Graphic Novel Review of Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen

 

Read for: Borrowed Books/ Graphic Novels

Synopsis: "Adjusting to life as a world-famous cartoonist isn't easy. Terrifying deadlines, piles of junk-food wrappers under a glowing computer screen, and an ever-growing horde of pets....umm, never mind--it's pretty much the same.

With characteristic wit and charm, Sarah Andersen's third collection of comics and illustrated personal essays offers a survival guide for frantic modern life: from the importance of avoiding morning people, to Internet troll defense 101, to the not-so-life-changing futility of tidying up. But when all else fails and the world around you is collapsing, make a hot chocolate, count the days until Halloween, and snuggle up next to your furry beacon of hope."

My Review: I saw this sitting at the library just begging to be read. I got some giggles out of this one. It was so relatable, I actually had to check the publishing date because it seemed to be written with the lockdowns specifically in mind but low and behold it came out 2 years before. I love Sarah's art style and the quirky personality behind the comics. I also like the bit at the end encouraging emerging artist to keep at their craft even when they get discouraged. It was a nice uplifting bit to end the book.

My Rating: Talk about a book finding you at just the right time! While it wasn't about the lockdown or the insanity it has prompted, it definitely worked to get me out of a bit of a funk.  I will forever highly recommend this book if you are ever feeling down or discouraged. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

Review of Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor

 

Read for: Audio Book/Anticipated Release

Synopsis: ""She’s the adopted daughter of the Angel of Death. Beware of her. Mind her. Death guards her like one of its own."

The day Fatima forgot her name, Death paid a visit. From hereon in she would be known as Sankofa­­--a name that meant nothing to anyone but her, the only tie to her family and her past.

Her touch is death, and with a glance a town can fall. And she walks--alone, except for her fox companion--searching for the object that came from the sky and gave itself to her when the meteors fell and when she was yet unchanged; searching for answers.

But is there a greater purpose for Sankofa, now that Death is her constant companion?"

My Review: After really enjoying the Binti series, I have been anticipating this book since I first heard about it. I am so glad I was finally able to pick it up. This was a very intriguing story and you are really drawn into Fatima/Sankofa's story. You are drawn with her through her travels and she tries to find what is hers, where her place is and a place to fit in. I really enjoyed the journey and the struggles she faces, being worshipped, feared and hated. I love how the story is brought around to a conclusion, it is a very satisfactory ending but I still wish we got more.

My Rating: I truly appreciate how Okorafor manages to create vivid worlds and characters you fall in love with in such short books, and still manages to make them so fulfilling and satisfying.  Remote Control definitely continued that trend and I so enjoyed it.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws and definitely recommend it if you aren't sure if you want to get into full length science fiction novels.

Review of The Black Stallion by Walter Farley

 

Read for: Re-Read/Audio/ Books with Munchkin

Synopsis: "Published originally in 1941, this book is about a young boy, Alec Ramsay who finds a wild black stallion at a small Arabian port on the Red Sea. Between the black stallion and young boy, a strange understanding grew that you lead them through untold dangers as they journeyed to America. Nor could Alec understand that his adventures with the black stallion would capture the interest of an entire nation."

My Review: I remember reading this book (and the whole series as a kid) at my great grandmother's house, I have since inherited the set. I remember loving the book and the movie, so when I was looking for a book to listen to on audio with my son, I was thrilled that he selected this one. We both really enjoyed the book, the narration that we listened to was fantastic. The dramatic scenes kept us both excited to keep reading the book. We watched the movie after finishing but both agreed that the book was better. I think we will continue reading this series together, it has been such a great experience and way to connect.

My Rating: There are so many great memories connected with this book and now I have one more to add to the list.  This was a great book for us to listen to together and hopefully we will continue to bond over the series with more books.  We both give this book Four Paws and a Stump Wag!