Ally Burguieres did not intend to be an opossum rehabber. Sesame, her first opossum, came into her life by accident. In the process of learning how toAlly Burguieres did not intend to be an opossum rehabber. Sesame, her first opossum, came into her life by accident. In the process of learning how to care for him, since he was non-releasable, she came to learn the wisdom of these funny creatures. Opossums, slightly dopey, slow, silly beasts seem not to have a care in the world beyond getting snacks. There's an awful lot of wisdom in that.
WHEN IN DOUBT, PLAY DEAD is a collection of the wisdom she's accrued over her years of animal rescue. Delivered in a simple voice, and accompanied by some of the cutest artwork you'll ever see, this is a book every bit as precious and valuable as her previous one: POSSUMS ARE NOT CUTE! AND OTHER MYTHS ABOUT NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY MARSUPIAL. While the latter book was heavier on the facts about opossums, this book is more about the wisdom you can get from them.
The wisdom may be as simple as the title implies - or it may be something like "The difference between flowers and weeds is often a matter of taste." Regardless, it will be something that is bound to make you smile. There's something endearing about these little opossums and their other animal friends. Many of the animals within are actually pets from Ally's friends, something that only makes this book all the more special to those who know her.
I wholeheartedly recommend this sweet book to anyone who loves opossums, or those that are opossum-curious. This book is full of sweet reminders to slow down and eat the flowers - and to smile often, but if someone tells you to smile... you're perfectly within your rights to scream at them....more
Comics were long-dominated by the Comic Code Authority, which held rigid standards as to what could or could not be published. These standards includeComics were long-dominated by the Comic Code Authority, which held rigid standards as to what could or could not be published. These standards included eliminating homosexual behavior and relationships, thus creating the illusion that there were no LGBT+ characters among the superhero ranks. That, of course, was not the actual case.
Jadzia Axelrod has done a fine job putting together the DC BOOK OF PRIDE. Within these covers is a by no means definitive, yet still quite lengthy, list of characters who identify across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The reference book is not just heroes, but also includes villains, anti-heroes, and the occasional friend or ally. Some characters go all the way back to the 40s, whilst some are as recent as the 2020s. All are unique, fully realized individuals with distinct preferences, powers, and relationships all their own.
While some characters are well-known representatives of the community, such as The Question, Harley Quin, Connor Hawk, or John Constantine, others are less well-known. Blue Snowman, the Pied Piper, or Porcelain were all new characters to me at least - and some are quite interesting sorts of representation. In the comic book universe truly wild things can be accepted as true - so why can't something as mundane as identifying as bisexual be considered strange?
DC has a rich and varied history, and Jadzia does an excellent job showcasing it. Here's lookin' to many more years of good representation. ...more
My review of this book, and interview with the author, will be available soon on The Folklore Podcast website. I'll be updating with links as soon as My review of this book, and interview with the author, will be available soon on The Folklore Podcast website. I'll be updating with links as soon as they're all live....more
Depression can make everything much more difficult than it looks. Getting out of bed can be a nearly insurmountable challenge, let alone putting a penDepression can make everything much more difficult than it looks. Getting out of bed can be a nearly insurmountable challenge, let alone putting a pen to paper to draw or to write. Add a global pandemic into the mix, and it's truly astonishing that Zoe Thorogood got anything done at all - but get it done she did. She persevered, at times kicking and screaming, sure, to document six months of her life in comic book form. IT'S LONELY AT THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH is the result of that.
I'd not read Thorogood's work before, but I was struck by the beautiful artwork and the insightful self-examination that was offered up in this book. She puts herself under the microscope revealing warts and all - or mask-induced acne outbreaks. She examines the dark side of herself, and the difficulty of reaching success and still not finding happiness. Other reviewers have called her pretentious and self-absorbed, and I'm sure she calls herself that as well, but often-times this is part of the process of just living with depression.
It would be a cliche to call this book relatable, but I'd be pretty darn surprised if a lot of creative types didn't relate to, and feel sympathy for her over the course of reading this. Everyone struggles to some degree, I can only hope that she finds some peace and happiness in her life. One of the most damaging cliches of the artistic world is that you have to hate yourself and be depressed in order to create. These things can be managed if you put the work in and get the right help.
There's hope out there, and I imagine this book will help an awful lot of people find hope in their own lives, too. I hope Zoe finds it in her own life....more
Andrew Shaffer woke up one morning and decided to become the world's greatest living poet. This book is the current culmination of those efforts to acAndrew Shaffer woke up one morning and decided to become the world's greatest living poet. This book is the current culmination of those efforts to achieve that title. Published by 8th Layer Media, this collection of humorous poems covers everything from the dark temptation of Little Debbies, through opinions on whether Edward or Jacob was better for Bella, to whether or not The Paris Review should be able to print the word "fuck" uncensored.
It's a rollicking ride, at times deeply insightful, but always hilarious. There are humorous doodles throughout, and an biting tone that is as deeply intelligent as it is acerbic at times. This is a fun collection. While Shaffer hasn't yet won the acclaim that he seeks, he's certainly not giving up getting it anytime soon.
Is there anything quite as terrifying as that one particular area of fandom spaces? I'm not so sure there is.
Luke Indiana was an action star on a deciIs there anything quite as terrifying as that one particular area of fandom spaces? I'm not so sure there is.
Luke Indiana was an action star on a decidedly C-List show for many years. Now, the show is ended and his marriage along with it. The latter fact he learns at the absolute worst time, while at a convention in the middle of Texas during COVID. Still reeling from the news and what his life is rapidly becoming, he happens to meet his number one fan. Lily, originally planning to try to hook up with him in a hotel bar, changes her plans on the fly. You can see where this is going.
PARASOCIAL is a fascinating look at the underbelly of fandom. While not particularly based on any specific individuals, it's a story that rings all too true to people in fandom spaces. It's a terrifying study, a meditative piece that hits its marks well and leaves you with an odd taste in your mouth when it's through. The afterwards by the artist and writer and well-worth a read, each reflecting on their own thoughts and experiences regarding how parasocial behavior is distressingly on the rise.
I'll echo de Campi and say that if anyone sees themselves reflected in this book, please seek health. Even if you're on the edges of it... really give yourself a think. As fun as fandom is, it isn't everything. Not by a long shot....more
Some kids get to go camping during their school breaks. Others get to go to summer camps where they roughhouse and have fun. Still other children get Some kids get to go camping during their school breaks. Others get to go to summer camps where they roughhouse and have fun. Still other children get to go to the most coveted place of all - Disneyland. Binh and his siblings get to go to a silent meditation retreat with their parents. They aren't allowed to speak, let alone to play. Instead, they have to spend their time in utterly silent contemplation trudging around the grounds. Fun, right?
Worst of all, they're leaving right on the heels of Binh nearly getting suspended after getting into a fight at school. This isn't like him, and he's shutting out both his parents and his siblings refusing to talk about what happened. All he's doing to cope is just playing his Gameboy and shutting out the rest of the world.
Maybe the retreat will help?
Minh Lê has written a graphic novel that has universal appeal, in spite of the book focusing upon Buddhist teachings. It was easy to relate to Binh's reticence to open up after what he went through, and to take away valuable lessons from the stories of the Buddha's life and past lives and learn to apply it to the world around him. Coupled with Chan Chau's illustrations framing various lessons through the lens of classic video games I can't imagine this book not appealing to just about anyone.
Reminiscent of SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, ENLIGHTEN ME has an appeal that will easily cross generations. There are some very valuable lessons within the book, and I am hoping readers will leave the book eager to grow their own communities and let others in rather than suffering in silence. After all, don't we all want to wake up?...more
My review of this book, and interview with the author, will be available soon on The Folklore Podcast website. I'll be updating with links as soon as My review of this book, and interview with the author, will be available soon on The Folklore Podcast website. I'll be updating with links as soon as they're all live....more
John M. Broadhead's poem "The Kindly Caveman" is a thoughtful tale of how the world that we have come to live in was created. There are three cavemen John M. Broadhead's poem "The Kindly Caveman" is a thoughtful tale of how the world that we have come to live in was created. There are three cavemen brothers - one is a Thinker, who devises various plans and technologies. The second, Crafter, implements them. The third brother, and the youngest, wants nothing more than to be kind and find opportunities to bestow his kindness upon others. While the two brothers build and create a society, it's the Kindly one who moves slowly enough to help others.
The art that accompanies this book is dreamlike, hazy and unfocused in a way that aides in the timeless message of the tale. I particularly enjoyed the amount of work that went into the tiger's expressions as they look into the eyes of the Kindly one.
The poem is moving, and hopeful. I hope it touches others the way it touched me. ...more
Anyone can own a cat, but it takes a special sort of man to be a true Cat Dad. These feline fathers are the cream of the crop, the sort who you'd trusAnyone can own a cat, but it takes a special sort of man to be a true Cat Dad. These feline fathers are the cream of the crop, the sort who you'd trust your kitty with any day. They know just how many treats to give, and the proper way to pull a string to strike a feline's fancy. These are the men whose hearts are owned by their precious puss. This book celebrates them to the utmost.
Alison Davies, cat aficionado, is the natural choice to pen this particular tome. She sings the praises of these Cat Dads, and categorizes them so that the reader can discover just which sort they are - and how to rise to the tops of those ranks to take the very best care of their fuzzy friend. The only person you're competing against is yourself, and the book makes it clear. Let's just do the best we can for our capricious kitties, no?
The book is lovingly illustrated, and sprinkled with different quotes from various cat lovers throughout history. There's a special shout out to the most American of all cat dads, Mark Twain, who provides a few quotes throughout. The ending even includes an interview with a current Instagram star cat dad who travels with his all over the world (a hint to those curious as to who he might be.)
This is a sweet book, and it would make a great gift to a new cat daddy out there just starting to find their feet. Thank you Netgalley, for this sweet book....more
Lily Kingsolver's debut children's book "Coyote's Wild Home" is a collaborative effort with Barbara Kingsolver and illustrated by Paul Mirocha. ComingLily Kingsolver's debut children's book "Coyote's Wild Home" is a collaborative effort with Barbara Kingsolver and illustrated by Paul Mirocha. Coming out this October through The Gryphon press, this is an informative book about living alongside coyotes and their pivotal place within the ecosystem.
Mirocha has illustrated each page with beautiful, lifelike drawings of the animals in their natural habitat. Each image is detailed enough that one can pick out other native animals and plants, along with animal tracks, and even scat. These pictures are a wonder to look at, and will provide a wealth of information to the observant reader.
The information within the book allows readers to start to pick up on the nuances of the illustrations, as well as the nature around themselves. It dispels common myths about the dangers of coyotes, while also encouraging the reader to not feed them or interact with them. Knowledge is often an antidote against fear, and helpful information at the back of the book gives ideas about how to interact with the nature around you - as well as the natural history of the coyote and how the species has spread east.
This is a great book, and I can't wait to see what else Gryphon Press puts out in the future. ...more
Johnny doesn't just feel invisible, he's pretty sure nobody but his mom can even see him. How else can he explain the way that he's treated - day in aJohnny doesn't just feel invisible, he's pretty sure nobody but his mom can even see him. How else can he explain the way that he's treated - day in and day out in school? He always does his best to help the other students around him and to be kind, but they don't even do as much as say thank you. What's a guy to do?
James Ruvalcaba has his finger on the pulse of what a lot of children go through growing up. A lot of adults assume that when a kid is upset that they aren't noticed they're only doing good and acting right out of a desire for attention, but that isn't always the case. It certainly isn't the case in his new book "Unseen Johnny." Johnny is being nice because it's the right thing to do, but it gets harder and harder to do when nobody seems to see him.
This is a quick book, coming in at just under 50 pages with around half of them containing illustrations. All the same, it is a book that I think a lot of the readers - both children and adults - will relate to. There's a sweet message in the book, and the topic could generate a lot of interesting discussion about why a person chooses to do what they feel is right even if nobody seems to appreciate it.
People are often watching, even when we feel invisible....more
Niels Sanders has lived a peripatetic life that has brought him from Cambridge to Devon, Brighton, Canterbury - and even as far afield as Tokyo. An avNiels Sanders has lived a peripatetic life that has brought him from Cambridge to Devon, Brighton, Canterbury - and even as far afield as Tokyo. An avid writer since he was a teen, this year sees the release of his nine book mythological epic series THE LEGEND OF SARU, the first of which is the book FROM THE VALLEY OF ORCHIDS.
FROM THE VALLEY OF ORCHIDS tells the origins of the snow monkey Saru. Set in the distant past in the Kingdom of Yamato, Saru lives what seems to be an idyllic life. The monks at the nearby abbey feed him, and his mother cares for him lovingly. The only mar upon an easy existence is his own burning curiosity - he wants to understand what the humans say and what their strange rituals are. This curiosity catches the attention of Akame, the demon, whose cruelty soon sets Saru on a strange and meandering path through the whole of the Kingdom and beyond.
This fantasy series is awash in Asian mythology and folklore. Saru’s journey towards deeper understanding of himself brings him face to face with the other gods of ancient Japan. These gods are animals born from the hopes and prayers of humans, creatures who each contain different abilities within themselves and seeming immortality. There are rumors of older gods - Kitsune the trickster fox, and Karasu the wise crow. Saru seeks them out where he can, and alongside his newfound friend Neko the cat, even encounters the enigmatic Tengu.
Sanders writes a compelling story, and throughout the year of 2023 will be releasing new books in the series monthly. Saru is a lovable protagonist, and his awe at the world he is only beginning to understand aids the reader in immersing themselves within the Kingdom of Yamato. The story is cinematic in its scope and its visuals, and sure to delight any fans of Asian mythology. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of THE LEGEND OF SARU....more
Jonathan Webb is an American man attending a work conference in France, something he's done a million times. Brubaker and Phillips have done it again.
Jonathan Webb is an American man attending a work conference in France, something he's done a million times. This time, however, he's having difficulty sleeping. It started on the plane ride to France, when he was reading a manuscript for work and noticed that a dream described within it is one he had before when younger. Since then he hasn't slept. It's been three days.
While wandering the streets of the city he comes across a strange club. On a whim, he takes the name of one of the attendees who isn't yet there and begins to assume a different identity. He runs with a dangerous, elite crowd and begins to learn some strange secrets. He still has yet to sleep. Things take on a dreamlike quality - pieces are missing, but slowly they all come together.
What now? What about the life that Webb left?
Brubaker and Phillips are an impeccable team. NIGHT FEVER was an electric read, dark and contemplative with a throughline of philosophical considerations about the human condition and what our true self is. It's a story that will live on in my mind for quite some time to come, mulling over the different implications that exist within the story.
If you're a fan of RECKLESS or VELVET I highly recommend picking this book up. If you're new to Brubaker and Phillips, this is quite a strong entry point as well. It'll stick with you....more
A bearded man runs out of the forest and across a parking lot. A moment later, four black panthers and a blonde woman follow him across the asphalt. TA bearded man runs out of the forest and across a parking lot. A moment later, four black panthers and a blonde woman follow him across the asphalt. They are hot in pursuit, but although he runs they do not. They walk slowly, leaning against some unseen force. The bearded man makes it into the office building. The woman lowers her hand to the asphalt, and cracks begin to form. A slow rot creeps along the cars, moss and mold and the stench of the Wild. The Blight has been cast. The game is on.
Tim Waggoner's "A Hunter Called Night" is a riveting book. Fast-paced and action-packed, it holds the reader at the edge of their seat until the game is through. Each chapter focuses upon a different person affected by the hunt, so the true crux of the story is unveiled in small pieces that will keep the reader guessing. I found myself engrossed with it from start to finish, cheering for my favorites and loving each second as the characters asked the questions on my own mind from the start.
The tension between the Wild and the civilized is often a well-worn trope, but it is done well in Waggoner's story. The logic of the rules is attractive, and the characters all felt unique, fully-formed, and believable. The world he created, close to our own but infused with a bizarre mythology that tantalizes with how close it is to being a logical extension of our own beliefs, was likewise easy to sink into and believe.
I was reluctant to leave this book behind once I finished it, but incredibly happy there are so many more things by Waggoner that I could pick up next. ...more
"Twisted Crows" is a fascinating collection of stories by Will Canduri. Originally published in Spanish, this is the sequel to his similarly eclectic "Twisted Crows" is a fascinating collection of stories by Will Canduri. Originally published in Spanish, this is the sequel to his similarly eclectic "Ensalada De Cuervos". As one would expect of a crow salad, the stories are unusual. They're shiny morsels picked up and collected together to create a whiplash inducing array of bright things. One story might be a single page long, and the next be over twenty. You just don't know what you're going to get.
This book is steeped in South American culture and motifs. There was some that was lost in translation to me, simply due to the fact that it's from a time and a place that I've never visited - let alone lived in. Nonetheless, the magical realism is thick in this collection.
This is a book that I feel I will get more from by revisiting later. Some of the stories I adored, some I didn't care for, all gripped and fascinated me. Some made me laugh out loud, while others had me squinting as I tried to piece together references that I just couldn't quite put my finger upon.
Twisted Crows is a collection you'll want to talk about. Will Canduri is certainly an author to watch....more
James Sturm has done the best possible job that one can do adapting such a vast and beautiful novel. By necessity, the plot and some characters have bJames Sturm has done the best possible job that one can do adapting such a vast and beautiful novel. By necessity, the plot and some characters have been pared down to allow for ease of storytelling. The essence of the book, the characters, and the beautiful storytelling within the book itself remain. WATERSHIP DOWN is one of my favorite books ever written, and being able to revisit it in graphic novel format was an absolute delight.
Joe Sutphin's illustrations are reminiscent of the film adaptation of the novel. Beautiful pastoral scenes, flowers and birds so beautifully drawn that you'll be able to identify the species. The story comes to life on these pages, and for a moment makes you wish that you could join the rabbits there on the downs. Each of the rabbits were distinctive enough that they could identified with just a glance, while still staying true to what diversity would be among the species.
This is an enchanting story. I'm hoping it will inspire more people to revisit, or for the first time read, Richard Adams' classic.
Thank you Netgalley, and Ten Speed Press, for giving me a copy of this graphic novel for review....more
Hilary "Fox"
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