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roadrunnertwiceI wonder if I can finish these 2013/2014 book posts by the new year? PROBABLY NOT, but let's keep it rolling, and I'll do another one tonight.
Bryan Lee O'Malley — Seconds
Comics. Jul 19, 2014
This was really good. I don't have much more to say about it, it just pretty much nailed everything it was trying to do. It was cute and creepy and moody and funny. Do the thing, read the comic.
O'Malley's cartooning ability has continued to mature, to a point where I have a hard time even describing some of the stuff he's doing with time and space and perceptual shifts. He is working on a very advanced level and making it look easy. Also, his assistants and colorist have done a lot to boost the page-for-page budget for beauty and detail; this book looks phenomenal.
Lloyd Alexander — The Book of Three
Apr ???, 2014
I somehow missed reading the Chronicles of Prydain when I was a sprout; I know I picked up The Black Cauldron at some point (it was the paperback with art from the Disney movie on it) and I know I bounced off it, but I don't... fully... remember why. I think not having read the first book made the beginning of the second too much to catch up with, and I think I probably wasn't in tune with the sense of situational humor, especially the whole thing with the pig. I don't remember how old I was.
ANYWAY THOUGH, this was GREAT. Pretty much the ideal blend of straightforwardness and sophistication for kid lit, and enough distinctive detail in the world and characters to stand far out from the pack.
Lloyd Alexander — The Black Cauldron
May 7, 2014
ALSO GREAT, SAME REASONS.
William Gibson — Zero History
Apr 14, 2014
I liked this even better than Spook Country. A techno-thriller about pants was a strong contender for my favorite book of the year.
UGH, now I want to re-read this whole trilogy again. Yeah, I'm doing it. Getting out Pattern Recognition right now.
Robin Hobb — Assassin's Apprentice
Summer??, 2014
At Isaac's recommendation.
I eventually liked this! At first I was turned off by the dolorous tone of the narration, but after a while that faded into the background. The events of the story were super engaging, and I kind of liked the young version of Fitz.
I've heard mixed opinions on whether I'll enjoy the other two books in this trilogy as much, but I'm totally willing to give 'em a shot and am interested in what happens next.