'm thinking about placing this book in our school's library (since I am the librarian), since, perhaps, teens--possibly raised by gorillas--might benefit from the strange concept that social etiquette can matter.
Read for Early Reviewers:
Mostly common sense material if one was not raised by gorillas. Definitely aimed at the white, suburban, middle/upper-class socialite-wanna-be, quasi-professional "home-maker female. A blatant generalization: I do not envision men, working class or people of non-white ethnic heritage giving two-hoots about this book. Best chapter: taking care of aging parents. Had some helpful advise and it was clear that Steinworth's specialty was in this area. Worst chapter: "How to be a Corporate Drone" (not really the title, but should have been). Anyone following Steinorth's "advice" in a work-place environment will soon find themselves the butt of "goodie-two-shoes" derision and ostracism.
I'm thinking about placing this book in our school's library (since I am the librarian), since, perhaps, teens--possibly raised by gorillas--might benefit from the strange concept that social etiquette can matter.
9Ellesee
10: The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Neilsen
An amazing YAL novel for everyone, but particularly for boys and reluctant readers. Thirteen-year-old Henry K. Larsen's life is turned upside-down when his brother takes matters into his own hands. Nearly six-months later, Henry and his father move from their home to Vancouver to start a new life, but ignoring the pain of the past only exacerbates their problems. Cecil, Henry's therapist, suggests that Henry keep a journal. Although reticent, Henry does begin writing and slowly various awful and painful truths come out. Somehow, however, Henry is able to keep a sense of humor throughout this process--and eventually come to terms with what his brother, Jesse, did. Well-written, character-driven narrative style makes it easy to identify with Henry and feel with him the spectrum of emotions he is dealing with. Am recommending it to everyone!
An amazing YAL novel for everyone, but particularly for boys and reluctant readers. Thirteen-year-old Henry K. Larsen's life is turned upside-down when his brother takes matters into his own hands. Nearly six-months later, Henry and his father move from their home to Vancouver to start a new life, but ignoring the pain of the past only exacerbates their problems. Cecil, Henry's therapist, suggests that Henry keep a journal. Although reticent, Henry does begin writing and slowly various awful and painful truths come out. Somehow, however, Henry is able to keep a sense of humor throughout this process--and eventually come to terms with what his brother, Jesse, did. Well-written, character-driven narrative style makes it easy to identify with Henry and feel with him the spectrum of emotions he is dealing with. Am recommending it to everyone!
10Ellesee
11: Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish
Unique and unexpected. A rather fresh look at monsters, evolution and the possibility of Gaia.
Unique and unexpected. A rather fresh look at monsters, evolution and the possibility of Gaia.
11Ellesee
12: Countdown by Michelle Rowen
Hunger Games knock-off but pretty good all the same. In fact, I rather liked it better in someways.
Hunger Games knock-off but pretty good all the same. In fact, I rather liked it better in someways.
12Ellesee
13: Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper
These books are extremely popular with reluctant readers--now I know why. This one is character driven, urban and simple. As much as it has some good themes for discussion, I found it difficult to "like" the book. However, if it gets kids to read and want to read more, I'm all for it.
These books are extremely popular with reluctant readers--now I know why. This one is character driven, urban and simple. As much as it has some good themes for discussion, I found it difficult to "like" the book. However, if it gets kids to read and want to read more, I'm all for it.
14Ellesee
15: How to Read Donald Duck : Imperialist Ideology in the Disney Comic by Ariel Dorfman, Armand Mattelart; Kunzle, David (translator)
15Ellesee
16: Zombie Politics and Culture in the Age of Casino Capitalism (Popular Culture and Everyday Life) by Henry A. Giroux
In a similar camp as Noam Chomsky and Chris Hedges. Pretty much states the obvious for anyone who reads, and thinks critically about the state of our nation. Unfortunately, doesn't propose any remedies other than the proverbial "get yer head outta yer ass and do somethin'" canard. I guess we get out what we put in.
In a similar camp as Noam Chomsky and Chris Hedges. Pretty much states the obvious for anyone who reads, and thinks critically about the state of our nation. Unfortunately, doesn't propose any remedies other than the proverbial "get yer head outta yer ass and do somethin'" canard. I guess we get out what we put in.
16Ellesee
17: Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
Just bought yesterday and read in one day! Just a great sci-fi adventure from a single person perspective. A "Day of the Triffids" for the contemporary era.
Just bought yesterday and read in one day! Just a great sci-fi adventure from a single person perspective. A "Day of the Triffids" for the contemporary era.
17Ellesee
18: Orientalism by Edward W. Said
Took me nearly a year to finish it--very meaty and challenging in places. However, learned so much from it--difficult to process.
19: Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Heart-wrenching.
Took me nearly a year to finish it--very meaty and challenging in places. However, learned so much from it--difficult to process.
19: Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Heart-wrenching.
18Ellesee
20: Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
In many ways this novel rhymes with Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Set during the Vietnam War in rural Australia, the plot revolves around a teen boy who comes to learn that the people of his town are not the moral pinnacles he once believed they were--including his own mother! It is murder mystery that exposes the inner darkness within communities and individuals.
In many ways this novel rhymes with Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Set during the Vietnam War in rural Australia, the plot revolves around a teen boy who comes to learn that the people of his town are not the moral pinnacles he once believed they were--including his own mother! It is murder mystery that exposes the inner darkness within communities and individuals.
22Ellesee
24: Zom-B by Darren Shan
I skipped the vampires and demons and ran straight for the ZOMBIES!!!!! It's a quick, gruesome read through racism, bigotry and finally to brain-chewing, bone-snapping brains and blood. And, of course, there are 5 sequels (so far).
I skipped the vampires and demons and ran straight for the ZOMBIES!!!!! It's a quick, gruesome read through racism, bigotry and finally to brain-chewing, bone-snapping brains and blood. And, of course, there are 5 sequels (so far).
23Ellesee
25: Authority: A Novel (The Southern Reach Trilogy) by Jeff Vandermeer
Totally sucked me in; couldn't put it down. Now I have to wait for the THIRD one in September. Egads and gadzooks! Perhaps one of the most original sci-fi/thrillers I've read in years.
Totally sucked me in; couldn't put it down. Now I have to wait for the THIRD one in September. Egads and gadzooks! Perhaps one of the most original sci-fi/thrillers I've read in years.
24Ellesee
26: Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready
Last of the Shade trilogy. A molassesy thick ending, but not as cheesy as some. Entertaining and enjoyable if stereotypical "chicky" book.
Last of the Shade trilogy. A molassesy thick ending, but not as cheesy as some. Entertaining and enjoyable if stereotypical "chicky" book.
25Ellesee
27: Y by James Campion
A friend of mine once said, "It's okay to go out an play with the archetypes, just don't rape the archetypes." I feel that JC, or James Campion has done just this in his attempt at creating a post- (post-) modern visionary novel which employs all the campy tricks of the trade: pretentious wit, vapid metaphors, contrived meaningfulness and depth, flat, stereotyped characters, and last but not least, an end of the novel therapy session using the tediously unoriginal "speak-to-the-reader" techniques abused by so many writers and film-makers. I've always disliked books that novelize writing, films about film-makers, songs about musicians (metacognitive art). They strike me as pretentious, conceited and self-congratulatory--something akin to masturbation but with an audience subjected to the author's need for voyeurs and not a chance in hell to find the release of the "happy ending". I also disdain the use of the public as a couch for one's therapy. Writing might be great for personal therapy, but the confessional novel/memoir has been employed too often and for too long for me to find much value in knowing other people's sins. I simply don't care to know that much--TMI--I don't hear you--lalalalala! I want my writers to share IDEAS not baggage--I do not want to be responsible for an author's psychosis, neurosis or crimes, I have enough of my own to deal with, thank you.
The only two redeeming features of this novel for me were found on pages 107 where the entity that is "Y" discusses "the big lie," and on page 308 in a much too short diatribe on "madness." The mention of Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd) raised this novel from a 1-star to a 2-star, which might seem ludicrous to some, but fits with the common theme of the novel: caprice, whimsy and complete absence of logic, or meaning, for that matter. Which apparently is the heart of what Campion considers to be the essence of "Y".
I have no idea what Campion hoped to achieve, but Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance or Siddhartha this book is not.
A friend of mine once said, "It's okay to go out an play with the archetypes, just don't rape the archetypes." I feel that JC, or James Campion has done just this in his attempt at creating a post- (post-) modern visionary novel which employs all the campy tricks of the trade: pretentious wit, vapid metaphors, contrived meaningfulness and depth, flat, stereotyped characters, and last but not least, an end of the novel therapy session using the tediously unoriginal "speak-to-the-reader" techniques abused by so many writers and film-makers. I've always disliked books that novelize writing, films about film-makers, songs about musicians (metacognitive art). They strike me as pretentious, conceited and self-congratulatory--something akin to masturbation but with an audience subjected to the author's need for voyeurs and not a chance in hell to find the release of the "happy ending". I also disdain the use of the public as a couch for one's therapy. Writing might be great for personal therapy, but the confessional novel/memoir has been employed too often and for too long for me to find much value in knowing other people's sins. I simply don't care to know that much--TMI--I don't hear you--lalalalala! I want my writers to share IDEAS not baggage--I do not want to be responsible for an author's psychosis, neurosis or crimes, I have enough of my own to deal with, thank you.
The only two redeeming features of this novel for me were found on pages 107 where the entity that is "Y" discusses "the big lie," and on page 308 in a much too short diatribe on "madness." The mention of Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd) raised this novel from a 1-star to a 2-star, which might seem ludicrous to some, but fits with the common theme of the novel: caprice, whimsy and complete absence of logic, or meaning, for that matter. Which apparently is the heart of what Campion considers to be the essence of "Y".
I have no idea what Campion hoped to achieve, but Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance or Siddhartha this book is not.
26Ellesee
28: The Dual State by Ernst Fraenkel
27Ellesee
29: We're All Infected: Essays on AMC's the Walking Dead and the Fate of the Human edited by Dawn Keetley
This collection of thirteen essays covers two zombie over-arching themes, the end of society (apocalypse) and post-humanity, as illustrated through AMC's series The Walking Dead, focusing primarily on seasons 1 and 2. Within each, the essays cover an array of sub-topics, from timelessness, cowboy justice, consumptive capitalism, ritual, death-in-life, and of course, life-in-death. These are serious essays about a serious concept, what it means to be human. As is repeated in several essays--the zombies are the situation, not the metaphor, and in this instance, one can clearly discern that The Walking Dead, as with most zombie horror stories, really isn't about the zombies. They are the back drop for the greater question: what is humanity? What does it meant to BE human? Are we simply animated meat suits that are compelled by drives we are not conscious of and cannot seem to control, or is there something unique within this sack of flesh that gives us agency even while we recognize our own "abjectness"?
Yes, these essays did review the history of "zombie-dom" and its evolution from enslaved humans to the walking dead--yet, they are unmistakably philosophical and sociological rather than historical or entertainment. If you want pop culture, watch the show or any zombie flick; if you want to delve into the implications of our current obsession with zombies, this is a book to read.
I enjoyed this immensely. It is the second such anthology of essays about zombies I have read over the past couple of years, so many of the names that surfaced as referents were familiar. Recommend Generation Zombie: Essays on the Living Dead in Modern Culture by Stephanie Boluk, Wylie Lenz for broader views on zombie culture and history as well as a variety of zombie icons such as Romero's Night of the Living Dead.
30: Beggar's in Spain by Nancy Kress
Although the premise of the story follows the development of the Sleepless and their created Sanctuary, the backdrop of the story is more compelling for me. Kress creates an economic "philosophy" (Yagaiism) that resembles Ayn Randian/Alan Greenspan capitalist economics: freedom is for individuals who do not "rely" on others. Those who "produce" should not be tied to "moochers" (in this case "beggars") who do not contribute to the economy or betterment of the world. It is within this philosophical "setting" that Leisha Camden, and later Miranda Sharifi learn that this philosophy is flawed--a community needs all of its members to be healthy; beggars are just as vital as donkeys (workers) since one never knows when a beggar will set off a series events that can change the world. At first, I was irritated with the overtly Randian style of "individualistic" belief, but as the story progressed I realized that Kress was setting up this ideology in order to break it down and propose its opposite. What is more interesting, is that the lead protagonist, Leisha Camden, has several epiphanies throughout the novel that bring her closer to a much more enlightened, compassionate position which allows her the opportunity to sympathize with both her allies and her enemies with exceptional equanimity.
These books are out-of-print, so were purchased via Amazon through other book-sellers. Trilogy includes this novel, Beggars and Choosers and finally Beggar's Ride.
This collection of thirteen essays covers two zombie over-arching themes, the end of society (apocalypse) and post-humanity, as illustrated through AMC's series The Walking Dead, focusing primarily on seasons 1 and 2. Within each, the essays cover an array of sub-topics, from timelessness, cowboy justice, consumptive capitalism, ritual, death-in-life, and of course, life-in-death. These are serious essays about a serious concept, what it means to be human. As is repeated in several essays--the zombies are the situation, not the metaphor, and in this instance, one can clearly discern that The Walking Dead, as with most zombie horror stories, really isn't about the zombies. They are the back drop for the greater question: what is humanity? What does it meant to BE human? Are we simply animated meat suits that are compelled by drives we are not conscious of and cannot seem to control, or is there something unique within this sack of flesh that gives us agency even while we recognize our own "abjectness"?
Yes, these essays did review the history of "zombie-dom" and its evolution from enslaved humans to the walking dead--yet, they are unmistakably philosophical and sociological rather than historical or entertainment. If you want pop culture, watch the show or any zombie flick; if you want to delve into the implications of our current obsession with zombies, this is a book to read.
I enjoyed this immensely. It is the second such anthology of essays about zombies I have read over the past couple of years, so many of the names that surfaced as referents were familiar. Recommend Generation Zombie: Essays on the Living Dead in Modern Culture by Stephanie Boluk, Wylie Lenz for broader views on zombie culture and history as well as a variety of zombie icons such as Romero's Night of the Living Dead.
30: Beggar's in Spain by Nancy Kress
Although the premise of the story follows the development of the Sleepless and their created Sanctuary, the backdrop of the story is more compelling for me. Kress creates an economic "philosophy" (Yagaiism) that resembles Ayn Randian/Alan Greenspan capitalist economics: freedom is for individuals who do not "rely" on others. Those who "produce" should not be tied to "moochers" (in this case "beggars") who do not contribute to the economy or betterment of the world. It is within this philosophical "setting" that Leisha Camden, and later Miranda Sharifi learn that this philosophy is flawed--a community needs all of its members to be healthy; beggars are just as vital as donkeys (workers) since one never knows when a beggar will set off a series events that can change the world. At first, I was irritated with the overtly Randian style of "individualistic" belief, but as the story progressed I realized that Kress was setting up this ideology in order to break it down and propose its opposite. What is more interesting, is that the lead protagonist, Leisha Camden, has several epiphanies throughout the novel that bring her closer to a much more enlightened, compassionate position which allows her the opportunity to sympathize with both her allies and her enemies with exceptional equanimity.
These books are out-of-print, so were purchased via Amazon through other book-sellers. Trilogy includes this novel, Beggars and Choosers and finally Beggar's Ride.
28Ellesee
31: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
32: Boxers by Gene Luen Yang (one part of duet)
36: Saints by Gene Luen Yang (part two of duet)
32: Boxers by Gene Luen Yang (one part of duet)
36: Saints by Gene Luen Yang (part two of duet)
30Ellesee
34: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Any life-form advanced enough for intergalactic travel probably won't be coming to Earth on a good-will mission; more than likely they'll be coming to colonize like Europeans did to the Americas. Or worse, eradicating the vermin who are in their way.
Any life-form advanced enough for intergalactic travel probably won't be coming to Earth on a good-will mission; more than likely they'll be coming to colonize like Europeans did to the Americas. Or worse, eradicating the vermin who are in their way.
33Ellesee
39: What we see when we read by Peter Mendelsund
34Ellesee
40: Rethinking Thin: The New Science of Weight Loss--and the Myths and Realities of Dieting by Gina Kolata
41: Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer
I had a hard time "accepting" Acceptance. The first two of this trilogy were amazing...I loved the edge-of-your seat adventure in the first (Annihilation) and the political intrigue of the second (Authority). But, Acceptance felt like a band warming up and never really playing. It just did not "get started" and I felt as if I were floundering around attempting to make sense of something that I was missing. Perhaps, that was Vandermeer's intent--to demonstrate that not everything is understandable to humans, and some questions cannot be answered in a way we are equipped to "hear" them. Yet, I was perplexed at times about where the "horror" was in this particular novel. Admittedly there were scenes which appeared dangerous, even life-threatening, yet overall I tended to feel that the "insanity" suffered by many of the characters who experience Area X was somehow exaggerated when compared to the descriptions of their experiences. I guess someday I'll re-read the entire series and see whether I missed something vital.
I found a new appreciation for the illusive psychologist/director, as well as for the "true" biologist. Saul's character left me wanting more in a "good" way, but I was rather disappointed with Control, Ghost Bird and Grace. They had much more depth of character in the second novel--something they apparently lost once they became part of Area X.
And, what's with the ending? Does Control become a wolf-like creature? Do Grace and Ghost Bird "escape" or does Area X subsume Earth and leave them the sole survivors? I want ANSWERS damn it! I will wait until my hubby reads it and see if his take on the novel helps enlighten me.
41: Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer
I had a hard time "accepting" Acceptance. The first two of this trilogy were amazing...I loved the edge-of-your seat adventure in the first (Annihilation) and the political intrigue of the second (Authority). But, Acceptance felt like a band warming up and never really playing. It just did not "get started" and I felt as if I were floundering around attempting to make sense of something that I was missing. Perhaps, that was Vandermeer's intent--to demonstrate that not everything is understandable to humans, and some questions cannot be answered in a way we are equipped to "hear" them. Yet, I was perplexed at times about where the "horror" was in this particular novel. Admittedly there were scenes which appeared dangerous, even life-threatening, yet overall I tended to feel that the "insanity" suffered by many of the characters who experience Area X was somehow exaggerated when compared to the descriptions of their experiences. I guess someday I'll re-read the entire series and see whether I missed something vital.
I found a new appreciation for the illusive psychologist/director, as well as for the "true" biologist. Saul's character left me wanting more in a "good" way, but I was rather disappointed with Control, Ghost Bird and Grace. They had much more depth of character in the second novel--something they apparently lost once they became part of Area X.
And, what's with the ending? Does Control become a wolf-like creature? Do Grace and Ghost Bird "escape" or does Area X subsume Earth and leave them the sole survivors? I want ANSWERS damn it! I will wait until my hubby reads it and see if his take on the novel helps enlighten me.
35Ellesee
42: The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey (Book 2 in the 5th Wave Series)
AMAZING second book in a series. Typically the second of three (will there be more than three? I don't know.) loses momentum because its "purpose" is to bridge the first and the last. In this case, The Infinite Sea stands on its own without much need for props. Yancey continues to employ multiple character perspectives, this time from Ringer, the girl markswoman whose strategic mind makes her the best candidate for Vosch's plans. While Cassie Sullivan, Ben Parish (Zombie) and Evan Walker hold off a lethal attack from two fronts, Ringer tries to rescue Teacup, a seven-year old child who has bonded with the warrior.
There isn't a place in this novel when something isn't happening--but not in a confusing, frustrating "busy" way--the action is both external and internal as Ringer begins to understand who and what has actually shattered the Earth and for what purpose.
Cannot WAIT for book three!
AMAZING second book in a series. Typically the second of three (will there be more than three? I don't know.) loses momentum because its "purpose" is to bridge the first and the last. In this case, The Infinite Sea stands on its own without much need for props. Yancey continues to employ multiple character perspectives, this time from Ringer, the girl markswoman whose strategic mind makes her the best candidate for Vosch's plans. While Cassie Sullivan, Ben Parish (Zombie) and Evan Walker hold off a lethal attack from two fronts, Ringer tries to rescue Teacup, a seven-year old child who has bonded with the warrior.
There isn't a place in this novel when something isn't happening--but not in a confusing, frustrating "busy" way--the action is both external and internal as Ringer begins to understand who and what has actually shattered the Earth and for what purpose.
Cannot WAIT for book three!
36Ellesee
43: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
This one was even better than Divergent, IMHO! Cannot wait to read Allegiant. Starting to seem like the M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" where a group of like-minded intellectuals removed themselves from technological civilization and adopt a simpler, more agrarian life-style.
I only wish that Hollywood would leave well enough alone with many of these post-apocalyptic YAL novels. I rather have students read them than be spoon-fed the images by others.
This one was even better than Divergent, IMHO! Cannot wait to read Allegiant. Starting to seem like the M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" where a group of like-minded intellectuals removed themselves from technological civilization and adopt a simpler, more agrarian life-style.
I only wish that Hollywood would leave well enough alone with many of these post-apocalyptic YAL novels. I rather have students read them than be spoon-fed the images by others.
37Ellesee
44: Wonder by R. J. Palacio
I was much more touched by this novel than The Fault in Our Stars. Untimely death can be very sad, but living life as a potential outcast is sadder yet. The strength that Auggie exudes is inspirational--even as a fictional character.
I was much more touched by this novel than The Fault in Our Stars. Untimely death can be very sad, but living life as a potential outcast is sadder yet. The strength that Auggie exudes is inspirational--even as a fictional character.
39Ellesee
46: Siberiak by Jenny Jaekel
This heartfelt graphic novel brought a smile to my face and took me back to that Cold War era when the "enemy" was the Russians and Ronald Reagan admonished them to bring down the wall (Iron Curtain). Author Jenny Jaekel had the good fortune to be part of a "peace" tour to Siberia, where she and other Americans rafted, biked, and rowed down the Ob River. Her experiences are documented in approximately 100 illustrated pages, and demonstrate that even without much language between the groups, they could communicate with one another remarkably well--forming friendships and even romantic liaisons.
Although there were occasional misspellings, the book was well-written and partitioned into sections that corresponded to the activities of the author. She was not afraid to expose her frustrations and thoughts about various differences between the cultures; she tended to be much more critical of American culture, particularly when addressing LGBTQ issues, the idea of touch and modesty. Americans truly are Puritans when it comes to many things, and parts of this story do reveal that readily.
Unsurprisingly, Ms. Jaekel lives in British Columbia, Canada--something I have noticed other American writers who have had early experiences abroad tend toward.
I will be glad to place this particular graphic novel in our school library. I hope it help to provide a glimpse of Russia and the setting before Perestroika dissolved the USSR.
This heartfelt graphic novel brought a smile to my face and took me back to that Cold War era when the "enemy" was the Russians and Ronald Reagan admonished them to bring down the wall (Iron Curtain). Author Jenny Jaekel had the good fortune to be part of a "peace" tour to Siberia, where she and other Americans rafted, biked, and rowed down the Ob River. Her experiences are documented in approximately 100 illustrated pages, and demonstrate that even without much language between the groups, they could communicate with one another remarkably well--forming friendships and even romantic liaisons.
Although there were occasional misspellings, the book was well-written and partitioned into sections that corresponded to the activities of the author. She was not afraid to expose her frustrations and thoughts about various differences between the cultures; she tended to be much more critical of American culture, particularly when addressing LGBTQ issues, the idea of touch and modesty. Americans truly are Puritans when it comes to many things, and parts of this story do reveal that readily.
Unsurprisingly, Ms. Jaekel lives in British Columbia, Canada--something I have noticed other American writers who have had early experiences abroad tend toward.
I will be glad to place this particular graphic novel in our school library. I hope it help to provide a glimpse of Russia and the setting before Perestroika dissolved the USSR.
41nancyewhite
>17 Ellesee: I added this to my wishlist after reading your short review and going to check it out.
>40 Ellesee: How did you find The Nazi Hunters? I generally read fiction, but this appeals to me.
>40 Ellesee: How did you find The Nazi Hunters? I generally read fiction, but this appeals to me.
42Ellesee
I'm a high school librarian and because I purchase a lot of books annually, I generally look at book reviews from professional magazines like School Library Journal and such. This one, however, I found on the Best Non-Fiction for Young Adults list through ALA's YALSA. It can be found online using search terms .
