Saturday, October 23, 2010

Eden




Eden
Adult Graphic Novels-Main Level - EDE

Pablo Holmberg's new collection of short comic vignettes is immediately engaging. This is his first book publication, though he has been publishing online for years now. He lends a sense of honesty and whimsy that is refreshing to keep seeing in independent comix.

Eden is not really a graphic novel. It is more like a series of short comix poems or stories. Some are heartfelt. Some are funny. Some are cute. Some are thought provoking. Some have a wonderful sense of innocence. This book is a very quick read, and yet it gives the readers an idea of what is possible in comix and how stories can be told in four simple frames.

Published by Drawn and Quarterly, a Montreal based independent comix publisher, dedicated to finding great new talent in the independent comix world, this is a gem. Even if you are reading something else right now, you can take a break and savor this book all in one sitting, or read a few strips when you want, out of order if you please!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt


Saving CeeCee Honeycutt By Beth Hoffman

Adult New Fiction Hoffman


“Momma left her red satin shoes in the middle of the road. That’s what three eyewitnesses told the police.” And thus begins the tale of 12 year old Cecelia Rose Honeycutt, as told by Beth Hoffman in her charming debut novel Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

The story begins in 1967 in Willoughby, Ohio, a place that is “absolute hell” according to CeeCee’s mother, a transplanted, mentally ill 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen who has a penchant for parading around town in her pageant gowns. Life is truly hell for CeeCee because her mother’s shocking behavior has made her a lonely outcast. When her mother is run over by a Happy Cow Ice Cream truck, CeeCee’s hapless father sends her to live with her great aunt Tootie in Savannah, Georgia, promising her “One day you’ll thank me for this.”

I don’t want to give this beautiful story away so I’m not going to reveal any more details. Suffice it to say that Southern charm, love, eccentricity, and acceptance are all major elements, and female friendship is warmly celebrated.

Anyone who enjoyed Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias will love this book.


Saturday, October 16, 2010

The Shadows: Books of Elsewhere Volume 1



The Shadows by Jacqueline West
Youth New Book Shelves -Lower Level – WEST


After Ms. McMartin passed away Olive Dunwoody and her parents moved into the fully furnished Victorian house. Olive is an only child so she passes her summer days away by exploring the old house and all of it's furnishings. Olive notices something weird, none of the pictures can be removed from the walls and what is even more weird some of the pictures seem to move! Since Olive was very keen on exploring she was always finding great trinkets. The best thing she found was a pair of spectacles. She discovered that while wearing the spectacles she can acutally go into the paintings. She then meets a most unusual creature, a talking cat! Horatio, the cat, warns Olive not to lose the glasses or spend too much time in a painting or she could be stuck there. While in the paintings she meets a boy named Morton. Olive promises Morton that she will help him be free. Olive is determined to learn more about the house, the paintings, the talking cats but she is not sure who to trust. Join Olive in her adventures into Elsewhere.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

A Dog's Purpose



A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Adult New Books Display Main Level– CAMERON


This is a very touching novel told from the dog’s point of view. First off we meet Toby, who is rescued by a lovely lady who unfortunately does not have a license for her dog rescue operation. Senora, as Toby calls her, treats her dogs well, making sure they have food, water, and regular vet checkups. Since the rescue operation is not licensed poor Toby is euthanized. He is reborn again in a puppy mill. Once he was “adopted” his new owner left him in a hot car. A nice lady rescued him out of the car and took him in. He was named Bailey and was very loved by his family. He went on many great adventures and had a lifetime of happiness. His next incarnation he becomes a female! Ellie is a German shepherd search and rescue dog. After Ellie he becomes a black lab named Buddy. Through each of the dog’s reincarnations he/she has learned valuable lessons that stay with the dog throughout the years. Finally as Buddy do we learn the importance of all that he learned through the years as well as Buddy’s true purpose as a dog. This was a wonderful story, although there were a few sad times but overall this is a great book for all animal lovers. This book will make you want to go home and give your pet a big kiss and a hug!