tiedyedude's reviews
1070 reviews

Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

4.25

 Nick and Charlie spend some time growing independently while developing in their relationship. Just a few months until the final volume 

Washington's Gay General: The Legends and Loves of Baron Von Steuben by Josh Trujillo

3.75

 This book serves not only as a biography of Baron von Steuben, but also a celebration of queerness found in the margins of history. 

The War That Made America: A Short History of the French and Indian War by Fred Anderson

2.75

 I think I lost the thread a few times; I was hoping for more of an analysis of the events of the French/Indian War, but a lot of this seemed like a retelling of military encounters. Since that didn't interest me as much, I may have missed the other parts, but a large part of the book was just walking through battles. 

Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile

3.5

 This was an interesting read. She is at times very humble and aware of her privilege, and other times an indulgent rock star, name-dropping like crazy. She talks about some of her mental health struggles with some detail, then says she had a session with someone and got right on stage. She talks about sharing bedrooms and waiting at has stations, then she has a huge house big enough for multiple families. A good read but a bit of whiplash at times 

Batman: City of Bane: The Complete Collection by Tom King

2.75

 I made my way through a handful of Tom King's Batman run and it was... okay. I tried starting with the “complete“ City of Bane collection, but I had no idea what was going on. I thought the story was switching between Flashpoint Batman and Earth Prime, but it wasn't. Even after going back a bit to other volumes, it still wasn't super clear until a few issues in (one of my biggest problems with modern comics: I don't want to have to read 74 other issues to enjoy a certain story (thank goodness for the Black Label)). 
I also just didn't really enjoy King's characterization of Bruce/Batman. Even as he tried to portray him as opening up to love, he was still so moody and stand-offish. And everyone had to comment about it. He was constantly whining, “I know being Batman is dumb, but I'm Batman.“ Aside from a couple insightful panels, I feel like King wasn't breaking any new ground, and since it wasn't fun, I just wasn't impressed. 

It also didn't help that they kept pulling the same twists: you beat x, but y was pulling the strings all along! Catwoman betrayed you, but that was the plan all along! Batman gets beat half to death, but that was the plan, and now the plan is done, one punch win! Vol. 8 Cold Days was actually really good, though; Bruce Wayne is seated in the jury for Mr. Freeze's trial. 

Punisher: Soviet by

adventurous dark reflective medium-paced

3.5

 Disappointment by my own lack of research. I was hoping for a good Cold War story or maybe an alternate reality like Red Son; instead, this is a straight-forward going after the bad guy, where Frank teams up with an ex-Soviet soldier to take down the man who sold out his squad to the enemy. I enjoy work based on Ennis' writing, but this is my first time reading. Brutally realistic look at PTSD and fallout of war. 

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

emotional hopeful fast-paced

3.75

 Such a positive comic series. Things get pretty intense in this volume, but under all the drama and stress there is always love and support. Very uplifting. 

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

emotional informative mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

 This has been on my TBR for about 10 years, and I'm glad it holds up well. Susan is an excellent writer, and as horrific as her experience was, it was truly scary to find out how un-unique it was. I'm glad she was able to turn her trauma into a useful documentation that seems to have made a significant difference in the medical community. 

Waller Vs. Wildstorm by Evan Narcisse, Spencer Ackerman

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.25

 I have absolutely no knowledge of the Wildstorm imprint, so I actually had to re-read the first issue to make sure I was following everything, since several characters are only mentioned by name. It was fairly easy to follow once things get going, though. Waller is always a force to be reckoned with, and this serves as something of an origin story for her. Lots of intrigue and brutality. 

Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

4.25