- Read a book about sports.
- Read a book you've read before.
- Read a book published by a micropress.
Admittedly, I wasn't sure how to conquer this first task, because I am not a sports and/or athletic person. I am, at best, a rather sedentary creature with a great affinity for books and chocolate and good food, preferably in that order; however, I was willing to take a crack at this one, because, surely, I could find a sport liked. Considering the sheer variety of sports out there, I knew I could find something entertaining.
And, luckily, I did. A co-worker recommended Playing for Pizza by John Grisham, and, since the challenge doesn't specify fiction or nonfiction, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I'm so glad I gave Grisham's novel a chance, because I enjoyed it so much more than I expected. Granted, I listened to the audiobook, which features Christopher Evan Welch as narrator, but I don't think that matters as Playing for Pizza is a fun, accessible and entertaining novel whether listening or reading.
Not to mention, I really enjoyed the description of food. (I was craving pasta like mad, before all was said and done.)
Playing for Pizza begins with a game, specifically the worst game of Rick Dockery's career. Now, marked as the worst player in the NFL--and effectively banished from Cleveland--and sporting a terrible head injury that would leave most player's contemplating retirement, Rick is at his wits end. Since he can't find a new position in the U.S., his agent directs him to Parma--as in Parma, Italy, where he becomes quarterback for a ragtag group of Italians who just happen to be American football aficionados. It's a huge change for Rick--and, as Rick learns, it might not be a bad one.
Next, I decided to reread Hush by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. This is one of my favorite Batman comics for the simple fact that it has some of the most alluring, most beautiful art I've encountered, and it has such a richly detailed, incredibly poignant story that it kept me absolutely mesmerized the first time around. I love every bit of this book, and I found it to be even better the second (okay, third) time.
Unlike Loeb's earlier works, Long Halloween and Dark Victory, which features Batman's earlier career, Hush follows the weathered and strained Batman/Bruce Wayne as he tries to keep Gotham safe from new and ever worsening dangers. Together with his cadre of crime-fighting vigilantes--including Nightwing, Robin, Huntress, and Superman (but not quite Catwoman)--Batman sets out to find the puppet master who has set the whole of Gotham's underworld onto his heels.
Hush is one of those comics that will knock your socks off. It's thoughtful, it's complex, and it explores every emotional side of a Dark Knight who has suffered innumerable losses, endured more grief and pain than most can manage, and defeated some of the most terrifying villains in the world. Moreover, it has a level of Agatha Christie-esque mystery, which I enjoyed.
I mean, I certainly didn't expect it to end the way it did--and I found Batman to be all the more clever for ultimately solving the mystery.
Last, I read Master of Crows by Grace Draven. Originally published by Amber Quill Press (which, I realize, is not a micropress), it was eventually republished by Grace Draven--and, as the definition of a micropess means it is a small and/or single-person publisher, I decided it would fit nicely into this category to complete my challenge.
Yes, yes, I realize I might be pushing the rules with this one, but I have to point out that I haven't had a lot of luck finding books published by micropresses to which I have easy access. I know of a few local publishers, but they are publishing companies with a large enough staff that I feel they don't count. Moreover, I couldn't find something I enjoyed by a micropress to which I had access at my local library, thus the Internet--and Master of Crows--became my go-to choice.
Now, putting aside my (weak) justifications, Master of Crows wasn't a bad novel. In a world where magic exists and dark creatures lurk at the periphery of civilization, Silhara and Martise are thrust together in an unexpected alliance when one of the old gods--Corruption--returns. Determined to stop Corruption and deny his fate, Silhara enlists the aid of the Conclave and meets Martise, a slave girl turned spy. Together, they must discover Corruption's weakness and save the world....or, quite possibly, die trying.
I realize it sounds melodramatic and, yes, I suppose it is; however, it's also an unexpectedly complex novel that I enjoyed. It has its faults, but, overall, it had interesting characters and created a sturdy setting that I appreciated. Personally, I think I enjoyed Draven's ability to build her world. It's rich with detail and magic, and I absolutely loved learning more and more about the creatures, places, and history of Silhara and Martise's world. I realize it's more of an acquired taste, but it's certainly worth sampling.
Unless, of course, you're not a fan of explicit romance. In which case, I probably wouldn't recommend it.
 |
| Doubleday |
Not to mention, I really enjoyed the description of food. (I was craving pasta like mad, before all was said and done.)
Playing for Pizza begins with a game, specifically the worst game of Rick Dockery's career. Now, marked as the worst player in the NFL--and effectively banished from Cleveland--and sporting a terrible head injury that would leave most player's contemplating retirement, Rick is at his wits end. Since he can't find a new position in the U.S., his agent directs him to Parma--as in Parma, Italy, where he becomes quarterback for a ragtag group of Italians who just happen to be American football aficionados. It's a huge change for Rick--and, as Rick learns, it might not be a bad one.
Next, I decided to reread Hush by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. This is one of my favorite Batman comics for the simple fact that it has some of the most alluring, most beautiful art I've encountered, and it has such a richly detailed, incredibly poignant story that it kept me absolutely mesmerized the first time around. I love every bit of this book, and I found it to be even better the second (okay, third) time.
 |
| DC Comics |
Hush is one of those comics that will knock your socks off. It's thoughtful, it's complex, and it explores every emotional side of a Dark Knight who has suffered innumerable losses, endured more grief and pain than most can manage, and defeated some of the most terrifying villains in the world. Moreover, it has a level of Agatha Christie-esque mystery, which I enjoyed.
I mean, I certainly didn't expect it to end the way it did--and I found Batman to be all the more clever for ultimately solving the mystery.
Last, I read Master of Crows by Grace Draven. Originally published by Amber Quill Press (which, I realize, is not a micropress), it was eventually republished by Grace Draven--and, as the definition of a micropess means it is a small and/or single-person publisher, I decided it would fit nicely into this category to complete my challenge.
Yes, yes, I realize I might be pushing the rules with this one, but I have to point out that I haven't had a lot of luck finding books published by micropresses to which I have easy access. I know of a few local publishers, but they are publishing companies with a large enough staff that I feel they don't count. Moreover, I couldn't find something I enjoyed by a micropress to which I had access at my local library, thus the Internet--and Master of Crows--became my go-to choice.
 |
| Amber Quill Press/ Grace Draven |
Now, putting aside my (weak) justifications, Master of Crows wasn't a bad novel. In a world where magic exists and dark creatures lurk at the periphery of civilization, Silhara and Martise are thrust together in an unexpected alliance when one of the old gods--Corruption--returns. Determined to stop Corruption and deny his fate, Silhara enlists the aid of the Conclave and meets Martise, a slave girl turned spy. Together, they must discover Corruption's weakness and save the world....or, quite possibly, die trying.
I realize it sounds melodramatic and, yes, I suppose it is; however, it's also an unexpectedly complex novel that I enjoyed. It has its faults, but, overall, it had interesting characters and created a sturdy setting that I appreciated. Personally, I think I enjoyed Draven's ability to build her world. It's rich with detail and magic, and I absolutely loved learning more and more about the creatures, places, and history of Silhara and Martise's world. I realize it's more of an acquired taste, but it's certainly worth sampling.
Unless, of course, you're not a fan of explicit romance. In which case, I probably wouldn't recommend it.
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