I haven't read graphic novels in the past. Sometimes, I'll read about one that sounds interesting, but I never seemed to make the leap to getting one in my hands. Now I am hearing or reading about them more and wonder if I'm missing something.
A couple of things have caught my eye. I received a review copy of Still I Rise, a graphic novelization of the history of African Americans. An easy entry for me into graphic novels.
I was curious about the concept and read parts of the graphic novel, which has a picture of Pres. Obama and other historical figures on the cover.
The foreward to the novel is wonderful, since my knowledge of African Americans and the graphic/comic form is nearly inexistent, it was very educational. I'm glad to have had the book in my hands just for that piece of history. Charles Johnson penned the foreward.
The rest of the novel is interesting, but I couldn't place it. Meaning, it seemed like something that would be engaging for young readers (say 13 and up - there's tough stuff depicted), but I didn't know that I'd pick it up over a traditional history. It would be interesting to hear what a middle or high school teacher would think of this as a tool to get teens interested in history.
I read through parts of it a few weeks ago and am thinking about it again because Beacon Press has announced that it will publish a graphic novel version of Octavia Butler's Kindred. And I really love her work, so I'm interested to see the graphic novel. Though I really can't understand why no one has filmed that amazing book or any of her titles.
Quick links:
I have a review of E. Lynn Harris' latest novel at Bookreporter.com
The San Francisco Chronicle reviews Walter Mosley's new book, The Long Fall.
1 comment:
I'm the same way. People on my blog are really excited about the graphic novel Aya and it sounds great. But I still haven't picked it up. Thanks for letting me know about the graphic novel of Kindred!
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