Graphic Novel: Adulthood Is a Gift! by Sarah Andersen

The fifth collection of comics in the Sarah's Scribbles series by Sarah Andersen is Adulthood Is a Gift!, which once again contains always humorous, often insightful, and sometimes thought-provoking illustrations about life and what it is to survive in the world today. I am always thrilled to pick these up and laugh at life, and at what I find in these comics that reminds me of myself.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a collection of comics that follows 2021's Oddball. Andersen once again tackles familiar territory of adventures at social events as an introvert; the stress and uncertainty that comes with being an artist; and what cat ownership really entails. Also included are more topical comics dealing with the changes to Twitter, the rise of TikTok, the return of early 2000s fashion, and even the obsession our society has with true crime and serial killers. Near the end, Andersen reflects on the last ten years of her career, how it started, and how she got here. Included are some of her earliest comics, as well as a few pages dedicated to showing how each comic goes from an idea to a finished product. And a delightful inclusion with this book is a page of stickers at the end, because as one of my friends recently pointed out, no one truly ages out of the ability to have fun with stickers.

My Verdict: I have enjoyed all of the collections in the Sarah Scribbles series, but this one may be my favorite. They have all made me laugh out loud, and shake my head, and occasionally roll my eyes and some of the more painful truths. But this one shows more maturity (which makes sense as it has been 10 years since Andersen started this journey), while still being funny and remaining true to what brought such a large audience to Andersen's work in the first place. And her thoughts and reflections at the end of the book provide an interesting look at her process, growth, and some of the lessons she has had to learn along the way. I am happy to be able to slide this one in next to the others on my bookshelf, and am excited to see what follows.

Favorite Comics: There is one comic that employs the phrase "Christian Autumn Girls" and I laughed out loud, because that is certainly a thing. And then there is the comic where a minimalism advocate is stressing the importance of clean lines and empty spaces, while Andersen's character expresses exactly what those of us with large and very full bookshelves think of that kind of advice. But the winner for me - the one that made me laugh out loud the longest and hardest - would be a comic where an aging Andersen with a walker is talking to Death, and his response is so perfect and classic that I may end up printing out this comic and pinning it on my board at work.

Recommended Reading: I of course recommend every book in the Sarah Scribbles series, but also the work of Kate Beaton, and the graphic novel A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat.

Graphic Novel: Courage to Dream by Neal Shusterman

Hearing that Neal Shusterman was coming out with a graphic novel full of stories about the Holocaust was a welcome surprise. If anyone could convey engaging and interesting stories about one of the darkest moments in human history, Shusterman certainly could. So I did not hesitate to grab a copy of Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the Holocaust, with illustrations by Andres Vera Martinez.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic novel containing five fully illustrated stories about the Holocaust. While the stories in the book are fictionalized, they are based on real events in history that took place during World War II, when the Nazis regime attempted to eliminate all Jewish people in Europe. In one story, a window tends to disappear from a house, while also occasionally offering a view of an entirely different world or universe. In another, a young girl receives a strange gift from her dying grandmother, one that allows her to see what might have been if the war had ended differently. And in yet another, a rabbi calls upon a golem to free prisoners from a concentration camp. In between the stories are brief lessons and tales of hope from what actually happened during WWII, allowing for a book that both educates and entertains.

My Verdict: I think I will always lament how graphic novels can be read so quickly and easily. What Shusterman and Martinez have provided are five wondrous stories that are indeed full of hope, while also portraying one of the greatest tragedies to ever happen. It is an interesting feeling to root for the heroes in the these fantastical stories, while also knowing what really happened. I wanted the walking house from the third story to overtake the Nazis soldiers that were attempting to stop the resistance. And my heart hurt for the little girl who simply wanted to look out of window and into a strange universe, though doing so could alert the Nazis to her and her family's presence as they hid. Both kids and adults alike would benefit from these stories.

Favorite Story: I loved the third story, "Spirits of Resistance," in which a group from the resistance is aided by fairy tale and mythical characters such as Baba Yaga, The Great Ziz, and the Chelmites.

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland, as well as Dry, also by Neal Shusterman. 

Graphic Memoir: In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee

Picking up a graphic novel or memoir is always incredibly exciting for me. Every artist has their own style, and the experience can differ so much from reading a traditional book of only words. I was curious about Deb JJ Lee's In Limbo, which chronicles their high school years as someone who emigrated from Korea as a child, and struggles to fit in as a teenager in New Jersey.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic memoir that is told in five parts, and starts with Lee's freshman year of high school. While often feeling invisible, Lee also feels they stand out too much. If it isn't their Korean name, Jung-Jin (which teachers struggle to pronounce before Lee tells them to simply use 'Deborah'), then it is their looks, specifically the eyelids. High school is difficult enough without the tense and strained relationship Lee has with their mother, and after trading in orchestra for art classes, things do seem to get better, before they end up getting worse. The sense of belonging that many teenagers crave is what Lee hopes to find. With a focus on identity and mental health, Lee's four-year journey through high school is told in 300+ pages of carefully drawn illustrations and text.

My Verdict: Most of us do not need further evidence and proof that high school is hard, but Lee's unique perspective and story adds another dimension to what teenagers often go through during those four years. Feeling different enough from the other kids to feel isolated at school, but also not feel safe at home because of a volatile parent, Deborah seems to have nowhere to go. And the struggle of working through changing friendships and social dynamics felt all too real, as every situation is beautifully depicted through Lee's artwork. The pages without text still tell the story just fine, carrying with them all of the weight and emotion that comes with being a frustrated high schooler, and everyday seems harder than the last. It is honest and engaging and worth picking up.

Favorite Moment: I appreciated Lee's choice of placing the words that are spoken in Korean in angle brackets (< >), and leaving the words they did not understand as they would appear if written using the Korean alphabet. 

Recommended Reading: Robin Ha's Almost American Girl is still one of my favorites. 

Graphic Memoir: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

Ah the impulse buy...I actually do not do it nearly as often as people may think. Due to how I work on the blog, my book purchases are pretty planned out, and it is rare that I will see a book at a book store and just buy it on a whim, though it is fun. However, the rules kinda get thrown out of the window when I am at an event or book festival. And it was at this year's LibraryPalooza that I picked up A First Time for Everything, having met author and illustrator Dan Santat the evening before. The summer after middle school, Santat was able to spend some time in Europe, and he talks about the experience in his book.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic memoir set in 1989, and mostly takes place in Europe. In a town outside of Los Angeles, only child Dan Santat stays out of trouble, does his best in school, and helps out his mom at home, as she has lupus which often leaves her tired. When he takes the trip to Europe for the summer, he is convinced it will be a miserable experience, mostly because the same girls that made fun of him at school will also be there. But the trip is full of firsts: first sip of Fanta; first experience with fondue; first time listening to French rap; as well as his first sip of beer; first cigarette; and first time being chased in Germany by a group of thugs. At some point in the middle of it all, Santat starts to like himself a little more, and realizes that maybe high school, along with the rest of his life, does not have to be the same as middle school. 

My Verdict: This is one of those books that not only would benefit every young adult to read, but maybe every adult as well. Even for those that enjoyed middle and/or high school, there is most likely some event from that time period, or group of people, that left behind some bad memory or trauma that is carried into adulthood. Santat addresses those people and memories from his life, giving readers full-colored illustrations of the humiliating events that left him dreading a summer-long trip to Europe. And while the trip itself is amazing, it is not without its own issues and embarrassing moments. But the message remains clear, while also being delivered with the perfect balance of sincerity and humor: it is important to not let others decide how we feel about ourselves, and it is often worth taking chances, even if they are scary.

Favorite Moment: At one moment while riding on the bus to Germany, Santat has an entire conversation with two other girls, but it is all through intense eye contact and facial expressions. Fortunately, he gets the message, and everything works out.

Favorite Character: I do not always choose a favorite character for nonfiction, but this time I choose Helga, the woman Santat stayed with in Germany, who loved to use entirely too much starch when washing people's clothes. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Almost American Girl by Robin Ha.

Graphic Memoir: Ducks by Kate Beaton

In late 2015 and early 2016, I read both of Kate Beaton's comic collections, Hark! A Vagrant, and Step Aside, Pops. It is somewhat difficult for me to describe, but there was something about Beaton's comic timing, and how it came through on the page, that delighted me. I was delighted once again when I discovered that Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, would be available to readers in mid-September. But upon reading the description, I could tell this would be a very different kind of book, one which may include humor, but the point would not be to make readers laugh.

Genre, Themes, History: This graphic memoir chronicles the two years that Beaton worked in the oil sands of Alberta, Canada after graduating college. Starting in 2005, Beaton would make the journey from her home in Nova Scotia on the far East coast of Canada, all the way to the other side of the country, with the promise of good money for hard work. Beaton received a degree in a subject she loved, but did not see what she learned earning her enough money to help pay her student loan debt. So she risked entering a field that was mostly dominated by men, in a place very far from home. While the money did come in, Beaton would experience loneliness, isolation, and near unending harassment from the men around her. And the situation would either get worse, or stay the same as she changed locations, positions, and companies. The question of whether these men were only acting this way because Beaton was only one of the few women on site was something she wrestled with her entire time there. It was only after a year or so in the Beaton would begin working on her comics and set up a website, and this is the passion she continues to pursue today.

My Verdict: Graphic memoirs are something I am trying to read more of, and if any of them are half as interesting, or eye-opening, or even heart-breaking as this one, pursuing more of them can only be a win. First, Beaton spares no detail or story, as this collection clocks in at over 400 pages (most of the graphic memoirs I have read up to this point rarely reach 250 pages). She fully explores the thought process and panic over her student loan debt, which led to her decision to take such a massive leap (at least from my limited view). Beaton also brings up the aforementioned issue of seemingly ordinary men - often men with families back home where they are from - acting the way they did simply because of where they are currently working and the conditions they are subjected to. And there are Beaton's own conflicted feelings when it comes to indicting these men, as they are trying to do the same as her, which is earn money in a landscape where money is hard to get for those from where she grew up. I will issue a trigger warning for this book, as the attention Beaton often received from the males around her was questionable at the best of times...and there seemingly were not that many 'best of times.' But I cannot recommend it enough, and hope many people decide to check it out.

Favorite Moment: During her time in the Albian Sands, Beaton worked with a Warehouse Foreman named Ryan. While Ryan certainly had his own issues, I appreciated his honesty about the situation, often confirming Beaton's own assessments. When asked by a frustrated Beaton whether or not they worked with adults, he plainly states that no, they do not. 

Favorite Quote: "But people kid themselves if they think the only life they're living is somewhere else." - Brent, a mechanic in Aurora.

Recommended Reading: Both Hark! A Vagrant, and Step Aside, Pops made me laugh out loud. But another graphic memoir worth getting ahold of is Almost American Girl by Robin Ha.   

Graphic Novel: Incredible Doom: Volume 2 by Matthew Bogart and Jesse Holden

Oh my graphic novels...so easy to read, hard to put down (even after reaching the end of the story), and often crazy expensive to buy. I mean, I get it, all that work on the illustrations, story, and the actual paper and binding are a project in themselves, but still. I was pleased to see the sequel to last year's Incredible Doom: Volume 1 so soon, as I had a ton of questions, and readers can now catch up with the misfits at Evol House.

The Situation: Time gets weird when you do not go to school...at least that is according to Allison. She has not attended classes since she began living in the attic at Evol House with her boyfriend Samir. After escaping her abusive and overbearing father, Allison is desperate to make this new life work, no matter how chaotic it often is. For Tina, Evol House is really the only option, so she continues to work tirelessly, even if no one else seems to care. And Richard still has not quite cracked the mystery of the bully at school who hates him, seemingly for no reason. 

The Problem: While Tina wonders if life at Evol House is the answer she always believed it was, a new friend provides a potential escape, though it would mean giving up on everything she has worked so hard for. Samir grows less sure that life at Evol House is any better than what everyone had before with each passing day. Granted, he is mostly there because of Allison, but now he worries if it was a mistake helping her get here. Sure, she seems happy, but she is also picking up terrible habits. Her latest adventure gains the attention of Richard's bully, who is more determined than ever to get payback...but for what exactly? Richard must follow clues and speak to various people in order to get answers. Hopefully a solution is found before someone gets seriously hurt.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic novel that continues the story from the first installment, following four teenagers who are now living together in Evol House...an unassuming house where lost kids can find a different kind of family. Most of the kids there found it through the latest tech craze, the internet. It is 1994, and teenagers everywhere are discovering a new favorite pastime, allowing for a different kind of connection that was not possible before. Samir may have a solid home life, but Allison has no plans to return the house she lived in with her mother and manipulative father. For her, Evol House means safety. For Richard, it means protection. And for Tina, it is simply home.

My Verdict: I finished volume 1 desperate for answers, and volume 2 has certainly delivered. With the same simple, but beautiful artwork (honestly, it is perfect for the story it represents and for what the characters are going through), Bogart and Holden present these kids who are navigating problems that they are probably too young to be dealing with, but such is the world they live in. Allison's need for belonging and safety can be felt every time she shows up on the page, as can Samir's concern, and Tina's frustration. I believe that anyone who has ever suffered through high school will be able to find something to identify with here, especially if those years were during the 1990s.

Favorite Moment: There is no one moment in particular, but flashbacks and memories are light blue...something I find to be incredibly effective.

Favorite Character: Last time I picked Allison, but this time I will go with Richard. Instead of simply retaliating, he makes serious attempts to understand what is going on with the boy who insists on hating him.  

Recommended Reading: I recommend the graphic novel for A Wrinkle in Time. It is a great way to revisit a classic.

Graphic Novel: Oddball by Sarah Andersen

It has been far too long since a collection of Sarah's Scribbles has been published. But we can at least now say that 2021 has given us Oddball by Sarah Andersen, and it is another delightful collection of some of her funniest sketches and observations about life as a millennial in these weird times.

Genre, Themes, History: This is Andersen's fourth publication in her Sarah Scribbles collection, with the previous one having been published in 2018. Andersen once again offers up observations that are true (sometimes painfully so) and hilarious, mostly focusing on her own quirks and habits. When Andersen is not poking fun at herself, she pokes light fun at others, with some of the comics looking at the differences between the generations; the comparisons between introverts and extroverts; the reasons why dogs go to heaven and cats...go somewhere else; and then there is the odd comic thrown in about why a medusa would agree to adopt a blind cat. Many who follow Andersen on social media will recognize some of the comics, but being able to pull the collection from their own bookshelves or coffee table will be more than enough motivation to buy it.

My Verdict: I always have the same complaint about graphic novels or collections like these, and that is they are too short and go by too quickly. Granted, with something like this, the point is for it to be enjoyed over and over again. Even so, I always want more. Andersen has a way of poking fun at herself and the world around her that is always delightful. Even the comics that may hit a little too close to home can leave a reader feeling joyful and hopeful. And while the observations about Gen Z, and the truth that memories we millennials are currently creating may not exactly age well when we are our grandparents age, are incredibly funny and enjoyable, I personally love the appearance of the medusa character and would like to see more of her. It is the kind of randomness that will always keep me coming back to these collections.

Favorite Comic: There is one comic in which an obviously scared and cautious Andersen is taking baby steps in an uncertain direction. But after three or four panels of baby step after baby step, she is pleased to realize just how far she has come.

Recommended Reading: I of course recommend the entire Sarah Scribbles collection, but also Kate Beaton's Hark! A Vagrant, and Step Aside, Pops.

Graphic Novel: Incredible Doom by Matthew Bogart and Jesse Holden

Graphic novels always make for a fun change of pace, and I cannot help but feel I have neglected them a bit this year. So I have picked up Incredible Doom by Matthew Bogart and Jesse Holden, which follows four teenagers as they discover the internet, while also finding each other.

The Situation: Allison has spent most of her life helping her stage magician father. He insists that until she is 18, her life is his, and she suffers his anger for the smallest mistakes and disappointments. When her father brings home a new computer, she meets Samir online, and begins to believe there may be another world out there for her. Richard is the new kid at school, and as soon as he walks into his first class, he is labeled a "creeper." When the bullying becomes relentless, he receives assistance from an unlikely friend. Tina may be small, but she is also terrifying, and when she says she will protect someone, she means it. Richard is introduced to the rest of her friends, and when she appears to be in trouble with the police, he hatches a plan to throw them off of her trail.

The Problem: Allison's dad has always told her to never show her legs to boys. So he would be furious if he ever found out she has not only been chatting to a boy online, but that she has already met up with him in real life. And when she decides to run away, her father reaches a new level of furious. When Samir reluctantly agrees to help her out, he also must leave his own house if he wants to keep his friend safe. The two of them must hatch a plan and figure some stuff out if they want Allison to finally be free from her father, but there is another problem. When Allison left her house, she was only in pajamas. And when Samir left his house, he was not wearing any pants at all. It becomes a night of evasion and frustrated plans, but it is one that will eventually bring the four teenagers together.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic novel set in 1994, at the dawn of the age of the internet. Allison may be the character that receives most of the focus, but there is also Samir, a boy she meets on the Bulletin Board System (BBS) online. Then there is Richard, the new guy at school who is immediately in trouble with a bully. An anonymous note left in his locker leads him the fierce, intense, and confusing Tina, who is committed to protecting him from harm. These four teenagers find each other, working only with dial-up connections, through the new world of the internet. Since this is before smart phones and tablets, finding information online means logging onto the family computer after your parents have gone to bed; or telling your mom you are doing homework when you are really in a chat room; or borrowing a neighbor's computer under the guise of helping them with a project. Incredible Doom mixes the issues of being a teen in 1990s America, and the early days of when the internet was becoming widely available to the public.

My Verdict: My main issue with graphic novels is that they go by so quickly. No matter how engaging the story is, or incredible the drawings are, I am done with them in less than a day, though if I actually bought my own copy, I do get to enjoy the work for a lifetime. I am assuming that the "vol 1" on the title page of this book means there is more to come, which would make sense because of where the story ended, but even so. I want to know more about Richard and why he has had to move to a new town. Or why Tina lives in a house with a seemingly random assortment of young people. And of course, there is the question of what is going to happen between Allison and her father. I wanted more, and it seems there will be more, eventually. But for now, there are so many questions, and I have to wonder how the internet will continue to play into it.

Favorite Moment: When Allison proves she is a master escape artist. 

Favorite Character: Allison is smart and determined. She does not give up when in seemingly impossible situations, and is brave enough to walk into a restaurant and order chicken nuggets, even when she is not quite dressed for it.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, another book that reaches back in time, and focuses on teenagers attempting to connect while their worlds fall apart. 

Graphic Novel: Displacement by Kiku Hughes

Graphic novels do not get the attention they should. They are a wonderful form of storytelling for pretty much any genre. Today I will be discussing Displacement by Kiku Hughes, the story of a teenage girl who is transported back in time to when her grandmother was forced into an internment camp for Japanese families living in the United States.

The Situation: Kiku is a 16 year-old girl following her mother around while on a trip to San Francisco. While her mother attempts to find the house Kiku's grandmother lived in before she was forced into an internment camp, Kiku simply wishes their trip were over and the two could return back to their home in Seattle. But as Kiku waits for her mother outside of a shopping mall, a fog rolls in and transports her to a different time, though the same place. It does not last long. In fact, it is short enough for Kiku to convince herself it was a dream. But then it happens again, and this time there is no question that what Kiku is experiencing is real. Now she wants to get out of San Francisco more than ever. Believing she has left what she refers to as the 'displacements' behind in California, Kiku relaxes at her home Seattle, while the nation is preparing for the 2016 presidential election. And as Kiku's mother frets and scowls over the speeches of Repubican candidate Donald Trump, Kiku is once again displaced to the 1940s, and this time, she may be there awhile.

The Problem: Kiku finds herself as one of the many that were forcibly removed to internment camps in the 1940s after the events of Pearl Harbor. Completely alone and only 16, she must lean on the kindness of others to get her through in both a time and place she does not know. And though the food is inedible, and the authorities are less than gracious, Kiku finds herself adapting quickly and more easily than she thought she would. If there was one thing she wish she could get over, it is her hesitance to reach out to the family who lives next door, which happens to be her grandmother and her great-grandparents. In her actual life, Kiku never knew much about her mother's mother, not even her real first name, much less her history and struggles. Now she is one door down, and she still cannot bring herself to reach out. Kiku's displacement has left her scared and uncertain, wondering if she will ever return to her own time; if she will get the opportunity to meet her grandmother; and if history will be bound to repeat itself in her own time.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic novel set mostly in Japanese internment camps during the 1940s. The reader follows 16 year-old Kiku as she moves across time, experiencing for herself what her grandmother went through as someone forced away from their home, and into an internment camp. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, many Japanese, German, and Italian residents were forced into internment camps all across America. Some were hastily built, which meant they were often not properly insulated, and less than ready to be inhabited even after the people arrived. Before the displacement that will leave Kiku in the past for the better part of a year, she recalls overhearing the television as Donald Trump lays out his plan to regulate the immigration of Muslims, mandating that a registry be kept for all Muslims entering the United States. Though it is nearly 80 years later, parallels can still be drawn between then and now. It is a story about the importance of learning our history, and the power of memory.

My Verdict: The illustrations are well-done, clean, and simple, while also powerful and at times haunting. Inspired by Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Hughes explores the pull of the past and the lessons it can teach us about our present and future. What is nice about graphic novels is that they can relay a story with their vivid illustrations, using less words, and therefore be read quickly, often in one sitting. However, sometimes details get lost, or it seems like something is missing. I did not feel like I was missing out on anything with this story. The confusion and fear Kiku experiences over the injustice she is faced with is intense, and even seems somewhat magnified as she belongs in the present day, not the 1940s. What I am possibly the most pleased with is the potential for this story to encourage readers to look for more information on the internment camps of the 1940s, and also evaluate for themselves the current policies regarding immigration.

Favorite Moment: *spoiler alert* When Kiku is able to bond with her mother over her experience.

Favorite Character: At the first interment camp she is sent to, Kiku is assigned a room with Aiko, a determined woman who takes many risks to stand up against what is happening.

Recommended Reading: Naturally, I recommend Butler's Kindred, either the novel or graphic novel adaptation. Also, I recommend The Train to Crystal City by Jan Jarboe Russell.     

Graphic Novel: Almost American Girl by Robin Ha

Sometimes, adults need to read books with pictures. Or at least I do. And I was pleased to find Robin Ha's Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir. Graphic novels and memoirs are a fantastic way to portray a story, and it can certainly be fun to see classic novels converted into the sequential art format (such as A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle, or Kindred by Octavia E. Butler). I was certainly excited to read about a young Korean girl's experience as she is unexpectedly brought to the U.S.

Genre, Themes, History: This graphic novel is mostly set in the mid-1990's, when Robin's world is turned upside-down after what was supposed to be a vacation to Alabama. When her mother declares that the two of them will actually not be returning to their former home in Seoul, South Korea, Robin naturally feels confused, angry, and betrayed. In Korea, Robin had her friends, her favorite shops, her favorite foods, her favorite comics, and her mother. Their life was simple, and it had its complications, but it was enough. Now she has a step-sister who she has a hard time communicating with, and step-cousins who act as if she is not there. English proves difficult to learn, and the kids at school are making fitting in nearly impossible. But probably worst of all, Robin is angry with her mother, and their close relationship has changed. Robin's difficulties in the U.S. are only part of the story. There is also her mother's history and the many decisions she has made that have led to this, as well as the criticism both of them endured while they lived in Korea because Robin's father was not around. Something Robin was always able to turn to in Korea were her favorite comic books, and it is not until she begins making friends in a comic book class that she starts to feel comfortable in the U.S. 

My Verdict: This memoir is both lovely and heartbreaking, hopeful and despairing. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous, and it brings the story to life in the best way. While portraying her struggles with her new life in the U.S., Ha brings across the difficulties with the language barrier, the culture shock, and of course, her issues with her mother. But Ha does not stop there. Sure, a teenager from another country is going to have a hard time adjusting to the relentless and unforgiving high school environment, but Ha makes it clear that life in South Korea would not have been ideal either, mostly because of the culture's expectations for women. Robin may be the center of the story, but there is so much more to it than only her experience. I would have loved for it to continue for a few more chapters.   

Favorite Moment: Honestly, I loved the acknowledgements. I mean, I loved the entire book, but the acknowledgements were not simply a running list of all of the people that helped the author bring this book to life. The majority of it tells the story of what it was like trying to talk to her mother about the experiences that are included in the book, and how difficult those kinds of conversations can be for anyone attempting to write a memoir. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui, a graphic memoir that follows a family's journey from South Vietnam to a new life in the U.S.      

Graphic Novel: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

Since I relish an opportunity to cover a graphic novel, and I adore Rainbow Rowell, it was an easy decision to pick up Pumpkinheads by Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks. The cover alone made me excited to more or less sit back and enjoy a fun story of two high school seniors enjoying their last shift at the local pumpkin patch. 

The Situation: Deja and Josiah are best friends...but only between September 1 and October 31 of every year. Once Halloween is over, the pumpkin patch closes, the corn maze is steamrolled, and both Deja and Josiah return to their respective lives as it exists without the persistent smell of kettle korn, and the required uniform of a plaid shirt and overalls. But when they are working at the Succotash Hut, they are pretty inseparable, and have gotten to know each other pretty well over the last four years. But this is senior year, which means it is their last year working together at the pumpkin patch. Deja is all about taking this opportunity to experience, and eat, everything the pumpkin patch has to offer, while Josiah is a little more somber and reflective. Almost from the beginning, this final shift will prove to be much different from any other. 

The Problem: For the most part, Josiah is the reflective and over-thinking type. He almost always earns employee of the month, and he takes his duties at the pumpkin patch incredibly seriously, even if it mostly entails stirring and serving succotash. But as dutiful as he is to the job, somehow he has never been able to commit to gathering up the courage to talk to Marcy down at the Fudge Shoppe. Every year he admires her from afar, and does nothing to get to know her. But this year, Deja is determined to change that. She even has the two of them moved to work at the Pie Palace in order to be closer to the Fudge Shoppe. It seems like a full-proof plan, but things begin to go awry almost immediately. After a night of eating, dealing with kids hyped up on sugar, and getting lost in the pumpkin patch despite knowing the staff shortcut, Deja and Josiah's last shift turns into something completely different from what either of them had planned. And they both may finally realize that this friendship does not have to be seasonal.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic novel set during the last night at the pumpkin patch. It's Halloween, and it's the last night for caramel apples, s'mores, apple cider slushies, Frito pie, and pumpkin bombs, and Deja is determined to eat all of them. If she is all about seizing the day and making the most of their last night, then Josiah is on the opposite end of the spectrum, and would be content with simply doing his job as he has always done it, a plan that has allowed him to nearly dominate the Employee of the Month board for as long as he has worked there. Despite how different they are, they have stuck together every season since their first one, and they would not have it any other way. But when Josiah decides to go with Deja's plan to enjoy the night, a plan where the goal is to get him to finally talk to Macy, everything takes a turn no one was prepared for, and the reader is not only taken on a colorful tour of the pumpkin patch, but is also introduced to the various staff members, and even the occasional animal.

My Verdict: So much about this story works. First is the contrast of Deja's determination to have fun and eat everything to Josiah's over thinking and insistence to pretty much do what he has always done, even if it means never talking to the girl he has been fixated on for the last few years. The two of them go well together, even though it seems like they shouldn't, at least on paper. Second is the fun atmosphere and setting of the pumpkin patch, along with the Halloween season. And then of course there are the amazing illustrations, which help to bring across the cooler weather of Autumn, the smell of kettle korn, the fear of seeing a loose goat, the sense of being lost (though not really) in the middle of a corn maize, and the feeling of something important coming to an end. The marriage between the story and the pictures comes out beautifully, and I cannot recommend this book enough.

Favorite Moment: Any moment when Buck the goat shows up, as he has gotten loose and is terrorizing the visitors of the pumpkin patch.

Favorite Character: I like both Deja and Josiah a lot. They both have their quirks, and somehow those quirks serve to balance each other out.      

Recommended Reading: Rowell's Fangirl still remains my favorite of all of her books.      

Graphic Novel: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

First, I will go ahead and say that I did not care much for Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale when I read it years ago. This general dislike has kept me from watching the series on Hulu; plus, I have heard of how intense it is, so it may be too much for me anyway. Even so, I was still excited when I learned there was to not only be a graphic novel, but a sequel as well that is set to come out later this year. It is always interesting to me so see how artists decide to depict the events inside of classic works of fiction. 

The Situation: In an unnamed year, in an unidentified reality that could be the future, or just another version of Earth, the United States is no longer the country as we know it. After a coordinated attack that has left the president and most of Congress dead, a radical extremist group has taken over. There are many changes, perhaps one of the most notable of which is that women can no longer hold property, handle money, maintain a career, or even read or write. But men are also affected, as newly established social classes give ultimate power to a few, while making others into little more than either common servants, or agents of the government in one of the many different roles that serve to keep the newly established society in-tact. Our narrator, Offred, is a Handmaid: a fertile woman who is assigned to a household of the ruling class in order to bear that household a child. 

The Problem: Offred is on her third assignment, which means that if she does not get pregnant, she will be in risk of being labeled infertile and sent off to the wasteland of the Colonies. Of course, there is a chance that Offred may not get that far if she is ever believed to be violating one of the many laws that keeps this society going. The Handmaids are barely able to speak to each other, and when they do, they must be careful as to not be overheard, especially if they speak beyond general and approved pleasantries. Offred takes chances when she speaks with her partner Ofglen, as well as when she begins to have small communication exchanges with Nick, her Commander's chauffeur. When the Commander begins to request her presence in private in his office, something that is forbidden, Offred knows she is being forced to walk a fine line. Being found out would certainly mean being picked up by the black van, and any hope of one day reuniting with her daughter would certainly be lost, if it is not already.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic novel adaptation of Atwood's classic done by artist Renée Nault. If the original story was not unsettling enough, now it has gained another life in brilliant, colorful, and detailed drawings. The red of the outfit worn by the Handmaids takes on a whole new severity, especially when many of them are grouped together. Offred's life in the Republic of Gilead seems to be full of one color or another. If it is not the red of her uniform, then it is the light purple of the Wives' uniform, or the green of the Marthas', or the army green many of the men wear, or even the black of the van that may come to pick someone up at any time. When Offred remembers her life before, the memories are in full color, but they also come throughout the story, and out of order. At one point, Offred apologizes not only for the disorganized nature of her tale, but also how upsetting and sad it is. In an effort to address the issue of lower birth rates, a radical group has warped and distorted selected passages of the Bible, creating a dystopia that suites no one, and ultimately solves nothing. 

My Verdict: I cannot imagine attempting to adapt any novel, especially a well-loved classic, into a graphic novel. For me, this adaptation worked well, perhaps because I did not much care for the original novel. Graphic novels move quicker, while giving a visual to what the original author put on paper. That does not mean that the brutality and harshness of this new world is lessened at all. In many ways it was made much more vivid. But I do feel like something was lost in translation, and some details were missed. While Atwood's story was always a bit opaque, at least to me, this adaptation both cleared some things up, while also making other aspects of the story more confusing. In the end though, it was still an enjoyable experience, though many die hard fans of the story may have a few issues with it. I will say one more thing: I love love love the cover. Love it! The black matte look is one of my favorite for book covers. And the red of the Handmaid uniform against that background works incredibly well.

Favorite Illustration: The images of the ceremony that takes place when a Handmaid gives birth are extremely well-done, as well as extremely upsetting.

Favorite Character: Moira is a woman who refuses to give up, and refuses to settle into the life of a Handmaid. She ends up with the (maybe) more desirable assignment as a Jezebel, and maintains her sardonic wit.

Recommended Reading: It is worth reading the original novel by Atwood. As for another graphic novel adaptation, I recommend Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damian Duffy.                  

Graphic Novel: Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen

I always get excited when I see the familiar black and white sketches and artwork that signify a creation by Sarah Andersen. Usually I am on Facebook when a new comic comes across my news feed, but thankfully, Andersen also publishes her work in collections. Herding Cats is the third publication in Andersen's "Sarah Scribbles" series, and I knew I was in for hilarious insights into the mind of an anxious artist.

Genre, Themes, History: I always put Andersen's collections under the graphic novel heading even though, for the most part, there is not one continuous story to follow. Like her previous collections, Andersen explores what it is like to be an introverted artist, as well as a cat lover, dog lover, procrastinator, night owl, chronic over thinker, and much much more. Once again she is joined by her practical rabbit friend, as well as her adorable black cat. Also, much like Andersen's second collection, Big Mushy Happy Lump, the last 20% or so of the book actually follows one theme and includes narration from Andersen herself. This time, she decided to give advice to other young creatives regarding making art in modern society, and more specifically, posting it online for what can feel like the entire world to see. While Andersen points out that the Internet has made it easier than ever before for creative types to share their work and how awesome that is, she also concedes that it has made it easier than ever before for people to criticize said artists beyond helpful feedback. While some will offer thoughtful critique that will help make the artists better, many will simply harass and demean with no helpful insight. Andersen's advice: Share your work anyway, even if you are scared, and I could not agree more.

My Verdict: Once again, Andersen delights readers with her often painfully true observations about life as we know it today. With wit and good humor, Andersen addresses the beauty and pain of being a modern woman; the truth behind retail therapy; the differences for actors and musicians before and after fame as opposed to an artist; what our cats are really thinking; and even just how effective a self-deprecating sense of humor can be in defending against life in general. What makes Andersen so effective is her comedic timing, which I imagine can be pretty hard to pull off in comic format, but she manages it every time. Her reveals are always on point, with a few causing me to laugh out loud. I hope she continues with this collection.

Favorite Comics: Two comics in particular resonated with me. The first was a brief explanation on how being introverted can have little to do with how people handle actual social interaction, and more about what they do after said interaction (answer: curl up under a blanket and stare into space for hours). The second one deals with overthinkers and our inability to often ignore the simplest solution to a problem due to, well, over thinking. I'm working on it, I promise.

Recommended Reading: All three "Sarah Scribbles" collection books have been delightful, and don't have to be read in order, so I recommend both Adulthood Is a Myth and Big Mushy Happy Lump.   

Graphic Novel: The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui

Every year, there are books that simply get away from me, and The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui was certainly one of them for 2017. I am always on the lookout for more graphic novels, or in this case graphic memoirs, to read and make space for on this blog. It is a format I would like to become more familiar with, and I always get excited whenever I do find one I can fit in. Today's selection was no exception as I was excited to explore Bui's story as an immigrant from Vietnam attempting to find her place, along with her family, here in the United States.

Genre, Themes, History: As mentioned, this is a memoir presented in the graphic novel format. Bui tells the story of her parents and their journey from war-torn Vietnam, to their new lives in California. The story actually opens up as Bui prepares to give birth to her son, with her mother and her husband by her side. Suddenly she is struck with the sense of now being the parent, even though she still feels like the child who came to America so many years ago. Bui then moves backwards, beginning with her younger brother, and talks about the birth of all of her siblings, even the two sisters that did not survive. She then jumps to when her father was a young man in Vietnam, and begins to tell the complete story: how he grew up in a country constantly in turmoil; how he ended up being raised by his grandfather; how he met Bui's mother; and ultimately, how they got themselves and their four children to America. Bui did not initially choose the graphic novel format. When she first wrote the story down she felt it to be too academic. She wanted to present a history that was relatable and not oversimplified. Though choosing the graphic novel format meant having to learn a completely different medium, she pushed forward anyway. The final product is more than a story about immigration. It is about Vietnam; the importance of home; the importance of family; the expectations we put on ourselves and each other; and what it means to sacrifice for those we love.

My Verdict: This is everything I hoped it would be. It is a moving and intriguing story that beautifully, and sometimes tragically, details the events that led Bui to write this memoir. The narrative is easy to follow, and the art gives the book a somber feeling, even on the better moments of the family's history. And while Bui tells her family's story, she also talks about how difficult even attempting such a thing can be. Talking to each parent separately as well as together, Bui ran into several challenges when trying to put the whole story together. Admitting to even those trials lends the whole thing a sense of honesty that is necessary in a book like this. It is certainly a different approach to this type of story and Bui pulls it off extremely well.

Favorite Moment: When Bui's mother and father are able to use their limited English to help other refugees make their way through the airport.

Recommended Reading: For more graphic novel goodness, I recommend the adaptation of the novel Kindred by Octavia E. Butler.

 

Graphic Novel: Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer

Today I am excited to cover Gone Rogue: Wires and Nerve Volume 2 by Marissa Meyer. I decided to pick up the series last year with Volume 1, even though I never read the original books in the Lunar Chronicles series, and probably never will. Even with that considerable gap in knowledge, I was able to follow the first book just fine and enjoyed it immensely as it left me excited for where the series was headed. Naturally, I must issue a spoiler alert for anyone who has not read either Volume I or the original Lunar Chronicles.

The Situation: It has now been a year since the evil queen Levana was overthrown, allowing Cinder to take her place on the throne, and a few months since then events of the first book in the Wires and Nerve series. Iko and Kinney are still charged with hunting down rogue bioengineered wolf-soldiers, led by Alpha Lysander Steele, who still maintains that his mutation can be reversed, and that Cinder simply refuses to do it. With the annual Peace Festival coming up in New Beijing, an event that even the queen herself is scheduled to attend, everyone knows it is time to step up security and be on alert. If Steele was going to make a big move, this would be the time to do it. 

The Problem: Steele has managed to amass quite a number of wolf-soldiers in his army, and one of which includes one of the group's own, Wolf. After Steele shows up on Scarlet's farm, he does his best to convince Wolf to join him, and it works. Wolf would also love to have his mutation reversed, and he worries his true nature will someday hurt his relationship with Scarlet. Now his loyalties are being questioned by his closest friends, with only Scarlet remaining certain that he is only playing along to protect himself, and her. But Wolf is not the only one who may be dealing with identity issues, as Iko faces near constant scrutiny from Kinney, the person she must spend the most time with. She can make as many upgrades as she wants, but ultimately she is an android, and she must come to terms with how and why she was made. Meanwhile, Steele is getting ready to make his move, and it is obvious he will not stop until he has his revenge.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction/fantasy graphic novel for young adults. Much like the first book, there are plenty of action scenes, and all of the main characters from the original series make an appearance. Kai and Cinder look forward to reuniting after months of being apart; Scarlet and Wolf continue to attempt to maintain a simple life together in France; Cress and Thorne still travel together in Thorne's ship; and Winter and Jacin remain as close as ever as the former continues to serve as an ambassador to Earth. Central to the book is the theme of identity: who we are, what makes us who we are, and if any of that could be changed, would we go for it? And along with the theme of identity is the equally heavy theme of what it means to be human and deserving of friendship, loyalty, and love. Steele's stubbornness only serves to turn him into what he claims he no longer wants to be. Meanwhile, Iko, an android, is able to accomplish and feel things no mechanical being should, leading her to dig a little deeper into her unique programming.

My Verdict: The intense action and drama start up even quicker in this story than it did in the first one, and that one started off with a fight scene. Meyer immediately throws the reader into a situation that shows Steele's determination. Knowing how dangerous he is and what he is willing to do allows the reader to feel his threatening presence throughout the book. No one in the group is safe, and while the attempt to feature all eight original main characters, plus Iko and Kinney, can make some scenes crowded and confusing, the overall result shows how the issue effects everyone differently, though they all stand by Cinder. This is a great continuation of the Wires and Nerve series, and has once again left me wanting more. The art and illustrations are well done, the story is interesting and compelling, and the characters are fun, while also containing plenty of depth. 

Favorite Moment: *spoiler alert* When Cinder calls out Steele for being the only one who is actually referring to the wolf-soldiers as beasts and monsters.   

Favorite Character: Although they don't get much exposure in this series, I still pick Scarlet and Cress. Scarlet is quick to pick up a shotgun and do what she has to do, while Cress is quiet and shy, but also smart and loyal. 

Recommended Reading: I would like to recommend the Binti series by Nnedi Okorafor. It follows a teenage girl as she leaves Earth for the first time to attend University, but her ship is attacked by the fearsome Meduse who are bent on revenge.

Graphic Novel: Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

I love reviewing comic collections, mostly because they are the easiest thing for me to read and review, but also because they are so much fun. After reading Sarah Andersen's Adulthood is a Myth earlier this year, I could not wait until the second collection, Big Mushy Happy Lump, hit the bookstores. 

Genre, Themes, History: Just like its predecessor, I placed this collection under the heading of graphic novel, though there is no one storyline to follow. However, unlike Adulthood is a Myth, near the end of the book, Andersen does include three short essays, providing illustration for them along the way. Once again, the book covers a variety of issues and scenarios that the introverted and creative among us would be able to relate to. My personal favorite from this category is "How to Become Good at Drawing," which is essentially a cycle of drawing, followed by self-loathing. I would say that oftentimes the same is true for becoming better at writing. Of course, the book also has many comics that deal with women's issues, such as being on vacation or traveling during that time of the month, and the ability (or inability rather) many men have of completing missing any and every social cue that lets them know a woman is completely, and utterly not interested in whatever they are offering. Andersen's rabbit sidekick friend does not make as many appearances in this one as he (she?) did in the previous one, but they are still there on occasion to make the snarky side comment or point out the obvious. And the three essays at the end deal with Andersen's inability to socialize, her adventures to becoming a cat lover, and her confession of being a sweater thief. None of them are terribly long, but they do give more insight into the woman behind the drawings.

My Verdict: Again, my one contention with this collection is that it is so short, though longer than the first one. I want to keep turning the pages, possibly for forever, and continue finding more comics to laugh at, laugh with, and generally relate to as a fellow introverted creative type. This is a fantastic follow-up to Adulthood is a Myth and continues the story, even without there being an actual narrative. Even if a comic touches on a topic Andersen has covered many times before, it is always done in a new way, from a new angle, or even with a different approach. If anything, it is a good collection to have for anyone who feels socially awkward, or tends to drown themselves in self-doubt or over thinking, as it is an excellent reminder that you are not alone, and there are many others like you.

Favorite Comic: "How I Spend Money" speaks to me on levels I am not entirely proud of, but are hilarious in comic form. It shows Andersen being quite frugal when it comes to groceries, clothes, and household items. But when it comes to buying books, she walks up to the counter in the bookstore wearing a fur coat and sunglasses, and proceeds to take the cash from her pockets and throw it in the air. Yep, accurate.

Recommended Reading: Naturally, you don't need to read Adulthood is a Myth before picking up Big Mushy Happy Lump, but why wouldn't you want to?   

Graphic Novel: Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

So far, 2017 has been a good year for me and graphic novels. Normally, I am doing well to get in one graphic novel a year. Today's selection will actually be the fourth one I have covered this year, and it is only May. When I found out Octavia E. Butler's Kindred was going to receive the graphic novel treatment, I do not think I could have been more excited. After reading Kindred in graduate school, I remember being so happy when I was done reading it, not because it is a bad book or because it is badly written (it is neither of those things), but because the material was so hard to deal with and the situation was so tense and difficult. I felt bad for the protagonist and just wanted her to be safe and happy, knowing that neither of those things were going to happen quickly or easily. But despite any hesitation I may have felt due to past experiences with the novel, I was excited for this adaptation and hope you would be too.

The Situation: Dana is a struggling writer living in 1970s California with her husband, Kevin. Suddenly - without warning and seemingly without reason - she is transported from her living room, to a plantation in the pre-Civil War south. After rescuing a young white boy from drowning, Dana is rebuked by what has to the boy's mother, and after the father points a gun in her face, she transports back to her home where Kevin is waiting for her. To Kevin, she was only gone for less than a few seconds, but the time she spent with the little boy and his family was at least a few minutes. No one knows what happened, least of all Dana. What is worse is that no one can predict when it will happen again. Each time Dana is transported back, more time has passed on the plantation, and the little boy, Rufus, grows up bigger and just a little more dangerous.

The Problem: Time travel is trouble enough. Time travel to pre-Civil War America is something else entirely. And time travel to pre-Civil War America as a black woman who is used to living in the late 20th century is an adventure that no one would ever sign up for. If Dana were white, her adventures on the Weylin estate would go very differently. No worries about being captured and sold as a slave; no worries about being beaten just because of the color of her skin; life in general would be much easier. It is on her second visit that Dana realizes she is not being transported to just any slavery plantation, but apparently one where her ancestors lived, and Rufus is one of them. Without her help, Rufus will get himself into enough trouble that he will endanger her entire family line. But in order to save her family's history, she has to help him do the unthinkable, during a time in America's history where the unthinkable was not only allowed, but expected.  

Genre, Themes, History: As I mentioned before, this is a graphic novel adaptation of a science fiction novel written by Butler. Kindred was first published in 1979, and is probably Butler's most studied work, so it is not surprising that it would be the one to be adapted into a graphic novel. As is probably obvious, slavery is a prominent theme. The peculiar institution is both straightforward and not, managing to always benefit those in charge, while taking from those who already have nothing. No matter what work you are given to do as a slave, or what position you hold, at the end of the day you are some one's property and will be treated as such. Even any claims to freedom as a black person are tenuous at best; having the proper papers and documents can help, but nothing is guaranteed. With each trip back in time, Dana not only learns a little bit more about the people and operations of the Weylin plantation, but also about how to survive as a black woman out of time in a place where black people knowing how to read and write is frowned upon. And if Rufus is selfish and destructive as a little boy, then he is manipulative, entitled, and downright sociopathic as an adult. Dana must navigate the laws of the antebellum south in order to save herself, in more ways than one.

My Verdict: The novel was tough to get through. The graphic novel moves a little quicker due to the nature of the format, but still, it was hard to keep turning the pages at some points. With that being said, this adaptation does not disappoint and is a fantastic tribute to Butler's work. There are certain parts of the book that I remember being incredibly powerful, and for whatever reason they just did not come through as well in this version of the story. The impact of most of the harsher moments were softened, thankfully. But that also means that the moments whose power you wish to keep were also softened, taking away from the overall effect of the story. Still, Butler's story about the institution of slavery from the viewpoint of a 20th century black woman still comes across in all of its complexity and power, and with full color pages to help depict Dana's harrowing story and journey.

Favorite Moment: When Dana makes the decision that Rufus has broken whatever agreement they had between them, and decides to act on her own in order to return home.

Favorite Character: I don't know if Kevin is my favorite character, or if I just feel bad for him. He has to watch his wife go through something that no one would be able to logically explain, much less help with. And at one point *spoiler alert* he even gets stuck in the past when Dana transports without him. 

Recommended Reading: For more Octavia Butler, I recommend Fledgling. For another graphic novel, I recommend Habitat by Simon Roy.       

Graphic Novel: Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer

I have decided to take a bit of a gamble and picked up Wires and Nerve, the first in what will be a series of graphic novels by Marissa Meyer. While it may be the first of the graphic novels, Wires and Nerve actually continues the story that was initially started in Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series, which began with the best-selling Cinder in 2012, and ended with Winter in 2016.

The Situation: It has been a few months since Cinder has claimed what was rightfully hers: the throne of Luna. Finally, there is peace between Earth and Luna, and Cinder has big plans to keep it that way. All of her friends that were introduced in the Lunar Chronicles series have more or less gone their own way. Emperor Kai continues fulfilling his role as leader of Earth; Cress and Captain Thorne remain together on his ship, the Rampion; Scarlet and Wolf have settled into a life together on her farm in France; Winter is now an Ambassador, with Jacin forever at her side; and of course there is Iko, the android with feelings, who is now the heroine of the story. It was not long after Cinder took the throne that the misdeeds of the former queen begin to cause problems. The men she recruited for her army, and then forced to go undergo mutations that gave them wolfish tendencies and a taste for humans, have begun attacking people on Earth. Iko figures she is the ideal person, or android, to help track them down.

The Problem: Because she does not have actual human flesh, and is skilled in various methods of combat, Iko does prove to be incredibly good at tracking down the packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers that have been wreaking so much havoc on Earth. It seems that because of her efforts alone, attacks have decreased, and entire packs are going into hiding. However, for every pack she finds, there is always one or two that get away, and it seems these fortunate few have managed to team up with a leader determined to get revenge on Cinder for her ancestor's misdeeds. Despite being told otherwise, he believes he and his followers can be returned to their previous form, and is resolved to do whatever it takes to get to the lunar queen. The mission alone is enough for Iko to deal with, but she must also deal with often being forgotten, as she is left out of historical accounts of the events that led to Cinder claiming her throne. Also, it seems that only her closest friends seem to understand that Iko can be an android and also have feelings. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic novel that can also be labeled as young adult, science fiction, and fantasy, and is a continuation of the Lunar Chronicles series, also by Meyer. Full disclosure: I did not read any of the previous books in the Lunar Chronicles series, and I most likely never will. This is something I did think long and hard about, but ultimately I am satisfied with the summary of the story we receive in the opening pages of Wires and Nerve, and I am happy to be a part of what happens next, now that peace has supposedly been achieved. I am usually the first to complain when a well-loved series has reached a satisfying conclusion, only for the author to decide to write more books. But in this case, I support the decision, though mostly because I skipped the first round, and the second round is in a different format. Iko, the narrator, occupies that grey area of not being human, but having feelings. More than one person questions her ability to really know what feelings are, as many want to believe that anything she says and does is just a simple trick of her programming. She certainly benefits from being able to recover from almost any injury with a repair and reboot. But having wires instead of veins makes it easy for some to dismiss her, despite a fair amount of evidence that she is capable of being much more than a service android.

My Verdict: I was dubious, but only because I am essentially coming into the bigger story right in the middle. Thankfully, we are provided just enough back story to set up the new one, but not so much that I feel like those who did read the first four books (plus the bridge books) will be annoyed by the recap. I am sure many who are like me and did not read the first four will be intrigued enough that they want to go back and start from the beginning, and I can certainly understand why. Iko may be the protagonist, and a complicated one, but each of the other eight characters make at least one appearance and will seemingly have some part in the events to come. The story is fun, full of adventure, and manages to keep a fairly comedic tone for some scenes, while being incredibly serious in others. Iko may have had a smaller role in the previous books, but now she is front and center, and out of the nine, I think she is a smart choice. Naturally, I cannot speak for those who have been following the series since the beginning, but I think anyone who is just now joining in will be pleasantly entertained.

Favorite Part: When Captain Thorne surprises his incredibly dubious father with a tremendous act of bravery.

Favorite Character: I do wonder if I would feel the same way had I read the other books, but right now I enjoy the stories and characters of both Cress and Scarlet. 

Recommended Reading: Had I read any of the previous books, I would recommend them. So instead I will recommend The Reader by Traci Chee.     

Graphic Novel: Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen

I am not sure exactly what it was that kept me from picking up Adulthood is a Myth, the first in the "Sarah's Scribbles" Collection by Sarah Andersen. Simply from the cover alone I knew I would enjoy it, and the comics I see posted on Facebook from time to time always make me laugh. And when the collection won for Best Graphic Novels & Comics, I knew I should not have waited to enjoy this group of funny and oh so painfully true observations.

Genre, Themes, History: This is not a graphic novel in the sense that there is one story line to follow, but instead a collection of incredibly hilarious, yet often too true, observations about growing up as an introvert. Or even worse (sometimes, well, often actually), an introverted artist. Andersen's first collection includes comics that deal with everyday necessary actions such as picking out what to wear, how to decide when a load of laundry should be done, deciding whether or not to go to bed at a decent hour or stay up for no reason, and of course, an issue every introvert faces on occasion, whether to go out and be social, or stay in and watch Netflix for the thousandth night in a row. Then there are issues that mostly women will be able to relate to, such as the pros and cons of the cute lacy bra, and why sometimes buying pretty frilly underwear just is not worth the expense. And then there are the things introverts can relate to, such as the inexplicable but crippling fear that someone you just met does not like you, despite there being insurmountable evidence to the contrary. The struggle is real y'all. Seriously. On occasion, Andersen is joined in her adventures by a wise and cute rabbit friend who attempts to speak reason, but is often ignored. This rabbit will not only question Sarah's choices, but prod her to admit what is really going on, which makes him (her?) a pretty delightful and helpful sidekick.

My Verdict: I only have one issue with this collection, and that is I wish there were more comics to enjoy and that it went on for a bit longer than 109 pages. But what we do have to enjoy is hilarious and awesome, and again, often painfully true. The comics are ridiculous, but real; funny, but not over the top; drawn really well, while being incredibly accessible; and while the talking rabbit treads into the Calvin & Hobbes territory (which is not a bad thing), Sarah remains the star while the rabbit is the occasional voice of reason. All of this works to make a great collection that almost anyone would love to reference in casual conversation.  

Favorite Comics: I am partial to the panels that deal with Sarah's honest thoughts about those she is forced to interact with on a daily basis. But my absolute favorite is the one titled "Things That Make Me Feel Safe." Such things include leaving the TV and bathroom light on, as well as having a cat in the room, though even the cat seems to know the real truth about the situation (this may or may not hit close to home for me). Also, the comic about the "special snowflakes" is pretty great too.

Recommended Reading: Kate Beaton's Hark! A Vagrant is another collection of comics that often made me laugh out loud, not only because of her observations, but also because of the fun she has with history, pop culture, and the cover art of classic works of literature.