August Books!

 

Centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones, House Targaryen—the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria—took up residence on Dragonstone. Fire and Blood begins their tale with the legendary Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and goes on to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold that iconic seat, all the way up to the civil war that nearly tore their dynasty apart.

pages: 719

The story concerns Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman of 27 years, whose family moves to lower their expenses and reduce their debt by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. The wife's brother, Captain Frederick Wentworth, was engaged to Anne in 1806, but the engagement was broken when Anne was persuaded by her friends and family to end their relationship. Anne and Captain Wentworth, both single and unattached, meet again after a seven-year separation, setting the scene for many humorous encounters as well as a second, well-considered chance at love and marriage for Anne in her second bloom.

Pages: 249

A Special Memoir for a Special Moment in Hollywood History . . .

Some Like It Hot occupies a unique place in American culture. This beloved classic showcases five comic geniuses: Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, I. A. L. Diamond, Billy Wilder, and Marilyn Monroe. It has been honored by the American Film Institute as the "Funniest Film of All Time". It has contributed quotes, styles, and stories to film lore. 

Pages: 248

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

Educated : a memior by Tara Westover

Tara Westover was raised by Mormon survivalist parents at the base of a mountain in Idaho, one of seven children. The older children went to school, but as her father became more and more convinced that the government (and the medical establishment; and pretty much everyone else) was out to get them, they were no longer allowed to attend, and the younger children never went at all.

The family lived a precarious and sometimes dangerous existence, isolated from society at large. Tara was particularly close to one of her older brothers, who decided he wanted to go to college over his father's objections. When Tara was 15, he convinced her that she should also go to college. Having had very little education of any kind, she had to study on her own to pass the entrance exams, but having decided to do it, she doggedly pursued her goal, until she managed to get admitted to Brigham Young University.

As she worked, and got scholarships and got her undergraduate degree, then her Master's, and eventually a PhD, she became increasingly alienated from her family, until they no longer allowed her to come home.


336 pages

A Good American by Alex George

A Good American by Alex George
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is another Missouri read by a Missouri author. It had a captivating start and then quickly went downhill for me. From what I can tell, it’s a polarizing read. People seem to either love it or hate it. Unfortunately, I lean more towards the hate it side of things.

First 1/4 = 4 stars
Comments:
Good start. Frederick and Jetta charmed me. The voice is strong, and the writing is solid. I thought this was going to be a fascinating read.

Second 1/4 = 2 stars
Comments:  

The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr

If you have ever thought about writing a memoir, I highly suggest you read Mary Karr’s book before you start. Karr, a poet, essayist, and memoirist who teaches a class on memoir writing at Syracuse University, walks readers through writing a memoir. Karr begins with instruction, but quickly moves on to the process of remembering and reconstructing our past. Most importantly, Karr explains the difference between misremembering and fabrication, and how the best memoirs “openly confess the nature of their corruption.”   In addition, Karr preps readers for the fallout that may occur if their memoir is published and helps readers decide if they are truly ready for that fallout. If you love memoirs, be prepared for your reading list to grow as Karr includes an extensive list of memoirs she recommends and has taught. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

256 pages

I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

This memoir of Michelle McNamara’s obsession with the Golden State Killer was interesting, but hard to follow at times. I think this mainly had to do with the author’s sudden death before the book was finished resulting in it being pieced together from her notes and files. There is a clear difference between the parts Michelle wrote and the posthumous section. Michelle’s engrossing retelling of the details of this serial killer, rapist, and burglar is well written. The disjointed timeline adds an additional challenge to keeping track of the many people and places. I found myself revisiting the map at the beginning of the book often. If you are interested in an in-depth analysis of a psychopath, read Michelle’s book. If you just want to know how the GSK was caught, this is not the book for you. Reader be forewarned: The boldness with which the GSK attacked will have you double and triple checking your windows and doors every night before bed. 352 pages.

Shattered: Reclaiming a Life Torn Apart by Violence by Debra Puglisi Sharp

In April 1998, Debra Puglisi Sharp,  wife, nurse, and mother was in her garden when a factory worker with a cocaine habit slipped in through an open door, raped her, put her his trunk, took her home with him, hogtied her and kept her captive for five days.  He shot and killed her husband Nino before she came inside.  Debra learned of Nino's murder by hearing it on the radio. That gave her the strength to loosen her ties, find a phone and call 911.

Struggling to heal from her horrendous ordeal and the devastating loss of her husband, Debra also had to endure an agonizing court trial, her children's grief, and her own crippling fear. But through her work in hospice care and as an advocate for victims of violence and trauma, she slowly recovered and rebuilt her life.  This memoir represents her attempt to make sense of a senseless crime.


304 pages