If you had stripped this book of all identifying marks and given it to me to read, I never would’ve guessed it was from the same creative team behind Rolling. It’s got solid characterization for one thing, and a plot that looks like it’ll actually go somewhere! Both of the main characters are likable in their own way. Be-Ri is an animal-lover who’s raising money to protect … [Read more...] about Very! Very! Sweet 1 by JiSang Shin and Geo: B
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo: A
Book description: Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to … [Read more...] about The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo: A
Azumanga Daioh 2 by Kiyohiko Azuma: B-
From the back cover: The second hilarious volume of Azumanga Daioh takes Chiyo and the girls from end-of-first-year hijinks into the general silliness of their second year. Includes two special edition comic segments: "Osaka's Half Day" and "A Day in the Life of Chiyo-chan!" Review: This volume was pretty much exactly the same as the first volume, except some of the cuteness … [Read more...] about Azumanga Daioh 2 by Kiyohiko Azuma: B-
Interior Desecrations by James Lileks: B+
From the back cover: Warning! This book is not to be used in any way, shape, or form as a design manual. Rather, like the documentary about youth crime Scared Straight, it is meant as a caution of sorts, a warning against any lingering nostalgia we may have for the 1970s, a breathtakingly ugly period when even the rats parted their hair down the middle. What does this … [Read more...] about Interior Desecrations by James Lileks: B+
Rolling 1 by Ji-Sang Sin and Geo: C
It’s not difficult to get admitted to Bright Free High School. They’ll take anyone, even other schools’ rejects, and theoretically whip them into shape with strict rules that exceed even the military’s notions of discipline. This volume introduces the four students and one freeloader who are sharing a dorm room. Episodic adventures ensue. I’ve seen this kind of premise before, … [Read more...] about Rolling 1 by Ji-Sang Sin and Geo: C