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.
If there is one book I recommend people read during this strange and trying time, it is Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven. In it, a strange illness has decimated humanity, and the world is never the same. Even though her newest release, The Glass Hotel, is very different from its predecessor, I was still excited to read it and add it to my library...which is growing even faster than normal due to me being home more during this time.
The Situation: When Paul begins working at the Hotel Caiette, his half-sister Vincent has already been working for some time as a bartender. While the two of them have never been close, they have at least always been civil and can manage to work together. And then on one fateful day, someone writes a disturbing message on one of the hotel's beautiful glass windows, and several lives of those living and working there are changed forever. Soon both Paul and Vincent no longer work there, with the latter starting a nearly unimaginable new life of luxury as the partner of the wealthy owner of the hotel, while Paul eventually finds his way in the world of music. The story does not end there, and it does not only concern these two. Their lives become intertwined with others at the hotel, including a shipping executive, a former artist, the hotel manager, and a woman whom the owner of the hotel has no desire to ever run into.
The Problem: Soon, the decisions made years ago by the hotel owner, Mr. Alkaitis,
will lead to one of the biggest financial scandals in history, effecting
nearly everyone in his circle, and causing consequences that will be
felt for years afterwards. While Vincent parts ways with him, suddenly removed from the world of money that she had come to enjoy, others must confront the idea that a man they trusted has lost all of their money. Having Alkaitis caught and thrown in jail is all well and good, but the money is gone, leaving financial futures of many uncertain, if not completely ruined. Some cannot handle the situation, including some of those that worked under him. Although Vincent was not a part of the scheme, and had nothing invested, something was still taken from her by someone she knew, and now that her life has changed once again, she sets out on a fateful career that will also end in an investigation.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a fiction novel that begins in the 1990s and carries as far into the future as December 2029. The timeline of the narrative is not straightforward. Just as the point of view switches between characters, the timeline also jumps around between years and locations. Eventually, the entire story is revealed, including who is guilty, who is innocent, and who is irrevocably changed by what happens, for better and for worse. The book initially focuses on Paul and Vincent, and how they got to be where they are, but then the focus shifts to Alkaitis and the inevitable fallout from his Ponzi scheme. After decades of stealing his investors' money, he is finally arrested, his investors lose everything, and those under him who were involved suffer the consequences. The book touches on how people can justify their actions for so long, and also how a few of them will continue to do so after being caught. It seems that stealing from those that put their trust in you is quite simple for some, and desperation and greed can make the most noble person simply look the other way.
My Verdict: What I love about Mandel's writing is the she conveys the craziness, the drama, the intensity of a situation without being over the top. The wildest events and most tense moments come across with the simplest actions or descriptions, or the smallest movements by the characters or pieces of dialogue. It can become obvious that a character is not in a good place even before they have done anything wrong. And the danger of a situation is portrayed well before anything has happened. It is incredible to watch, or read, and certainly helped to make the details of a Ponzi scheme much more interesting to read about than they normally would be. I cannot say I am fully satisfied by the ending, but at least it is not frustratingly ambiguous. It is clear where most everyone stands, and in what direction they are heading.
Favorite Moment: When it was clear that Alkaitis would be arrested for his crimes.
Favorite Character: I like Walter, the manager of the Hotel Caiette. He does not want much from life and is committed to his job.
Recommended Reading: I adore Mandel's Station Eleven because it not only shows what happens to society after a terrible flu wipes out a large portion of humanity, but it also shows how it happens, when it is happening. Most books only focus on the aftermath, so it was interesting to see more than the before and after, but also the during.
My annual trip to BookPeople in Austin over Christmas helped to bring me to Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance by Jennieke Cohen. Any Jane Austen fans can probably guess by the title that this book is heavily influenced by the works of the early 19th century author. There is much discussion about Austen's first four books, particularly Pride and Prejudice, as the main character of today's selection does her best to emulate her literary heroes.
The Situation: Victoria 'Vicky' Aston has a fairly idyllic life of which most anyone would be envious. The second and youngest daughter of an Earl, she spends most of her time either reading, or surveying the grounds of Oakbridge, the estate she has lived on all of her life. She may be of marrying age, but she has no plans to enter into any union in the near future, despite her love of Jane Austen novels, which always end in a wedding (sometimes several). It is not until her sister, Althea, returns home after having escaped her husband that Vicky becomes pressed to find a husband of her own. Without one, the family may lose Oakbridge to her awful brother-in-law. Vicky loves having her freedom, but she would do anything for her family, and her sister. Unfortunately, finding someone she is willing to spend the rest of her life with is easier said than done, and is certainly not turning out to be the pleasant adventure she has read about in her favorite novels.
The Problem: There may be many eligible men for Vicky to choose from, but if they are not boring, then they are arrogant, or simply clueless. One exception seems to be a Mr. Carmichael, who is both handsome and charming, but seems to have a temper, and a few secrets. Of course, there is also Mr. Tom Sherborne, Vicky's childhood friend. On paper, he would seem to be the obvious choice: he and Vicky have known each other since they were kids and grew up as best friends. But when Tom's father sent him away when he was young, the two lost contact and have not been able to successfully rekindle their friendship since his return. Time is running out, and as Vicky continues her search for a husband, it seems someone else is intent on bringing her harm. Vicky was aware that the family would have to fight against losing Oakbridge. But she had no idea that she would also have to fight to save her own life.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult novel that can also be considered a historical fiction novel as it is set in the early 1800's in England, right around the time Jane Austen would have been at the height of her popularity while she was alive. One of the main themes in the book is of course marriage, and what exactly that meant at that time. Escaping an abusive or neglectful husband was no easy feat. When Althea leaves her husband, her family begins to research what it would take for her to be free of him. Of course, getting a divorce then meant something very different from what it means now. And while it was difficult to do, it was not impossible. The surest way the Aston's could guarantee their property would not fall into their son-in-law's hands after the Earl died was to make sure Vicky was married. Single women could not inherit property, so if Vicky were married, Oakbridge could go to her and her husband. It is all terribly unfair, but such was life for women in 1800s England. Powerful men seemingly got away with everything, and their wives were not the only ones who suffered, as children and servants were often hurt as well.
My Verdict: While Jane Austen's novels are not exactly conflict free, they keep the subject matter fairly light and fun. As the book pays homage to the author and her work, it also makes the point that life is not always light and fun, and often involves real dangers and difficult subjects. And that is all fine and good, but something about the way the difficult subjects are introduced in this book made the whole experience a bit unsettling. I am not against novels having a darker tone...goodness knows I have enjoyed plenty that do. But the villains in this book are somehow too much for the setting they are in. Something does not quite line up between the heroine, and the situation she finds herself in. And Vicky herself is another problem: she is admittedly naive, often to the point where it is hard to hope for her success, as she consistently sabotages herself. On the whole, it is an engaging adventure, but there are probably better books out there that give praise to Austen and her work.
Favorite Moment: The chapter that presents the series of terrible dates Vicky goes on as she attempts to find a suitable match.
Favorite Character: Tom's half-sister Susie is a sweetheart, and an unfortunate victim of circumstance. Somehow this has not made her bitter, or resentful, but instead she is resolved to help her family any way that she can.
Recommended Reading: I always recommend Pride and Prejudice to people as it is my favorite Austen novel, but I also suggest picking up Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Emma.
So your teenager is stuck at home. Once the schoolwork is done, there are no extra-curricular activities to hurry off to. Their friends are stuck inside just like they are, and social media will only take them so far. Sure, there is more content out there to stream and view than we could ever know what to do with, but I will suggest what I always suggest, even when there is not a pandemic keeping everyone inside: Read a book.
Below is an infographic I put together, edited slightly from one I had done before for the students at Our Lady of the Lake University (go Saints!). It is full of book recommendations from various categories, specifically for high school readers, or thereabouts. By no means exhaustive, I hope it at least gives some of you a starting point.
The full title of today's book is An Impeccable Spy: Richard Sorge, Stalin's Master Agent by Owen Matthews. I figured what better way to learn more about the Soviet Union and Japan, and the parts they played during the events of World War II, than through the actions of one of the greatest spies in history.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that follows the life and career of Richard Sorge, a man who successfully served Soviet Russia as a spy for over 20 years, with arguably his most well-known work being done in the early 1940's, when he was able to provide the Soviet Union with information regarding Hitler's plan to attack. He would later be able to assure the Soviet Union that Japan was not planning to attack, but instead concentrate their efforts elsewhere. Born to a German father and a Russian mother, Sorge would occupy a somewhat dual nature for his entire life. After experiencing a sort of disillusionment following his service in the German Army during World War I, Sorge became a communist, and eventually relocated to Russia. Using his confidence and intelligence, as well as his love of alcohol and women, Sorge would organize and run one of the greatest spy rings in history, managing to gather information on the inner workings of both Germany and Japan, while living in the latter. But the book does more than simply follow the life of Sorge, as a thorough and detailed picture is also painted of the tricky relationship between Germany, Russia, and Japan throughout the second World War.
My Verdict: Much like with The Age of Disenchantments, if I am going to read about a major event in our history, I would prefer to do so by following the dramatic life of someone who not only lived through it, but had a hand in how it all went down. There have already been many books that have explored the life of Richard Sorge, and of course, many more about World War II. And while he proved to be an interesting subject, I found myself more drawn to the relationship between Germany, Russia, and Japan than I did the inner workings of the spy ring. With so many names being tossed around, and with so man shifting alliances and hidden agendas, it was easy for me to lose track of who fit where. But such is the nature of war I suppose. Well-known events were presented in a new way, and from a different angle (at least for those of us in the U.S.), allowing readers a view from closer to the action, though not from the front lines. Sorge put his own life in danger every day, but as a gatherer of information as opposed to as a soldier. Readers who enjoy learning about international conflicts will enjoy this book, as well as readers who enjoy a good spy thriller.
Favorite Moment: When Clausen, Sorge's radio man, begins to intentionally sabotage his own transmissions as he becomes more unsatisfied with communism.
Recommended Reading: I recommend The Age of Disenchantments by Aaron Shulman, and also A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
When I read Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus back in 2012, I was not impressed. Well, I was initially. The setting and descriptions were fantastic, and the characters were interesting enough. But that ending though. It was a lot of build-up that did not result in much. So I was not planning on reading The Starless Sea, but curiosity got the best of me. So here we are.
The Situation: When Zachary Ezra Rawlins was 11 years old, he found a door painted on a wall in an alley. For whatever reason, he felt compelled to reach out and attempt to open it, almost certain that it would. But then he didn't, so it didn't, and his life continued as normal as it can for the son of a fortune teller. It is not until years later when he is in college that he once again comes face to face with the incident. After checking out a book from the university library, he reads about the painted door, and the boy that did not open it, which is undoubtedly him when he was 11 years old. The book has no author, and the barcode attached to it would not scan at the library. All Zachary has to go on is the image of a bee, a sword, and key, and it is these three symbols that may give him the answer as to how he is in this strange book, while also bringing him many more questions.
The Problem: There are people who would rather keep hidden what Zachary has managed to find. In our world there are doors leading to another world. Some are obvious, though most are not, and some simply hide in plain sight. These doors lead to the Starless Sea, but someone is working hard to destroy these doors, keeping the sea hidden and protected. And this person will do whatever it takes to achieve this, even result to threats and violence. Zachary may be inclined to walk away from the mystery forever and return to his life, except now he has met a handsome storyteller, a curious woman with pink hair who certainly has answers, a myriad of cats, and encountered a place full of books...and he loves books. Even after it is clear that the dangers are real, Zachary continues on his journey, meeting more enigmatic people as he finds answers that only seem to bring on more questions. But beyond the danger and adventure is a love story that has continued across time, and will seemingly go on forever.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a fiction and fantasy novel set both in the world we know, and in a world far below the earth's surface. At the core of the novel are books, stories and storytellers. But there is also a considerable amount of discussion concerning games of all sort, and the choices we are presented with and make when we play them. At every step of the way, Zachary has choices to make, including the most important one of all, which is whether or not to even continue in the adventure. And the cast of characters are as colorful as they are intriguing, and no one is as they seem, including Zachary's own mother. What is clear is that whatever Zachary is dealing with is something that has been going on for longer than he could imagine, and as soon as he thinks he has even one part of the equation figured out, something changes, or someone moves, and a new course of action is required. With someone clearly wishing to close off the Starless Sea forever, the book could be looked at as a discussion regarding stories and the importance of storytellers, as well as having access to them. But that is only one interpretation, and I could easily be way off the mark.
My Verdict: Morgenstern is a great worldbuilder. She has created a place below the earth's surface where people can sail upon a sea whose water tastes like honey. There are harbors that come and go as the sea rises and falls, and the way to get into this place is through one of the many doors scattered throughout the world. Sounds hard to grasp, and sometimes it was, but for the most part, it is captivating. But once that world is built, and once it comes time for real answers as to what is going on, the mystery loses some of its fun, and my patience began to wear thin. As the ending approached, I had nearly lost interest in what was happening, and much like with The Night Circus, the payoff was not worth it, not for me. The Starless Sea truly is about the journey, and if you are fine with that, and only that, then this book may be for you.
Favorite Moment: I enjoyed reading excerpts from Kat's diary as she attempts to find Zachary. I do not know if I could go so far as to say I could hang out with her and talk about books and video games, but the moments when we got to read through her notes were easily some of my favorite.
Favorite Character: I wish Kat was more present throughout the novel. She is mostly at the beginning and shows up again close to the end, and has little to do with Zachary's actual adventure. She is smart and insightful, and knows when someone is trying to manipulate her.
Recommended Reading: I cannot recommend The Night Circus. It is beautifully written, for the most part, but ultimately a huge disappointment. So I recommend The Reader by Traci Chee.
Sequels can be a gamble, both for the writer and the reader. I have admitted before that I am usually hesitant to begin reading a new series, even by an author I love. Granted, I did not know that 2017's One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus was going to be the beginning of a series, though it makes sense. And today I will cover the highly anticipated sequel, One of Us Is Next.
The Situation: It was only the year before when Maeve Rojas had to watch her sister attempt to clear her own name for murder, along with three others that were wrongly accused. Bronwyn, Nate Macauley, Addy Prentiss, and Cooper Clay, all known as the Bayview Four, were caught in a nasty gossip scandal after the death of Simon Kelleher, the high school's king of gossip. Now Bayview High has instituted a zero-tolerance policy, but that does not stop someone from starting a new game of Truth or Dare. The rules are simple: if you receive a text, you must pick to either have a truth about yourself revealed, or take the dare, and you have 24 hours to decide. No response equals a forfeit, and a truth is revealed about you anyway. Phoebe Lawton is the first victim, learning the hard way that you always respond, and you always take the dare. Bayview once again becomes the toxic gossip mill it was before, and it soon becomes clear that this is more than just a game.
The Problem: Despite the generally held belief among the students that you always take the dare, Maeve opts to not respond at all, leading to another ugly truth that could sabotage her relationship with her best friend Knox. Those who take the dares receive high fives and accolades, while those who have a truth revealed are subjected to unending bullying and harassment. The Bayview of Simon's time is still alive and well, and the creator of the Truth or Dare game is pleased that what they have created would hold up to the master himself. But when the dares turn deadly, the game stops and everyone is on edge. A life has been lost, and Maeve, Phoebe, and Knox must pool every piece of information they have to find out who is behind it. Friendships are lost, new ones are formed, and Bayview High is once again in the spotlight as gossip central.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult book set in the fictional town of Bayview, located somewhere around San Diego. The book takes place a year or so after the events in One of Us Is Lying, with the original Bayview Four having moved on to college or working life. As Bronwyn's younger sister, Maeve played a vital roll in helping solve last year's puzzle, and now she finds herself in the middle of a new one. Her best friend Knox becomes involved not only because of her, but also because of his internship with one of the best, and most targeted, lawyers in the city. Phoebe works at the restaurant that Maeve and Knox spend a lot of time in, and when things get intense quickly, she finds herself bonding with the other two as they attempt to solve the mystery. Of course, central themes include the toxicity of gossip, the issue of bullying, and the general problems of high school. But there is also a small (but very present) discussion on revenge, resentment, and the importance of consequences.
My Verdict: As far as sequels go, this one holds up. The new characters continue the story in their own voice, and they have their own viewpoints about what is happening. Also, there was just enough mention of characters from the previous book to remind the reader of where and how this all started, but without leaning too much on the previous book's story. There is a point where it feels like there are too many loose ends, too many issues to address, and maybe even too much going on. But McManus manages to pull it all together, somehow also avoiding predictable twists and turns. Sure, there are some twists in there, but they are well done and not at all overdone. The surprises genuinely surprised me. And even when I thought I had it all figured out, there was still plenty left to be revealed.
Favorite Moment: When Phoebe fights off a guy who has a hard time with the whole "no means no" concept.
Favorite Character: Maeve is smart and funny, but also shy and scared. Her past battles with leukemia have left her hesitant to plan for the future. She has her flaws, but she values her family and friends above all else, even wanting to protect them from the trauma that can come with her battle with cancer.
Recommended Reading: Two Can Keep a Secret was McManus' second book, and not part of the Bayview universe. It is also good, and is the same type of thriller/mystery that her readers have come to love.
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.
