Bakuman Manga Review

How do you follow up a hit manga about a boy who finds a death god's notebook and uses it to kill those he sees as criminals?  A manga so successful that it inspires a hit anime, and not one but two live-action Japanese movies that played in select American Theaters.  Well, you write about two high schoolers who try to break into the world of manga making of course.  From death gods to mangaka.  If you were inspired by Death Note to write your own manga then Bakuman will take on a fun, slightly silly ride into what it takes to create and publish manga in Japan. 

Students Moritaka and Akito have vowed to team up and create a manga worthy of publication.  Both are avid fans of manga, but know little about how to get published.  Though silly at times, Bakuman realistically portrays the difficulties of making a published comic.  Both boys know the odds are against them, but they have the determination to put in the practice, and deal with the headaches of the creative process.  If you are looking for another edgy, dark ride like Death Note you will be very confused by Tsugumi Ohba's new direction.  But if you have always wondered how to make manga you will be fascinated by the details.

I just read. . .

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris.

When I started reading the book, I was expecting a cliche version of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. Female protagonist goes to school with seemingly-normal guy, doesn't pay him much attention, until *BAM* he saves her life in a supernatural way. Suddenly female protagonist sees supernatural (now hunky) dude as an attractive suitor, and finds herself falling for him even though she hardly knows him. At first, the comparisons were quickly stacking up between the two books (i.e., getting hit by a truck but surviving thanks to supernatural cute guy; dad in law enforcement; supernatural dude first insisting the female is crazy about what she saw, then revealing the truth to her and professing his love for her, etc. etc.). But fortunately, this book managed to take a 180 degree turn and became a fantastic creation all on its own. (Don't get me wrong, I tore through each book in the Twilight series as they came out, but the vampire theme is a little overdone and I'm ready to try some new plot lines.)

Beyond the initial comparisons, this book has a really great concept and pulls the reader in. It's a new take on science fiction, end of the world plots, and concepts that are out of this world. Janelle Tenner is a strong female lead character, full of persistence, determination, and strong will. Those qualities end up getting her into trouble occasionally, but she doesn't require a guy to defend her. Even when facing the possible end of the world, she can hold her own against FBI agents, catty ex-friends, and the supernatural.

The main character, Janelle Tenner, gets hit by a truck and killed, but she is brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a guy she barely knows from school. Mystery surrounds the incident--the truck has no identification information, not even a VIN, and the driver died from radiation burns, not from the crash. Meaning he was dead when he ran into Janelle. How is that possible? Speaking of the impossible, why was Ben Michaels at the accident scene, and how did he bring Janelle back to life? Who exactly is Ben Michaels? With secret access to her FBI agent dad's case files, Janelle and her friend Alex try to put the pieces together to the case. But the deeper they dig into the case, the stranger the case gets.

Each chapter is titled with a countdown, which speeds up the closer it gets to the end. Three days into the book, or 13 mini-chapters later, the reader finds out the countdown is for a UIED (Unidentified Improvised Explosive Device) that seems to be connected to a string of unidentified dead bodies that have been melted from radiation--just like the truck driver. As the clock ticks, Janelle and Alex realize it's not just a countdown to a bomb, but a countdown to the end of the world. Will they be able to work with Ben to stop the clock and save the world? You'll have to read to find out!!

Teen Reviews

 
Dragon Moon by  Carole Wilkinson is a great ending to the Dragon Keeper Series. The journey to the Dragon Haven probably was the best of Ping and Kai's travels yet. They surprisingly meet up with a few people from the past and make amends. The most interesting one would be Jun, who helps Ping and Kai through a skirmish by the Great Wall of China. The best part of the book would without a doubt be their arrival at the Dragon Haven. It's a surprising turn, when the Haven is found to be deserted, but all is well when Ping and Kai find the Dragon Plateau. Although it's not the Haven, I find the mystical Plateau a cool home and satisfactory place for Kai.

 
The Invaders by John Flanagan would be one of my favorite books. One big reason would be the characters themselves. I particularly enjoy the constant, friendly bickering that happens within the story from character to character. Thorn especially cracks me up. The training session at Shelter Bay was a great part to go by; it was fun to watch the Heron's get into ship-shape, and Thorns revealing moment. The battle at Limmat against Zavac was the best part, Hal's ingenious battle planning put up to quite an interesting fight. There's nothing like a bunch of Skandians on a war rampage. Out of everything, the Mangler was the best. I could completely imagine the pirates running away as their towers and walls collapsed.

--A Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Entwined by  Heather Dixon is a story of the twelve dancing princesses, but retold with new twists and turns that leave the reader spellbound. After the death of their mother, the 12 princesses are thrown into mourning, which includes a ban on dancing. With the help of a secret passage and a magical pavilion guarded by a dashing keeper, the princesses are able to dance every night away without being found out. A happy ending is not in sight, however, when it becomes obvious that a dark force is on the horizon, and the blood of the king is the only way to stop it from destroying everything the princesses hold dear. Dixon has created a magical must-read, with romantic characters, shadowy magic, and a breathtaking plot that is sure to keep readers up all night.

Sara Elizabeth, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Stardust by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess is a magnificent story. It is a fairy tale meant for teens and adults with a touch of action and a hint of blood and gore, while keeping it mystical and whimsical. The fast-moving story keeps the reader in a run to follow the characters through the strange events and misfortunes that befall them all the way to the heartwarming ending. The story itself fires up the imagination with all the people and places Gaiman conjures up; the Lilim and Lords of Stormhold from Faerie, and of course Tristen and Yvaine from the sky. Add the outstanding illustrations to the story, and you have as much of a fairy tale as you can get.

--Teen Reviewer

I just read. . .

Hourglass by Myra McEntire.

A mind-bending, romantic, paranormal, science fiction rollercoaster ride, Hourglass will captivate your attention and keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning. It did for me, at least.

Seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole isn’t your average teenage girl, although she desires normality more than anything else. Emerson, aka “Em”, has the ability to see ghostly people from the past. Southern belles dressed like Scarlett O’Hara, girls clad in 1950’s poodle-skirts, even a jazz trio complete with a piano appear to Em, disappearing only when she touches them.

Em’s brother, Thomas, seeks out paranormal investigators and spiritual healers, but none of them are able to help her. Em agrees to one final person trying to “cure” her, a consultant named Michael Weaver from a place called Hourglass. Mysterious, attractive, and understanding, Michael turns out to be far more than Em anticipated—who is this stranger, and why does she feel electricity whenever he’s near? What is Hourglass, and how does Michael know so much about the phantom ghosts that she sees? Is Michael good or bad, and why does he need her help in preventing a murder that happened in the past?

After you’ve read Hourglass, be sure to request the sequel, Timepiece: An Hourglass Novel.

Teen Review

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli

I find it very interesting to read books written by those who have come before us, specifically those on government. Machiavelli has some very interesting ideas on what it really means to be a monarch. In this book he discusses all manner of principalities, both those had by birthright and ones conquered in different ways. He puts forth the idea of religion and how it is helpful or destructive to a ruler. He talks about the best way to hold kingdoms and if it is better to be feared or loved by the people. All in all, a great read that is great for the mind too!

--Karis, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Claim to Fame by Margaret Peterson Haddix is an amazing novel from one of my favorite authors. Lindsay was a child star of a hit TV show. Her life was perfect, until she began to develop her special "talent," but it seemed more like a curse. She seems to have a mental breakdown and ends up in hiding, a prisoner in her own home. Claim to Fame has all the drama of a teenage girl's life, plus a star's. It shows how Lindsay grows from being a star to a home-schooled girl in hiding, to a girl with a mission. It captures your attention from the start and holds onto it.

--Emma, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman

If someone asked you if you were a fan of Jesus, what would you say? You know all the Bible stories, and you go to church sometimes, but that's about all you're interested in doing. In his book, Not a Fan (teen edition), Kyle Idleman distinguishes between being a fan and a committed follower. Using Scripture and personal experiences, Idleman increases your understanding of the faith and leads you closer to making the commitment to become a Christian. His stories, most of which are humorous, make you want to keep reading to find out what happened and how he handled it. This book is great for new Christians or those that want to become Christians.

--Abby, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern is a story of a girl who decides to defy the standards of cool and make friends with a group of "social outcasts." Jessie has always been friends with Bizza and Char, but when they change to fit in with a new crowd, Jessie decides it is time to make new friends. Despite what people have said about her new pals, Jessie likes spending time with them playing Dungeons and Dragons. This story of unlikely friends and new enemies shows that when you defy social normality you can often enjoy yourself the most.

The List by Sibhan Vivian is about superficiality and how it affects those judged by superficial standards. This book is about a school tradition where an anonymous student creates a list of each of the prettiest and ugliest girls in each of the four classes (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) around homecoming week. It follows each of the eight girls through the week before the homecoming dance to show their reactions to the list. This tale sheds light on the traditional views of beauty and how people react to society's standards, either purposefully or accidentally. With a wicked twist and a shocking ending, this book is sure to please.

--Hannah, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

. . . Then I Met My Sister by Christine Hurley Deriso is a beautifully written novel and (although it's fiction) the author has written it so well that it will make you laugh at the funny parts, cry at the sad ones, and "awww" at the romantic ones. This novel is about a girl named Summer. As happy of a name that she has, her life has not all been light blue skies and rays of sunshine. All her life, Summer has been shadowed by the memory of her dead sister. Always she thought that her sister was the perfect one, and her? The unperfect. Or so she thought until her aunt had given her a diary her sister Shannon had kept before she died. But instead of learning more, she has more questions, and the answers to those change her and her family's lives forever.

--Snigdha, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever is an insightful look into the life of a teen who is pressured to be perfect through trying situations. This novel is about a sixteen year old girl named Macy, who, after losing her father to a heart attack, becomes obsessed with perfection and making her life predictable as to protect herself from any other catastrophes. While on this hunt to perfection, she stumbles upon a catering crew who is anything but perfect. Sarah Dessen shines with this tale of life, love, and the courage to be yourself. While still remaining upbeat and funny this realistic novel is sure to make you think about what forever really means.

--Hannah, Teen Reviewer

Teen Review

Moon White: Color Me Enchanted by Melody Carlson

Ever since Heather's mom died, she's been a little lost spiritually. Christianity isn't working for her; then she starts dabbling in Wicca. At first, she feels in control of her life, but after the new girl shows up and she loses her boyfriend, she feels like Wicca is now controlling her. She begins to be confronted by evil spirits, and her life spirals out of control until she's ready to take her own life. Then she meets Diane, a steady Christian. Will she be able to turn her life around, or will Wicca get the better of her and send her over the edge?

-Teen Reviewer

Graphic Novel Review: Kill Shakespeare

Lauren and I are back with another graphic novel review. This month's title is Kill Shakespeare Vol. 1, which is (not surprisingly) a comic about a fictional world in which all of Shakespeare's characters exist simultaneously. The heroes revere their creator as a god, but the villains have recruited the hapless Hamlet to kill the evil wizard once and for all.

Since this is a new take on the Bard, Lauren and I thought it would be fun to, once again, write two sets of reviews: one for the fans and one for the non-fans.

10 Reasons a Shakespeare Fan Should Read Kill Shakespeare

1. Shakespearean Villains vs. Heroes
2. The Villains want to kill Shakespeare and take his powers and the Heroes think he is a mystical god-like figure that will save them from all evil.
3. Hamlet is the main hero, destined to find and awaken the wizard Shakespeare and his magic pen. If he can ever stop dithering over whether he should be trying to find the wizard.
4. Falstaff gets Hamlet to dress up as a woman of loose morals to escape capture.
5. Lady Macbeth and Richard III both think they can out manipulate the other and the Three Witches just might be pulling their strings.
6. Romeo might be dead and Juliet is a female Robin Hood (or Joan of Arc) with Othello as her Little John.
7. Iago is playing both sides (You're shocked I know).
8. The dialogue is still Shakespearean.
9. Characters stay true to their personalities in the plays.
10. It is as bloody and emotional as a Shakespearean tragedy, but feels more action packed than angsty.

10 Reasons Why a Shakespeare Non-Fan Should Read Kill Shakespeare

1. You don’t have to know Shakespeare to follow the story. It’s a heroic quest in the midst of a good vs. evil battle, just populated by characters that were written by someone else first. (Kind of like superhero comics!)
2. It gives you all sorts of insider knowledge about Shakespeare, without having to read the plays. I’ve never read Hamlet, but now I know who Rosencranz and Guildenstern are. Woo!
3. If you hate Shakespeare, that’s okay! So do Richard III and Lady MacBeth. And there’s a chance he might get killed off, which I know some non-fans have wished for sincerely in freshman English.
4. Even though dialogue uses Elizabethan English, it’s easy to follow, partly because it’s in the familiar format of speech bubbles and partly because you get visual context from the illustrations.
5. Bloody battles worthy of any action comic.
6. Intrigue! Scandal! Secrets! Everyone is manipulating everyone else and threats of betrayal are everywhere.
7. Juicy romantic entanglements. For starters, Juliet doesn’t seem to be in love with Romeo any more...
8. There are also ghosts!
9. And promises of revenge.
10. Basically, it’s a great story that takes Shakespearean drama and transforms it into something new and innovative.

Basically, we think everyone should read it post-haste!

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

In We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, eighteen year-old Mary Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood lives in New England with her older sister, Constance, their sickly Uncle Julian, and a very loyal black cat named Jonas. Surrounded by a large piece of land and secured inside of a locked gate, their house appears to be more of a fortress than a home. Once a week Merricat warily slips off her family's property to enter the village for groceries. There is she is taunted by children and treated with suspicion by other adults. What was it that happened in their home to make the town so fearful of the Blackwood family -- and just who was responsible for this crime? Even after the big reveal, Merricat's unusual and unique perspective on her world will have you wondering what's reality and what's fantasy in this classic tale of gothic horror.

Review: Library Wars Vol. 1

Take Full Metal Alchemist and cross it with Fruits Basket and you get Library Wars. In a country very much like modern day Japan, the government has created the Media Betterment Act to round up and destroy all books with dangerous themes. In retaliation the local governments have empowered libraries to form armed militias and literally fight back to protect the right to read. Iku Kasahara has just joined the Library Forces fresh out of college. But before she can be the first woman to join the elite Library Defense Force, where the best of the best take on the most dangerous missions, she has to pass basic training. But her commanding officer seems like he has it in for her; of course if she could stay awake through library classes that might help...

What Shojo fans will like:
1. an slightly airheaded main character, who tries her best no matter what
2. Iku is looking for her librarian Prince who saved a book from the army years before
3. Teasing and hints of romantic tension abound between Iku and her commanding officer, Dojo

What Shonen fans will like:
1. "Punching the bear" during training
2. Iku learning to fight and fire a gun
3. The Library Defense Force is run like a military
4. Hints of government conspiracy and betrayal
5. And, oh yeah, it's full of action and comedy

This comedic, action-packed title will delight both fans of manga and library fans in general.

A must read!