Taking a slightly different gear, Diper Overlode is focused on Rodrick's band as they prepare for the Battle of the Bands. Greg recounts his time as aTaking a slightly different gear, Diper Overlode is focused on Rodrick's band as they prepare for the Battle of the Bands. Greg recounts his time as a roadie as misfortune and bad decisions appear to block the band's chances of winning the competition. At their low point, the bandmates also seeks out the wisdom of their idols, Metallichihuahua, a former metal act that have since retired. The only problem is that can they find where their heroes are in time before the competition starts?
So this diary takes a different turn where Rodrick gets more of the spotlight here than anyone else, including Greg, though he is the one telling the story. In the process, all the usual characters: Susan, Frank, Manny & Rowley are pushed to making small cameos throughout the plot. It still keeps up with the same humor as previous books where bad luck and poor decision making are the root cause of all their misfortunes. Since it is Rodrick we're talking about, the decisions he makes are even more half-baked than how Greg would do, whether that's to your own amusement or chagrin. I enjoyed it, more for how in other books Rodrick does get much consequences for much his own bad actions, and here it comes back to bite him every time. Of course, the heavier focus on him feels like a missed opportunity for the other characters be a part of the slapstick at the same time. Like Big Shot, this one ends on a "happier" ending than some of the other books, but there were some open endings to certain plot points that were not closed. Despite that, it is still enjoyable to me, but I prefer if it stook to Greg's perspective or included the other cast in it more. ...more
Alamo All-Stars is the sixth installment in Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. Before what would become the 28th state of America, Texas a big piece of laAlamo All-Stars is the sixth installment in Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. Before what would become the 28th state of America, Texas a big piece of land that was owned by the Mexican government. While American pioneers were still expanding westward, some took interest in living in Mexican territory. Although the Mexican government allowed them to settle, they were watched under the surveillance of soldiers wondering around. Many settlers grew irritated and formed a league to call for independence from Mexico. Fueling the fires with many attempts on both sides that either were misguided or purposeful spite, it lead to the legendary battle at the Alamo.
As per Nathan's comics, this one still remains very informative and humorous in a manner that both children and adults can enjoy while learning their history. With that, there was a bit of a change up here, notably, the appearance of another narrator. It makes sense in context, since it was a battle between to clashing cultures. For that, I don't mind the inclusion of another guest. More notably to me, was their was less humor than before. So the story does come a little more dry at times. Add to that, there around 5+ players in this story that gives a well-rounded view of the big picture, but like the WWI story, it can be confusing when it keeps switching around a lot. It was still a nice read to me, but definitely felt less engaging for my taste. For what it's worth, you'd still learn a lot about the events of the Alamo if you have not know much before. ...more
Volume 10 continues the daily life of ex-Yakuza turned househusband, Tatsu. Through his acquaintance, he gets a job as a supermarket security to catchVolume 10 continues the daily life of ex-Yakuza turned househusband, Tatsu. Through his acquaintance, he gets a job as a supermarket security to catch any sneaking thieves. Of course, it ends in fabulous Tatsu fashion when he captures the unknown thief. Then he and his gang of housewives assist in a member's struggle with her weight, though that's not stopping him from making his new group almost like a new yakuza. Tatsu also gets to meet his former boss's granddaughter, whom he realizes is a lot more than handle when it comes to satisfying the girl. Still Tatsu continues to show his worth and heroic deeds when it comes to helping out a neighbor, lecturing of a healthy lifestyle and prepping up a gift exchange.
Noticeably, Volume 10 has Tatsu spend more time outdoors and out of the house, with only about one chapter devoted to being in his own home. Similarly, Miku, his wife, only has prominence in two scenes as well. It is not bad, in fact it gets a chance to showcase some of Tatsu's friends much more, including new character, An, the Big Boss's granddaughter. In more of a surprise move, the general tone of this manga is much more calmer, with the exception of a few chapters, compared to previous ones. Tatsu, himself, doesn't have too many outbursts or overexaggerated moments either. Again, not bad, just surprising. So while the formula is almost the same as previous ones, it is still very much an entertaining, lighthearted series that I shall continue to move forward with. ...more
Admittedly, I never read any works of Billy Collins, so this is my first try at what his poetry is like. All new, 50 poems and what a pleaser this colAdmittedly, I never read any works of Billy Collins, so this is my first try at what his poetry is like. All new, 50 poems and what a pleaser this collection is. His works are pretty short and the titles are usually also pretty direct on what they are about. All of them are about mostly mundane or everyday occurrences that we often do not look as heavily significant to the roles they play in a bigger picture. And yet, Collins managed to capture beauty and life in such trivial and simplistic activities that they sound as refreshing to do as they are mundane.
I can see why other reviewers are openly positive about Billy Collins and his other works. Such daily activities are put into a humorous, witty and introspective insight that they just seem fun and relaxing to do. Additionally, there is a small theme of morality doused in and around selected works. But truly, this is a case where such short works of poetry have greater depth when you look more into it. I wish I could say more, but it is hard for me to describe thoroughly what I felt when I read Whale Day. I would like to add that I listened to an audiobook version here, with the author narrating his own work, and that added to the ambient pleasure I experienced when listening to these poems read aloud. I would say Billy Collins won me over, as I would gladly pick up another work of his to explore. ...more
Leo is being looked after by his Uncle Mo for the day. But Mo is not the best if Uncles: attending a rubber band convention, eating broccoli, and be iLeo is being looked after by his Uncle Mo for the day. But Mo is not the best if Uncles: attending a rubber band convention, eating broccoli, and be in bed by 8. It looks like it'll be one dull night for Leo. Until they both stumbled onto the Society of Aunts & Uncles. Now both of them will learn the secrets and skills it would take for them to become the best of Uncles and nephews.
An ode to all Aunts and Uncles, this book explains what it takes to be the best adults around for kids. All time fun and none if the stuffy grown ups is what this is! I found it relatively enjoyable, though I thought there would be more to it. The illustrations are good, reminiscent of Pixar style. If you are am aunt or uncle, do yourself a favor and read this to be the best kind....more
Dear Justice League is a graphic novel of the Justice League answering questions from some of their little fans. Each member gets a segment where theyDear Justice League is a graphic novel of the Justice League answering questions from some of their little fans. Each member gets a segment where they get to answer an email from a kid who looks up to them while going about their usual routine. The stars of this novel are: Superman, Hawkgirl, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Flash, Green Lantern & Batman. Each of them varies in how they respond to their questions, but I will say most of them are very humorous and outrageous to a point. Although it appears each of them get relatively equal page count, somehow I feel like a few them had longer moments.
Although it initially appears these stories are not connected, they all eventually lead to a climax of an insectoid invasion. To be honest, for once, I enjoyed the Q&A segments more than the actual fight scene. The segments are all appropriate for children, and the illustrations are a unique cartoon quality and adds to the humorous moments. All in all, Dear Justice League is a fun light read for children to see how well their superheroes can fair against kids....more
When it comes to being Superman, life is tough: having to stop anu criminal activity, having meetings with the Justice League, fighting off alien invaWhen it comes to being Superman, life is tough: having to stop anu criminal activity, having meetings with the Justice League, fighting off alien invasions, etc. Even being Clark Kent is no more lenient than his alter ego, with his work taking so much of his time. But Superman finds comfort in Japanese food, specifically in ramen, meshi, and sushi. In fact, it got to a point that his cravings for them has become his end goal of every lunch hour. Watch as Superman attempts to try every single kind of dish throughout the country, don't mess with his lunchtime!
I found it surprising that there's a manga of the Superman comics, an original story to be exact. While Superman comics tend to be optimistic, occasionally dire in tone, the manga here is very much light-hearted. With the hero's food cravings taking over much of his personality, he becomes a borderline foodie. It's actually pretty funny to watch as his cravings become somewhat like an addiction and drags some of his Justice League friends into the mix. The dishes featured are drawn with good detail and Superman describes the taste of each one, while also adding extra stuff that could make it taste even better. It was a bit formulaic at some parts, but still pretty enjoyable in reading a more laid-back atmosphere while keeping a comedic tone to the story. ...more
Lemony Snicket has returned after all these years to discuss what he has for breakfast. Or more importantly, what he found in his breakfast for he hasLemony Snicket has returned after all these years to discuss what he has for breakfast. Or more importantly, what he found in his breakfast for he has been poisoned! Upon finishing up his meal and find a scrap sheet of paper that said it's been poisoned, Snicket contemplates about everything: where the poison came from, who put it in his food, what did he do to deserve it, etc. On a life-limited journey, Snicket goes to see how he will find his answer in the most peculiar of ways.
Having read A Series of Unfortunate Events, the writing style of Lemony Snicket is pretty much on par with that series. Wordy with exposition and a sarcastic tone, makes it for an entertaining read. In fact, this little book is a surprising mix of philosophy, mystery and humor altogether. It is very much in vein of A Series of Unfortunate Events, though much more lighthearted here. If you witty voices and numerous book references all around, give this little book a try, you might come out thinking differently about life. ...more
As the title says, the Golly Sisters: May-May & Rose head out west for an adventure and performing their stage shows across the town. But along their As the title says, the Golly Sisters: May-May & Rose head out west for an adventure and performing their stage shows across the town. But along their trip, they come across challenges that either resorts in cooperation or end in classic sisterly fights.
Nostalgic in that, while meant for very young readers, the stories of the Golly Sisters still appear as fresh and funny as the first time I read them when I was little. The words are simple, but written in a way that efficiently tells the story without being too wordy. And the illustrations are quite vibrant and funny together. There are a couple of laughs in tagging along with these sisters....more
A sweet, short picture that shows accurately shows the teetering scales of brotherly relationships between two little boys. Whether they are fighting A sweet, short picture that shows accurately shows the teetering scales of brotherly relationships between two little boys. Whether they are fighting or helping, young readers will understand their relationship through the use of simple words....more
Big Shot has Greg Heffley deciding to enroll on a sports team, mainly motivated to reach the fame and riches that comes with being a top athlete. TherBig Shot has Greg Heffley deciding to enroll on a sports team, mainly motivated to reach the fame and riches that comes with being a top athlete. There's only one issue, Greg's no good at any sports. By luck, he got accepted into a last-minute formed basketball team with other rejects. Despite all of them being rejects, the coach is going to make them into a formidable team....it's just going to take a lot of elbow grease. Every tournament they enter, they are continuously creamed and made fools of. But when Susan Heffley decides to take over, could things change for Greg and his team?
Well this is a lot better than Wrecking Ball for sure. Greg and his rag team competing against pro-players were definitely laughable moments. One of the surprising things in Big Shot was the near absence of Greg's family and Rowley, with the exception of Susan, none of them had much of an appearance, nor even a role much in this book. It's pretty much heavily focused on the basketball team for much of the entirety. The other surprise was where Susan takes over and her motives supports my point that she's one of the worst in the Heffley family. Still, the ending does go well off for Greg, more so than how other previous ones ended for him, so I give that. ...more
A memoir made by Ant-Man, also known as Scott Lang. An average guy who seemed to found himself in a series of unfortunate events that turned his life A memoir made by Ant-Man, also known as Scott Lang. An average guy who seemed to found himself in a series of unfortunate events that turned his life upside down and also finding his footing at becoming a superhero and saving the day. Having experienced a lot of major events in such a short time, it's no wonder that Scott ended up becoming a well-rounded guy with a much more positive outlook on life after helping defeat the big bad, Thanos. In here, Scott shares some of his wisdom from his encounters that helped shape him to being the man he is today.
Ant-Man is one of the few Marvel movies I am willing to suit through to watch. Based on what I read here, it seems like Scott is a very chill guy to be around. And also one of the most relatable individuals in a group of superheroes. He had made many mistakes and has many regrets, yet his heart is in the right place, and he improved himself from his flawed background. So while this is a movie-franchise tie-in, it is also a little bit of a self-help and inspiring novel to live life to the fullest and becoming the person we are meant to be. And while many of the advice he gives are kind of sappy, it works so well and does appear genuine to his character here. You will be moved and you will laugh when you read the stories and words of wisdom Scott Lang has to say for you. ...more
I'm back to reading the Alvin Ho books, this one's an earlier book about camping. Alvin Ho is a very anxious boy, anything could scare him. When he heI'm back to reading the Alvin Ho books, this one's an earlier book about camping. Alvin Ho is a very anxious boy, anything could scare him. When he hears about what camping for his friends was like, he is not interested, until his Dad proposes a little trip. Frightful, Alvin tries to find ways to avoid the trip, and when that fails, he takes advice from his brother Calvin, his dad, and Uncle Dennis on how to prepare. Of course, Alvin knows you can never be fully prepared when you go out and face nature.
Done in a humorous manner, Alvin learns how to face his fears and embrace the wilderness. This book follows the same formula to the other one I read, with a screw up happening and Alvin learning how to fix it while overcoming his fears. But like other endings in this series, just because he managed to fix the problem, doesn't mean the rest of the family is spared from the issue of toilet paper, poison ivy, and a large credit card bill. ...more
From the Shape Trilogy by Barnett & Klassen, Circle takes center stage in this story. Circle and Her friends, Triangle and Square, are pkaying a simplFrom the Shape Trilogy by Barnett & Klassen, Circle takes center stage in this story. Circle and Her friends, Triangle and Square, are pkaying a simple game of hide and seek. That is, until Triangle gets cheeky and goes behind a waterfall. Now Circle takes up the challenge to find her friend in a very dark place.
Using the same simple formula, Circle is on par with the other two books by the duo. Simple, but wordy; retro art style and all, there is less humor here but very much a story that plays on the imagination. ...more
Gone Camping is a children's novel told in verses. A family with two children, Sam and Lucy, are excited to go camping. But when Dad falls ill, and MoGone Camping is a children's novel told in verses. A family with two children, Sam and Lucy, are excited to go camping. But when Dad falls ill, and Mom needs to stay with him, Sam and Lucy are taken camping with Gramps. Surprisingly, Gramps is shown to be a good camp director and the siblings get to do all fun sorts of exploration and camping activities. They go through all sorts of experience: going fishing, scavenging, fire-making, and enduring snoring. And they return home, ready for the next camping trip.
Gone Camping shows all the fun experiences of camping, mainly from a kid's point of view. The restlessness and anxiety of being out in nature is all very relatable, and played straight in this book. Each event that happens in the story is told in its own form of poetry, which is pretty unique. The author puts in many different styles that greatly shows the details of the plot at hands. The illustrations are also pretty nice, giving me some Ronald Dahl vibes with it. I think most children will be fond of reading Gone Camping for both its simple story and learning poetry in the process. ...more
Given that I read Deep End first, Wrecking Ball explains why the Heffleys are in the situation they are being homeless. I thought there was going to bGiven that I read Deep End first, Wrecking Ball explains why the Heffleys are in the situation they are being homeless. I thought there was going to be more stuff happening, especially the mess that could happen for Greg with both school drama and construction interference. There's a lot more of Greg's daydreaming here than in previous books, if I recall correctly. So of all the Wimpy Kids books I've read at this point, this one may be the weakest; it was just okay, but it drags a lot. ...more
Square has a job pushing big square blocks up the hill from his hideaway cave. When his friend Circle sees him, she thinks he's an architect, and asksSquare has a job pushing big square blocks up the hill from his hideaway cave. When his friend Circle sees him, she thinks he's an architect, and asks if he can make a sculpture in her shape. Bewildered, Square attempts to make a circular sculpture all comes crashing down on him. And yet, Circle loves the end result, much to Square's surprise.
Short, simple, and very much humorous, in the dry sense; Barnett captures subtly the artistic identity crisis and Klassen's illustration is much more vivid here than in Triangle's book. I admit, I did chuckle here and there a few times, despite the tone being very calm. Cheers to the third one!...more
The Underground Abductor is the fifth book in the Hazardous Tales series, this one starring Harriet Tubman who is known for her activism in freeing huThe Underground Abductor is the fifth book in the Hazardous Tales series, this one starring Harriet Tubman who is known for her activism in freeing hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad network. Born into slavery, Harriet had a rough childhood working under different families and receiving physical abuse from her masters. During an incident at a market, Harriet was struck on the head by a solid piece of lead. While she recovered, the injury left her with visions of the future. Exhausted by the treatment of slaves, Harriet runs away, taking the secret Underground Railroad to walk her way to the North. Now as a free woman, Harriet seeks to have the rest of her family freed. It won't be easy, but she is determined, and that's just the start of her story.
Instead of the usual standard version, I tried out this Bigger & Badder edition, meaning that there are extra pages worth of facts and illustrated panels. Unfortunately, this edition doesn't have scenes done in color, which is a shame, but the factual information provided Nathan Hale is worth reading this deluxe edition. What I found most surprising is that there was less humor in this book. Generally, this series is both informative while having some lighthearted moments. But like Donner Dinner Party, it one covers a relatively dark period in American history, but unlike the former, which did have a couple of laughs, this one was pretty much serious all the way. Which is not bad, as I guess it would help build what the general atmosphere was like during that period. Another surprise is that while this is mainly about Harriet, Hale also gives us three mini-biographies of other famous figures during the Civil War who are likeminded to Harriet's ideals. Overall, The Underground Abductor is a decent insight on Harriet Tubman that does not shy away from the challenges that slavery brings to people. ...more
In subtle, and minimalistic fashion, we are treated to a story of a triangle planning a trick on his friend, a square. Through the use of Barnett's siIn subtle, and minimalistic fashion, we are treated to a story of a triangle planning a trick on his friend, a square. Through the use of Barnett's simple text and Klassen's similar artwork, we are brought into the world of shapes and why they can do. Very much nonsensical, and very much enjoyable to read!...more
Tatsu, the househusband, continues his routine life, now more in the outdoors than in his house. His antics include helping a friend use herbs to remoTatsu, the househusband, continues his routine life, now more in the outdoors than in his house. His antics include helping a friend use herbs to remove the foul odors of his unclean laundry, prepping a rhino beetle for a bug fight, and becoming a street hawker to help save a mom 'n pop shop. Perhaps his toughest challenge is persuading a picky five-year old to eat her vegetables. And she is one tough cookie to convince, even for an ex-Yakuza. But in old Tastu fashion, he finds ways to get the job done, even if it stretches his brain to the limit in the process.
Volume 9 is still enjoyable and a delightful read among other books I have been reading at the moment. Even when the formula for how things are done are still shown, it plays it up in variations that makes it entertaining, regardless. Given that the English dub of the show had new episodes come out faster than the Viz releases of the manga, I found the chapters that weren't adapted into the anime to be much more to my liking, if not better than the segments that got the episode treatment. For me, there's always more room for Tatsu's adventures. ...more
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