December Hodge Podge

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

This book was SO. AMAZINGLY. AWESOME. I could not put it down! Feminist dystopia, a suffocating religion, vengeful witches in the wood, curses and escapes and dungeons-- Okay, I have to stop. Just go read it, especially if you like the Handmaid's Tale or fantasy horror. 

368 pages

We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix

Dude. The writing. I could feel myself being crushed by the walls of a cave. And such creative settings! Heavy metal bands fit so well into horror, but Hendrix also highlights the horror of materialism and the distractions of the modern world. I need to read more of his books!

336 pages

Read Harder Challenge #22

Chapel of Ease by Alex Bledsoe

The fourth Tufa novel, and still going strong. It's nice that for once we get a non-straight Tufa-human couple. I want to watch a hillbilly fairy musical. They never tell us what's in the box! Gaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

320 pages

The Dollhouse Family by M.R. Carey, Peter Gross

Creepy dolls are one of my favorite horror tropes because I find them genuinely scary. But the dolls here aren't the really creepy part. A demonic dollhouse is overly possessive of its family, chasing them across generations. A fun read, good for a rainy afternoon.

160 pages

Daphne Byrne by Laura Marks, Kelley Jones

The Spiritualist movement of the 19th century has long interested me. Yes, lets manipulate people's grief so we can be parasites on society. This story just throws some actual demons in.

160 pages

The Cold Millions by Jess Walter

It's long, but the payoff was worth it! I really didn't know much about turn of the century labor movements, and this got me interested in looking up and reading more. Elizabeth Gurley Flynn deserves more recognition, and I'm tempted to track down some of her writings. The parallels in this novel to inequalities to today make the setting feel even more real. Very well written historical fiction!

352 pages

Come Back to Me by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti

Not the best Wonder Woman comic, but enjoyable. Starts off as standard Wonder Woman fun, ends up in some weird dinosaur time travel space stadium mess. Definitely better WW comics out there. 

160 pages

Educated by Tara Westover

This one stuck with me. I still think about it, and I read it weeks ago. An amazing memoir about a girl who never went to school, then entered college and went on to get her PhD. Her childhood memories are disturbing and tragic. The conflicts with her family in the fallout are relateable.  Reminded me of a lot of my dreams, and it has definitely got me thinking. 

352 pages    

Read Harder Challenge #12

Attack on Titan Volumes 4/5 by Hajime Isayama

 

This series. So good. More Titan lore, More epic 3D battles, more chaotic fights. The story is too good, a blend of mystery, thriller, fantasy, and of course, horror. 

388 pages (194+194)

In Mad Love and War by Joy Harjo

This is one of her earlier collections, and I had a bit of trouble getting into it. Certainly quality, it makes you slow down and savor each line. Sometimes you have to reread the stanzas again and again for them to sink in.

79 pages

No One is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg

A collection of her speeches, so definitely a bit repetitive. The message is clear though, and I hope we are not too late to act. We only have a few years left, but we seem to be making the problem worse, not better. Tragedy of the Commons combined with Toxic Individualism just leads to ecological destruction. And really, it's not a money problem. It's an accountability problem.

80 pages

Read Harder Challenge #15

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

I love how Brosh is so funny even when talking about horrible things. I was getting weird looks from Matt because I was just sitting on the couch laughing my head off. That poor grocery clerk. That creepy neighbor kid needs some friends. I too identify with the balloon. Definitely check out her comics if you haven't. They will brighten your day!

528 pages

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I have heard so much hype around this book, and I finally got around to it. Very much a thriller where you have to slowly piece the puzzle together. Still didn't expect that ending, love the added psychological dimensions. I was racing through this one.

336 pages

The Jedi Mind by Amy Ratcliffe

Little tidbits of wisdom, tied into the different characters of the Star Wars universe. The illustrations are just too cute!

80 pages

Steve Trevor DC Comics

This was a really cool collection of Wonder Woman comics featuring Steve Trevor. It includes the very first issues, the strange "New" look where she loses her powers from the 60's, and the great Perez issues from the 90's, as well as a handful of recent ones. Fun to see how her character has evolved over the years.

232 pages

The Factory Witches of Lowell by C.S. Malerich

This was a very fun historical fantasy novella, wherein a mill girl strike is aided by just a bit of magic. I thought it was an amazing setting, and I loved the sapphic side-romance. I was so enthralled I read this in one sitting. I never knew about brown lung and the stuffy fibrous airways which lead to untimely death for many women. Using the breath and blood you've poured into your looms to stop all work? Talk about seizing the means of production! I only wish this book was a bit longer to flesh out all the characters. 

128 pages

The Cowboy Meets His Match by Jessica Clare

I have never read a cowboy romance. I don't feel like I was missing much. I know a lot of readers love them, but they are just not for me.

301 pages

Read Harder Challenge #14

Basketful of Heads by Joe Hill, Leomacs

This comic is so good. Norse mythology, zombie heads, corrupt small town government, and a brave female protagonist totally dominating. The drawings are emotive, the colors dark yet colorful. A must read horror comic! 

184 pages

I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf by Grant Snider

I'm a librarian. I can't resist book humor! Snider's comics are always clever.

128 pages

Ooh Pretty Pictures

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

A true story about a Omar and his nonverbal brother growing up in a refugee camp. I don't think I've read anything quite like this, and the artwork is so vibrant while still being realistic. This book is incredible and I think everyone should read it. All the feels.

Read Harder Challenge #19

256 pages

Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal by Clint McElroy

Fantasy Nascar, a giant magical wrench and sexy plant puns. I've really enjoyed this series. I've listened to a bit of the podcast it is based on, but I just love the colorful artwork and humorous background objects. The story is quirky, funny, and just a lot of fun all around. 

244 pages

Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass by Mariko Tamaki

A different take on Harley's origin story, with class struggles, gentrification and green activism (led by Poison Ivy, of course). I thought this is one of the better DC Ink graphic novels, and I love the representation included among the urban population. A fun afternoon read for comic fans.

196 pages

Attack on Titan: Volumes 2/3 by Hajime Isayama

This series is so much fun! Perfect blending of horror, science fiction, and dystopia. Lots of gruesome titan battles, with a family mystery thrown in. I'm starting to get to the point where I may give the anime another try. 

400 pages    (192+208) 

Cheshire Crossing by Andy Weir, Sarah Andersen

Andy Weir does comics? Whaaaa? Such a great concept, mashing Alice/Wonderland, Wendy/Neverland, and Dorothy/Oz together into a fun fantasy adventure. I am very glad that he got a different illustrator though-Andersen is one of my favorite web comic artists!

117 pages

My Hero Academia Vol. 1 by Kohei Horikoshi

Ah, yes. The superhero academy trope. I've never really liked these stories. This one is very well done, and I can see why it is so popular, it's just not for me. Also, skinny/buff guy is creepy.

187 pages

Aquatlantic by Giorgio Carpinteri

This one was so strange. The artwork is gorgeous, and I enjoyed seeing Soviet Constructivism, which isn't used much in art today. Heavy allegory, almost to the point where there isn't much story. Pretty pictures though.

49 pages

Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo (art.)

 I enjoyed the first book in this series, Raven, so I picked this one up. Beast Boy's origin story isn't a common one for retellings (compare with the likely hundreds of versions to Wonder Woman's origin story), but it's a really fun one! Garfield Logan just wants to bulk up and be a beast. Instead he becomes... beasts. This one was fun, and I enjoy Gabriel Picolo's art style. 

180 pages

Graphic Novels Galore!

Fangs by Sarah Andersen

I love Sarah's Scribbles comics, so when i saw this e-galley available, I said, sure, why not? I thought the premise of vampire + werewolf romance was a bit cliche, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I liked how it poked fun at the cliches, but also presented a unique plot of its own. A fun little read for fans of funny comics. Definitely a better love story than Twilight.

112 pages



New Kid by Jerry Craft

I've seen this title pop up on so many book lists lately, I thought I'd check it out. Although this graphic novel is written for the middle grades, there are so many themes and issues relevant to adult readers. When his parents enroll him in a private school, Jordan has to adapt to a school where he is one of the few students of color. He has to learn how to make new friends while faced with racist microaggressions from his classmates and teachers. I would highly recommend this title for anyone and everyone.

249 pages




The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill

Greta, an apprentice blacksmith, discovers a new passion when she rescues a small dragon from a chaotic marketplace. She then discovers the world of the tea dragons, whose horns sprout tiny leaves harvested for tea by their caretakers. This story is so sweet, and the artwork is beautiful. A lovely fantasy tale of traditions, love, and friendship.

60 pages




Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

I read this novel when it came out, but it's been a few years. When this popped up on a recommended list I thought, sure, why not? I remembered enjoying the novel, but didn't remember enough of the plot to make a reread too boring. Yet, this was so boring. The story was still exciting and upbeat, but the art was just... bleh. I'm not a fan of the blue-grey color scheme. It was nice to get a visual for some of the characters, but honestly? Just read the novel.

206 pages




Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Andersen, and Leila Del Duca (ill.)

Now this is Wonder Woman done right. Andersen is a powerful writer, and Del Duca makes the story pop with color. Diana's origin story is updated to reflect our current world, as she encounters refugees, activists, homelessness, corporate greed, human trafficking and other social issues. I love how many diverse wonder woman comics we've been getting lately, and I'd say this is one of the best ones I've read.

207 pages




Zatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody, and Yoshi Yoshitani (ill.)

We don't get a lot of Zatanna-featured comics, so seeing this one written for the younger crowd was a pleasant surprise. This book was a lot of fun! Zatanna is a normal girl living in a slightly abnormal house dealing with tricky middle school friendship troubles. Then, the son of a witch queen steals her pet rabbit's key collar and the magic house comes alive. Zatanna has to navigate the twists, turns, and terrors to rescue her father and discover her true inheritance. This book is a lot of fun!

146 pages

Graphic Novels

Snug by Catana Chetwynd

I love these. They are cute little comics about dating your best friend! They remind me of Matt and I. The drawings are funny and playful.

Warm Fuzzies.

129 pages






Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale by Lauren Myracle

Catwoman's backstory is always so sad.The scenes with her mom's abusive boyfriend made me cry. Poor kitty!! It was fun watching her learn parkour and make it on the streets to learn her heist skills. Portrays depression, self harm and abuse realistically. All in all, a good take on the character.

222 pages



The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp

When a gunshot leaves her paralyzed, Barbara Gordon, daughter of the police commissioner and hacking extraordinaire, enters the Arkham Center for Independence for rehabilitation. Although a DC comic, I thought it was a thoughtful depiction of characters with a wide range of disabilities. The dark foreshadowing and unexpected answer to a mystery left me pleasantly surprised with the ending. Many teens could relate to Barb's search for identity and acceptance of herself.

Read Harder Task #21

198 pages

Harleen by Stjepan Sejic

We really don't get a lot of storylines about Dr. Harleen Quinzel before she becomes Harley Quinn. I loved the way this comic portrayed the progression of her character from genuinely wanting to help the patients in Arkham Asylum to becoming one herself. The Joker is also brilliantly shown in his madness and egocentrism, without stealing the spotlight of Harleen. The artwork overall is colorful, but also dark enough to be creepy.

This is a great comic for Harley Quinn fans.

208 pages

Green Lantern: Legacy by Minh Le

Thirteen year old Tai Pham inherits his grandmother's jade ring and learns he is inducted into the Green Lantern Corps! What a great twist to the Green Lantern series, where we see a young Vietnamese Boy learning to use his willpower to fight fear of the other in his own community. This is a great story, for kids and adults, and I hope to see more of Tai and maybe his grandmother in the main Green Lantern series.

A superhero comic for the middle grades, with positive themes of willpower and compassion.

151 pages

Batman Volume 11: The Fall and the Fallen by Tom King

I hate the whole "let's tie every plot line up into a giant evil villain's conspiracy" trope. It's getting old. Like, really? No. Stahp. The art is still colorful yet dark and moody, which is fun. I'm just not too crazy about where the story is going.


Not remarkable, I think I'm done with Batman comics for a bit.

144 pages

Diana, Princess of the Amazons by Shannon Hale

Awww, this comic is so cute! Little Diana is lonely because she is the only kid on the island, so she makes her own friend out of clay. But her new friend may not be the best influence on her... I love new twists on the Wonder Woman story, especially ones set on Themyscira.

A fun Wonder Woman comic for younger readers.

159 pages

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Just War by G. Willow Wilson

I love Wonder Woman. She fights for truth, justice, and those who cannot defend themselves. In this volume, Ares decides he wants to try to do the same... but he's not very good at it. Still, the return of Ares feels more like classic Wonder Woman (the past few runs have veered way off this path). I think Wilson does a good job blending the classic mythos with current world issues-immigration, proxy wars, biased news media. I'll be looking forward to the next volume.

Classic Wonder Woman for the modern era.

192 pages

Wonder Woman Vol. 9: The Enemy of Both Sides by Steve Orlando

What a mish-mash of mythologies here. Diana has her Lasso of Hestia, Artemis her Bow of Ra, and both are fighting alongside Aztek against Tezcatlipoca, the Aztec deity of darkness and destruction, to rescue Atalanta, an acolyte of Maat. Even for a Wonder Woman comic, it's a little crazy. It's fun though, and it also collects a lot of the shorter stories from specials, which bring in some fun artwork. I loved the one where Diana has to stop a man in "Idea" (Ikea) rampaging because he's missing a piece to his furniture set.

Not the best Wonder Woman comic I've read, but still fun for a lazy afternoon.

224 pages

Batman Vol. 10: Knightmares by Tom King

An entire volume where Batman is trapped in a never-ending nightmare fueled by Scarecrow's gas and his own grief certainly makes for colorful artwork. You can tell the artists really had fun with these issues. Tom King has done an excellent job showing Batman's progression through his depression and soul seeking after being left at the altar by Catwoman. Honestly, this book is worth it just for the crazy bachelorette party scene with Selina and Lois Lane breaking into the Fortress of Solitude. 

It's fun, which is all one wants from a Batman comic.

176 pages

Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige and Stephen Byrne (ill.)

Mera is a rebellious princess that wants to be a warrior like her mother, yet her father just wants to marry her off to the prince of the Trench who will rule Xebel instead. Surely, if she kills Arthur Curry, she will free Xebel from Atlantean rule and prove to her father she is strong enough to rule, right? Yeah, no. This is a YA comic silly. You're going to fall in love. Still, I loved getting an entire book focused on Mera-one of the most underrated DC heroines.

A unique take on Mera's (and Aquaman's) origin story.

206 pages

Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia, Gabriel Picolo (ill.)

After losing her memories and her foster mother, Raven is taken in by her mother's sister. We get to see her navigate high school, New Orleans, and her prom, while dealing with emotions, spirits and demons. I really enjoyed the addition of her sister, who has her own unique abilities, and the voodoo lore. I will likely pick up the next book in Garcia's Teen Titan series. 

A fun take on Raven's backstory.

166 pages

Black Canary: Ignite by Meg Cabot, and Cara McGee (ill.)

Middle School is hard enough without learning how to control your superpowers! This is a fun origin story for one of my favorite DC characters that has seemed to get more of a spotlight in recent years. Part of DC's recent imprint of comics for children and younger teens, done by the brilliant Meg Cabot.

A fun, colorful Black Canary comic great for younger readers.

160 pages

Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn by Grant Morrison

 Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn by Grant Morrison

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Pages: 168

This Batman collection reunites the team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. A new dynamic duo hit the streets with a bang after the disappearance of Batman months earlier. They now have a flying Batmobile and face off against a group of villains called the Circus of Strange. A new killer in Gotham abducts a child to get their attention. Will this new team work well together? Has Batman returned or who is behind the mask?