May 23 2021

Evelyn Evelyn, by Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley

Evelyn Evelyn

Evelyn Evelyn, by Amanda Palmer

Title: Evelyn Evelyn
Author: Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Fantasy.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

“There are people who think that things that happen in fiction do not really happen. Those people are wrong.” @neilhimself
Evelyn Evelyn is the dark and disturbing story of conjoined twins, from their tragic birth during which both their parents and their doctor die, and through numerous dysfunctional “homes”, for want of a better word. The backstory of the musical act of Evelyn Evelyn, who bear a striking resemblance to @amandapalmer and Jason Webley, this graphic novel in 2 parts is illustrated in a beautifully dark gothic/ comic style by @cynthiavonbuhler, and is a compelling and beautiful read, if not an easy one. Trigger warnings: religious fanaticism, child pornography and trafficking, animal cruelty

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 64/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels, Serious Adulty Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 21 2021

Jo: An adaptation of Little Women (sort of), by Kathleen Gros

Jo: An adaptation of Little Women (sort of)

Jo: An adaptation of Little Women (sort of), by Kathleen Gros

Title: Jo: An adaptation of Little Women (sort of)
Author: Kathleen Gros
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Middle grade. Little Women adaptation. Queer fiction.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Little Women was one of my favourite stories growing up, and I always wanted to be Jo. In her I saw a feminist icon with a passion for stories, long before I understood what it meant to be a feminist. I read the book, I spent countless hours watching the 1949 movie version with my grandparents, and I’ve held this story close to my heart for as long as I can remember. Today, I fell in love with another adaptation of it. Jo: An adaptation of Little Women (sort of), by @kagcomix, is a joyful middle grade graphic novel that portrays the March girls as contemporary school kids, finding their own way in the world and celebrating each other’s strengths and interests. Jo joins the school paper, and meets Freddie – and things get complicated when Jo’s best friend Laurie tells her he likes her. But Jo doesn’t have the same feelings for him – or for any boy. In fact, she thinks she might have a crush on Freddie.
This is as sweet and wholesome as you’d expect an adaptation of Little Women to be. I was thankful that it’s a loose adaptation, so whilst there is reference to Beth having been sick in the past, and having follow-up treatments to ensure she stays well, we don’t get to see her any tragic ending for her in this retelling. A sweet, lovely, and heartwarming introduction to younger readers not familiar with Alcott’s classic tale, and for those hard-core fans alike.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 63/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Children's Books, Graphic Novels | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 17 2021

Check Please! Book 2, Sticks and Scones, by Ngozi Ukazu

Check Please! Book 2, Sticks and Scones

Check Please! Book 2, Sticks and Scones, by Ngozi Ukazu

Title: Check Please!
Author: Ngozi Ukazu
Genre/ issues: Graphic novels. Hockey. Queer fiction.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

A perfect book to finish reading on #idahobit – Check Please! Book 2, Sticks and Scones by @ngoziu. Whilst book 1 was about Eric Bittle finding himself, book 2 is firmly about him announcing himself. Figuring out how to navigate the complexities of his new relationship that isn’t yet open to the world – or his parents. Dealing with what happens when a celebratory kiss makes a splash in the media. And, thankfully, discovering that sometimes, people will surprise you … Bitty’s mum DOES get upset when he finally confesses something to her, but it’s not what you think …
a delightful book, featuring authentic jock characters with a refreshing diversity of interests and opinions. I’m so glad I finally got to read this series!
Also, this hammock hotel is legit awesome.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 60/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels, YA Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 14 2021

Check Please! Book 1 #hockey, by Ngozi Ukazu

Check Please! Book 1 #hockey

Check Please! Book 1 #hockey, by Ngozi Ukazu

Title: Check Please! Book 1 #hockey
Author: Ngozi Ukazu
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Hockey. Queer fiction.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Whilst my go-to place to hang out on any university campus is always the library, the TL Robertson Library at Curtin is under renovations, and with half of the floor space being out of action, what’s left is quite rightly focused on study spaces. So, on a cool Friday afternoon, I parked myself in one of these sun lounges out the front of the library, and finished this gem of a graphic novel, which I gave to @thegeekymonkey for Christmas and then they kindly let me borrow to read. Check, Please! Book 1: #hockey, by @ngoziu, is narrated by Bittle, a sweet southern ice skater turned hockey player (yay athletic scholarships!) who vlogs and tweets his way through his first couple of years at Samwell University. He’s an adorable sweet queer blogger, tweeter and baker, whose teammates all adopt him as their little brother and supplier of pies. Of course, there’s romance – and a crush on the star of the team.
Ukazu presents a beautiful message of acceptance, in a queer love story revolving around sportsing that’s mercifully free of homophobia. A much-needed heartwarming read today!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 59/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels, YA Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 13 2021

School For Extraterrestrial Girls: Girl on Fire, by Jeremy Whitley and Jamie Noguchi

School For Extraterrestrial Girls: Girl on Fire

School For Extraterrestrial Girls: Girl on Fire, by Jeremy Whitley and Jamie Noguchi

Title: School For Extraterrestrial Girls: Girl on Fire
Author: Jeremy Whitley
Illustrator: Jamie Noguchi
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Sci-fi.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

A great read, and a great set of steps! School For Extraterrestrial Girls: Girl on Fire is the first in a middle grade graphic novel series by @jrome58 and @jamienoguchi about a boarding school for alien teenagers who have found themselves living on Earth. Tara has always wanted to be extraordinary – but spontaneously combusting in the middle of math class probably wasn’t what she had in mind! After the shock discovery that she is, in fact, an alien, she has the choice to be deported to a far off planet, or to attend the School for Extraterrestrial Girls, where she still leans maths and science, but also galaxy civics and controlling (and accepting!) her powers. This is a super-fun graphic novel – the highlight for me is definitely Kat, the feline alien who lives for snuggles and drama, and who wears a Jellicle AF sweater. Gold!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 58/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Children's Books, Graphic Novels | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 9 2021

The Old Guard Book 2: Force Multiplied, by Greg Rucka

The Old Guard Book 2: Force Multiplied

The Old Guard Book 2: Force Multiplied, by Greg Rucka

Title: The Old Guard Book 2: Force Multiplied
Author: Greg Rucka
Genre/ issues: Comics. Sci-fi.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

@ruckawriter is rapidly becoming one of my favourite comic writers, and The Old Guard Book 2: Force Multiplied does not disappoint. I’ll try to be as spoiler-free as possible given that it’s book 2, and you should really read book 1 first. The premise of the Old Guard is that our main characters cannot die. Mostly. Whilst book 1 deals with the nature of this almost immortality, and how different people handle this throughout the decades/ centuries/ millennia, volume 2 sees a deeper exploration of the nature of guilt, regret, redemption and forgiveness. With all the first action you’d expect of the first instalment, along with the glorious dark humour of Rucka’s that makes this story so engaging, this is a cracker of a follow-up to a sensational limited run series. @leandrofernandezart’s art is sensational, and the colouring by @danielamiwa is next-level stunning. I really hope we get to see this translated into the screen, assuming it’s as good an adaption as the first one was.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 51/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels, Serious Adulty Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 1 2021

Heartstopper Volume 4, by Alice Oseman

Heart Stopper Volume 4

Heart Stopper Volume 4, by Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper Volume 4
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Queer fiction. Mental health.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

I read volumes 1 to 3 of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper in one sitting last year, so when this beautiful thing arrived I knew I’d be devouring it quickly. It did not disappoint. Heartstopper Volume 4 begins with a content warning for mental health, specifically anorexia and self-harm, and a link to additional information if you think you need to know more before reading. I love this – whilst I’m passionate about the need for authentic representation of mental health issues in fiction, I also know the trauma that can be caused if you read something you’re not quite in the right mental space to engage with. If you are prepared, though, this book is a wonder. Nick and Charlie’s relationship is developing, and Charlie struggles with how he should tell his boyfriend that he loves him. Nick, meanwhile, is struggling with how he can best support Charlie through what he thinks is an eating disorder.
Oseman sensitively balances the need to provide accurate and authentic portrayals of the issues surrounding these complex mental health concerns, whilst not delving into overly traumatic or explicit levels of detail. Nick and Charlie’s struggles help them – and us – understand the importance of seeking help when needed, and also the value of having a good, strong support network, whilst emphasising the fact that one person cannot be the hero in situations like this. You can’t save someone from their mental health issues, no matter how much you want to be able to. The responsibility doesn’t lie with you.
This is a beautiful addition to a truly wonderful graphic novel series, and it’s probably my favourite of the four volumes is far. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 46/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels, YA Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 22 2021

Classic Tales as Graphic Novels

The Wind in the Willows and The Wizard of Oz

The Wind in the Willows and The Wizard of Oz

Title: The Wind in the Willows
Author: Russell Punter
Illustrator: Xavier Bonet
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Friendship.

Title: The Wizard of Oz
Author: Russell Punter
Illustrator: Simona Bursi
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Family. Home. 

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

These @usborne_books graphic novel adaptations of some children’s classics are delightful! I only vaguely remember reading Wind in the Willows growing up, but The Wizard of Oz was one of my favourites, and it made my heart happy to revisit them both in these beautifully illustrated graphics. Yay for the silver shoes!!! Sweet, accessible for younger readers, and true to the source material, these would be great introductions to the classics for your middle grade readers – and a great way to get kids hooked on graphic novel, which you know is my jam right now!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 28-29/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Children's Books, Graphic Novels | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 23 2021

Miles Morales

Miles

Miles Morales

Title: Miles Morales
Author:
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Science fiction. Super heroes. Spiderman.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Miles Morales is my favourite Spider-Man, I think. This collection includes comics which present the origin stories of a few other teens with superpowers, and the struggles that these adolescent protagonists experience as they try to navigate their emerging powers with their developing identities, including their often time complicated relationships with family and friends. A really enjoyable read.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 12/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels | LEAVE A COMMENT
January 22 2021

The Sad Ghost Club, by Lize Meddings

Sad Ghost Club

The sad ghost club, by Lize Meddings

Title: The Sad Ghost Club
Author: Lize Meddings
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Mental health.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

The Sad Ghost Club, by Lize Meddings. Sometimes you read a book and feel so completely seen. This book did that for me. A graphic novel which looks at the experience of a central character who drifts through their life feeling like a ghost – anxious about how to fit in, mentally rehearsing conversations that might never happen, finding excuses to avoid unfamiliar interactions and situations. They discover another sad ghost who has similar experiences but different perspectives. With lovely illustrations and an authentic and diverse representation of some pervasive mental health issues, it’s a wonderful read. This book came out yesterday – perfect for teen or adult readers interested in nuanced yet accessible representations of mental health in fiction.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 11/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels | LEAVE A COMMENT