michaelgreenreads's reviews
281 reviews
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
4.5
A lesser writer would have written a much more tacky version of this book, but this novel is filled with rich details and the contradictory nature of human beings that make it feel real.
Set in Toronto, this is a novel about halal-restaurant rivalry, deception via capitalism, falling in love with your enemies, standing up to the white racists of Ontario, and a concise takedown of mainstream Canada radio biases. I love the playful conflict in HANA KHAN, the author fully realizes the fun to be had in community gossip.
Shaman King, Vol. 3 by Hiroyuki Takei
4.0
Dumplings are better when shared!!!! The pacing was fantastic, the characters all nicely set up for the actual story to begin. I loved Ryu becoming a shaman. A+
Call of the Night, Vol. 1 by Kotoyama
3.5
LOL, who knows, I may have loved this as a teen. a) This is a Manic Vampire Dream Girl for introverts who don’t sleep. b) Nanakusa Nazuna is a great vampire name. c) The main character is simply not interesting enough to have fascinating characters orbit him. d) But I love Akira and the two walky talky watches. I am willing to give this series a chance.
Rooster Fighter, Vol. 2 by Syu Sakuratani
5.0
Humanity being saved by chickens. It’s just so much fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the art is top notch. I loved the hot spring slice of life. I loved the ex chicken gf’s love for smart phones. The kid characters were great.
Nostalgia and Videogame Music by Eds. Can Aksoy, Sarah Pozderac-Chenevey, Vincent E. Rone
5.0
This is my favourite type of academic work - smart and versatile and interdisciplinary!
This book’s breakdown of nostalgia made me want to attend a video game orchestra! I was stunned to learn a Video Game Orchestra had been hosted the week before I read the chapter on concerts. 🙈 IT STINGS THAT IT HAD HAPPENED SO RECENTLY. The last essay by Sarah Pozderac-Chenevey on race, bioshock, and music was so good!!!
Boys Weekend by Mattie Lubchansky
3.0
I didn’t expect to feel neutral after reading an apocalyptic trans-affirming horror/satire. But here I am! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It took on too many concepts and didn’t feel cohesive as a whole.
Mob Psycho 100 Vol. 1 by ONE
5.0
The art is horrendous, but god, the writing is funny in a way many more polished manga would never be able to capture! Mob’s sudden decision to join the body improvement club is hilarious. My heart is here for this messy book.
Gold Mask by Edogawa Ranpo
5.0
This novel single handedly got me out of my Summer reading slump. Very cool to have an entire novel putting a young Japanese detective vs France’s superstar criminal, Lupin. Golden masks give me chills after this novel.
Case Closed, Vol. 4, Volume 4 by Gosho Aoyama
4.0
These mysteries still capture the magic of Saturday morning cartoons. I enjoy the main character being stuck in a child’s body, I enjoy the suspicious characters being found out. What more can you ask for?
Case Closed, Vol. 3, Volume 3 by Gosho Aoyama
4.0
A book to take my mind off things! I love closed room mysteries. (OKAY I AM BIASED AS A DAD BUT I AM GLAD THE SECOND STORY ENDED WITHOUT JAIL.)