Prince of Persian: The Graphic Novel by Jordan Mechner, A.B. Sina, LeUyen Pham, Alex Puvilland

Synopsis: Long ago in Persia, there lived a Prince -- a man of honor, of valor, and full of strength -- a man for his people, who lived with them and took on their trials and hardships. And he was loved. His name is no longer remembered. When people speak of him, they call him merely, 'The Prince of Persia,' as if there have been no others, and his descendants are enjoined to live like him, to be like him, to the ends of their days. Long ago in Persia, there were many princes, one following another, sometimes quick, sometimes slow, sometimes fat, clever, joyous, and all more or less honorable. And in some of those princes there shone the spirit of The Prince of Persia, for in Persia time spins like a wheel, and what is to come has already happened, and then happens again, year in and year out.
This is the story of two of those princes, and of the destiny that threads their lives together. (from the online description)

Review: A bit confusing at first, as it jumps between the stories - but once you get used to the shift in color pallettes, it makes more sense. The story itself it a tightly woven one of love and danger, death and greed, redemption and suffering. The art gives much to the story, using bold lines and stylized drawings to bring to life a fantastic world. Def. Worth reading, for it's own sake, even if you know nothing about the game (which I do not.)

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-59643-207-9
Year Published: 2008
Date Finished: 3-6-2019
Pages: 201

Review: Tellos: Reluctant Heros and Tellos: Kindred Spirits by Todd Dezango and Mike Wieringo

Synopsis: A magic orb finds the Chosen One, a boy, who can use it, and adventure and danger ensue.

Review: Predictable, with nothing really bad or good about it. The art is bold and dynamic, the story enjoyable, if somewhat trite. The ending is a bit of twist, but well worth reading. Not amaze-balls but a pleasant story to read.

Bookmarks: 3 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 1-58240-186-1 and 1-58240-231-0
Year Published: 2001 and 2001
Date Finished: 3-2-2019
Pages: 110 and 104

Review: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Synopsis: The Memoir of Michele Obama, First Lady of the United States and all-around bad-ass.

Review: Here is how I break-down this book:

20% Me thinking, "Damn, she is a SUCH an Amazing Person. Squee!"
40% Advert for How Amaze-balls she thinks Her Husband is
20% Let me explain shit I did that ya'll criticized.
20% Politics sucks donkey butt.

Read it. Even if you didn't like her or her husband, read it, so you better understand how shit works in US politics.

Bookmarks: 3.5  of 5

Awards: None (Yet)

ISBN: 978-1-5247-66313-8
Year Published: 2018
Date Finished: 2-28-19
Pages: 426

Review: The Disciplines of the Christian Life by Eric Liddell

Synopsis: Eric Henry Liddell was a Scottish athlete, rugby union international player, and missionary. He is perhaps most well known as the subject of the Oscar-winning 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which depicted his experiences training and racing in the Olympics and the religious convictions that influenced him. In his book about spiritual disciplines, he outlines his own pattern for living which has as its foundation a daily Bible reading plan. (from the online description)

Review: If you are at all interesting in growing you life with Christ, you can do no better then to read and listen to Eric Liddell's advice on how to achieve that. He lived the principles he asserts in this book and it showed in the deeply loving and sacrificial life he lived, all for the love and glory of Christ Jesus. Although simple in prose and ideas, the meat of this work will require deep thought and study. With both compassion and honest, Liddell calls the Christian to a live worth the Blood of Jesus, and encourages all Christian to go deeper. Highly recommend this work as a repeat read for any Christian.

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0281061730
Year Published: Written between 1925-1945
Date Finished: 2-28-19
Pages: N/A (Audiobook)

Review: The Ink Dark Moon: Love Poems by Ono no Komachi and Izumu Shikibu, Women of the Ancient Japanese Court, trans by Jane Hirshfield and Mariko Aratani

Synopsis: These translated poems were written by 2 ladies of the Heian court of Japan between the ninth and eleventh centuries A.D. The poems speak intimately of their authors' sexual longing, fulfillment and disillusionment. (from the online description)

Review: Japanese poetry is a favorite of mine, and so it is no surprised that I adored this collection. The introduction gives a short biography of the two women – short because little is known about either. From there, the introduction moves into the culture and tradition of poetry writing in the era when these women lived (800 AD – 1100?AD). In the court of Japan, writing poetry was considered an essential skill, on that could bring fame or censure. To write poetry well was considered the height of good breeding and intelligence. These two women, Ono no Komachi and Izumi Shikibu are considered two of the best female poets to ever live, both in Japan and in the world, and are part of the Thirty-Six Female Immortals of Poetry. After reading this collection, it is obvious why they are considered the greats. With economy of words, with striking imagery and subtly, both women express emotions from deep within the human experience. While it would be impossible to include all the ones that I loved, I have offered a small sample below.

I thought to pick
the flower of forgetting
for myself,
but I found it
already growing in his heart

My longing for you –

Too strong to keep within bounds.

At least no one can blame me

When I go to you at night

Along the Road of Dreams

The Hunting Lanterns

On Mount Ogura have gone,

The deer are calling for their mates….

How easily I might sleep,

If only I didn’t share their fears.

In this world

Love has no color –

Yet how deeply

My body

Is stained by yours.

When the water-freezing

Winter arrives

The floating reds look rooted,

As if stillness

Were their own desire.

As for the collection, this is perfect. Editor Jane Hirschfield and translator Mariko Aratani bring to life these women, and let their words and hearts and experiences live again. At the end of the collection is a find explanation of how the word were translated, part of what makes this collection so worthwhile. Perfect for the lover of poetry, or the student of Japan. 

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-679-72958-5
Year Published: 1988 (This Edition, 1990) (The Poems written between 834-1034)
Date Finished: 2-27-19
Pages: 212

Review: Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story by Angie Smith.

Synopsis: In seven sessions, Seamless covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. Participants in this study will gain an overarching understanding of the fundamental layout and meaning of the Bible. (from the online description)

Review: Fine for a new Christian or someone who has not be offered the chance to study the Bible a lot. The long-time Christian will find it good but not as in depth as possible desired. Highly Recommend for New Christians.

Bookmarks: N/A

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1430032304

Year Published: 2015
Date Finished: Feb. 2019 (Bible Study)
Pages: 176

Review: The Best from Orbit (Volumes 1-10) ed. by Damon Knight

Synopsis: Orbit was the brain-child of  Damon Knight (husband of Kate Wilhelm) and was intended to offer more literary examples of fantasy and science fiction. Up until then, most science-fiction was of the decided pulp variety, or maybe the Space Opera, with a few notable exceptions tossed in. Knight wanted to show the science fiction was a legitimate form of literature, one the could be as serious and complex as your average classic novel. This is the "best of" from the first 10 volumes of Orbit - published as anthologies, not magazines - and includes letter between him and the authors (if available) to illustrated how the stories came to be.

Review: As a rule, I do not enjoy more literary science fiction works. I have attempted them over my reading life and at best, find them adequate, and at worst find them confusion or pretentious. However, as another rule, I will not judge a story as “good” or “bad” – being that, as with most arts, “good” and “bad” are in the eye of the beholder – or in this case, the mind of the reader. A story can be objectively judged for its technical merit, it’s grammar and spelling, it’s adherence to a particular form – but as long as it meets the basics of these, to state it is “good” or “bad” is to make an objective call about a subjective opinion.

Therefore, I simply state that there was about 3-4 stories I liked, and few I thought were boring or pointless, and a few that seemed to barely qualify as science fiction. And a few that I just plan didn’t understand at all. I have highlighted a few below. But in the end, I can’t say whether you will enjoy this or not. If you are looking for more literary science fiction – this is the book for you. If you enjoy the more Space Opera or Pulp style, skip it.

Mother to the World by Richard Wilson: WTF – I mean, the ending of this was revolting. I didn’t like it but I had to give credit for an excellent story. It elicited a visceral reaction from me.

The End by Ursula K. Le Guinn: A gently chilling story, so like Le Guinn, where the horror only comes upon you slowly and you are left with the deep question of how the character faired once the story ended.

Rite of Spring by Avram Davidson: Just long enough to make me want to know about this world. Needed to be a few pages longer to really “get” the point. But overall, creepy AF.

Passengers by Robert Silverberg: Almost horror in its topic, one of possession and futility. Would make an excellent Twilight Zone episode.

Look, You Think You've Got Troubles by Carol Carr: Cute and funny, with a topic we are all familiar with but with an ending and setting that make it new and fresh.

The Big Flash by Norman Spinrad: I have no idea what really happened but def. creepy.

Horse of Air by Gardner R. Dozois: Confused me, and yet, I was scared at the end. Good story.

The rest were either disappointingly confusing (The Planners by Kate Wilhelm, which I specifically bought this collection to read) to the odd and off-putting. Read at your own risk.

Bookmarks: 3 of 5 (stories)  / 4 of 5 (Collection)

Awards: Several Won Nebula etc. Awards

ISBN: 425-03161-6
Year Published: Stories (1966-1975), Collection (1976)
Date Finished: 2-22-2019
Pages: 404

Review: The Penguin Book of Japanese Verse trans. by Geoffrey Bownas and Anthony Twaite (L)

Synopsis: A Survey of Japanese poetry, starting from the earliest manuscripts and ending around the time the book was published in 1963

Review: If you are interested in Japanese poetry, this is a MUST own book. The introduction runs the reader through the history of Japanese poetry, including its place in the history and culture of Japan. There are also extensive notes on the types and styles, the meanings and themes, traditions and impact - as well as the grammar and translations. As for the poems themselves, one can never really definitively judge a poem for its emotional impact. Poems can be judged on adherence to form, word choice, imagery, and other technical aspects - but "good" or "bad" is in the hands of the reader, and changes from person to person, and era to era. That being said, this is a fine collection, meant to introduce the Western Reader to the fine, delicate, and extensive art of poetry in Japan, of which the Japanese have shown themselves to be Masters.

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: N/A
Year Published: 1963
Date Finished: 2-21-2019
Pages: 243

Review: The Eating Instinct: Food Culture, Body Image, and Guilt in America by Virginia Sole-Smith

Synopsis: Food is supposed to sustain and nourish us. Eating well, any doctor will tell you, is the best way to take care of yourself. Feeding well, any human will tell you, is the most important job a mother has. But for too many of us, food now feels dangerous. We parse every bite we eat as good or bad, and judge our own worth accordingly. When her newborn daughter stopped eating after a medical crisis, Virginia Sole-Smith spent two years teaching her how to feel safe around food again ― and in the process, realized just how many of us are struggling to do the same thing.

The Eating Instinct visits kitchen tables around America to tell Sole-Smith’s own story, as well as the stories of women recovering from weight loss surgery, of people who eat only nine foods, of families with unlimited grocery budgets and those on food stamps. Every struggle is unique. But Sole-Smith shows how they’re also all products of our modern food culture. And they’re all asking the same questions: How did we learn to eat this way? Why is it so hard to feel good about food? And how can we make it better? (from the online description)

Review: Sole-Smith’s question is simple – how do women relate to food – but the answer is complex and as far reaching as one can imagine. Through interviews with women across the socio-economic and health lines she explores this question. Interwoven is the narrative of where this question came from – her own experience with her daughter’s inability to eat.

Sole-Smith is a writer by trade, not a scientist, so that must be first understood when reading this book. While she includes some science, it is important to note that this is not a book about the science of eating – but about the social and cultural challenges and connections.

Pros: Sole-Smith included women from a wide range of backgrounds and made a particular point of including low-income women, whose challenges with food are unique and not often understood by the intended audience of her work. Her writing is technical enough to be fulfilling but not so dense that is reads like a textbook. By including stories and first-hand experience, she created a personal narrative that drew the reader in.

Cons: Not enough science to prove her points, and she didn’t include the issue of where the diet advice women get from doctors and foundation is even correct. This seems particularly important for this subject, to me, and I found the lack of it a bit conspicuous.

This book, although not perfect, was informative and sparked a few good discussions when I brought it up to friends. I would recommend this as an excellent non-fiction selection for Women’s Book Clubs – it’s a topic we all deal with and might open up good avenues of discussion and support. 

Note: I received this book free through LibraryThing's Early Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-250-295378
Year Published: Nov. 2018
Date Finished: 2-12-2019
Pages: 274

Review: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse (The Sixth World, Book 1)

Synopsis: Maggie Hoskie is a Dinétah monster hunter, a supernaturally gifted killer. When a small town needs help finding a missing girl, Maggie is their last best hope. But what Maggie uncovers about the monster is much more terrifying than anything she could imagine. 

Maggie reluctantly enlists the aid of Kai Arviso, an unconventional medicine man, and together they travel the rez, unraveling clues from ancient legends, trading favors with tricksters, and battling dark witchcraft in a patchwork world of deteriorating technology. 

As Maggie discovers the truth behind the killings, she will have to confront her past if she wants to survive.

Welcome to the Sixth World.

Review: As others have remarked, there is no shortage of Urban Fantasies featuring Native American heroines – but this is the first I know of actually written by a First Nations author.  And it shows. While the other authors treat the subject with respect, Roanhorse creates a tone and world unlike anything I’ve read before.

The main character, Maggie, is a brilliant mix of strength and vulnerability, with a sense of completeness and depth that isn’t normal in UF books. And the secondary characters add more than just pillion for her to interact with, but come complete with their own richness and complexity.

Add in the post-apocalyptic nature and the First Nation mythology, and you have one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I’ve already read it twice (a big deal for me) and it was perfect the second time too.

If you read no other book this year, read this one!

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: TBD

ISBN: 978-1-5344-1350-4
Year Published: 2018
Date Finished: 2-11-19
Pages: 287

Review: Eight Times Up by John Corr

Synopsis: Ever since his mom left, Riley has been a mess. He feels nervous all the time. His heart pounds, his neck is tight, and he can't seem to turn off his brain. His dad signs him up for aikido, hoping it will help. In the dojo, Riley meets boys who are much rougher than he is and a girl who is tougher than all the rest of them put together. For Wafaa, aikido is not her first choice. She was disqualified from competing in judo for wearing a hijab. From the first time she steps on the mat, it's clear she is far more skilled than anyone expected. Through the teachings of their sensei, Riley and his classmates come to understand that aikido is not about winning or losing or about being perfect. Sensei shows them how to tap into their inner strength and find their place in the universe. (from the online description)

Review: Centered on Riley, a young man who is struggling with the loss of his Mom and the stabling presence she brought to his life, this story follows him as he finds his footing after such a devastating loss.

Corr’s handling of the subject of the loss of a parent, anxiety in the young, discrimination, and challenge is excellent. None of these issues are “in your face” which prevents the book from becoming preachy. But they are present and part of the story. The language is simple, but not dumbed down, and would be suitable for kids from ages 8+.

I particularly liked the story of those around Riley. The other kids aren’t just cardboard cutouts in his journey, but actual people that he learns from. Each has their own story, their own struggles, and the collisions and joining of those struggling are important to Riley’s journey. Corr also manages to create a diverse cast without it being the focus of the story. The kids being from different races, cultures, and families is simple part of who they are and adds depth to the story, without it ever feeling contrived.

As a practitioner (albeit eons ago) of Aikido, I was pleased with the accuracy of how Corr described the art and practice of the sport. This is naturally expected, given his own experience with the sport. It was also pleasant the sport was part of the story, but not the focus. Corr’s seamlessly woven together a lot of different aspects of the human experience, perfectly balancing each to create a story worth reading. Even though the main character is a child, as an adult, I found this an inspiration read.

Over all, this is an excellent first book. I would recommend it to any parent of middle grade kids, and I will certainly keep an eye out for Corr’s future work. 

Note: I received this book free from LibraryThing as part of their Early Review Program, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 9781459818613
Year Published: 2019
Date Finished: 2-5-2019
Pages: 216

Review: Serafina and the Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty (Serafina, Book Three)

Synopsis: The end of the trilogy about Serafina and her adventures at Protector of Biltmore Estate.

Review: As with the others, this is a pleasing mix of adventure, heart, dark-danger, and triumph. Billed as the last in the adventures of Serafina, we see her confront the last of the darkness that haunts Biltmore, and come into her own as the Protector of Biltmore. We also see her confront the internal struggles she has, as she tries to reconcile her place in the world. Slightly darker then the previous two, this is a fine middle grade book, with enough danger, humor, and action to keep both boys and girls interested.

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-4847-7504-2
Year Published: 2017
Date Finished: 2-2-19
Pages: 355

Review: Way Station by Clifford D. Simak (A)

Synopsis: An ageless hermit runs a secret way station for alien visitors in the Wisconsin woods in this Hugo Award-winning science fiction classic Enoch Wallace is not like other humans. Living a secluded life in the backwoods of Wisconsin, he carries a nineteenth-century rifle and never seems to age-a fact that has recently caught the attention of prying government eyes. The truth is, Enoch is the last surviving veteran of the American Civil War and, for close to a century, he has operated a secret way station for aliens passing through on journeys to other stars. But the gifts of knowledge and immortality that his intergalactic guests have bestowed upon him are proving to be a nightmarish burden, for they have opened Enoch's eyes to humanity's impending destruction. Still, one final hope remains for the human race . . . though the cure could ultimately prove more terrible than the disease. (from the online description)

Review:  This is not a space opera. There are no space ships or laser guns or daring space flights. This is a simple, quiet sci-fi novel, with a deep well of thought and meaning. The end question is - do humans deserve the chance to find our own way or are we too dangerous to be left to our own ways? Enoch, with his gentle manner and striking intelligence, seeks to find a way to convince his employers (not humans) that Earth deserves the change to live.

Woven into this is Enoch’s own journey – to let go of the past, to embrace the future, and to accept what may come. In the end, it is the way being a Station Master has changed his own perceptions that allow him to find the answer.  There is a deep philosophical bent to this story.

That isn’t to say there isn’t action. The plot is brisk, with constant changes. Simak prose is heavy with imagery, the kind that makes the story alive in your mind.

It is easy to see why this book won the Hugo. A well-deserved award for a fantastic science fiction story.

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: Hugo Award for Best Novel (1964)

ISBN: 978-1504013215
Year Published: 1963
Date Finished: 1-31-2019
Pages: N/A (Audiobook, eBook)

Review: The Stone Heart by Faith Erin Hicks (The Nameless City, Book 2)

Synopsis: Kaidu and Rat have only just recovered from the assassination attempt on the General of All Blades when more chaos breaks loose in the Nameless City: deep conflicts within the Dao nation are making it impossible to find a political solution for the disputed territory of the City itself. To complicate things further, Kaidu is fairly certain he's stumbled on a formula for the lost weapon of the mysterious founders of the City. . . . But sharing it with the Dao military would be a complete betrayal of his friendship with Rat. Can Kai find the right solution before the Dao find themselves at war? (from the online description)

Review: This book was recommended by an acquaintance on #bookstagram and I found the first and second volumes at my local library.

With bold color and dynamic art, this book creates a fascinating world, quickly drawing the reader into the drama and intrigue of a city, contrastingly changed by the endless war and following conquest by the neighboring nations.

In this chaos, we find two characters, different from each other as possible, yet facing the same thing – being out of place in a city where no one has a place.

The characters are rich and complex, the action brisk and well-defined, and the plot twists and turns. Excellent story, with a dynamic look at how people live in a conquered land, and what it means to Rule. Worth reading – I highly recommend!

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: TBD

ISBN: 978-1-62672-159-3
Year Published: 2017
Date Finished: 1-30-2019
Pages: 243

Review: The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks (The Nameless City, Book 1)

Synopsis: Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don't let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.
Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred--a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together. Let's hope so, because the fate of the Nameless City rests in their hands. (from the online description)

Review: This book was recommended by an acquaintance on #bookstagram and I found the first and second volumes at my local library.

With bold color and dynamic art, this book creates a fascinating world, quickly drawing the reader into the drama and intrigue of a city, contrastingly changed by the endless war and following conquest by the neighboring nations.

In this chaos, we find two characters, different from each other as possible, yet facing the same thing – being out of place in a city where no one has a place.

The characters are rich and complex, the action brisk and well-defined, and the plot twists and turns. Excellent story, with a dynamic look at how people live in a conquered land, and what it means to Rule. Worth reading – I highly recommend!

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: TBD

ISBN:978-1-62672-157-9
Year Published: 2016
Date Finished: 1-30-2019
Pages: 232