J. Edgar Hoover: A Graphic Biography

I love graphic novels. I think that they’re a fantastic medium to explore a multitude of topics. Sadly, besides memoirs, there are very few nonfiction graphic novels (I am aware of the contradiction in that statement). So when I stumbled upon Rick Geary’s graphic biographies, I felt like the graphic novel deities had granted my wish. Sadly, I don’t think that this series is all that it’s cracked up to be. In fact, I would stick to his series on Victorian era murders.

I am not going to rely the entire biography of J. Edgar Hoover here. If you’re interested in his life, go see the new movie or Google it. Instead, this review is going to focus on this specific biography. Like Geary’s work in his other series, his graphics are used to illustrate the very dry text that he supplies. In fact, the book reads more like a timeline than an enthralling biography. At just about 100 pages, there really isn’t enough room to really delve into the conflicting aspects of Hoover’s character.

Personally, I had never read anything about Hoover so I was hoping to learn a great deal from this book. Unfortunately, the facts came at me rapid fire and I had difficulty remembering them once I closed the book. That being said, I think that people who are familiar with his life may enjoy this book as a refresher. The graphics are typical Geary but they somehow lose their charm in this book. Of course this is not a comment on all of his graphic biographies (though I took a stab at the issue on Trotsky and couldn’t get through it). For me, I’m going to stick with his previous series instead!

-DLP

Classics Illustrated: A Cultural History

I understand that the original “Classics Illustrated” was published far before I was born but I can say that I got to them as soon as I was able. I love literature. In fact, I have made a life and career out of it. Additionally, I love graphic novels. So clearly I would cheer with happiness upon discovering that the two had mated and created “Classics Illustrated”. The series includes great pieces of literature from “Moby Dick” and “The Iliad” to “Wurthering Heights” and “Great Expectations”. There truly is something for everyone. But this review is not about “Classics Illustrated”, kind of. It’s actually about a nonfiction book that was recently published about the founding and rise of the famous series.

This book can easily be described as a cultural history book chronicling the founding and development of “Classics Illustrated”. Many chapters focus on individual authors who wrote/illustrated for the series and how their unique perspective molded the comics. The book is objective in that is examines each artists’ strengths, weaknesses, and techniques. To prove his point, the author includes a multitude of black and white images of covers and panels from the original comics. Don’t worry, there are plenty of colored plates as well that really bring the comics to life. It is these colorful plates that bring the comics to life and truly show the trend from cartoon, to realism, to abstraction. The author also describes the five spin-off series including nonfiction comics that were brought about by Roberta Strauss Feuerlicht in the 1960s. The spin-off series were geared towards young adult readers and were published with the purpose to educate as well as entertain. Such titles included “The Ugly Duckling,” “Cinderella”, and “The Pied Piper.”

Clearly, this cultural history is quite thorough. William Jones, the author is an avid reader and collector of “Classics Illustrated” which makes him the perfect person to pen this book. His adoration for the series is contagious and this publication is obviously a labor of love. For those who have read and enjoyed the series, this is a MUST read. For a casual reader, this is probably not for you as Jones often dwells on ancillary details that would bore anyone not enthralled with “Classics Illustrated”.

-DLP

Let's Talk about 'The Hunger Games'

I came late to The Hunger Games frenzy. I'd heard about it a bit from colleagues, read a few references online in random contexts and wrongly assumed that it was something that I just missed in school, like how I've never read Lord of Flies (I'm sorry! My class skipped that in favor of several selections from Oprah's book club.) When two of my colleagues with whom I shared an office were reading it and anxiously trying to out read each other while also discussing the upcoming film I knew it was time to get on the bandwagon. I then realized the trilogy was written very recently, is not yet taught in schools, and extremely addicting.

I decided to grab the audiobooks from the library and I listened to them constantly. I was hooked instantly. Not only did I take them with me to the gym, but I listened to them on my commute, when I was alone at the office and while making dinner! I think audiobooks provide a very different experience than reading, which I've written about before. I've read a bit about how other readers react to The Hunger Games and what is universally true is that they felt the urge to read it all quickly to find out WHAT. HAPPENS. NEXT. It's a weird premise to explain, not unlike the Harry Potter books. Also not unlike the Harry Potter books, these are consumed quickly. But taking a step back, The Hunger Games trilogy deals with some very fascinating issues such as governmental control, race, a caste system, independence, and power to name a few. There's a love story thrown in, but I didn't think it mattered much. Sure, the film adaptations could focus heavily on the love triangle, but as this fellow points out, that's not what makes the books SO COMPELLING to read. The author, Suzanne Collins, explained that part of her inspiration came from footage of war coverage juxtaposed with reality tv when she flipped through the channels on her television.

Here's what I like about both The Hunger Games and the Harry Potter books, not that I necessarily think about them together, is that they can be enjoyed as a fast-moving story, full of suspense and extraordinary situations, while at the same time exploring interesting topics on a deeper level. I really respect that in a novel. As someone who works long hours, I really appreciate books that grab my interest instantly and that's what The Hunger Games did. Tana French's books do that too.

What about the upcoming film adaptation? I'll probably go see it with the aforementioned colleagues who've also read the books. Why not? I don't revere the books the way I have with other novels, so there is no harm. I think because I listened to them all in quick succession I didn't visualize the stories fully or get caught up in specific characters. I was just focusing on hearing the story while walking home from work. It's almost like when I watch the Twilight movies, except I didn't read those books because they sound horrible. I like being a part of some cultural phenomenons around me. Except for the tomfoolery around the Titanic film over ten years ago, but that's a story for another day.

--KER

The Lover's Dictionary

David Levithan's The Lover's Dictionary is an original new novel with a new twist on love and relationships. Using the format of dictionary definitions; word, part of speech and definition, The Lover's Dictionary offers vignettes and sentiments as perspectives on relationships. The reader gets glimpses into a few different couples and their circumstances. Occasionally elements of one 'definition' will be repeated in a different way in connection with a different word, providing a familiar frame, but a vastly changed outcome. In some instances, the reader can thread together a number of words to illustrate the life of one relationship. As a whole, each piece offers a way of viewing our relationships, partners and lovers. Very enjoyable, quick read that can be returned to over and over.

--KER

Why 'Footloose' is most fun you'll have at the movies all year

Let's be real here, if you don't enjoy movies ironically or never got a kick out of the antics of the MST3K guys, then you may not agree with me. But let's say you love rifftrax AND you grew up on the Footloose soundtrack, then I think you need to race to the closest movie theatre and watch the remake of Footloose. To borrow from another dance movie that's been remade, you'll have the time of your life!

A little background: long before I saw the Kevin Bacon classic or even knew the name Kevin Bacon, I knew the musical stylings of Kenny Loggins & Co. from the Footloose soundtrack. My mom used to play it while getting us to help her clean the house. I knew all the words to all the songs and I thought 'Almost Paradise' was the most romantic song ever. [If you are interested, I also knew all the words to several Rod Stewart songs and my brother and I had a full lip sync/dance number to Stevie Wonder's 'I Just Called to Say I love You' -- from the RECORD.] Ahem, when I finally did see Footloose, which I did not realize was a movie until I was at least ten, I remember watching the opening sequence with my brother and feverishly dancing along, so excited that all my favorite songs were on the big screen! Of course I loved the original; I already loved the music, what more did I need!?!

Given my history, I was poised to love/hate Footloose remake. I saw the trailers and everytime one came on I'd think "that looks like Footloose, except it looks too ridiculous." Turns out, I was right. But it was AWESOME. No really, I loved the movie! It was funny on purpose and not on purpose with the terrible scriptwriting. The rifftrack practically writes itself. The poor actor/dancers are better dancers than actors, which is nice, but make all the talking parts delightfully funny. While the framing of the story could have been better updated to reflect present day concerns a bit more, I can let that go. It's Footloose -- a movie premise based on the idea that an entire town would ban dancing due to a teenage drunk driving accident. Overall the dancing was good and most of the updated soundtrack added to the tone. I didn't enjoy the selection for Ren's 'angry dance' scene and I wished there'd been more riffs on the original.

Setting all faults aside; this is how updated remakes should be. The original movie is not lofty and neither is the remake. This film knows what it is: fluff. The remake maintains all the fun of the original while putting on a fresh coat of paint and changing up a few of the details. Plus, parts of it were so ridiculous I laughed so hard I cried. I don't think that's happened at the movies since I went to see High School Musical 3. So go! Have fun! Laugh with your friends until your sides hurt and then go out for ice cream and re-cast all your favorite '80s movies.

--KER

Ghost Rider: only watch it with Rifftrax

I did not grow up reading comic books or following super heroes. They are not particularly interesting to me, but watching Ghost Rider (not to be confused with the children's show Ghostwriter) with the rifftrack was perfect! Those MST3K guys had 'Nicholas Cage' join them. And if you love Nicholas Cage for all his receding hair is worth, this rifftrax combo is for you. As a bonus, Sam 'grizzled' Elliot is also in the movie AND Nick Cage's head catches on fire (spoiler alert: he doesn't die, sorry to disappoint).

Just had to share how much fun this movie is with the rifftrack!

--KER

Anya's Ghost

I love ghost stories. I love stories of haunted houses, spooky encounters, and ghostly meetings. When I saw a book with “ghost” in the title, I requested it from the library without even reading a single review. Because of this, I had no expectations and this graphic novel certainly exceeded any that I did have.

Anya is the epitome of misunderstood; her mother wants to fatten her up with traditional Russian cuisine, her best and only friend makes fun of her crushes, and school is far from being a cake walk. One day, while on her way to school, she falls into a well where she meets a friendly ghost. Emily, the ghost, has been trapped in the well for 90 years and can’t wait to escape with Anya. The two become fast friends until Emily’s guidance takes a nasty turn. Anya must uncover Emily’s past before Anya’s future is jeopardized.

This graphic novel has very few flaws. The illustrations are in grays, blacks, purples, and whites which become progressively oppressive as the story becomes darker. Anya is a very relate-able character as she is your typical fish out of water teen. I think teen readers will sympathize with Anya and when Emily starts to improve Anya’s life, readers may even be envious that they don’t have a ghostly pal. However, a dark twist occurs that causes Anya to give thanks for her typical teenage life. Thus causing the reader to do the same. I found the investigations into Emily’s past to be the most interesting aspect of the graphic novel. Overall, this graphic novel teaches a good lesson while remaining interesting and a bit eerie.

-DLP

Renoir: Luncheon of the Boating Party

I have a confession to make. I was never very interested in paintings or art that wasn't performed. Oh sure, I find paintings and artwork interesting when I am at a museum, but as an interest to pursue on my own time? Not so much. My book club selection Susan Vreeland's Luncheon of the Boating Party as our next read and for those of you with a bit more knowledge of fine art than I will instantly recognize this as a reference to the Renoir painting. Naturally I did not and having missed the meeting when this book was picked, I blithely picked up a copy at the library not knowing what I was getting into. This happens to me all the time with book club.

The description: "Instantly recognizable, Auguste Renoir’s masterpiece depicts a gathering of his real friends enjoying a summer Sunday on a café terrace along the Seine near Paris. A wealthy painter, an art collector, an Italian journalist, a war hero, a celebrated actress, and Renoir’s future wife, among others, share this moment of la vie moderne, a time when social constraints were loosening and Paris was healing after the Franco-Prussian War. Parisians were bursting with a desire for pleasure and a yearning to create something extraordinary out of life. Renoir shared these urges and took on this most challenging project at a time of personal crises in art and love, all the while facing issues of loyalty and the diverging styles that were tearing apart the Impressionist group. Narrated by Renoir and seven of the models and using settings in Paris and on the Seine, Vreeland illuminates the gusto, hedonism, and art of the era. With a gorgeous palette of vibrant, captivating characters, she paints their lives, loves, losses, and triumphs in a brilliant portrait of her own."

This novel did pique my interest in Impressionism, the painters who formed the theory and Renoir (sort of), but it didn't do much more than that. I spent some time googling Renoir and Degas. And then a bit of time looking up Salvador Dali because for some reason I kept picturing 'The Persistence of Memory' whenever I read Degas name. Stop looking at me like that. I already told you Art and Art History were not my thing.

To me this novel read like a supplement to a unit in a high school class. Granted we never spent much time on the Franco-Prussian War and the state of Paris after the war, but if we did I imagine my syllabus might include this novel to provide a flavor of the culture. What I mean is, Susan Vreeland isn't doing anything particularly interesting as a literary author, nor is she providing a compelling new take on the artistic process. In fact, the artistic process here falls flat. Renoir feels inspired to paint. He does. He has some angst as all true artists do. He loves women. Blah, blah. So what? What are you telling me that is new? Nothing. Except that I didn't know much about Impressionism before I read this book and I don't really know much more about it now. And that's the big problem, Vreeland leaves most of the politicis, in-fighting and backstabbing off the table. It's not an intricate study of la vie moderne as it claims to be. It's a methodical account of the time during which Renoir painted 'Luncheon of the Boating Party' and it's sort of told from the perspective of the other models, but I kept forgetting that was a technique until a rare chapter started that didn't sound like we were following around Renoir. Snooze.

I was grateful for the replications of the painting so that I could follow along as figures were added and that made it like a fun puzzle. But I got the same satisfaction from reading about the painting on Wikipedia.

I can't tell you what to read that might do this particular genre/topic better, but if you have recommendations, please tell me. I like having my horizons broadened through literature, this just didn't really do it.

--KER

The Terrible Axe-Man of New Orleans

I really enjoy the 20th Century Murder Series, even though I have only read three. They have a way of condensing the materials surrounding an unsolved murder and making them accessible to the general public. Yet, the illustrations and many times the stories are very similar. It is for this reason that I read them sparingly. When I saw that they had published a piece on the ax murderer of New Orleans, I just had to get my hands on it.

The graphic novel begins with a brief history of New Orleans which helps to give context to the murders. Additionally, it works as an abbreviated history lesson that is both informative and interesting. In 1918, Joseph and Catherine Maggio were murdered in their bed. The murders were similar to those committed seven years prior when an Italian couple who owned a grocery store were murdered in their beds. In both of the crimes, the houses were broken into by dislodging a panel of wood in the front door and the victims were killed by axes. When similar crimes continue to erupt in New Orleans, the entire city is put on alert and the question is asked “who is the axe murderer and when will he stop?”

I felt that the illustrations in this installment were actually better than those in other graphic novels in the series. The graphics seemed more intricate and interesting. Unlike most graphic novels, the illustrations aren’t exactly needed because the text tells the entire story. Yet, the text is quite dry and almost seems as if it is taken directly from court transcripts. Therefore, the graphics make the novel much more enticing to readers. I would certainly recommend this graphic novel and might even tell readers to start with this one when reading the series.

-DLP

The Arctic Marauder

Let me preface by saying that the illustrations in this graphic novel are by far some of the best pieces of artwork that I have ever seen! When artwork this good is placed next to text, the story pales in comparison. Such is the case with this graphic novel.

A ship is sailing peacefully in the arctic when a crewman spots another ship perched atop an iceberg. The captain from the first ship sends a dinghy out to the stranded ship in hopes of saving the passengers or at least discovering how the ship got there. When they arrive, they find that all of the crewman on the stranded ship have frozen at their posts. The men turn around in time to see their own ship explode before their eyes. Their future seems beyond bleak and the perched ship sends them on a mysterious journey.

In many ways, the story is classic Steampunk. The graphic novel is in an oversized format which perfectly fits the larger than life tale. The drawings are absolutely beautiful and far outshines the writing, which is also lovely. I truly wanted to love this graphic novel and while I adored the drawings, I did not fall in love with the overall package. Therefore, I have to give it three stars as I found the story confusing and secondary to the illustrations.

-DLP

Hades: Lord of the Dead

I love mythology. From the first time my parents read to me stories of Zeus, Aphrodite, and Hera...I was completely hooked. So whenever I see a new book out on any of my Mount Olympus friends, I just have to own it. If there is anything I love more than mythology, it’s the stories of Hades; he is by far my favorite male god. When I came upon this graphic novel about Hades, I just knew I had to read it. While it wasn’t what I was expecting, I did enjoy it and think that it will appeal to many young adult readers.

When spunky, smart, and sassy Kore is taken hostage by Hades, she is irritated and a little nervous. While her mother, Demeter, becomes frantic looking for Kore, Kore discovers that the underworld may not be so bad. In fact, she comes to love Hades and his dark world. But when her mother comes to retrieve her, Kore has a big decision to make one that will change her forever.

The beginning of the story is told in the second person “you” and is almost presented as driving directions for the underworld. The author leads the reader through the river Styx and through the various layers of the underworld all the while pointing out important people and other myths that exist in the dark world. The illustrations of this place are dark in mostly blues, blacks, and purples. The mood is eerie and at times unsettling. The reader is then treated to an overview of Mount Olympus, certain gods who will be featured in the story, and an introduction to the rift between the Mount Olympus gods and those of the underworld. This is very helpful to readers who are new to mythology, need some brushing up or were never taught of the gods.

I believe that the intended audience is young adults specifically middle schoolers. The language isn’t juvenile but it certainly isn’t adult. Additionally, the entire story reads like a storyboard for a movie possibly even a Disney movie. By writing it in such a way, I think that author is trying to make the myths appeal to a younger audience. For young boys, they will find the women in the novel attractive and humorous. For the young girls, they will relate to the relationship between Demeter and Kore. In addition, they may see themselves in Kore as she much more of a contemporary girl who voices her opinions and isn’t scared of authority. All of these aspects make the traditional story have a much more modern feel. While I wasn’t ecstatic about this, anything that can get youngins interested in mythology is fantastic to me!

Overall, I have to give this graphic novel three stars. I thought that the author tried to cover a bit too much ground in only 80 pages. While it was interesting to see the myth have some new life breathed into it I believe it is a good supplement to the original though not a substitute. The discussion questions at the end are great and include some fantastic talking points that I think will be very helpful to teachers. I would absolutely buy this for my niece in middle school, but as a graphic novel for adults...I think it falls a bit flat.

-DLP

Spoon River for the Stage

I am a huge lover of Spoon River Anthology! It is by far one of my favorite books. So when I heard that it had been turned into a play, I was a bit suspicious but also curious. I was pleasantly surprised. Though nothing can compete with the original!

Basically, this play picks up where the play “Our Town” left off. For those who have not read “Spoon River Anthology”, it takes place in a town cemetery in which every inhabitant of the cemetery gets a chance to speak about their life and death. These soliloquies are compact and are typically about ten lines of free verse poems. Many of the poems are connected with others as the majority of the inhabitants of the cemetery are related to others. Due to this, each verse gives a clearer picture of the town’s residents as well as the town itself.

In regards to the play, each poem is read by its subject which include adulterers, bastards, widows, town drunks, murderers, and a whole gang of colorful residents. Similar to “Our Town”, there is minimal stage direction which places the focus of the play on the story’s strong and emotional content (where it belongs). That being said, there are few interactions between characters but those that do occur are pivotal. The poems in the play are only a selection from the original book but they are still very moving and just as dark and depressing as the original book. Despite the serious tales, there are a few glimmers of hope.

-DLP

Unraveling Anne

Today seems to be the era of the memoir and while I adore reading, I do not also adore  memoirs. However, I am always willing to be proven wrong and recently...I have been proven wrong many many times! I was on a memoir high when I decided to take a stab at this one. The synopsis that the published released sounded very appealing to me because it sounded a great deal like mine and my mother’s life with some of our relatives. I found a great deal of closure in this memoir for myself and even lent the book to other members of my family. Unfortunately, for the average memoir-reader, I don’t know that this book would be that appealing.

To say that the author Laurel Saville had a tumultuous relationship with her mother, Anne, is to say that the Crusades were unpleasant. Laurel begins her mother’s story by telling of Anne was found murdered in possibly sexually assaulted in an abandoned building in West Hollywood. Upon hearing this news, Laurel decides to shelf the matter as dealing with her and her mother’s past will only hurt Laurel. When Laurel’s father becomes ill, she finally decides that it is time to come to terms with her mother’s death and her life. Laurel decides to research her mother’s murder and in doing so pulls the curtain back on her own damaged childhood. She writes about the long line of destructive and abusive men that tramped through her mother’s life; the fluctuating emotions that her mother had when drinking (and she was always drinking); and her inevitable decision to move to the other side of the country in hopes of releasing herself from her mother’s grasp. Anne’s erratic behavior, narcissistic nature, and inability to raise her children led to fractured family in which Anne was always the child and expected to be taken care of by either her grandparents or children.

While it is difficult to read such a story, it is even more arduous to have any kind of compassion of sympathy for Anne. Yet, Laurel is not the kind to be victimized or vilify her mother. Instead, she presents the facts and makes sure that the reader understands that they are presented from her point of view. Additionally, she presents the memoir in an anti-chronology. Instead of starting with her birth or her mother’s upraising, she begins with her mother’s death. She then jumps around in time between her childhood, her adulthood, Anne’s childhood, and Laurel’s adolescence. For some readers, this may be distracting and difficult to understand. However, I thought that is matched the memoir perfectly. She presents her stories as memories which are no sequential. It might make it harder for the reader, but it’s more true to life and memory.

While I was pretty entranced by the memoir, I cannot fully endorse it. The reason being that I don’t know how many people will really enjoy. As I previously stated, I could relate to the story and therefore found it merits. For those who have not had a fractured family such as Laurel’s, you may find the memoir self-indulgent or even tedious. Additionally, this is not a memoir specifically about Anne so if you are looking for a story about the dark side of Hollywood as seen through the eyes of a 1960s model...this is not the book for you. This is just as much Laurel’s memoir as it is her mother’s. Personally, I think that the book could benefit from some photographs. Many of the descriptions of Anne focus on her great beauty and eventual disintegration, similar to Dorian Gray. Unfortunately, there aren’t any photographs to back this up. I was able to find some online, but it’s a bit of a hassle when they easily could have been printed in the book. Lastly, while the writing was beautiful and I found the story to have worth, it seemed more like a personal project that had somehow been published. I am sure it was a catharsis for Laurel but I don’t know how well it will play out with larger audiences. I do believe it has a future, I am just unsure what or where that is.

-DLP

The Reservoir

Let me get this out in the open first: I love southern literature, I love southern writers, and I can’t get enough of books set in the South. So when I heard John Milliken Thompson speak, I knew that I had to be first in line for his novel. I read it the first time when it had just come out and I have to say that I felt a bit bogged down. There seemed to be a lot of characters and descriptions that I could have done without. Two days ago, I picked it up again because it was the only book in my car and I needed something to read. I have to say that my second reading was nothing like my first!! I found the novel to be incredibly compelling, the descriptions placed me right in the action, and the characters were fantastic.

When a young woman is found floating dead in the reservoir, the officials in the sleepy town assume that it is a suicide. Upon closer examination, they find that not only was it a homicide but the young woman was pregnant! The little town goes wild as nearly every resident tramps through the local almshouse to see the body of this mysterious woman.The novel then cuts to Tommie, the murderer, who is the beloved son in his family. As a college-educated, soon to be lawyer, he far surpasses his brother, William, who is kind and gentle but far from scholastic. The story continues to bounce between Tommie, William, and various towns members as the tension builds and Tommie is brought back to the sleepy town where he possibly committed unforgivable acts.

Some have described this novel as a mystery but I believe that to be a misnomer. It’s no more a mystery than “To Kill a Mockingbird” is. Some have described it as a courtroom drama. I also believe this to be false as it is no more a courtroom drama than “Midwives” is. It is, however, an enthralling piece of historical fiction about the post Civil War years. Even more important, it is a story about family, kinship, and community. Tommie’s guilt or innocence is not the driving force of the story. Instead, it is his relationship with his brother, his aunt, and himself that truly make the novel. The fact that the novel was based on an actual case is fascinating but not surprising as Thompson’s descriptions feel so real and almost tangible. In many ways, I reminded me a great deal of “Midwives” in which the driving force of the novel isn’t the character’s guilt or innocence but the overall concept of guilt and innocence and the many ways in which a person can be put on trial.

-DLP

A Classic Makes a Return Appearance: The Tunnel

I am extremely disappointed that this is the first I have come across Ernesto Sabato because he is FANTASTIC! He has been compared to Gogol, Camus, Mann, and Greene and he certainly deserves that place amongst the greats. For the first time in almost 30 years, “The Tunnel” is being reprinted and it would behoove you to pick up a copy. I’m only thinking out for you on this one!

Though it was written in 1948, the story couldn’t be more contemporary. The narrator, Juan Pablo Castel, is a successful artist who falls for a woman he sees at one of his exhibits. His adoration for her quickly becomes obsession and eventually paranoia which could put his love and life at risk.

The story is exceptional. It is dark, eerie, and has a very heavy atmosphere. Basically, it’s everything that I look for in a book. The language is sublime and not a single word is wasted. Still, the most amazing aspect of the book is the narration. At first, it seems very straight-forward in which Castel speaks directly to the reader about his past infractions. However, it quickly becomes clear that Castel is not a reliable narrator and his paranoia has made him delusional. Therefore, the novel changes from being about a heinous act and becomes a psychological drama that spirals further and further into Castel’s own psychosis. It is beautiful!

-DLP

Lincoln, Inc.: Selling the Sixteenth President in Contemporary America

Because of Lincoln’s assassination, he has been heralded as a hero and anyone who disagrees is viewed as anti-American. Lincoln is the American Dream personified and because of that, he is idealized in all mediums from TV, movies, biographies, novels, t-shirts, and bobble heads to just name a few. This idolization is similar to that of Che Guevara. however, it’s to an even greater extent with Lincoln because he died almost 150 years ago and yet teachers still teach their students to act like him.

The author also hypothesizes that maybe how we view Lincoln is actually how we want to be viewed. He was born in the rags of lower class Kentucky and made it to the riches of being president. He brought people together during trying times, played peacemaker, and reunited a torn country. Clearly, we have turned him into a character with Mary Todd Lincoln acting as the antagonist. As the times change, historians and scholars have “dug up” new information on Lincoln such as his possible issues with depression and closeted homosexuality. The author explains that perhaps we’re fascinated with these new aspects about Lincoln’s character because we’re dealing with these issues today. However, we are doing an injustice to Lincoln by using him as the poster child for America and the American Dream. Due to this, we have never had a truthful portrait of the 16th president and maybe we never will.

The author’s views and opinions are fascinating and possibly groundbreaking. Shee has certainly made me a believer in her thesis. Her evidence is overwhelming and at times the reader wants to hit his/her head for not seeing something so obvious on their own. For the first half of the book, I was completely hooked. However, it eventually became a bit redundant and I felt as if I was progressively being hit over the head. Each chapter focuses on a different way that we “sell” Lincoln which is interesting and insightful but also overwhelming. For sociologists, anthropologists, and history buffs, this book is for you! For Lincoln-lovers, it is essential reading even if it might piss you off.

-DLP

The Summer of '39

Wow. That’s all I can say. I finished this novel about two weeks ago and it’s taken this long for me to put my words on the page. This novel is fantastic in the way that only good literature can be; it’s dark, depressing, exquisitely written and filled with compelling characters. My only disappointment is that it took me this long to read it!

Nancy is part of an old Boston brahman family where she has been ignored and abused by her family. When her brother dies during WWI, Nancy’s life becomes exponentially worse. Her only solace comes when she visits her aunt and uncle in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Sadly, when these visits end, Nancy’s mother sends her to NYC. Once there, she meets Chance. Chance is the epitome of bohemian Greenwich Village (he runs his own publishing company from the printing press in his apartment). But when  the couple becomes entranced by philosophical poet Isabel March, there are violent and destructive repercussions for the whole family.

I have to say that when I finished the novel I was even more depressed than at the conclusion of “The Bell Jar”. I had so many complex feelings that it has taken me two weeks to sort through them. While I found the story to be incredibly disturbing, it truly is great literature. The writing is just about flawless, the characters are deep, and the language is beautiful. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book! But if you’re depressed by the end...don’t say I didn’t warn you.

-DLP

Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea

This book is the complete package; sorrowful, humorous, inspiring, dark and filled with love. I believe that this is Morgan Rogers’ first novel and it couldn’t be better. She has already been compared to Fannie Flagg and Elizabeth Stroud but I will go out on a limb and say that she is better!

Florine Gilham is an only child living in a coastal village in Maine during the 1960s. She has a motley crew of friends who also grew up on “The Point” with whom she gets into trouble, falls into love, and leans on in times of need. When Florine’s mother goes missing, Florine’s entire world is thrown upside down. Florine and her father disagree about the grieving process which further alienates her from what is left of her family. She moves in with her paternal grandmother where she finds the love and acceptance that she craves. Sadly, her relationship with loss and grief is not done with Florine or her family.

When trying to explain this novel to others, I describe it as “The Wonder Years” meets “Stand By Me”. It captures all of the hope, security, and love of the 1950s and 1960s while always hinting at the changing times and future hardships. The setting of coastal Maine is perfect as Rogers compares the simple lives of the year-round residents with the glamorous lifestyle of the seasonal visitors. In doing so, she investigates issues of class, familial relationships, and the meaning of home. Her characters are wonderfully dynamic while remaining real. At times you disagree with their stances, dislike their attitudes, and become angry with their choices. Yet, you can’t help but love them. When you come to the last page, I’m certain you’ll be as sad as I was to have to say goodbye to the characters and The Point. You’ll want to re-read it all over again...

-DLP

Everything We Ever Wanted

In the past five months, I have read four books about high school scandals. There must be something in the air that has turned so many people’s attention to these events. Of course bullying is in the forefront of everyone’s mind these days and I think that many of these books do justice to such a complicated topic. Unfortunately, there are other novels that fall short and do not add anything to this canon of literature. Sadly, Sara Shepard’s “Everything We Ever Wanted” is one of these works.

The story is told from various viewpoints within the Bates-McAllister family. First, is the matriarch of the family, Sylvie Bates-McAllister whose family established a private prep school in Pennsylvania. Two months after her husband dies, Sylvie receives a phone call from the headmaster of the school informing her that her son has been involved in a hazing situation. Sylvie’s son, Scott, is the school’s wrestling coach and was in fact adopted by the Bates-McAllister’s when he was young. Due to this, he has never felt like he fit in with the rich and famous with whom he was raised. Sylvie’s other son, Charles, is devastated that once again his adopted brother has dragged the family name through the mud. Watching all of this unfold is Charles’ new wife who has strived most of her life to become a Bates-McAllister and still is made to feel on the outs. The family must attempt to come together during this time and face their past demons in order to save their name, the school, and their family.

Clearly, there is a lot going on in this novel. I would like to say that it is handled well...but it’s not. There are far too may issues for a book that is under 300 pages and with characters that lack any development. The plot is horrifically predictable which would not be such an issue if the characters were more realistic and grew during the novel. The relationships portrayed are very thin and therefore hinder the novel from progressing or being meaningful. Though one can easily see where the book is leading you, there are many questions left unanswered. However, this is not like other pieces of literature where you mull over the ending and discuss with friends what really happened. Instead, this is as if you’re doing a crossword puzzle and someone forgot the clue for 39 across...you can still figure out the answer but it’s annoying and you lose interest. Personally, I will not be recommending this to any friend, book group, or family member. I give it two stars because I believe Shepard could make this into a decent young adult book, but there’s nothing here that hasn’t already been done...and done better.

-DLP

I Used to Know That: Geography

Even though I hold a major in History, I haven’t taken a geography class since the 6th grade. Clearly, I had a lot to learn...or remember. This book single-handedly brought me up to date and gave me some great factoids to throw around.

Though this book is thin, it packs in some great information. The authors note that geography actually includes aspects of history, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, geology, etc. In an effort to prove this, they describe important historical events such as the dust bowl and some current events such as the recent tsunami. Of course there are some dry parts, but the “geo gems” really spice up the material and certainly made me turn to Google a couple of times to find out more. There was plenty that I remembered from those old geography lessons but I am sure that every reader will discover something new. I am not sure what reading level this book is geared to, but I am certain that readers of all ages will enjoy this book.


-DLP

Chills and cheap thrills: The Wedding Gift

If there is ever a time to read this book, it is now! A haunted house, cursed family legacy, and generations of secrets make this novel the perfect read for Halloween. Of course it is not fine literature, and at times it seemed a bit sluggish but overall it’s a book meant for this season.

Narrator, Leeann Worthier, is the prettiest girl in town even if she isn’t from the most prestigious family. As a senior in high school, she spends her time cheering and hanging out with friends. That is until she meets George Willets who is the son of the wealthiest man in town. Once George sets his eyes on Leeann, there is no getting away from him. When Leeann announces that she’s pregnant, George defies his parents and marries her. Together, they move into the notorious Willets Mansion where George’s uncle, aunt, and cousins were murdered years ago. Leeann is hesitant to move in because her brother died at the mansion when she was younger. Still, she doesn’t want to turn down her chance of living on a giant estate. Unfortunately for Leeann, the rumors about the mansion being haunted are true and it’s not long before she becomes the victim.

This novel certainly gives its fair share of chills. The atmosphere is eerie, the setting is perfectly gothic, and the characters are straight out of a horror movie. Still, it has its weaknesses; the characters are thin and Leeann is oftentimes annoying, the plot is formulaic, and the relationships are a bit contrived. It is by no means Poe or Lovecraft, but there were certainly times where I had chills and had trouble falling to sleep. Overall, this is the prefect read for the perfect season.

-DLP