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baudshaw's reviews
93 reviews
Big Nate on a Roll by Lincoln Peirce
4.0
Artur is one of the funniest characters in the series, and this book uses him a lot. I like how his constant compassion constantly grates at the irreverent Nate. This book is well-written and has a good finale.
Big Nate Blasts Off by Lincoln Peirce
4.0
I like this the best out of all Big Nate books. I think the reconciliation of him and Randy is probably one of the defining scenes in this series. It’s surprisingly emotional from such a casual novel. Nate and Ruby have a fun dynamic, even if they weren’t properly adapted to the main strips after this.
Half-Drawn Boy by Suki Fleet
4.0
The first 340 pages of this book are genuinely amazing (even if the first Noah sections are a bit strange and there's a lot of typos). The book is a long, complicated, and detailed adventure with much to ponder about. The extremely descriptive prose fits well with the story and the characters, and makes for some truly excellent scenes. The blossoming romance between Gregor and Noah, while slow, is still quite interesting to see. I really like how there's a lot of mysteries about Gregor and Noah's families, along with stuff that's barely explained (like Eddy)... it makes the world feel a lot more detailed and complex.
However... the last 50 pages of the book are a massive step down. We have this deep, long, emotional climax ending with Gregor drawing his and Noah's dream, as well as Noah saying I love you, and Bruno explaining that Noah needs a family of his own. But then, it abruptly has a weeks-long time skip. That alone is a bit surprising (I would've liked a more natural ending where they slowly ended things on a positive, wholesome, but still uncertain note), but then... the most out of place, shockingly forced, unfitting sex scene of all time! What is the point of this? Why, after they just said "I love you" and they did nothing besides hug, are they instantly having a sex scene? It makes no sense, after Gregor struggles so much with being overwhelmed with emotions, he just immediately goes from hugging to sex without complaints? Because that's how it's legitimately introduced here. And of course, the descriptive prose is turned on its head as we learn about the sex acts done by these two minors in excruciating detail. I don't care how much Bruno tries to justify it by saying it's okay to talk about sex, there was no point including this sex stuff in the book. It doesn't help the characters advance their feelings at all, and it's just erotica for erotica's sake.
The last few chapters are eh. We get some good resolution stuff with Noah, then the awful Bruno sex talk, then a random Toby perspective shift, and then *two* epilogues taking place years after. I honestly think a second book should've been made with these characters, because now, everything feels a bit too cramped in these last 50 pages.
In the end, I still like a lot of things about this book. I would rate it a 9/10 until... that part, where I would then bring it down to an 8/10. Still, I would really love to see more works from this author!
However... the last 50 pages of the book are a massive step down. We have this deep, long, emotional climax ending with Gregor drawing his and Noah's dream, as well as Noah saying I love you, and Bruno explaining that Noah needs a family of his own. But then, it abruptly has a weeks-long time skip. That alone is a bit surprising (I would've liked a more natural ending where they slowly ended things on a positive, wholesome, but still uncertain note), but then... the most out of place, shockingly forced, unfitting sex scene of all time! What is the point of this? Why, after they just said "I love you" and they did nothing besides hug, are they instantly having a sex scene? It makes no sense, after Gregor struggles so much with being overwhelmed with emotions, he just immediately goes from hugging to sex without complaints? Because that's how it's legitimately introduced here. And of course, the descriptive prose is turned on its head as we learn about the sex acts done by these two minors in excruciating detail. I don't care how much Bruno tries to justify it by saying it's okay to talk about sex, there was no point including this sex stuff in the book. It doesn't help the characters advance their feelings at all, and it's just erotica for erotica's sake.
The last few chapters are eh. We get some good resolution stuff with Noah, then the awful Bruno sex talk, then a random Toby perspective shift, and then *two* epilogues taking place years after. I honestly think a second book should've been made with these characters, because now, everything feels a bit too cramped in these last 50 pages.
In the end, I still like a lot of things about this book. I would rate it a 9/10 until... that part, where I would then bring it down to an 8/10. Still, I would really love to see more works from this author!
There's Treasure Everywhere: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson
5.0
Calvin and Hobbes is peak as usual. Barely any elaborating here, it’s simply an excellent piece of art
The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury by Bill Watterson
5.0
It’s so unbelievably peak fiction. An amazing and genuinely inspiring piece of art and literature that’ll forever stay with me.
Exploring Calvin and Hobbes: An Exhibition Catalogue by Bill Watterson, Robb Jenny
5.0
Calvin and Hobbes is one of the most influential pieces of art I’ve ever seen. There’s something so simple and glorious about the adventures of this child and his tiger. And this book really goes in depth, offering a powerful analysis that really shows off how good this is.
The Days Are Just Packed by Bill Watterson
5.0
Immaculate as always. The middle era of C and H has its own distinct vibe that I like a lot.
Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson
5.0
I will say, the snow goon arc itself is probably one of my least favorite arcs in Calvin and Hobbes. But I still love everything else here, so it’s still 5 stars.
The Complete Peanuts 1973-1974: Vol. 12 Hardcover Edition by Charles M. Schulz
4.0
Peanuts (specifically 1973-1974) is consistently great. Patty and Marcy show a lot more often during those years, but Franklin remains eternally shafted. There's also less focus on Snoopy's relatives and much more on Woodstock and Snoopy.
It's a Magical World by Bill Watterson
5.0
Being the best of Calvin and Hobbes is no easy feat.
This is probably the best book in the entirety of the 20th century.
How do you become the peak of a series that’s already peak? Calvin and Hobbes shows its consistent greatness with all the early-installment weirdness thrown out and replaced with pure quality. That would already make me love it, but of course, the final strip is everything.
You all know it. The titular one. The best work of art in history. It completely captures all the essence of Calvin and Hobbes and sends it off, and it’s done in such a gratifying and emotional way that I’m actually happy it ended. I truly have to recommend Calvin and Hobbes to everyone, even if it’s just for that final strip in the end.
This is probably the best book in the entirety of the 20th century.
How do you become the peak of a series that’s already peak? Calvin and Hobbes shows its consistent greatness with all the early-installment weirdness thrown out and replaced with pure quality. That would already make me love it, but of course, the final strip is everything.
You all know it. The titular one. The best work of art in history. It completely captures all the essence of Calvin and Hobbes and sends it off, and it’s done in such a gratifying and emotional way that I’m actually happy it ended. I truly have to recommend Calvin and Hobbes to everyone, even if it’s just for that final strip in the end.