Catastrophic Classic

This past week fared better for me with reading. Granted, three out of the four books were graphic novels but whatever. I don't discriminate with what catches my eye. I'll read any book that grabs my attention.


The Killing Joke by Alan Moore
3 STAR RATING

This was one of those classic comics that I knew existed but had never read before. I actually saw the film before reading the graphic novel. The movie was a let down but the book holds up way better. It's a slice of life in the ongoing feud between the Joker and Batman. Batman thinks the end of their fight will end up with one of them dead. The Joker doesn't seem to mind that outcome. He's just determined to show that all it takes is one bad day to drive someone mad. Hence, him shooting Barbara Gordon in the spine and taking lewd pictures of her to show Commissioner Gordon. It almost works. But the roughened cop doesn't crack and wants him brought in by the book. It makes for a lackluster ending but I still enjoyed it.











Sunstone Vol 5 by Stjepan Sejic
5 STAR RATING



This conclusive volume was definitely the most cheesiest and sappiest of the series. The author takes us through the somewhat long and tedious road of Ally's and Lisa's reconciliation. You know it's coming since it's revealed they are married in an earlier volume but I kinda felt this book was dragging its feet to get there. I still loved every bit of it. The visual art accompanied by their angst made me feel for them. It's just beautiful all around. But the highlight of this novel is the little hints of the next story arc, Mercy. I am too excited and thrilled for Alan and Anne's story. The few scenes they've had together have been steamy. I WANT MORE DAMN IT. I can't believe I have to wait. This is gonna take forever.











Spider-Man/Deadpool Vol 1: Isn't it Bromantic by Joe Kelly
4 STAR RATING

Wade Wilson just wants to prove to Spider-Man that he's changed. He's no longer a killer for hire...except when he's hired to take out Peter Parker. This is obviously a dilemma, with Spider-Man being his superhero alter ego. This series is one of the funniest comics I've read. It overshadows the action and overall plot but I still like it. I couldn't tell you who the bad guys are. All I know is that I want more quips and possibly a kiss between our two leading men.
















The Cather in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
2 STAR RATING

How in the hell is this book considered a classic? If I had to read this for school, I'd be bored outta my mind. Holden Caufield is a unlikable jerk who lies for no reason and plays games just because he had nothing better to do. I dragged my feet completing this novel. It's the embodiment of annoyance. The only tolerable part was Holden's little sister, Phoebe. She's so cute and spazzy and energetic. I'd read a book from her POV about her high school shenanigans.

Lone Ranger

One. I read one book in the past week. I went through a bit of a slump since I actually had social plans with real life people. Oh well. I hope to be more active with my literature this week.

The Blackbirds by Eric Jerome Dickey
BOOK CLUB READ
2 STAR RATING


And finally, I can say I gave Dickey a full fledged attempt to enjoy his books. It's just not for me. I feel that he has a horrible female voice and the dialogue is cringey. I did appreciate the genuine friendship between the blackbirds. No one was plotting against the other or secretly hated each other. It was black women looking out for one another.

2017 kick off

So here we are. It's a new year and I'm excited about all the books I'm gonna read. I plan on reading every book club read, finishing every challenge, and sticking to my reading schedule. I have a humble goal of 100 books to read, since I always struggle to get to 150. I know that may seem like a lot but I'm also counting children books and graphic novels.


One-Punch Man Vol 4 by ONE
4 STAR RATING

This series is beyond ridiculous, in the best way possible. We've now been introduced to even more wacky superheroes. My favorite is Bang, a crabby looking old hero who'll probably get along swimmingly with Saitama. I can't wait until they meet. And it looks like Saitama might have some work cut out for him with these seafolk monsters. On second thought, he'll probably defeat their king in just one punch like always. The author has a habit of teasing real fights.















Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
5 STAR RATING

Too bad I didn't like the movie as much as I did this book. It's so interesting to read about all the different creatures that I've seen on film and all the ones I haven't yet. It makes me eager to watch the other films, even though I'm not entirely excited about them. I just want more Newt Scamander and his troublesome beasts. The little notes from harry were cute but didn't add anything to the reading experience. Just the book on its own was more than enough for me.















You in Five Acts by Una LaMarche
4 STAR RATING



So what the hell? I was not expecting to get hit with the feels like I did at the end. Spoiler alert, someone becomes the victim of police brutality, which came out of nowhere. Each friend gets their own act, so if you don't like multiple POVs don't even bother with this book. What I found most interesting is that each character has a "you" that they focus on. It's easy to figure out who and makes the title comprehensible. Despite the unwanted tears, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone in the mood for realistic teen fiction.














Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kenrick
January challenge: Read a memoir 
5 STAR RATING

This book was so freaking good. It has surpassed the excellency of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, in terms of making me completely fall for a celebrity. I was not a huge fan of Kendrick's filmography. I did think she was talented but she wasn't someone who would make me want to see anything she was in. After reading this book, I still feel that way. But, she'll be more on my radar from now on. Her writing style is so funny and relatable. There wasn't a chapter where I didn't laugh out loud at something she wrote. I'm hoping this is more of an authentic writing endeavor and not the brain child of some ghostwriter. If Kendrick ever wanted to put out another memoir, I'd be one of the first people to read it.












The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye
3 STAR RATING



I was not impressed with this book when I first picked it up. I knew nothing about it so I had no excitement in reading it. I couldn't pronounce any of the locations or some of the names. Honestly, I was bored. But then I wasn't anymore. I can't tell exactly when the novel gained momentum, but it was towards the end. The chapters from the reanimated corpse were the most interesting. And I can say that I really didn't see that twist coming.

Review for Best Women's Erotica Volume 2, edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel

a free copy of this novel was given to me by Rachel Kramer Bussel for an honest review 

This volume took me a little longer to get through. Unfortunately, it's because I didn't connect with the majority of the stories. I failed to lose myself in the fantasy of these women's erotic adventures. I did like a few stories; actually more like loved completely. My favorites were:

On His Knees by Eve Pendle
Mind Control by Violet R. Jones
Serious Faces by Ella Dawson
Cigarro Tarde by Abigail Ekue
Volcano Nights by Josie Jordan 

I found the other stories to be silly or down right uninteresting. The diverse themes and writing styles were amazing though. This collection of erotica is not badly written at all. I just personally didn't like it as much as the first volume.