Superman: Red Son

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DC Comics

Superman:  Red Son
Mark Millar
Dave Johnson
Et. al.
2003

The Summary

In this unique twist on the Superman mythos, Superman lands on a Soviet collective farm in Ukraine rather than a rural farm in small-town Kansas - and his story develops very differently.

Raised to support and defend the socialist ideas of the Soviet Union, Superman "fights a never-ending battle for Stalin, socialism, and the international expansion of the Warsaw Pact."  His superpowers, however, make a very different impression on the world as he tries so hard to do the right thing - and Lex Luthor becomes a very different villain.

The Good

Filled with the usual intricacies of the "Superman story," Red Son is a complex and enjoyable graphic novel that's sure to please.  It has an exceptional plot - and twists and turns in the DC Universe that are sure to leave you surprised and craving for more (see Batman's Russian counterpart to know what I mean) - and excellent characters.

The exceptional art in this comic also makes it worthwhile to read.  Illustrating all the details its narrator cannot explain, or aspects character dialogue cannot illuminate, the graphic component of this novel enhances its qualities and makes it more enjoyable.

In particular, being able to see the progression of time on many characters and view the scenes a reader may not immediately see in their mind's eye, helps this novel pack a real punch.

As an aside, I found the narrator of Red Son equally appealing.  Actually having Superman narrate his own story - explain his motives even as he serves Stalin, lay bare his personal thoughts and feelings, question his own judgment or enforce it - offers this comic a uniquely "human" voice that's sure to catch your attention.

The Bad
Admittedly, the conclusion of Red Son was slightly dissatisfying.  It hypothesizes a unique and, subsequently, clever idea concerning Superman's end as well as his origin; however, it also makes the novel seem like one long, infinite loop, never truly having a satisfying - and definite - conclusion.

The Ugly

Consider this in Red Son:  Superman is completely bent on preserving the planet and keeping humankind safe, so much so that he's possibly willing to sacrifice free will and human thought to accomplish his goals.

And:  Lex Luthor cuts a very different figure in society - and he may not be the villain Superman accuses him of being.

Clashing ideologies and personal vendettas create a confusing and, frequently, ugly mess that appears to result in personal tragedy, war, and death.  To put it simply, the characters you know and love from the DC Universe may not make it to the final page.

The Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye (Volume One)

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Barnes and Noble

The Walking Dead:  Days Gone Bye (Volume One)
Robert Kirkman
Tony Moore
2006

The Summary
When small-town sheriff Rick Grimes is caught in a shoot-out with his partner, Shane, he doesn't expect to wake up in a coma weeks later - and her certainly doesn't expect to learn the world is a very different place, a place rife with abandoned cities and zombies.  But his grave situation doesn't deter him from finding what's most important:  his wife and his son.

His former partner, however, just might.

The Good
Packed with stimulating art and gripping story-telling, Days Gone Bye is a graphic novel that is sure to please.  Not only does Tony Moore, the artist, render the story with great detail and care, Robert Kirkman, the author, creates a suspenseful tale woven with equal parts tragedy and horror and human insight.

In particular, Kirkman's skills as a story-teller in formulating compelling characters, unique stories, and appropriate amounts of action - and suspense - will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover.

Granted, much of The Walking Dead focuses on the journey of Rick Grimes as he travels to Atlanta in search of his family; however, Kirkman and Moore's novel branches in many different directions as new character and newer dangers emerge.

It's interesting and it's gripping, no two ways about it.

The Bad
I would not recommend The Walking Dead to a younger audience.  Filled with stronger language, gore, frightening images, and a fair dose of horror, Kirkman and Moore's novel is probably a little graphic for some readers.  Honestly, I don't think I read a single issue in this first volume in which multiple people didn't die.

I suggest if you don't like stories that make your stomach twist with grief and worry, or make your heart sink inside your chest, this book may not be for you.

The Ugly
Riddled with gore and tragedy, The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic horror story bent on making you squirm the farther you read.  As you learn in these first few issues, it's not just the zombies about which you have to worry - it's the survivors.

Hiatus

Apologies for the unexpected hiatus.  With November being one of the more popular seasons for retail and National Novel Writing Month (see nanowrimo.org if you don't know what I mean), I've had very little time between then and now to write suitable blog posts - or anything at all.

But I intend to remedy this month-long hiatus with a new post on Saturday and a couple bonus reviews throughout the month of December and January.  Going with the comic motif from early November and late September, I'll start with a review on The Walking Dead.

See you Saturday.

Happy reading.

- The Scrivener

Daredevil (Volume One)

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www.barnesandnoble.com

Daredevil
Mark Waid
2011

The Summary
After putting his stormy - and more than a little tragic - past behind him, Matt Murdock has decided to turn over a new leaf, take a new lease on life, especially since his secret identity has leaked all over the media.

But life often has a way of complicating matters and, for Daredevil, that means jumping back into the fray no matter the challenge, no matter the cost - even if it means confronting old demons from his past.

The Good
Filled with fantastic story-telling and enjoyable narration, Daredevil is a slightly tragic, sometimes morbid but entirely riveting comic book that will keep you glued to the pages.  Whether Daredevil is fighting the Spot or struggling to cope with his place in the limelight, Matt Murdock's story is sure to delight and entertain.

Additionally, Daredevil's narrative rarely leaves one with a dissatisfied feeling of an unresolved plot.  While this story has its share of twists and cliffhangers, it never feels incomplete.

More to the point, Mark Waid's comic has a progressive plot that pulls you along through the use of dynamic characters and beautifully rendered actions scenes.  In particular, these dynamic characters - like Foggy Nelson, Kristen McDuffie, and, yes, even Matt Murdock - make a large part of the story enjoyable, because you can visibly chronicle their evolution as the story progresses.

Daredevil is also fabulously rendered by several very talented artists.  Their careful artistry truly brings Waid's dialogue to life, giving every issue a distinct vibrancy and life it wouldn't otherwise have.

The Bad
Honestly, I have no major complaints about the first volume of Daredevil.  I mean, besides the shifting art styles between different artists, Waid's comic is consistently - and almost dependably - good.

The Ugly
Considering the number of villains Daredevil must face and the terrifying memories he must endure from his own past, Daredevil can often turn dark and morbid even with Matt Murdock's attempts to assure the world, and himself, that he is fine.

Flashpoint

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www.dccomic.com

Flashpoint
Geoff Johns
Andy Kubert
2011

The Summary
After awakening at his desk one evening, Barry Allen (the Flash) realizes the world has undergone some drastic changes - his mother is alive, his powers are gone, and his friends are vastly different people - because someone altered the timeline.

Now trapped in an alternate reality, the Flash must stop the impending destruction of the world and, more importantly, discover a way to return the timeline back to normal - or else.

The Good
Filled with familiar characters and more than a few new faces, Flashpoint provides a very unique twist on the conventional tale of superheroes.

For instance, in the first few pages, you realize that the Amazonians (Wonder Woman) and Atlanteans (Aquaman) are not on amicable terms; in fact, they're embroiled in the middle of a war which may destroy the world.  Likewise, Batman is no longer the Batman everyone knows.

It's both intriguing and engrossing, as you attempt to pinpoint the differences between time lines and, more importantly, get to the bottom of the mystery of how this newest time line came to be - and it's a twist you'll never see coming.

The Bad
Although you can read Flashpoint without any prior knowledge of the DC canon and successfully understand the story, it can sometimes be difficult to place characters or understand their purpose in the comic.  You'll find context clues to help propel you through the story, of course, but that doesn't mean it's always possible to recognize the significance of the individual characters.

Honestly, if this is your first foray into the world of DC, it's a good book with which to start.  But it can occasionally leave you feeling like you're missing something.

The Ugly
The alternate timeline of Flashpoint is very harsh and, more significantly, brutal; in fact, for much of the novel, this alternative universe often appears to be entirely hopeless.

Comic binge

Lately, I've had a craving:  a craving for comic books.

So, I decided to indulge myself and I've taken to reading comic books.  Many, many comic books.  Some of the usual suspects I expect, like Superman and Batman and Daredevil, and a few of the more unusual ones, like Chew and Watchmen.

As you might expect, it's a comic book binge for Reader's Reach.  Just a few short weeks of reviews and examinations of comic books, and maybe a little more?

It might prove interesting.

As always, if you have any suggestions for comics - or books in general - or feel the need to leave a comment, don't forget to leave a message.

Cheers, and happy reading.

- The Scrivener

The Tempest

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www.barnesandnoble.com

The Tempest
William Shakespeare
1610-1611

The Summary
For Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, life has not always been kind; however, when his brother (Antonio) and the King of Naples (Alonso), the very men who chased him from his dukedom, arrive on the shores his island, Prospero has been given a great opportunity to seek his revenge.

Filled with grand adventure, a generous helping of magic, and a bit of romance, The Tempest tells the story of one man's rise and fall from power as he struggles to contend with his past, his own feelings of bitterness, and his hope for the future.

The Good
Simultaneously amusing and complex, The Tempest is one of those Shakespearean plays that's sure to hold your attention for the sheer ridiculousness and magic and botched political intrigue it holds.  Between the fairy mischief on Ariel's part and, of course, jokes about sexuality courtesy of Trinculo and Stephano, Shakespeare's play presents a rousing good time.

More to the point, Shakespeare's characters are something to behold.  Not only are the characters fully fleshed out - and some being the epitome of a stereotype - they are enjoyable to watch and understand as they grow and mature, or, in some cases, meet whatever end they happen to find.

In short, it's a brief but fun play that's sure to entertain.

The Bad
As always, Shakespeare's plays are a little difficult to read given the barrier between languages - or, more accurately, time periods.  Filled with jokes and references to his generation, and riddled with older, archaic versions of English words, Shakespeare can be a bit challenging.

That's no excuse for not reading his work, of course; however, it's sometimes better to see his work in person - that is, on the stage - than just reading it.  Simply put, actors can make Shakespeare's work come of alive, even when the imagination can't.

The Ugly
Well, it can't all be fun and games.

Between brothers bent on fratricide and fairy mischief and wizards intent on revenge, there will inevitably be a little bit of violence and a suitable amount of language.  It's to be expected in the cold, calculating, politically charged society of Shakespeare's play.

The Beach Trees

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www.karen-white.com

The Beach Trees
Karen White
2011

The Summary
After the death of her best friend, Monica, Julie Holt is left with guardianship of Monica's five-year-old son, Beau, and a house called Riversong all the way in Biloxi.  However, when she arrives in Mississippi, Julie discovers the house she hoped to find is no longer standing - and she is left with only one resort:  finding and embracing the family Monica mysteriously left behind nearly a decade before.

The Good
In Karen White's novel, you'll find a beautiful amount of detail and human emotion that reflects both the beauty and the struggles found when living on the Gulf Coast.  But it's also an interesting book, being equal parts drama and mystery, because it leaves you guessing what happened in Monica's family that made her leave them behind and what will happen now with Julie's own investigation.

The Beach Trees also has a unique narrative style by using dual protagonists:  Aimee Guidry, the family matriarch, and Julie Holt.  Not only do you receive an intimate glance into the life of Julie, who struggles daily with her sister's disappearance and figures out how to raise a five-year-old boy on her own in a city she has never seen, you are able to look into Aimee's life and discover what it was like to grow up on the banks of the Mississippi River, weathering year after year of hurricanes on the Gulf Coast.

It's raw, real, and resonant, because the story will linger with you long after you close the pages for the last time.

The Bad
The Beach Trees, like the cities in which it's based, sets up a slightly languid pace.  While I wouldn't say this is a bad quality in a book - personally, I rather enjoyed the pace of this novel, because it allows you to adequately soak up the detail and the emotion written into every word - it may prove slightly frustrating when all you want are answers to that questions that keep arising from this novel.

For instance, I was dying to know about Aimee's past - who murdered her mother?  And what happened to her mother's wedding ring? - and Caroline Guidry - where did she go?  What happened to her?  And what secret has Wes Guidry, her son, been keeping?

It certainly manages to keep you glued to the pages for want of answers.

The Ugly
Some family secrets are too ugly to share.

Unfinished

Today, I decided to take a break from the books I have finished and take a look at the novels I've currently left unfinished.  I have a small list of books which I haven't completed - books which I am uncertain I will ever complete now or in the future - or I haven't liked well enough to read from cover to cover, so they've been put aside, forgotten, or ignored.

And, now, they're here.

-

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www.booksamillion.com

Vellum by Hal Duncan

It's an interesting concept, a unique blend of myth interwoven with lore and magic and insanity.  The first couple of chapters are intriguing, being creatively disjointed and wildly reordered in the mind of the story's only first-person narrator; however, the novel keeps the same, disjointed style throughout, which makes it infinitely more confusing and infinitely less enjoyable.

It's especially frustrating when old familiar characters are overlapped with ancient Mesopotamian gods and reformed into new characters with similar faces, different names, and different histories.  As a side note, it's also intensely violent and riddled with gore.  Thus, between the confusion and the violence, Vellum is a hard novel to stomach let alone understand.

Which is why it remains unfinished on the shelf of my bookcase.

-

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www.booksamillion.com

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

A classic, I have no doubt.  From the few chapters I've read, the novel has a lovely cadence - a tempo that makes the reading of it almost poetic.  It's a beautiful story, well-written and detailed and enjoyable.  And, yet, I can't even force myself to slog through the rest of it.

I have no qualms about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I just can't seem to finish it.  I've tried, but I stop about three or four chapters into Francie's tale, put it aside, and promptly forget about it.

One day, I will finish it (and write about it).  Today, however, is just not that day, or so it would seem.

-

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www.harpercollins.com

A Ship Made of Paper by Scott Spencer

Not a bad novel by any means; but it just happens to be unappealing to me.  Perhaps, I've struggled with the pace of the novel - the slow, endless trudge through detail and script - or the languid build of the story as it limps to some sort of resolution I can't really foresee.  Either way, this novel just seems uninteresting to me.

I can't say I will ever finish this novel.  Although passably interesting to me, it's just never been able to keep my attention for more than a few pages at one time.  The characters, while sometimes intriguing, just aren't that endearing and the story remains unremarkable.

In short, I may never finish reading it.

-

Undoubtedly, more will follow in later weeks.  More novels I haven't finished, or simply haven't enjoyed and haven't had the patience or fortitude to write a proper review.  So, make of them what you will - and voice your own opinions.

- The Scrivener

Wildwood

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www.wildwoodchronicles.com

Wildwood
Colin Meloy
Carson Ellis
2011

The Summary

For twelve-year-old Prue McKeelm, the Impassable Wilderness - marked IW on every map she has viewed since she was a child - is a distant region of myth and legend and fairy tale, until, one day, her baby brother Mac is abducted by a murder of crows and dropped into the heart of the wildest parts of the woods.

Leaving the city of Portland and her parents behind, Prue and her unexpected ally, Curtis Mehlberg, enter Wildwood in search of baby Mac and become entangled in the wildest adventure of their lives.

The Good

Although Wildwood is written for a younger audience of readers, it possesses a depth and breadth of detail and beauty that it can appeal to both the young and the old and everyone who falls in between.

Full of detail, beautiful descriptions, wonderfully paced, and suitable complexity, Meloy and Ellis's novel is an unexpected gem.  The characters, more importantly, are absolutely delightful.  Genuine and flawed, they are easy to understand - easy to relate to - and fantastic to read about.  Their stories make the book a real and lasting treasure.

Personally, I also love the growth many of the characters undergo.  In particular, you can visibly chronicle the changes which Prue and Curtis experience as they travel through the realms of Wildwood, as they make new friends who help influence and shape them, and as they encounter newer and more ferocious dangers.

All in all, it is a phenomenal book.

The Bad

Although suitable for children, Wildwood does possess some violence and a small amount of strong language.  Otherwise, it's a safe bet you'll enjoy this book from cover to cover.

The Ugly

True evil does indeed appear to exist - and you get to witness it first hand.

The Monsters of Templeton

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www.laurengroff.com

The Monsters of Templeton
Lauren Groff

2008

The Summary

For Willie Upton, her life has taken a difficult turn.  Besides a disastrous affair with her archaeology professor, a potential unplanned pregnancy, and a very ill best friend, Willie has also learned that her father isn't who she imagined - in fact, he may just be a man from her hometown of Templeton, a man she has known for her entire life.

Digging deep into the rather sordid lineage of the Upton family, Willie searches for the truth about her parentage - and encounters secrets she never imagined.  All with the back drop of a most amazing occurrence:  the discovery of a prehistoric lake monster in the local lake of Glimmerglass.

The Good

Fascinating, detailed, and intriguing, The Monsters of Templeton explores the dynamics of human thought and confronts the mystique - and myth - of one early American family, dispelling the illusions of greatness and grandeur.  It's an interesting study into the wild stories (and people) who make up a single family line, and one woman's search to uncover some very sordid, very scandalous truths about one of the town's most prominent citizens:  its very own founder.

Although the lake monster of Lake Glimmerglass takes a back seat to the events of Willie Upton's life and her research on the Upton family line, it's certainly one of the more intriguing aspects of Lauren Groff's novel.  Not only the idea is interesting, but Groff manages to interweave the life - and death - of the lake monster into the elements of Willie's life and research.

It's definitely a page turner, and it's sure to enchant.

The Bad

Groff's novel is well-written and enchanting.  Perhaps the only complaint a reader might have is that the chapters, sometimes alternating between the private correspondences and diaries of Willie's ancestors, seem to pass all too quickly.

The Ugly

Adultery, illegitimate children, murder, suicide, gore, among other elements, rise to the surface over the course of Willie's research, turning her family tree into one long, rather grim, trail of scandal and potentisl ruin.

Honestly, the lake monster of Glimmerglass is probably the nicest creature imaginable in Groff's intriguing and unusual novel.

To Kill a Mockingbird

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www.barnesandnoble.com

To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
1960

The Summary

For young Scout (Jean Louise) Finch, growing up in Maycomb county of Alabama presents its share of difficulties and joys:  playing pretend in the front yard, struggling to understand grown-up antics, trying to convince the mysterious Boo Radley to leave his house, reading the newspaper with Atticus, her father.  But The Great Depression has left its indelible mark, and one court case may very well change the course of history for the Finch family.

The Good

Harper Lee's novel is absolutely beautiful.

Told from the perspective of Scout Finch, a young girl living and growing up during the Great Depression, when hope sometimes seems at its lowest and equality seemes to appear only periodically, To Kill a Mockingbird opens the door on a world struggling to cope with new ideas and old cultural values - and children trying to cope with old ideas as they try to form their own.

Besides depicting a moving, heart-wrenching tale of growth and experience and portraying one, crucial court case that will rock the county of Maycomb to its foundations - and change Scout's and her brother's (Jem's) lives forever - Lee also creates a host of endearing and memorable characters.  And, through the voice of Scout, Lee brings her characters to life, fashioning a dynamic and beautiful piece of literature in the heart of one, tiny Southern town in Alabama.

To Kill a Mockingbird is more than a memorable book, however, it's an iconic novel about race, religion, class, gender, and learning to balance all these things in the earliest parts of adolescence.  In short, it's a novel about growing up in a world tinged by racism and prejudice and learning how to rise above it

The Bad

Some harsh language may appear; however, the most dramatic - or, rather, traumatic - episodes will occur in the latter half of the book with the trial one Tom Robinson, a man falsely accused simply because of the color of his skin.  The fate of Tom Robinson, and the results of his trial, are certain to put an ugly spin on an otherwise wonderful book.

The Ugly

Bob Ewell.

If you've ever had the opportunity to read Lee's novel, you'll certainly know what I mean.

An Abundance of Katherines

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www.goodreads.com

An Abundance of Katherines
John Green
2006

The Summary

Colin Singleton, a young man gifted with an exception skill for mathematics and anagrams, has realized his relationships can be categorized by one word, a name:  Katherine.

Not Catherine.  Not Cathy.  Not Kate.  Just Katherine.  And there have been 19, all of whom have dumped him.

But, now recovering from Katherine XIX (19), Colin is on a mission with his best friend, Hassan, to prove the Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability and, more importantly, escape the dreaded name of Katherine - and, maybe, survey the tome of a dead archduke.

The Good

John Green's novel is hilarious and witty, well-written, well-executed - a fine piece of literature to read, savor, and enjoy.  Not only does the author provide an enjoyable setting, unique in its design and characters and back story, he creates exception characters who are easy to know and, more importantly, love.

Both Colin and Hassan have a sense of humor that's undeniably funny, and Lindsey is an easily enjoyable accompanying protagonist in the tiny town of Gutshot.  More to the point, the small footnotes applied throughout the book, explaining Colin's past, his thougts, and his ideas concerning his latest mathematical equations, give the novel a unique feel and tone.

It's funny, it's sweet, it's memorable.

The Bad

Although this novel is relatively mild, there are some mature themes.  You'll find some language (at times thinly veiled, and at other times not so thinly veiled), alcohol use, and mentions of sex.  As expected, not for an exceptionally young audience.

The Ugly

Break ups can be pretty ugly when it gets right down to it.  You'll find a lot of collateral damage - and, sometimes, black eyes.

The Children of the Sun

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www.barnesandnoble.com

The Children of the Sun
Maxim Gorky
1905

The Summary
Maxim Gorky's play tells the story of Protasov (Pavel), a minor Russian aristocrat and obsessive scientist, and his family as they weather the trials and tribulations of a particularly  frightening affair:  political uprising and violent protests.

The Good
Much of Gorky's play is told in good fun (or satire, as the case may be) - and Pavel is amusingly forgetful, terribly evasive, and frighteningly obsessive, even while he tries to avoid the attentions of Melanyia, a young widowed woman with her eyes now set on the married Pavel.

The awkward conflicts between the two are certain to garner a laugh, or, at least, a passing giggle.

Additionally, it's funny how often the characters of Gorky's play clash and rebound, ricocheting wildly against each other and their surroundings as they attempt to find a more comfortable place in society and acclimate to the changing social climate - even as they fail miserably at the latter.

The Bad
Honestly, reading Children of the Sun is a bit of a chore.  While the play has its moments where it amuses and enchants, it more frequently discourages with its seriously flawed characters, its dissatisfying conclusion, and its criticisms of human nature - or, more accurately, its criticisms of corruptible human nature within society.

It's interesting and potentially enlightening, but, ultimately, it's difficult to read and remain entirely attentive.

The Ugly
Although Children of the Sun is tinged with comedy, the characters of Gorky's play seem doomed to encounter tragedy and, more importantly, doomed to remain caricatures of a flawed, human society.

For instance, Pavel, a dedicated scientist, can no longer see past his experiments to even stop his wife from leaving.  Liza, afraid to trust the world and enjoy life, chases away the one many who loves her.  Melanyia, widowed and prowling for a new husband, spends her days tailing after a man who is not only married but couldn't possibly love her in the first place.

And that's not even half of it.

In between the miscalculations and missteps and mistakes, you'll find madness, violent protests, social upheaval, sickness, death, and suicide.  It's a concoction of tragedy that will leave you reeling - and not altogether satisfied with its conclusion.

Bonus: Looking for Group

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www.lfgcomic.com

Looking for Group (LFG)
Ryan Sohmer
Lar Desouza

The Summary
Written bi-weekly (Monday and Thursday of every week), LFG is an online comic following the misadventures of Cale, an elf bent on changing the world, and Richard the Warlock, a fun-loving guy who is the Chief Warlock of the Brothers of Darkness, Lord of the Thirteen Hells, Master of the Bones, Emperor of the Black, Lord of the Undead, and Mayor of a little village up the coast.

Together, they make new friends - like Benny, a sorceress of questionable parentage, and Krunch, a pedantic and philosophical Bloodrage - and make use of hilarious pop-culture references, burn innocent villages to the ground, and take on the tyrannical Empire that lives next door.

Not necessarily in that order, but you get the point.

The Good
Looking for Group is simultaneously hilarious and witty.  As I said, many of the characters make use of pop-culture references - anything from the most recent internet fads, like Gangnam style, to Star Wars to Lord of the Rings to political blunders - and show a blatant disregard for terms like "good" and "evil."

The characters, too, are amusing.  Sarcasm is simply one of Benny's many gifts, and Richard has a way with absurdity that makes him more just another gloomy warlock.  They each have qualities that make them endearing and memorable, if only a little kooky and crazy.

Although I don't quite understand the lingering importance of the rabbit, I think the overall narrative is amusing, well-written, and well-executed with beautiful full-page illustrations that make the comic an enjoyable, cohesive product.  The story sometimes borders on absurd, but it's memorable - and entertaining - nevertheless.

The Bad
Occasionally, Looking for Group can be strangely serious.  The overarching narrative, as well as some of the background stories and character flashbacks, can prove to be fairly heart-wrenching.

Occasionally, it's also difficult to reconcile Richard's absurdity with the actual damage he causes - and, more to the point, the comic can easily make twists that jump from absurd, to bizarre, to serious in a matter of a few panels that can make the comic seem slightly bipolar.

Although the comic is fine for the reality of life and death, good and evil, it dashes into the mix, it can sometimes be difficult to embrace both the jokes and the undercurrent of serious fantasy that exists beneath it all.

The Ugly
As I've pointed out, Richard isn't the nice, wise, temperamental wizards (like Gandalf, or Dumbledore) that we all know and love.  Richard is - well, he is Richard and he is a Warlock and he likes to kill things.  Especially small defenseless things.

So, in the interest of being candid, Looking for Group has a lot of violence involved.  Maybe, it's the local empire that's committing genocide or, maybe, it's just Richard defending himself from an orphanage, but, either way, you're not guaranteed to find a whole lot of "nonviolence" involved.

-

For more information on Looking for Group and other projects undertaken by its creators, check out www.lfgcomic.com.

Skullkickers

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www.skullkickers.keenspot.com

Skullkickers
Jim Zub

The Summary
Although their names aren't actually known - they're occasionally referred to as "Baldy" and the "Dwarf" - these two men have begun making names for themselves as mercenaries.

Killing monsters, killing the undead, and, well, simply killing whatever strange or unusual things they come across as they unburden defenseless townsfolk of their gold, these two barrel their way through any situation and, ultimately, come out on the other side.

In short, it's a tale about how much trouble a man and a dwarf can get into without actually dying.

The Good
Honestly, "hero" is a term I would only loosely apply to the two protagonists of Jim Zub's Skullkickers.  They're rowdy, rambunctious, uncivilized, and violent - and, more often than not, cause more casualties than they prevent - but, regardless, the two mercenaries are sometimes accidental heroes, frequently accidental murderers, and preferably monster hunters.

To say the least, the semi-anonymous protagonists of Skullkickers are unusual characters.  Unusual in a good way, I might point out.

I mean, for all their grievous faults, they're fairly entertaining individuals.  Built up at the quintessential "dynamic duo" in heroic myth, these two actually defy all convention and make a mockery of it.  Truth be told, it's both fascinating and hilarious how they manage to embrace literary stereotypes while simultaneously breaking them.

Besides his characters, Jim Zub also helps create an intricate world full of strange and grotesque creatures and unusual characters with interesting stories that will keep you hooked from page one.  More to the point, however, Zub makes more than a few jabs at classic works of fantasy and he manages to turn the entire genre on its head while keeping true to its core ideals.

The Bad
Between the "fantasy factoids" and the evolving narration styles and the wild adventures of "Baldy" and his dwarf companion, Zub manages to poke a little fun at just about everything.  All in good fun, of course, but, if you're searching for a serious work of fiction or fantasy, I likely wouldn't recommend Skullkickers as a viable option.

The Ugly
It's violent.  Very, very violent.

Skullkickers is filled with vampires, pirates, necromancers, fairies, sea monsters, and other murderous creatures - in fact, you name it, and the boys in Zub's comic have probably killed it and managed to make it funny in the process.

But the merits of this comic don't outweigh the fact that it's a bit on the mature side and certainly not suitable for an audience of all ages.

-

For more information on Skullkickers, check out www.skullkickers.com or click here to review some of Jim Zub's free online issues.

A Redtail's Dream

Image courtesy of
www.minnasundburg.fi

A Redtail's Dream
Minna Sundberg

The Summary
Thanks to the mistake of one very playful (and frighteningly mischievous) fox spirit called Puppy Fox, Hannu and his dog, Ville, are forced to travel through the different realms of the spirit world in search of the lost souls of his missing neighbors.

Updating every day, except Sunday, A Redtail's Dream tells the story of one very reclusive young man and his adorable shape-shifting dog as they attempt to recover their friends and neighbors before the Bird's Path takes them away to the land of the dead.

The Good
Full of humor, major misadventures, fantastic creations, and action, A Redtail's Dream is simultaneously complex for the artful craftsmanship of the story and pleasant for its beautiful use of color, line, and imagination.

Besides weaving an excellent tale full of myth and lore, Minna Sundberg depicts a fantastic world full of beautiful landscapes, terrible and fantastic creatures, and intriguing characters who always appear to take on a life of their own.

More to the point, I absolutely love how Sundberg themes each chapter by using a particular animal as something of a "guide."  Ville, Hannu's dog who has the surprising ability to speak and the inadvertent skill to change his shape, automatically mirrors the animal "guide" for which they are searching.

Whether it be a bear, or a snake, or a squirrel, or even a seal, Ville becomes the animal by with a rather adorable twist:  he still has some of the features of a dog.

Personally, I love it.

The Bad
Honestly, I have no real complaints about A Redtail's Dream.  Besides some unusual character development in one or two areas, some strange character eccentricities that don't always make sense, there are very few problems with Sundberg's work.

Overall, the web comic is fun, well-written, and well-drawn - and definitely worth taking the time to read.

The Ugly
In A Redtail's Dream, you will find some violence and some foul language, but very little of either.  Certain creations in the dreamscapes of Puppy Fox, however, are rather disturbing.  I wouldn't suggest such elements of horror act as a deterrent for readers, but I would suggest some supervision for an especially young audience.

-

For more information on A Redtail's Dream and some of Minna Sundberg's other projects, check out her website at www.minnasundberg.fi or start here with the story.

Sarah and the Seed

Image courtesy of
www.ryan-a.com

Sarah and the Seed
Ryan Andrews

The Summary
For Aaron and his wife, Sarah, their one regret in life has been their empty house.  For years, they have struggled with their inability to have children; however, one day, Sarah learns she is pregnant.  But, rather than a baby, Sarah gives birth to a seed - and, in this completed five-part webcomic, Aaron's and Sarah's lives will never be the same.

One little seed makes all the difference.

The Good
Sarah and the Seed is an intriguing blend of emotion and imagination.  It's beautifully written - and beautifully drawn -  from Aaron's point of view, allowing him to share his joy when he learns of their long-awaited child and his doubts about Sarah's sanity and his fears of what the seed may one day become.

In fact, his voice becomes a critical part of the narrative, because he weaves an incredible tale that depicts his insecurities, his hopes, his fears, and his joy and sorrow.  He takes on alife of his own - real, flawed, honest - and his story, Sarah's story, becomes one we want to hear.

More than simply creating beautifully realistic characters in an strange and, sometimes, absurd situation, Ryan Andrews' story will manage to keep you hooked as well.  At times dark and horrible, but more often strange and heartwarming, Sarah and the Seed provides a well-rounded, well-written story that's simple, compelling, and beautiful.

The Bad
Sarah and the Seed uses maturer themes that may not be suitable for a very young audience; however, it's a fairly mild story that can appeal to a range of ages and interests.

The Ugly
Sometimes, doubt and fear can be a very ugly things - and they can often force a typically nice individual to make rash, foolish decisions, even against the people they love most.

-

For more information on Sarah and the Seed and some of Ryan Andrews' other artistic projects, check out www.ryan-a.com or, more specifically, http://www.ryan-a.com/comics/sarahandtheseed01.htm.

Flying Sparks

Image courtesy of
flyingsparkscomic.com

Flying Sparks
Jon Del Arroz

The Summary

Flying Sparks recounts the lives of Johnny and Chloe, respectively a blackmarket fence (and, sometimes, dealer) and a college student superhero (who goes by the name "Meta-Girl"), and tells their story as they struggle with their own private worries and fears and, more importantly, try hide their secret lives from one another.

The comic typically updates on a weekly basis (every Wednesday), but, occasionally, the creators provide other story updates or offer special character chapters on other days of the week.

The Good

Flying Sparks is an interesting story full of action and suspense and superheroes.  Sometimes romantic, but more often action-packed, it's both entertaining and exciting to read.  It has many of the qualities which make Spider-man endearing, like regular human problems, emotional turmoil, and mysterious villains, but it retains a distinctly unique edge to it.

Ultimately, you'll be intrigued by the secrets of the mysterious Meta-Man (the local superhero and Chloe's mentor), Johnny's mob dealings and "family connections," and Chloe's struggle to balance her life as a college student and her obligations as the city's heroine.

And that's only the beginning.

The Bad

While Flying Sparks often feels like a real superhero comic, there are some earlier chapters - or issues - that don't exactly have the same quality.  Personally, the art doesn't always appeal to me on an aesthetic level.  It appears rougher, less refined than later chapters with garbled character details that I simply can't appreciate.

Moreover, the story doesn't always keep me hooked from page to page.  Admittedly, there are certain chapters that keep me glued to the pages, but there are others that fall flat.  Over all, Flying Sparks has a decent plot, but, sometimes, certain aspects of Johnny and Chloe's story - and their relationship - borders on being a cliché.

The Ugly

Well, to be honest, as a comic that tends to lean toward action and adventure and superheroic deeds, Flying Sparks does have some violence, a little strong language, and mature themes and ideas.  It's fun to read and not bad for a younger audience, but I might recommend some parental supervision for especially young children.

-

For more information about the comic, check out flyingsparkscomic.com.

Nimona

Image courtesy of
www.gingerhaze.com/nimona

Nimona
Noelle Stevenson

The Summary

Nimona is a webcomic that publishes twice weekly (Tuesday and Thursday) and tells the story of Ballister Blackheart - what one might consider a mad scientist and evil genius - who spends his days battling against the Institution (i.e. the government) and dueling with his nemesis.

Nimona also tells the story of, you guessed it, Nimona, a magical shapeshifting teenager with some vague moral boundaries and an ambition to be an assitant to the kingdom's most infamous villain, Ballister Blackheart.  Together, this dynamic duo takes on the seemingly corrupted Institution and robs the occasional bank.

The Good

Nimona is a clever, well-written comic that simultaneously creates a new and exciting environment, in which complex characters and promising villainous plots develop, and fabricates an intriguing story about a pair of social outcasts - well, villains - bent on discrediting the local government.  It's bound to catch and hold your attention.

Although full of villainous endeavors, political intrigue, science, and genetically engineered dragons, the story of Ballister and Nimona is also heartwarming and deep.  Their relationship is priceless, because it appears to rest on a mutual understanding of what it means to be cast aside and feared by the rest of society - and an unbreakable love for hatching plots.  They are, more importantly, a perfect duo that manages to wreak the utmost havoc.

Noelle Stevenson's comic, moreover, is incredibly detailed with recurring characters, fun background details, and occasional references to Star Wars and the Lord of the Rings, among others.  It's a fun comic developed around a beautifully complex world of science and medieval chivalry and magic.

In short, Nimona is a fantastic webcomic.

The Bad

You will find some language and some violence.  While Ballister Blackheart isn't exactly what one would qualify as "wholly and soullessly evil," he is still a villain - and Nimona is a shapeshifter without too many moral qualms.

When you get right down to it, they're a dynamic duo working on some pretty ambiguous ethical grounds.

The Ugly

As you read, you will have glimpses into Nimona's past, little insights that will shed light on her memories and, more importantly, her fears.  Her past - and, yes, even Ballister Blackheart's past - is a heartbreaking thing to witness as it unfolds.  Nimona, for all her depth and delightful qualities as a character, is a bit of an unfinished tragedy.

-

For more on Nimona, check out www.gingerhaze.com/nimona.

Something new

As I might have mentioned before, I've decided to try something new with Reader's Reach.

This month, instead of reviewing books in the traditional medium (i.e. paper), I will be reading and reviewing graphic novels - from the Internet.  Web comics will be my focus for five full weeks, allowing for the discussion of something new and, I hope, just as exciting for avid fans of all forms of literature.

Here's what I anticipate reading this month:

• Flying Sparks
• Nimona
• Skullkickers
• A Redtail's Dream
• Sarah and the Seed

Check it out, see what you think, and chime in with your own views for or against these reviews I have planned.  And, considering most of these web comics are still ongoing, let their readers know what you think and consider making them a daily part of your reading prerogative.

- The Scrivener

Richard III

Image courtesy of
www.barnesandnoble.com

Richard III
William Shakespeare
1591

The Summary

Put simply, The Tragedy of King Richard III tells the story of one ambitious man's rise to power - and reveals his willingness to stoop to any means necessary to ascend to the throne.

The Good

William Shakespeare's play is absolutely thrilling.  Beautifully complex, full of political intrigue and suspense - and, yes, even daring escapes and brutal murders - Richard III is a captivating play about power and deceit, and what one man will do to seize the crown for himself.

Moreover, the character and plot developments seen throughout the play are absolutely perfect.  Well, perhaps perfection is too far, but, regardless, Richard III manages to create some of the most fascinating, endearing, grotesque, and terrifying characters.

Take Richard, Duke of Gloucester (and, later, King Richard III), for instance.  His description as a deformed human being - his depth as a character, the influence of self-fulfilling prophecy in his life - and his continuous acts of cruelty, his downward spiral into murder and treachery, make him a perfect villain.

Richard III is a character you will love to hate.

The Bad

As most people have read Shakespeare's plays at one time or another, it's easy to recognize some of the perils of Shakespeare's work, including Richard III.  Antiquated vocabularly, complex speech patterns, and distinct (sometimes, difficult) language quirks, all make Shakespeare's play more than a little challenging for many readers.

But it's worth reading, nonetheless, because this work, if you can manage the language barrier, is absolutely riveting.

The Ugly

Richard III is not a gentle tale by any means.

I mean, after all, Richard of Gloucester is a man intent on securing the crown for himself by any means necessary, including - and certainly not limited to - murder, war, genocide, and other forms of violent (very violent, and very brutal) forms of teachery and political intrigue.

Northanger Abbey

Image courtesy of
www.booksamillion.com

Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen
1817

The Summary

For Catherine Morland, her opportunity to visit the city of Bath comes as an unexpected surprise.  Befriending Isabella Thorpe and her brother, John, as well as meeting Henry Tinley and his sister, Eleanor, Catherine has found herself invited into a new and exciting kind of life, experiencing a kind of society of which she has only vaguely heard.

In this new world, however, not everyone is who they claim to be.

Catherine, now surrounded by new acquaintances and pulled into Gothic adventures, must quickly learn how to tell the difference between those who would wish her well - and those who would stab her in the back.

The Good

Jane Austen's novel is simultaneously intriguing and heart-warming, containing both the elements of a good mystery and a well-told romance.  But, more than recounting another budding romantic relationship or another Gothic adventure, Northanger Abbey chronicles the story of one young woman as she struggles to understand the bitter, unseemly side of society.

Austen's book, at its core, is a coming-of-age story for one young girl who is thrust into a new social class and must learn how to avoid social landmines in the process.  Not only must young Catherine learn how to distinguish between those who would help her and those who would harm her, she must understand the necessity of maturity and recognize her own desire for growth.

The Bad

Northanger Abbey, while entertaining at points, is ultimately boring.  Although I like the character of Catherine Morland - she's a bright, strong-willed girl, who is prone neither to nonsense nor to cruelty.  In short, she's a good, kind person with a clear grasp on reality and, occasionally, an imaginative mind - her story isn't exactly compelling.

Her tale is interesting, vaguely endearing, but not addictively compelling or fantastic.

The Ugly

Polite society, no matter how mild-mannered, is ultimately vicious.  Part hedonism, part venomous social enterprise, the social circle by which Catherine finds herself surrounded will not prove kindly.

Out of Control

Image courtesy of
www.barnesandnoble.com

Out of Control
Mary Connealy
2011

The Summary

Julia Gilliland adores geology and spends her days exploring local rock formations, geological wonders, and caves - that is, until someone steals her rope ladder and leaves her stranded in a system of caves in the wilds of 19th century Colorado Territory.

Luckily for Julia, Rafe Kincaid offers her a helping hand.  But, for a man who is obviously used to handling authority, Julia - an intelligent, outspoken outsider - is a force to be reckoned with.  Now, forced to work together to secure their own safety and the safety of their respective families, Julia and Rafe are faced with someone more dangerous than they ever imagined.

The Good

With just enough suspense to keep the novel moving, Out of Control is relatively detailed and structured with some solid characters, a few interesting plot points, and a handful of intriguing mysteries.  Overall, Mary Connealy's novel is enjoyable and entertaining to read during an empty afternoon.

The Bad

Personally, I found certain character quirks annoying.  Julia, for instance, not only has a passion for geology, but an obsession.  Perhaps I've not known enough would-be geologists in my lifetime, but her character occasionally proved frustrating given her focus for fossils when her life is obviously in danger.

While I don't consider Julia to be the "damsel in distress" type - and, admittedly, I doubt I would have appreciated her fully as a character if she was - I find her apparent superiority complex slightly annoying and her willingness to overlook the attempt on her life frustrating.  Likewise, Rafe has his own setbacks as a domineering control freak.

Moreover, their romance, if it could be called such, appears to spring from constant bickering.  Their relationship is strained throughout the text - so much so, it's hard to believe they made any romantic connection at all, beyond their supposed affection mentioned in passing.  In fact, you sometimes get the feeling you imagined it all.

The Ugly

To put it mildly, Out of Control is not a book that compels you to read it.  It's passably entertaining, but, rather than being a story to read and adore from cover to cover, it has only enough of a mystery to hold your attention for a few pages.

In short, it's easy to skim.

Saladin in his Time

Image courtesy of
www.amazon.com

Saladin in his Time
P.H. Newby
1983

The Summary
Saladin in his Time is, simply, a narrative of the life of Saladin, a prominent and active military commander who brought Egypt, Palestine, Arabia, and Mesopotamia under his sultanate.

The Good
P.H. Newby's narrative is fairly informative.  Providing an amazing array of details about Saladin's life, as well as offers a descriptive portrayal of the areas he both visited and attempted to consolidate under his rule.

Saladin in his Time, however, also sheds light onto the activities of European crusaders who set out for the Latin Kingdoms of Palestine during the Second and Third Crusades.  Not only does this narrative provide insight into the motivations of crusaders, but provides accounts of their movements, achievements, and most significant activities.

The Bad
In this book, the author appears to have his own agenda, in which he places Saladin firmly in the role of a hero.  In fact, he appears to treat Saladin as a victim of the disunity between regions under his control.  Rather than attributing certain failures to a mistake on Saladin's part, Newby presents excuses for certain failures that actually divert blame from Saladin.

While informative, this narrative seems single-minded in its pursuit to make Saladin a heroic historical figure.

The Ugly
Saladin in his Time is neither explicit in its language, nor particularly violent (that is, detailed about violent events in history).  While acceptable for a broad audience, regardless of age, and fairly interesting, Newby's narrative is pretty - well, boring.  It's informative, perfect for scholar, but a bit dry otherwise.

Regularly scheduled programming...

As promised, Reader's Reach will return to its regular schedule of updates.  With this week's "bonus review" and a new review already posted, I can safely promise that there will be no more interruptions.

Well, for a while, at least.

As you might have guessed from the evasive language above, however, I have something special planned for Reader's Reach  in the ensuing weeks that one might consider an "interruption."  Nothing drastic, but, rather, something exciting I should think.

At least, for me.

(Of course, then again, my definition of fun might be slightly distorted.)

Regardless, I'll offer more details later.  For now, it's back to books, back to reading, and back to enjoying the sheer pleasure of having a new book in hand.

- The Scrivener

Susanna and the Spy

Image courtesy of
www.barnesandnoble.com

Susanna and the Spy
Anna Elliot
2011

The Summary

Susanna Ward, a young governess who finds herself near penniless and bereft of any occupation, has recently learned of the death of her estranged grandfather - a death which, she discovers, was no accident.

On her return to Rutherford Hall, her grandfather's estate, to speak with her distant relatives, however, a man stumbles into her bedroom apartment at night.  Known as Captain Clark, he is a smuggler, a fraud, and a potential traitor to the crown of England - and he has all the trappings to turn Susanna's life upside-down.

The Good

Anna Elliott's novel is both fun and entertaining.  Delightfully adventurous and enjoyably romantic, Susanna and the Spy can capture and keep your attention with its swashbuckling nature and riveting tale.

Besides its enjoyable story, Elliott's book is well-written and splendidly attractive for its clean-cut plot, its clearly depicted characters, and its suspenseful story design.  In some ways, it reads like a good detective novel, providing twists and turns you might never see coming and offering a strangely satisfying conclusion.

The Bad

Susanna and the Spy does take some considerable time to build-up to the aforementioned satisfying conclusion, but, as that appears to be the point, it isn't inappropriately paced or excruciatingly difficult to endure the occasional tangent or random anecdote.

Some of the characters, like Caroline or Sophia, however, sometime seem like mere caricatures of a particular stereotype.  Annoying, and sometimes distressingly oblivious or vindictive, they are people who don't necessarily detract from the overall story, but merely make the world in which they exist a more dangerous or brutal place.

The Ugly

Admittedly, there is a bit of espionage and murder involved.

After all, it's not all fun games for Susanna and Captain Clark.  They both face the very real threat of being hanged for treason - or simply shot by the local police.

Bonus: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot
Image courtesy of
www.nytimes.com

"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"
T.S. Eliot
1915

The Summary
A poem about growing old and growing gray - and all the strange and unfortunate flaws that come with it.

The Good
I found T.S. Eliot's poem particularly lovely and insightful, if only a little morbid and slightly strange. The words of "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" are beautiful and the imagery evocative, lingering in the mind and melding myth, reality, and dream into a single, complex entity.

While a little lengthy, the poem creates a unique and surreal world populated with human worries and illusory characters that compels one to read it again and again.

It is quirky, but beautiful for its strangeness and ambiguity.

The Bad
For all intents and purposes, Eliot's poem remains a little vague. It combines dream-like imagery with a complex and heady brew of vocabulary, fashioning an unsettling situation and an even stranger, more ambiguous setting.

The Ugly
The idea of reality imposing itself upon the individual - crushing, drowning, and, in essence, destroying the individual you have been and you continue to be or wish to be - is a distinctly terrifying and worrisome notion that Eliot forcefully highlights in his poem.

Reality, and age, are inescapable.

[Visit The Poetry Foundation for the full version of Eliot's poem.]

A Family Affair

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www.barnesandnoble.com

A Family Affair
Mary Campisi
2011

The Summary
For Christine Blackworth, learning her father died was hard enough. And learning he has had a fourteen year affair - and a child with another woman - has been nigh unbearable for Christine and her family.

But, when Christine visits her father's second family in Magdalena, she's in for a surprise to learn that her father's life in Chicago may not have been the one he cherished after all - and, soon, her own choices come into question as she commutes back and forth and learns more about her father's life, and her own half-sister.

The Good
A Family Affair is nicely paced, moving at a steady speed and providing readers with a fairly simple, straight forward format. Additionally, Mary Campisi's novel proves to be of a manageable length and fairly well-written.

It's enjoyable, sweetly endearing, and easy to read, perhaps not eating up more than a leisurely afternoon or two.

The Bad
Although Campisi forms a nice story overall - appropriately combining elements of suspense and romantic fiction, culminating in an endearing story of family bonds and loving beyond the usual limits - the characters do not always seem fully formed.  Occasionally, they appear vague and indistinct, (emotionally speaking, that is).

More to the point, dialogue between characters seems spotty in one or two areas with some characters having their statements split apart at strange intervals.  Additionally, certain characters sometimes appear to overlap, making it difficult to distinguish one character's thoughts and actions from another.

The Ugly
The past is a difficult thing to reconcile.

For Christine and this new extension of her family, it may be all but impossible with past indiscretions and strict, traditional notions of family standing in the way.

Bonus: This Be the Verse by Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin
Image courtesy of
www.bbc.co.uk

"This Be the Verse"
Philip Larkin
1971

The Summary
"This Be the Verse" is a poem about life and growing up, growing old, and growing more like your parents every day.

The Good
Philip Larkin's poem is simultaneously outrageous and amusing. Crass, perhaps, but ultimately enjoyable and hysterically funny.

Carefully crafted into a short, lyrical form that follows a strict beat, "This Be the Verse" is quirky and ingenious and brilliantly observant. It's a short but insightful poem that speaks levels to every generation and everyone who has ever had that sudden moment of realization, when they think, "I'm just like my parents."

The Bad
While Larkin proves adept at poetical maneuverings, he does use some strong language that some people may not find suitable.

Personally, I find his language easy to overlook - amusing, in fact, and accurate in some way - but I wouldn't recommend this particular poem for a younger audience or if you find yourself offended by some very colorful language.

The Ugly
It just might be true.

In fact, one might argue that it probably is.

[Visit The Poetry Foundation for a full version of Larkin's poem.]

Postponed?

Possibly.

Since my access to the Internet over the next few weeks will be spotty at best, and nonexistent at worst, I have decided I will post a bonus review this upcoming week and, afterwards, an extra review when I have the opportunity.  Besides which, I've decided to experiment with something special for the bonus reviews and take some time to read literature of a shorter, more lyrical nature:  poetry.

While I can't say how well such reviews will stand up to the typical form seen on this blog, it seems like a fine opportunity to take the chance and just-go-with-it.  Reader's Reach receives extra reviews, and I can try some experimentation.

A win-win, don't you think?

As always, good reading.

- The Scrivener

The Secret Life of Prince Charming

Image courtesy of
www.debcaletti.com

The Secret Life of Prince Charming
Deb Caletti
2009

The Summary
Quinn Hunt has spent her life making "Good Choices" and learning how to shield herself from heartbreak, learning from the failed attempts at love by her mother, grandmother, and closest friends. More importantly, Quinn has her father back in her life - and she has every intention of being the good daughter everyone anticipates.

But, when Quinn discovers that her father has been keeping secrets - stealing hearts and taking mementos from his former flames - she sets out on a karmic quest with her younger sister and a half-sister she never knew existed to set things right and face the sometimes damaged, sometimes incredible women her father has forgotten.

The Good
The Secret Life of Prince Charming is enjoyable and simultaneously gratifying for its precise pacing, endearing characters, and intriguing plot. Wrapped around a familiar coming-of-age story, Deb Caletti's novel combines familiar elements with a unique narrator and rousing story of adventure that both resonates on a psychological level and appeals to the emotional.

More importantly, the narrator which Caletti fashions out of Quinn makes the story all the more addictive. Quinn lays her life bare and tells her tale, word-for-word, encapsulating not just another simple journey but her own desperate search to find a place of belonging and reflecting on her internal growth as daughter, as a sister, and as a friend.

In short, it's a nice story to read. Sometimes, it borders on heartbreaking, but, more often, it's so well rendered and so completely endearing as to keep you glued to the pages. It's fun, and it's temptingly real and exciting.

The Bad
You will find some mild language in Caletti's novel and a sprinkling of teenage angst, as well as a hint of sexual innuendo. But, strictly speaking, such things are relatively minimal and not particularly invasive.

The Ugly
For Quinn's father, her actions will be considered a betrayal - a betrayal for which he may never forgive her, a betrayal through which she may never perceive him in the same way.

The Sisters Brothers

Image courtesy of
www.booksamillion.com

The Sisters Brothers
Patrick DeWitt
2011

The Summary
Patrick DeWitt chronicles the unfortunate misadventures of Eli and Charlie Sisters, the infamous Sisters Brothers who have made a name for their work as professional murders.

Now, working for a man known simply as Commodore, Eli and Charlie are headed for Sacramento in search of Hermann Kermit Warm, in order to kill the man and bring back what he's stolen from the Commodore.

But Eli has begun to question their journey and his brother's motives for wealth and fame - and he wonders whether his life is the one he wants or the one he has been forced to take.

The Good
DeWitt's novel, to say the least, is not your typical western.  (Perhaps, "spaghetti western" would be a more appropriate term?)  Strangely compelling and slightly absurd, The Sisters Brothers has a ring of oddity and truth to it that makes it simultaneously humorous and dark.

More than merely fashioning an odd tale about a pair of bickering and violence-prone brothers, DeWitt's books explodes with unique and off-kilter characters that are strangely likeable, Eli included.  Seemingly the sanest individual of The Sisters Brothers, Eli is a compelling and heart-warming narrator with a story to tell and a hatchet to bury and a life of his own.

The Bad
To be honest, The Sisters Brothers is absurd to the degree of being almost annoying.  Sometimes, it's just plain weird and strangely melancholy - and you have to wonder whether this pair of unfortunate brothers will ever catch a break.

Arguably, DeWitt's novel is very well-written, nicely paced, and enjoyably suspenseful with intricate, if unusual, characters.  But, personally, I didn't find this story spectacularly compelling or addictive.  It's a fine read, but not particularly exceptional.

The Ugly
Murder, insanity, bloodshed, mayhem, cursing and swearing, and death.  I think it's fair to say that there is a disproportionate amount of misfortune and death - of humans and animals alike - within the brothers' lives.  In short, they don't exactly escape unscathed.

The Help

Image courtesy of
www.barnesandnoble.com

The Help
Kathryn Stockett
2009

The Summary
The Help tells the story of Aibileen and Minny, a pair of black maids who have spent their lives cleaning the homes and raising the children of white women, and Skeeter, a recent college graduate who is still trying to find herself, and their idea to pen a novel about what it's like to live and work the town of Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962.

The Good
One word: exquisite.

Not only has Kathryn Stockett managed to create a fabulous novel packed with richly depicted characters you'll adore, she tells an intricate and thought-provoking story that will keep you glued to the pages.  Quite frankly, The Help is an addictive piece of work that's hard to put down once you turn the first page.

But besides being an absolute joy to read, Stockett's novel is well-written and especially thoughtful because it considers dialect, speech patterns, and personal memories of each character, weaving them each into a beautifully sentimental story about three women and their struggles within society of the South.

Moreover, it isn't difficult to dive right into the lives of Minny, Skeeter, and Aibileen.  They're wonderful characters with thoughts, dreams, and aspirations of their own that make them real and strikingly human.  Their stories flow easily, because they are simply framed and simply told, but they are compelling and enjoyable nonetheless.

The Bad
The Help will certainly prove to be an emotional roller coaster ride, so I recommend keeping a box of tissues handy - just in case.

The Ugly
Envisioned in conjunction with the civil rights movement The Help portrays the lives of three women in Jackson, Mississippi. As such, Stockett's novel often portrays some of the worst aspects of racism - and the abject unfairness that such extraordinary women face such terrible circumstances.

Parts of this novel will ultimately perturb you because of the pure inability of some characters to see past themselves - and their own unfounded prejudices - to fully view the plight of others and manage even the smallest iota of humanity.

Housekeeping

Image courtesy of
www.booksamillion.com

Housekeeping
Marilynne Robinson
1980

The Summary
Housekeeping carefully depicts the lives of Ruthie and her sister, Lucille, who grow up under the care of their grandmother, then their grandmother's bumbling and nervous younger sisters, and, lastly, their flighty and erratic Aunt Sylvie.

More than simply listing off a litany of tragedies shared by these two girls, however, Marilynne Robinson's novel serves as a critical coming-of-age story for young Ruthie as she reconciles her family's tragic legacy with the the past of her town and examines the most complex and startling aspects of life, death, growing up, and being human.

The Good
Robinson's book is simultaneously intriguing and unusual.  Ruthie tells her story, and the stories of others, with amazing detail and depth, and she shares with her readers her startlingly complex notions of philosophy that encompass life, family, human nature, God, and death.

Housekeeping is, at its core, a book about philosophy and religion and emotion and learning to reconcile all the notions of growing up orphaned in a strange town on the edges of a somber lake.  It's a heady brew, in which the narrator and central protagonist, Ruthie, expresses her thoughts with startling depth and intricacy.

In particular, Robinson provides her readers with intricate characters and complex webs of stories and memories that overlap with the author's own experiences of childhood.  And Ruthie, this unusual gem who expresses an exceptional capacity for thought and rumination, offers a poignant perspective that will leave you mulling over her words for weeks to come.

The Bad
Robinson's novel, though immediately enjoyable for its incredible emotional complexity, becomes a deep well of thought and questioning that seemingly assures the readers of no answers.  It's very easy to become lost among Ruthie's philosophical meanderings and leave her story with few questions - and even greater questions.

The Ugly
The lake is a terribly desolate place that has taken lives - including Ruthie's and Lucille's grandfather, and their mother - and continues to claim them, throughout the couse of Housekeeping.

The Second Crusade: Extending the Frontiers of Christendom

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The Second Crusade:  Extending the Frontiers of Christendom
Jonathan Phillips
2007

The Summary
Jonathan Phillips recaptures the Second Crusade in his novel, carefully retelling some of the most important events of the First and Second Crusades and shedding light on three fronts of war:  the Holy Land in Palestine, the Baltic regions of northern Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula in Spain.

The Good
The Second Crusade is an informative piece of work.  It is great as a resource, because it provides an overview of dozens of historical resources and examines some of the most important qualities (and individuals) of the Second and First Crusades.

Besides which, Phillips's work demonstrates a thorough knowledge of its subject - including details concerning Conrad III of Germany and King Louis VII of France, as well as an indepth examination of the average crusader - and proves vastly insightful for its information about crusaders, culture, and political intrigue.

The Bad
Phillips's work retains a strict, academic style which can occasionally grow stale and wearisome.  In all honesty, it appeals to a very small group of people, because it's sometimes too dry and it's almost too much to wade through, despite the author's attempts to condense and refine.

Moreover, in specifically focusing on the growth of Christendom and the impact of the Crusades on Europe, Phillips occasionally neglects to provide information on the "other side."  While the author does show the impact of the Crusades on the people of the Baltic regions, Palestine, and Spain, The Second Crusade more often portrays the history of European crusaders - and , in particular, the actions of the kings of France and Germany, Louis VII and Conrad III respectively.

The Ugly
The Crusades, despite elements of grandeur, remain an exceedingly violent and disruptive aspect of European and Middle Eastern history.  As Phillips notes in his work, the Second Crusade achieved many goals, but, more often, it appeared to lead to violent conflict, persecution, and wanton destruction.