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coronam's reviews
680 reviews
Blankets by Craig Thompson
5.0
There's a reason why Time magazine named this one of the top ten graphic novels of all time- because it's really really good. In what ends up being a 9-chapter, 600-page black and white memoir, "Blankets" tells the story of Thompson's childhood raised in an Evangelical Christian family, his first love and his transition to adulthood. There are some particularly beautiful moments in this book that will be a complete throwback to when you were an awkward yet hopeful teenager. Highly recommended.
The Assistant by Bernard Malamud
5.0
Malamud, who is probably best known for having written "The Natural," manages to throw you headfirst into the sad life of a Brooklyn grocer, Morris Bober, from page one. As a Jewish immigrant who moves to the US for a happier life but ends up with even less, "The Assistant" is a saga set in the characteristically un-pc times of the early 1950's that is perversely heartbreaking yet comedic in the development of its three main characters. Each of these characters' unhappiness is confined to the store, yet they either don't realize it or can't bring themselves to let go. What ensues is a novel that reads quickly like a short story, discussion of Judaism/Christianity and the lingering theory of how the human mind and heart can work together to bring about their owner’s misery.
Choke by Chuck Palahniuk
3.0
Victor Mancini is one messed-up antihero. There's more to it than that, I just have no idea where to start.
Surrender the Pink by Carrie Fisher
3.0
A friend actually recommended "Postcards from the Edge" but when I spotted "Surrender the Pink" sitting on the shelf at my local library, I decided to check it out first. In what is typical early '90's chick lit, "Surrender the Pink" follows soap opera writer, Dinah, as she addresses the various relationships with men in her life (her ex-husband, father, and earlier liaisons) with the possibility of self-discovery at the end (no spoilers here). Carrie Fisher is actually pretty hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed the book until the main character turned into a blubbering mess. Sorry, I'm a fair-weather friend like that. Also, the ending fell flat for me. However, it is interesting to note that the story is supposedly based on her real life break-up with Paul Simon.
Good-Bye, Chunky Rice by Craig Thompson
4.0
Craig Thompson's debut graphic novel. I lovedloved "Blankets" and have been on a search ever since for everything he's ever drawn/written. This was a touching, poetic fable that definitely set the tone for his sophomore hit. Not as intricate but still very entertaining. Good-bye, Chunky :)
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
3.0
I found this on some "Graphic Novels You MUST Read" list and thought, well, I should read it. And I'm glad I did because what I found was an extremely thought-provoking look at cultural assimilation and quite frankly, how even in the 2000's there are still so many stereotypes being perpetuated. Luckily, the book isn't as preachy as I'm making it seem. Intertwining 3 different narratives to create one larger story, "American Born Chinese" is funny, touching and wise. Add to that Gene Yang's use of vibrant colors and clean line drawings and you have one beautiful read. Recommended.
Four Letter Worlds, Volume 1 by Eric Stephenson
3.0
True, some parts of this collection may seem a little rough but overall it's a fantastic idea for a comic compilation. The gist: assign a comic writer/author team a word (Love, Hate, Fear, or Fate) and have them create to that category using another 4-letter word. Highlights included Jamie McKelvie's first published comic, "Loss," B. Clay Moore and Steven Griffin's musical flashback,"Spin" and Matt Fraction's crushingly sober "Fate."