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thekuster's reviews
397 reviews
Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
3.75* Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler have brought this beloved classic to life in this gorgeous graphic novel. I don't believe I've ever read the original L.M. Montgomery novel, but despite that, as a child I did read an abridged version with photos from the movie, watched parts of the 1985 made-for-tv movie as well as the Road to Avonlea tv shows. Additionally, as a Canadian, I believe we're supposed to be able to name off at least 3 major plot developments to maintain our citizenship (Carrots! Puff sleeves! Hair dye!)
Silliness aside, even though this version felt a bit like it was jumping from one major plot point to the next, it was still able to convey the charm and lovability of Anne Shirley. Her tenacious and fiery character were always what stood out to me the most and drove the story forward. And though I wished we could add maybe another 200 pages of illustrations to fully develop all the beautiful relationships at Green Gables, I nonetheless cried twice reading this. Perhaps I should finally devote some time to reading the original and delving into the full series...
Silliness aside, even though this version felt a bit like it was jumping from one major plot point to the next, it was still able to convey the charm and lovability of Anne Shirley. Her tenacious and fiery character were always what stood out to me the most and drove the story forward. And though I wished we could add maybe another 200 pages of illustrations to fully develop all the beautiful relationships at Green Gables, I nonetheless cried twice reading this. Perhaps I should finally devote some time to reading the original and delving into the full series...
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Neil Gaiman's story-telling never fails and this time paired with Chris Riddell's gorgeous illustrations made for a beautiful but short read. As it was meant to be a short story, some of the narrative plot points seemed a bit simplistic, but I still enjoyed the twists, turns and revelations that Gaiman unmistakably builds in. An enticing fairytale re-telling (and merging!).
Eat a Peach by Gabe Ulla, David Chang
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
David Chang's memoir was, to be quite frank, a difficult read. I listened to this in the form of an audiobook and reconciling the David Chang as seen on TV (animated, enthusiastic, hilarious, obnoxious, but passionate) and this monotone, deadpan version of him reading his own words was jarring. But much more than that, this version of David Chang was annoyingly self-deprecating (ok, we get it - you don't know why anyone would read this book), pompous, relatively devoid of humour.... and honest.
It did not help that in between starting and finally finishing Eat A Peach- I read 3 other memoirs from individuals that were undoubtedly more polished, eloquent and infinitely more loveable than David Chang. It was difficult not to immediately draw comparisons and I was tempted at the 65% mark to either DNF this book or try to quickly finish and give it 3 stars. I'm glad I decided to push through.
The first half of Eat A Peach follows a relatively chronological order, following his childhood and how he came to be a chef. Through it, Chang delves into his self-destructive lifestyle, his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and manic episodes and as the reader, you can't help hoping that soon he will tell you about how he gets help, please get help. The second half, is more like vignettes - a chapter for insulting the San Francisco food scene, a chapter devoted to Lucky Peach, a chapter about Fuku and Nishi and through it all, you start to feel the dread that Chang isn't taking care of his mental health at all - that even now as he is writing this in retrospect, he doesn't see that it's his bipolar disorder and depression that fuels his uncontrollable rage and other destructive behaviour. Every time he calls himself a narcissist, selfish and undeserving, I just want to shake him and say, "Stop it, stop - that's the depression talking!!!".
But I think now that I've finished the final chapters, his interlude about Grace, his rather interesting epilogue and his ridiculous 33 rules - it does feel like you've watched David Chang grow, it's just that he's unfinished and there's much more to this story still to come. And perhaps that's how this is so different from other memoirs - most memoirs feel complete, that the author has achieve their final, best state and are looking back on the journey; but Chang may just have hit the half-way point, he's nowhere near the finish line. This memoir took me on a rollercoaster ride, showing me the real David Chang behind the TV persona and at times, making me dislike him altogether, but with honesty, it brings you back around - allowing you to get back on the bandwagon, just this time, you are able to see see all the cracks, dents and repairs that make him both relatable and extraordinary.
It did not help that in between starting and finally finishing Eat A Peach- I read 3 other memoirs from individuals that were undoubtedly more polished, eloquent and infinitely more loveable than David Chang. It was difficult not to immediately draw comparisons and I was tempted at the 65% mark to either DNF this book or try to quickly finish and give it 3 stars. I'm glad I decided to push through.
The first half of Eat A Peach follows a relatively chronological order, following his childhood and how he came to be a chef. Through it, Chang delves into his self-destructive lifestyle, his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and manic episodes and as the reader, you can't help hoping that soon he will tell you about how he gets help, please get help. The second half, is more like vignettes - a chapter for insulting the San Francisco food scene, a chapter devoted to Lucky Peach, a chapter about Fuku and Nishi and through it all, you start to feel the dread that Chang isn't taking care of his mental health at all - that even now as he is writing this in retrospect, he doesn't see that it's his bipolar disorder and depression that fuels his uncontrollable rage and other destructive behaviour. Every time he calls himself a narcissist, selfish and undeserving, I just want to shake him and say, "Stop it, stop - that's the depression talking!!!".
But I think now that I've finished the final chapters, his interlude about Grace, his rather interesting epilogue and his ridiculous 33 rules - it does feel like you've watched David Chang grow, it's just that he's unfinished and there's much more to this story still to come. And perhaps that's how this is so different from other memoirs - most memoirs feel complete, that the author has achieve their final, best state and are looking back on the journey; but Chang may just have hit the half-way point, he's nowhere near the finish line. This memoir took me on a rollercoaster ride, showing me the real David Chang behind the TV persona and at times, making me dislike him altogether, but with honesty, it brings you back around - allowing you to get back on the bandwagon, just this time, you are able to see see all the cracks, dents and repairs that make him both relatable and extraordinary.
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neill
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Wholesome, gorgeous and so much representation! What more can I say that others haven't said already? If you need a feel-good, incredibly cute and gentle read - this is it! Just wish I could have my own tea dragon too...
Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes by Robin Ha
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Cookbooks in the form of graphic novels are exactly what I want right now - I don't necessarily test out the recipes, but walking through them via beautiful illustrations is a whole new form of cooking/eating vicariously. Robin Ha's illustrations are so beautiful and vibrant and she starts off every chapter with some cultural background which makes this both a fun and educating read.
As a true cookbook, I think some of the recipes are much too simple, while others are too fussy for anyone attempting to cook Korean food for the first time. While traditional cookbooks will try to aim and appeal to a certain expertise level of home cook, Cook Korean! is more like a smattering array of well-known Korean items - heavy on the kimchi and one or two examples of everything else. Having said that, I don't believe this should really be defined as just a cookbook - it is so much more! It's an introduction to a culture, an incredibly cute graphic novel and an entertaining read from cover to cover (and I will generally never read a cookbook from cover to cover!).
My main complaint is that she didn't include the delicious sweet soy-glazed potatoes that I love the most in banchan spreads.
As a true cookbook, I think some of the recipes are much too simple, while others are too fussy for anyone attempting to cook Korean food for the first time. While traditional cookbooks will try to aim and appeal to a certain expertise level of home cook, Cook Korean! is more like a smattering array of well-known Korean items - heavy on the kimchi and one or two examples of everything else. Having said that, I don't believe this should really be defined as just a cookbook - it is so much more! It's an introduction to a culture, an incredibly cute graphic novel and an entertaining read from cover to cover (and I will generally never read a cookbook from cover to cover!).
My main complaint is that she didn't include the delicious sweet soy-glazed potatoes that I love the most in banchan spreads.
Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
What an emotional and beautiful graphic memoir about an utterly devastating topic. I teared up more times than I could count, but also remember laughing out loud quite a few times as well. I'm so glad this book exists - as a companion for people who have lost someone close and as an empathetic look to help those who haven't, fully understand the profound sadness and how to act in a thoughtful, helpful manner.
The descriptions of grief, mental health, support and healing are all so poignant and insightful. I honestly think everyone should read this. Thank you Tyler Feder, for opening up your heart, sharing your story and the memory of your mother and letting us relive this with you.
The descriptions of grief, mental health, support and healing are all so poignant and insightful. I honestly think everyone should read this. Thank you Tyler Feder, for opening up your heart, sharing your story and the memory of your mother and letting us relive this with you.