50 Books Challenge: Book 5 - 13
5. The Walking Dead: Book One
by Robert Kirkman
genre: graphic novel/horror
The Walking Dead: Book One is a compilation of the series first twelve issues. I've been reading this amazing title since almost its beginning back in 2004, though now I tend to wait for the volumes rather than the individual issues at this point, and I decided I wanted to re-read it from the start now that the television is back under way. My issues are all in storage so I went ahead and borrowed this from the library. There's nothing like this particular title. It's not just appealing for the horror facets or the incredible way that the inking (there is no coloring in the issues) do so much for its bareness. It's the story that gets you right in the gut and heart. A group of humans surviving in a world where zombies (walkers) are diminishing their numbers daily. I can't really describe it because it's honestly a crazy awesome experience.
Recommended: Oh, yes. Very very much.
6. Our Tragic Universe
by Scarlett Thomas
genre: fiction
I read Thomas' previous novel, The End of Mr. Y., on recommendation of rromantic and it was such an interesting read. Though the style was familiar, it took me a little longer to fall into this story. I don't think it's for everyone to be honest. The wording can be pretentious and the characters aren't likable but somehow the story eventually gets you especially with some of the supernatural aspects to it.
Recommended: I liked it and think if its something you can enjoy, it be good.
7. Blue Dahlia: Book One of On The Garden Triology
by Nora Roberts
genre: supernatural romance
I love Nora Roberts supernatural books (though I'm not a fan of her normal romance ones for the most part) and this one is pretty good. It takes place in Georgia and involves three women who live in and run an extensive greenhouse. The greenhouse is an old mansion that is haunted by the ghost of a woman. Normally only kids can see her but sometimes mothers do as well. This books is about Stella, a widow with two boys who restarts her life in order to get through her grief. She finds work in the greenhouse as a manager and finds love with a hot landscaper as she fights against an angry ghost.
Recommended: I really loved this book and am excited for the next one. If it's a genre you like then I totes think you should give.
8. The Walking Dead: Volume Three and Four
by Robert Kirkman
genre: graphic novel/horror
Continuing with the re-reading of this awesome title. The story now delves deeper into each characters and brings starkly into view the horribleness of their situation. The artistry in this issues are amazing.
Recommended: Yes. Yes. Yes.
9. Invisible
by Robert Kirkman
genre: graphic novel
The second title written by Kirkman, it's a unique look at being a superhero's son and eventually superhero. I like the characters. They are normal despite all the powers and villains. The art is minimal in a lot of areas but it works for the title. I like the dialogue and stories quite a bit as well but it doesn't quite reach me as fan like The Walking Dead has.
Recommended: Definitely worth a read if you like your superhero origin stories.
10. If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)
by Betty White
genre: autobiographical
Betty White is one of my most favorite people in the world, seriously. I think she's smart and savvy. Incredibly funny and sweet and raunchy in the best way possible. Quick on her feet and honest. This book shows all this. Told in small vignette format, it gives enough to satisfy without baring it all for the world. I had a great time reading.
Recommended: A definite for Betty White fans and even if you're not one, I think you'd like this book.
11. The Looking Glass Wars
by Frank Beddor
genre: fantasy
What I enjoy most about this book (and it's a trilogy so I'm excited for what's to come) is the way Beddor managed to keep to the mythology of Alice in Wonderland yet twist it so much that you feel it's a fresh perspective. In this version of the classic story, Alyss in the actual heir to Wonderland but due to her evil Aunt Redd, she's lost herself in our world while those in hers are looking to find their savior. There's genius use of side characters you don't normally think much about and Beddor manages to make the story so intriguing and a little scary.
Recommended: Definitely. It's also now available as a graphic novel title but I think you should read the books first.
12. Dear Daddy Long Legs
by Jean Webster
genre: young adult fiction
Jean Webster was an interesting woman for her times and her book reflects that. I first read this book when I was about ten years old and was completely charmed by its main character Judy and her mysterious benefactor, Daddy Long Legs. On re-reading it, I find that it's still a lovely, charming book even as I realize that there are certain aspect of it which I don't necessarily agree with. The best part is watching the maturity of its main character and her relationship with the men in her life.
Recommended: I liked it quite a bit then and again, now.
13. The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
genre: young adult fiction
Suzanne Collins is a genre saver for me. That's not even a light statement I make. After the debacle of Stephanie Meyers, who I honestly think is one of the worst writers ever and what I felt she did to the future of strong female characters, Collins' The Hunger Games thrills me. I first read this book when it came out in 2008 and decided to re-read it because 1) the movies is coming out and 2) my god-sister is reading it as well. I don't know how to explain all the feelings I get with this book, how much I love Katniss and how I wish with all my might that Peeta was an actual person in this world. Everything about this book is awesome to me. The setting, the description of the world she created, the development of her characters, the shock and discomfort of the Hunger Games and in the end the journey of her characters... it's all pretty wonderful.
Recommended: Absolutely. Do it. READ.
13 / 50 books. 26% done!
by Robert Kirkman
genre: graphic novel/horror
The Walking Dead: Book One is a compilation of the series first twelve issues. I've been reading this amazing title since almost its beginning back in 2004, though now I tend to wait for the volumes rather than the individual issues at this point, and I decided I wanted to re-read it from the start now that the television is back under way. My issues are all in storage so I went ahead and borrowed this from the library. There's nothing like this particular title. It's not just appealing for the horror facets or the incredible way that the inking (there is no coloring in the issues) do so much for its bareness. It's the story that gets you right in the gut and heart. A group of humans surviving in a world where zombies (walkers) are diminishing their numbers daily. I can't really describe it because it's honestly a crazy awesome experience.
Recommended: Oh, yes. Very very much.
6. Our Tragic Universe
by Scarlett Thomas
genre: fiction
I read Thomas' previous novel, The End of Mr. Y., on recommendation of rromantic and it was such an interesting read. Though the style was familiar, it took me a little longer to fall into this story. I don't think it's for everyone to be honest. The wording can be pretentious and the characters aren't likable but somehow the story eventually gets you especially with some of the supernatural aspects to it.
Recommended: I liked it and think if its something you can enjoy, it be good.
7. Blue Dahlia: Book One of On The Garden Triology
by Nora Roberts
genre: supernatural romance
I love Nora Roberts supernatural books (though I'm not a fan of her normal romance ones for the most part) and this one is pretty good. It takes place in Georgia and involves three women who live in and run an extensive greenhouse. The greenhouse is an old mansion that is haunted by the ghost of a woman. Normally only kids can see her but sometimes mothers do as well. This books is about Stella, a widow with two boys who restarts her life in order to get through her grief. She finds work in the greenhouse as a manager and finds love with a hot landscaper as she fights against an angry ghost.
Recommended: I really loved this book and am excited for the next one. If it's a genre you like then I totes think you should give.
8. The Walking Dead: Volume Three and Four
by Robert Kirkman
genre: graphic novel/horror
Continuing with the re-reading of this awesome title. The story now delves deeper into each characters and brings starkly into view the horribleness of their situation. The artistry in this issues are amazing.
Recommended: Yes. Yes. Yes.
9. Invisible
by Robert Kirkman
genre: graphic novel
The second title written by Kirkman, it's a unique look at being a superhero's son and eventually superhero. I like the characters. They are normal despite all the powers and villains. The art is minimal in a lot of areas but it works for the title. I like the dialogue and stories quite a bit as well but it doesn't quite reach me as fan like The Walking Dead has.
Recommended: Definitely worth a read if you like your superhero origin stories.
10. If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)
by Betty White
genre: autobiographical
Betty White is one of my most favorite people in the world, seriously. I think she's smart and savvy. Incredibly funny and sweet and raunchy in the best way possible. Quick on her feet and honest. This book shows all this. Told in small vignette format, it gives enough to satisfy without baring it all for the world. I had a great time reading.
Recommended: A definite for Betty White fans and even if you're not one, I think you'd like this book.
11. The Looking Glass Wars
by Frank Beddor
genre: fantasy
What I enjoy most about this book (and it's a trilogy so I'm excited for what's to come) is the way Beddor managed to keep to the mythology of Alice in Wonderland yet twist it so much that you feel it's a fresh perspective. In this version of the classic story, Alyss in the actual heir to Wonderland but due to her evil Aunt Redd, she's lost herself in our world while those in hers are looking to find their savior. There's genius use of side characters you don't normally think much about and Beddor manages to make the story so intriguing and a little scary.
Recommended: Definitely. It's also now available as a graphic novel title but I think you should read the books first.
12. Dear Daddy Long Legs
by Jean Webster
genre: young adult fiction
Jean Webster was an interesting woman for her times and her book reflects that. I first read this book when I was about ten years old and was completely charmed by its main character Judy and her mysterious benefactor, Daddy Long Legs. On re-reading it, I find that it's still a lovely, charming book even as I realize that there are certain aspect of it which I don't necessarily agree with. The best part is watching the maturity of its main character and her relationship with the men in her life.
Recommended: I liked it quite a bit then and again, now.
13. The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
genre: young adult fiction
Suzanne Collins is a genre saver for me. That's not even a light statement I make. After the debacle of Stephanie Meyers, who I honestly think is one of the worst writers ever and what I felt she did to the future of strong female characters, Collins' The Hunger Games thrills me. I first read this book when it came out in 2008 and decided to re-read it because 1) the movies is coming out and 2) my god-sister is reading it as well. I don't know how to explain all the feelings I get with this book, how much I love Katniss and how I wish with all my might that Peeta was an actual person in this world. Everything about this book is awesome to me. The setting, the description of the world she created, the development of her characters, the shock and discomfort of the Hunger Games and in the end the journey of her characters... it's all pretty wonderful.
Recommended: Absolutely. Do it. READ.
13 / 50 books. 26% done!