Tobin, P., & Coover, C. (2013). Bandette, Volume 1: Presto! Milwaukie, Oregon: Dark Horse Comics. Genre: Graphic novel Intended audience: Mid-teens and older Personal reaction to the book: A fun option to the dark violence and manga subgenres that dominate so much of the graphic novel scene. Bandette is a very French protagonist (think Amelie,… Continue reading Presto! C’est chic
Tag: crime
Tapping at my chamber door
Stiefvater, M. (2012). The raven boys. New York: Scholastic. Genre: Supernatural, adventure Intended audience: Mid-teens and up. Personal reaction to the book: Loved it. Well-rounded characters, believable motivations, good dialogue; by turns funny and emotionally satisfying. It does not talk down to its audience. The only book for the course thus far (out of six)… Continue reading Tapping at my chamber door
Sweet 16 ain’t so peachy keen
Shepard, S. (2008). Unbelievable. New York: Harper Teen. Genre: Mystery Intended audience: Mid-teen girls and older Personal reaction to the book: Surprisingly good (it is the basis for an ABC Family TV show) little thriller. Combines lots of social infighting/gossip with just a touch of violence to produce a book with a lot going on.… Continue reading Sweet 16 ain’t so peachy keen
Digging Holes
Sachar, L. (2008). Holes: 10th anniversary edition. New York: Yearling. Genre: Adventure Intended audience: Tweens and younger teens Personal reaction to the book: A great tween/teen story: Nice use of flashbacks, good moral without being moralist and a quick, fun read. Well-crafted characters. The mundane description of the bizarre work camp adds texture. It's a… Continue reading Digging Holes
Crimes batted in
Baseball is a religion, which makes Bill James the leader of some heretical schism. True believers in the Word of Bill can be identified not by the ability to recite the formula for Wins Above Replacement or what PECOTA stands for; those are misguided fanatics following false prophets, like the Rosicrucians out of Foucault's Pendulum. They… Continue reading Crimes batted in
