I've been downloading these preview collections for quite a few years now, and the quality, breadth, and appeal of the samples have This Is A Good One
I've been downloading these preview collections for quite a few years now, and the quality, breadth, and appeal of the samples have varied considerably from edition to edition. I almost didn't bother this time around, but I'm glad I relented. This set of samples really is quite exciting and varied.
The book opens with a very thorough and well curated list of notable and anticipated books that will come up on offer all year. Just for the purpose of alerting oneself to what's on the horizon this book is worth looking at.
But the heart of the project is the forty-four extended excerpts; each comes with an introduction, some blurbs, marketing plans, and publication notes. Most, if not all, of the featured books are available for download, or at least request, on NetGalley. That aside, at a minimum the excerpts are usually longer than the samples you can download from Amazon, and for lots of the books the Amazon sample downloads aren't yet available and won't be available until we get closer to publication dates. As a consequence, this ends up being an excellent sneak preview resource.
I won't go through the books I was intrigued by, since everyone's tastes in that regard will differ. It is worth noting, though, that there were several books I highlighted to request or otherwise secure that I probably would have ignored but for having an excerpt sitting right in front of me inviting me to read on. I usually just gloss over "Women's Fiction", which is sad and unfair when you think about it, given that "Women's Fiction" isn't even an identifiable genre and certainly doesn't deserve any negative connotation. But there it is, and darned if I didn't get into several of those books based on these samples.
So, this is a wide ranging collection with excellent samples, and an easy way to explore outside your usual comfort zone. A nice find this year.
Merged review:
This Is A Good One
I've been downloading these preview collections for quite a few years now, and the quality, breadth, and appeal of the samples have varied considerably from edition to edition. I almost didn't bother this time around, but I'm glad I relented. This set of samples really is quite exciting and varied.
The book opens with a very thorough and well curated list of notable and anticipated books that will come up on offer all year. Just for the purpose of alerting oneself to what's on the horizon this book is worth looking at.
But the heart of the project is the forty-four extended excerpts; each comes with an introduction, some blurbs, marketing plans, and publication notes. Most, if not all, of the featured books are available for download, or at least request, on NetGalley. That aside, at a minimum the excerpts are usually longer than the samples you can download from Amazon, and for lots of the books the Amazon sample downloads aren't yet available and won't be available until we get closer to publication dates. As a consequence, this ends up being an excellent sneak preview resource.
I won't go through the books I was intrigued by, since everyone's tastes in that regard will differ. It is worth noting, though, that there were several books I highlighted to request or otherwise secure that I probably would have ignored but for having an excerpt sitting right in front of me inviting me to read on. I usually just gloss over "Women's Fiction", which is sad and unfair when you think about it, given that "Women's Fiction" isn't even an identifiable genre and certainly doesn't deserve any negative connotation. But there it is, and darned if I didn't get into several of those books based on these samples.
So, this is a wide ranging collection with excellent samples, and an easy way to explore outside your usual comfort zone. A nice find this year....more
We open in a sort of agro-post-dystopian community. Our two main characters poke around scavenging for old tech.Slow Start, Goofy Twist, But Still Fun
We open in a sort of agro-post-dystopian community. Our two main characters poke around scavenging for old tech. Nothing much happens, but the characters and the setup are fairly interesting and you get a sort of bucolic adventure vibe. I suspected something along the lines of the discovery of some amazing dangerous tech, or the like. SPOILER. Wrong. A more advanced surviving civilization shows up and wants to absorb our guys. They resist and call Shenanigans, which means the two civilizations must form teams to meet and play Dodgeball. Yeah, actual school yard Dodgeball. I kid you not.
This volume ends on a cliffhanger. More Dodgeball yet to be played. No idea where this is going to go. But you know, our heroine, Pan, is a bit dense but sort of engaging. The drawing is fine and fully complements the story. There are some clever bits and some decent dialogue. It's all pretty mellow and laid back. Maybe something more dramatic and compelling will happen. Maybe not. Maybe Pan will trick the other guys into whitewashing the neighbor's picket fence. Either way, I'm sort of curious how this will play out, so I'm still along for the ride.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Merged review:
Slow Start, Goofy Twist, But Still Fun
We open in a sort of agro-post-dystopian community. Our two main characters poke around scavenging for old tech. Nothing much happens, but the characters and the setup are fairly interesting and you get a sort of bucolic adventure vibe. I suspected something along the lines of the discovery of some amazing dangerous tech, or the like. SPOILER. Wrong. A more advanced surviving civilization shows up and wants to absorb our guys. They resist and call Shenanigans, which means the two civilizations must form teams to meet and play Dodgeball. Yeah, actual school yard Dodgeball. I kid you not.
This volume ends on a cliffhanger. More Dodgeball yet to be played. No idea where this is going to go. But you know, our heroine, Pan, is a bit dense but sort of engaging. The drawing is fine and fully complements the story. There are some clever bits and some decent dialogue. It's all pretty mellow and laid back. Maybe something more dramatic and compelling will happen. Maybe not. Maybe Pan will trick the other guys into whitewashing the neighbor's picket fence. Either way, I'm sort of curious how this will play out, so I'm still along for the ride.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)...more
"My comics won’t age. Even twenty years on you will find something new, something for yourself."
That quote is from a 2008 interview of Marzena Sowa. H"My comics won’t age. Even twenty years on you will find something new, something for yourself."
That quote is from a 2008 interview of Marzena Sowa. Her "Marzi" comics are unabashedly autobiographical. This first volume reflects her life as a seven year old girl in 1980's Poland in a series of engaging and charming vignettes.
The series was conceived when Sowa told stories of her childhood to her partner Sylvain Savoia. He was fascinated by the tales of life in Communist Poland, and encouraged Sowa to preserve her memories for her own children and grandchildren. Sowa ended up writing a diary, Savoia illustrated it as a comic, and this series was born. There are at least six volumes in the series, (in French), and now "Little Carp", the first volume, has been released in English by Europe Comics, which, according to Wikipedia and the Europe Comics website, "is a pan-European comics and graphic novel digital venture run by 13 European comics publishers from eight European countries...." intended to promote and disseminate European comics in English translation.
If that's their goal, then "Little Carp" is a stellar opening offering. Young Marzi's voice, like that of many classic child narrators, is fresh and honest. She combines a childlike directness with keen perception and frankness. Marzi reports on and describes many events and scenes that she does not fully understand, and so we get to see and understand more than she does, and to read between the lines, even as we are entertained by her version of events. We end up with a remarkably authentic view of life in Poland during this era, and we do so complements of an entirely engaging girl. (It helps that the crisp, colorful, and remarkably expressive drawings match the energy and freshness of Marzi's story. The emphasis in the details is on the characters, not backgrounds or grand set pieces, and that keeps the focus nicely on Marzi and whatever interaction she's describing.)
More and more books for young readers are being published and shelved as "cross cultural". That's a slippery sort of description and covers a lot of territory. But, any book that can fairly capture a time, a place, and a foreign culture in an entertaining and thoughtful fashion should be able to wear that mantle proudly. That's certainly what I found here.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Merged review:
"My comics won’t age. Even twenty years on you will find something new, something for yourself."
That quote is from a 2008 interview of Marzena Sowa. Her "Marzi" comics are unabashedly autobiographical. This first volume reflects her life as a seven year old girl in 1980's Poland in a series of engaging and charming vignettes.
The series was conceived when Sowa told stories of her childhood to her partner Sylvain Savoia. He was fascinated by the tales of life in Communist Poland, and encouraged Sowa to preserve her memories for her own children and grandchildren. Sowa ended up writing a diary, Savoia illustrated it as a comic, and this series was born. There are at least six volumes in the series, (in French), and now "Little Carp", the first volume, has been released in English by Europe Comics, which, according to Wikipedia and the Europe Comics website, "is a pan-European comics and graphic novel digital venture run by 13 European comics publishers from eight European countries...." intended to promote and disseminate European comics in English translation.
If that's their goal, then "Little Carp" is a stellar opening offering. Young Marzi's voice, like that of many classic child narrators, is fresh and honest. She combines a childlike directness with keen perception and frankness. Marzi reports on and describes many events and scenes that she does not fully understand, and so we get to see and understand more than she does, and to read between the lines, even as we are entertained by her version of events. We end up with a remarkably authentic view of life in Poland during this era, and we do so complements of an entirely engaging girl. (It helps that the crisp, colorful, and remarkably expressive drawings match the energy and freshness of Marzi's story. The emphasis in the details is on the characters, not backgrounds or grand set pieces, and that keeps the focus nicely on Marzi and whatever interaction she's describing.)
More and more books for young readers are being published and shelved as "cross cultural". That's a slippery sort of description and covers a lot of territory. But, any book that can fairly capture a time, a place, and a foreign culture in an entertaining and thoughtful fashion should be able to wear that mantle proudly. That's certainly what I found here.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)...more
This isn't mainly about L.A., or Hollywood, or the Strip. It's about the Chateau Marmont. And that's the problemThe Good and the Bad of a Narrow Focus
This isn't mainly about L.A., or Hollywood, or the Strip. It's about the Chateau Marmont. And that's the problem.
The Chateau is interesting enough, for the general reader, to support an extended piece of long form journalism. But that was about it for me. For a devoted fan of the history and architecture and culture of the neighborhood I could see where a book written at this level of detail could be just the thing. Otherwise, the focus is just too narrow.
Indeed, some of the best parts of the book are those sections that address the Marmont's neighbors, or that describe what else flourished or failed in the neighborhood over the decades. While the Marmont did stand like an anchor throughout that history, how much can you write about an anchor, especially when the Marmont had some down times of its own.
That said, this was a fun enough read/skim. I don't know if I'd start my reading about the history of this area with this book. There are many books that trace the development of Hollywood and that offer a broader and more varied canvas. (My favorite popular book about this area is organized around the signature cocktails that were served in the most famous landmark bars in Hollywood. See, "Of All the Gin Joints: Stumbling through Hollywood History ".) And if you want celebrity gossip there are lots of books that are brighter and shinier and drop lots more names.
Bottom line - Once you've read enough to get yourself thoroughly grounded in the neighborhood, and Old Hollywood, if you want more this is a certainly a rewarding deep dive. (BTW, I just today read that the Marmont supposedly is being converted into a members only private club, owned through individual property shares. So it looks like the Marmont has at least one more act left in it.)
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Merged review:
The Good and the Bad of a Narrow Focus
This isn't mainly about L.A., or Hollywood, or the Strip. It's about the Chateau Marmont. And that's the problem.
The Chateau is interesting enough, for the general reader, to support an extended piece of long form journalism. But that was about it for me. For a devoted fan of the history and architecture and culture of the neighborhood I could see where a book written at this level of detail could be just the thing. Otherwise, the focus is just too narrow.
Indeed, some of the best parts of the book are those sections that address the Marmont's neighbors, or that describe what else flourished or failed in the neighborhood over the decades. While the Marmont did stand like an anchor throughout that history, how much can you write about an anchor, especially when the Marmont had some down times of its own.
That said, this was a fun enough read/skim. I don't know if I'd start my reading about the history of this area with this book. There are many books that trace the development of Hollywood and that offer a broader and more varied canvas. (My favorite popular book about this area is organized around the signature cocktails that were served in the most famous landmark bars in Hollywood. See, "Of All the Gin Joints: Stumbling through Hollywood History ".) And if you want celebrity gossip there are lots of books that are brighter and shinier and drop lots more names.
Bottom line - Once you've read enough to get yourself thoroughly grounded in the neighborhood, and Old Hollywood, if you want more this is a certainly a rewarding deep dive. (BTW, I just today read that the Marmont supposedly is being converted into a members only private club, owned through individual property shares. So it looks like the Marmont has at least one more act left in it.)
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)...more
These are wise and generous stories, told with a sly, puckish sense of humor and the occasional bit of an edge. Take your time with this book; pick itThese are wise and generous stories, told with a sly, puckish sense of humor and the occasional bit of an edge. Take your time with this book; pick it up and read a story or two whenever you need a reminder of the absurdity and the joy of being a part of the human comedy....more
This is a very ambitious novel that turns into a meta-commentary on fantasy novels in general. I'm not entirely convinced that it works on that level,This is a very ambitious novel that turns into a meta-commentary on fantasy novels in general. I'm not entirely convinced that it works on that level, but it's a very interesting twist for readers who read a lot of books in this genre. I'm glad I read it, but understand that it's more than just a straight forward fantasy quest tale....more
Some people dismiss these sorts of books as "ruin porn", but I don't care because when they are done well they can be deeply satisfying and evocative.Some people dismiss these sorts of books as "ruin porn", but I don't care because when they are done well they can be deeply satisfying and evocative. This book is done well. Fine quality prints. Many double page spreads and splashes, excellent and informative captions, and a truly global selection. This is dreamy and romantic stuff, and so many of the scenes are both beautiful and heartbreaking....more
If you just picked this up and started to read it without looking at any blurbs or descriptions or reviews, it would come across as a wBait and Switch
If you just picked this up and started to read it without looking at any blurbs or descriptions or reviews, it would come across as a well drawn, rather imaginative, buddy/adventurer sort of tale featuring two hot, semi-clad, pulchritudinous heroines finding lots of ways to get undressed in the jungle. And for that sort of book, it actually does a very good job, and is wittier and better plotted and executed than most similar efforts.
However, this novel isn't presented that way up front. Rather, according to blurbs and promos it's supposed to be about characters who are beyond gender, and sort of trans and fluid, albeit in a vaguely unexplained way. That would be interesting and groundbreaking. In practice, though, while I'm no expert, I think that just substituting "ovaries" for "balls" and "vulva" for "dick" in the crude comments and curses doesn't make for a convincing post-gender society. It's actually almost hyper-gendered. If anything, this confused mishmash is more insulting to the mislead trans-supportive reader than would be a straight up naked hottie adventure....more
This is another high quality entry in Elborough's series of books about lost and disappearing places, (for example, "Atlas of Improbable PlaceGet Lost
This is another high quality entry in Elborough's series of books about lost and disappearing places, (for example, "Atlas of Improbable Places" and "Atlas of the Unexpected"). For each site we are rewarded with a fairly deep and generally informative text description, high quality and well composed modern and historical photos of the location, and, (as an especially important and rewarding feature), a detailed map/drawing of the site as it likely originally appeared. The reader can experience the now and imagine the then. With more than 35 sites, (categorized as "Ancient Cities", "Forgotten Lands", "Shrinking Places", and "Threatened Worlds"), to choose from there's plenty to entice even the most experienced armchair explorer.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)...more
This is a well-written, often witty, and always insightful, fairly even-handed review of the parlous state of big media journalism. With a keen sense This is a well-written, often witty, and always insightful, fairly even-handed review of the parlous state of big media journalism. With a keen sense of journalism's history, and a deep understanding of current developments, Stirewalt leads the reader through a rewarding survey of what is wrong and why....more
This is a well written book. It has some fine lines, an ambitious if convoluted plot, a few well-conceived set pieces, touches of magical realism, a fThis is a well written book. It has some fine lines, an ambitious if convoluted plot, a few well-conceived set pieces, touches of magical realism, a fair share of perceptive and insightful observations, and lean dialogue. That said, try as I might I found neither the characters, nor their situations, nor the overall narrative engaging enough to arouse or hold my curiosity and attention. As a consequence, it doesn't seem fair to write much more of a review, apart from encouraging inquisitive readers to give the book a try....more
This was an interesting but ultimately unsatisfying collection. A few of the selections had some nicely crafted lines, a few well-conceived set piecesThis was an interesting but ultimately unsatisfying collection. A few of the selections had some nicely crafted lines, a few well-conceived set pieces, a fair share of perceptive and insightful observations, and some lean dialogue. That said, many pieces could neither arouse nor hold my curiosity or attention. As a consequence, it doesn't seem fair to write much more of a review, apart from encouraging inquisitive readers to give the book a try....more
This is a well written book, with some fine lines and a few well-conceived set pieces. That said, try as I might I found neither the characters, nor tThis is a well written book, with some fine lines and a few well-conceived set pieces. That said, try as I might I found neither the characters, nor their situations, nor the overall narrative engaging enough to arouse or hold my curiosity and attention. As a consequence, it doesn't seem fair to write much more of a review, apart from encouraging inquisitive readers to give the book a try....more
I was a huge Skulduggery fan when this series first started, and inhaled each new book as soon as it came out. This one is number 15, and marks the enI was a huge Skulduggery fan when this series first started, and inhaled each new book as soon as it came out. This one is number 15, and marks the end of the second story arc. It certainly appears that a third cycle is in the works. But, reflecting on the series as a whole I have to say that I enjoyed the first books the most. There was humor and casual slapstick and an open and airy sense of fun and magic and snappy banter and adventure. Since then, book by book, we've become serious and complex and, often, remarkably humorless. So, this is a perfectly fine conclusion to the latest adventure, but I'm not sure it was all that much fun to read. And this is probably it for me.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)...more
Deeply unsettling at first, and then absolutely mesmerizing. This may be Middle Grade, or possibly YA, but it is one of the best, most touching, and mDeeply unsettling at first, and then absolutely mesmerizing. This may be Middle Grade, or possibly YA, but it is one of the best, most touching, and most uncanny, alternate timeline tales you will come across. The gorgeous drawings support the story remarkably well, and the weight of Tommo's predicament will stay with the reader for quite sometime...more
Centralia, Pennsylvania is a real place, with real underground coal vein fires that have rendered it uninhabitable. It makes for a fascinating startinCentralia, Pennsylvania is a real place, with real underground coal vein fires that have rendered it uninhabitable. It makes for a fascinating starting point from which to spin a fantastical, if slightly scattershot, adventure. Even when the tale goes a bit off the rails, the energy, humor, and creativity behind the project keep the story entertaining and propulsive. The artwork is in an older comics style, but detailed, expressive, and easy to follow, even when the scenes become increasingly more hectic and surreal. Good, ripping, fun....more
This is a compendium of high quality photos of beautiful places. The text is minimal, but informative. There is nothing particularly "hidden" about moThis is a compendium of high quality photos of beautiful places. The text is minimal, but informative. There is nothing particularly "hidden" about most of the places, although a few are off the beaten track. A nice, if thematically unfocused, book for browsing and daydreaming....more
Breezy, fast-paced, and well written. Explicit scenes are very classy, and the two main characters have a fair amount of style and personality. The faBreezy, fast-paced, and well written. Explicit scenes are very classy, and the two main characters have a fair amount of style and personality. The fantasy aspect actually works, and the overall feel is playful and upbeat....more
