In My Life
Foray into Graphic Novels
I decided to give graphic novels a go, starting with Nimona, which was great fun. When I was still in secondary school I used to borrow Manga books from the libraries (public library, school library, language school library) but then stopped reading them when everything started to look the same to me. I wasn’t invested enough to buy them and was happy to borrow them.
Then with the rise of graphic novels on my Twitter and Goodreads timelines, I got curious again and decided to see what’s out there now. After Nimona I picked up Summer and Seconds. I reserved a couple more graphic novels at the library, so evidently I’m getting in the swing of things.
What I liked best about these three graphic novels I started with is that they’re standalone. They’re self-contained stories to be enjoyed. Also, they’re not about pop culture icons like Superman, Batman (and all those superheroes), the Peanuts, Archie, etc. That brings a whole lot of new creativity into them and I hope to find more of that.
NetGalley Challenge 2015
I joined the NetGalley Challenge 2015. Since I’ve not joined in the past, I’m not entirely sure what to expect but I decided to just roll with it anyway. Reviewing tips always are welcome after all, especially from those who are such great authorities on the matter. To make my participation official, here’s the NetGalley Advocate badge.
On the Blog
Blog Posts
After prolonged deliberation, I posted a long list of bookstagram problems that I hope the community will address. Some are very serious matters while others are merely song preferences but still contribute to the overall happiness of everyone who is part of the bookstagram community. Speaking of problems, if cracked paperback spines are one of yours, I’ve some tips on how to prevent cracked book spines.
If you’re interested to find out my thoughts before delving into graphic novels, you may wanna check out Unveiled: Nimona. Of course, I continued stretching my bookish photography with Mise-en-scène. The theme were lights, maps and jewellery. For stats enthusiasts, my July overview of reading statistics are out.
Book Reviews
After my book review slowdown in June and July, I settled down again to type out my thoughts on books this month. A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller now counts to my absolute favourites. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen also was an enjoyable introduction to Dessen’s books.
On the non-fiction front, I reviewed two photography books. The first was The New Street Photographer’s Manifesto by Tanya Nagar. The other one was Lo-Fi Photo Fun by Adam Bronkhorst. It offers a lot of ideas for anyone who wishes to try lomography with film cameras over digital photo manipulation.
Around the Blogosphere
- Sandra @ Tea Between Books makes a case for not scheduling blog posts. Being a natural procrastinator myself, I completely relate to her. Though I do derive satisfaction from being on top of things, there’s a level of satisfaction that comes from finishing something and then posting it immediately for the world to see. Call it instant gratification but I think there’s no shame in being excited about a topic and wanting to talk about it to anyone who will listen as soon as possible.
- Emily @ Forever Literary wrote an open letter to John Green haters. I’m not a fan of John Green’s books and don’t pay much attention to John Green as a person either but that doesn’t mean the hatred for all things John Green has escaped me. Expressing dislike for someone who became famous for things that he put hard work into (writing as well as YouTube videos) is unfair and undermines the importance of YA authors according to Emily. I’ve gotta say, she’s right. If not John Green, then who? If that author would be bashed too for their success, then it’s merely the position of being a popular YA author that draws hatred and that’s completely uncalled for.
- Joey @ Thoughts and Afterthoughts shatters ships and maintains that ships don’t sink — they turn into submarines. He reminds us that while a book may be over, the characters still live on (in our hearts and imaginations, I suppose), so there still is hope. Even if your ship appears to have sunk in a book, life goes on and you never know, they might find their way back to each other and fulfil your shipping dreams. On the other hand, regardless if your ship survives into a happily-ever-after, it too might turn into a submarine, never to be seen again. Hahaha. Ah, I love the dash of realism amidst the sheen of hope that Joey offered.
Alexa S. says
I’ve only recently started reading graphic novels as well, so yay us! I think they’re an interesting medium, since it’s both illustration and text that tells the full story. I’ll be curious to see what other people do recommend, as I want to read more of them as well!
Joséphine Simone says
So far Saga seems to be the most recommended one. I’ve looked at previews on Amazon and decided the style of art doesn’t appeal to me at all, so I’m gonna give it a miss. You could look it up though. The praises for it abound. Haha.