Sense& Sensibility- Graphic Novel

Austen, Jane, Nancy Butler, and Sonny Liew. Sense & Sensibility. New York: Marvel Worldwide, 2011. Print.

 

Sometimes in families, siblings are so different it is hard to believe that they even share the same address, let alone a genetic code.  Such is the case with Elinor and Marianne Dashwood in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.  The Dashwoods are devastated at the loss of their father, and soon find that their older brother (who agreed to their father’s deathbed wish that he take care of the girls in their father’s absence) has taken a very frugal approach to the term “taking care”. Fish, in fact. He has promised to deliver them fish.  Left destitute, the two very different girls trudge ahead through life, regret, and the trials of love. 

Marvel Comics has taken Jane Austen’s classic novel and converted into a graphic novel. Without a doubt, the power behind the novel is certainly in the color palette and soft-featured drawings that were created.  Knowing that the struggles faced in Austen’s time were often faced internally, all the while never losing one’s class, the novel’s drawings execute that perfectly.  Soft pinks and peaches were used for most of the colors and the girls’ features are soft and pretty- a fitting homage to the time.

A downside to the novel would be that for readers who struggle with Austen novels because of the wording or the disconnect between that time period and our own, they may not find the graphic novel much easier to read.  The book has not been modernized, despite using a modern medium, so the words within the novel are still very much Austen’s.  Though shorter than the original Sense and Sensibility, it may take those who are not part of Austen’s fan club a bit of time to get used to the style.

For a young adult reader, this graphic novel could very well be a gateway into the classics that they may not otherwise venture down.  For a reader, the classics are books that may feel somewhat lofty, as the use of our language has changed drastically over the years.  This graphic novel may allow a reader to understand the basis of the novel and very well could be a stepping stone into the world of Austen, Dickens, and the like.

My Friend Dahmer

Backderf, Derf. My Friend Dahmer. New York: Abrams ComicArts, 2012. 224 p.

 

With expressive black and while  cartoons, My Friend Dahmer details information about Jeffrey Dahmer’s middle school and high school life.  Information was gathered through news sources, Dahmer’s own jailhouse interviews, and the author searching his and his friends’ memories for the details about the famed serial killer that they had tucked away.  Without being gory, author Derf Backderf manages to recount the years leading up to the murders and that first one that led Dahmer down such a dark and twisted path.

The strength of My Friend Dahmer is the level of intimate detail that the author provides about Dahmer’s life and thoughts during middle and high school.  The reader feels like (s)he is truly in his head, which certainly leaves an impression on a person.  The book creates a level of understanding on how a truly sympathetic creature like (pre-murderous) Jeffrey Dahmer could ultimately become a twisted serial killer.  The author makes clear that his sympathy for Dahmer ends the moment the first murder is committed, and clear statements like that allow the reader to open up to the fact that Dahmer was pitiful, without having conflicting emotions over  having sympathy for a murderer.

Perhaps the only weakness in the novel is the understanding that as a graphic novel, the actual drawing style may not appeal to all readers.  It has a very specific style to the drawings.  The black and white drawings are stark and when paired with the dark undertones of the book, it is one that could be off-putting for younger readers or those that are sensitive.  While the author skirts around the gory aspects of the murders, there is no denying that readers are watching as a young man takes a journey from being an isolated, bullied teen to tortured, obsessed adult who ultimately will be known as one of the most prolific serial killers of all time.

For young adult readers, My Friend Dahmer is an excellent choice when it comes to reading a non-fiction work.  Non-fiction can be daunting, conjuring up memories of textbooks and mind-numbing lectures in school.  This work allows readers to really learn the background of Jeffrey Dahmer and to even challenge their beliefs of right and wrong, and the role society plays in one’s development.

Three Rivers Rising

Richards, Jame. Three Rivers Rising: A Novel of the Johnstown Flood. New York: Knopf Books for Young Adults, 2010. 306 p.

 

Setting in 1888-1889, Three Rivers Rising follows 16-year-old Celestia as she stumbles into love with Peter, a hired hand from Johnstown and a world away from Celestia’s high-society lifestyle.  Knowing she would be disowned, Celestia and Peter keep their love secret, for as long as they can.  But late 19^th Century women at the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club are known gossipers and soon she and Peter are making tough decisions.  Meanwhile, readers are introduced to Moira, a young girl with a husband and young children, Kate, a widow-turned-nurse, and love-struck Peter, through alternating point-of-view chapters. It is not until the dam breaks due to torrential rain and man’s own hubris that the cities in the valley south of the hunting club enter the history books as being the site of one of the worst man-caused floods in American history.

Written in verse form with alternating chapters, Three Rivers Rising has, structurally, built-in positives and negatives.  For readers that enjoy verse form or reading chapters from various characters’ point-of-view, Jame Richards’ book is a true delight.  With plenty of details related to the time period and the culture of both Celestia’s social class and Peter’s are made clear to the reader.  Delightfully romantic, readers care about all the characters in the novel, even if they are less involved like Celestia’s older sister.

A weakness within the novel is that the romantic storyline and verse usage is seen as traditionally female.  With all of these romantic undertones, it may be difficult to get YA boys interested in the work.  While historically accurate (Notes and references are located at the end of the novel), it may not be enough to get the boys to pick up the novel and stick with it.

For young adults, Three Rivers Rising is an enjoyable read that highlights a piece of history that is often forgotten for those outside the Johnstown, Pennsylvania area.  The characters are relatable, and that gives the novel power.  For a genre that can be difficult to sell young adults on, Three Rivers Rising has a lot of elements that may make it a winner amongst the younger crowd.

The Girls of No Return

Saladin, Erin. The Girls of No Return. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2012. 348p.

 

Set deep into the wilderness, The Alice Marshall School resides.  A place for disturbed teenage girls, the school’s mission is to rehabilitate the troubled youth through living-off-the-land existence, group therapy, and solo wilderness survival.  The school is teeming with girls who struggle with anger, regret, and self-loathing. It is into this environment that Lida Wallace is placed.  As Lida comes to terms with her past, she struggles to interact and understand the girls at the school, particularly the extremely callous Boone and Gia, who intrigues Lida with her exotic lifestyle.  When secrets are revealed however, Lida makes a fateful choice- a mistake that she can never take back.

 The strength of The Girls of No Return is its raw emotions that come through the pages. These girls are wounded and the reader can feel it. It’s palpable.  Erin Saladin has done a terrific job of capturing the helplessness and confusion that is often felt during teenage years.  Many times throughout my reading, I couldn’t help but think “Oh Lida.” With just a few more years of maturity and life experience, she would not have to torment herself as she does. 

A weakness in the novel is that it is rather slow-paced.  As the girls are subjected to dull therapy at Alice Marshall, I felt as though I was too. Lida’s feelings are real, they’re powerful, but they don’t seem overwhelming enough to have the entire novel centered around.  Add into the mix a rather one-dimensional set of secondary characters, the novel tends to be a bit stagnant.

While The Girls of No Return is not necessarily the most powerful novel available, it was still a work that got underneath the skin of the reader.  For young adult readers, who may be feeling acutely the demons Lida faces, this novel may be a lifeline for them.  It is certainly worth the time it took to read and may make readers think twice about the dark secrets of the unassuming teenage girl. Happy camping everyone.

Blood Red Road

Young, Moira. Blood Red Road. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011. 457p.

 

A civilization built on the bones of The Wreckers and their ancient technology, is reminiscent of the Wild West of yore.  Saba lives on a dried up lake with her twin brother Lugh, her pesky little sister Emmi, and her father.  When cloaked men come and abduct Lugh, it is up to Saba to get him back, regardless of the danger she faces.  Soon, Saba is struggling to survive, and the fate of Lugh depends on her staying alive.

The strength of the novel lies in the creative storyline that is woven throughout the pages.  The dystopian society that has been created includes a number of extremely cruel and bewildering characters, and twisting plot lines that surprise the reader at every turn.  Even elements that can be guessed at are still satisfying when the full story is revealed.

A weakness of the novel is the vernacular of the main characters.  Written in a “country-folk” dialect, it can be tiresome to read after a substantial number of pages.  Affer a’spell, er, after a while, it gets into the reader’s head and is hard to get rid of.  For some readers, this substantial style choice may take away from the power of the novel.

For a young adult reader, Blood Red Road combines adventure, with strong characters, and a desire to find out how the quest will end.  Many readers will see themselves in Saba or one of the others involved in the book. They may discover, as Saba does, that they are stronger than they believe and deserving of the good things in life.  And certainly, the journey that tests Saba’s will to survive and fight will leave the reader tuckered out and maybe looking for some grub, to boot.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Green, John and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York: Dutton, 2010. 336 p. eBook.

 

Will Grayson lives in the suburbs of Chicago, where he leads a quiet, fearful existence of “shut up and stay invisible.”

Will Grayson also lives in the suburbs of Chicago, where he leads a clinically depressed, lonely, homosexual existence of “what’s the point?”

Through a series of serendipitous coincidences, the Will Graysons meet one night.  One Will Grayson begins to date the other Will Grayson’s best friend, Tiny Cooper. Tiny who is, by and by, exceedingly large and VERY open about his homosexuality, becomes central in the lives of the Will Graysons, as they discover who they truly are.  If that weren’t enough, Tiny Cooper has captivated the school by creating a musical about himself, his homosexuality, and the people who encompass his world.  There are even lyrics in the book, so the reader can sing along with the epic-ness that is Tiny Cooper.

Fans of John Green and/or David Levithan will not need much convincing to pick up the novel.  True to form, fans can pick out the chapters that are chock-full of Greenery, as compared to the chapters covered by Levithan.  In addition to the all-star writing team that draws in loyal readers, the characters that are created by these two literary geniuses are truly powerful.  Tiny Cooper is almost a caricature of himself, with his over-the-top personality and openly, unquestionably proud attitude toward homosexuality.  Described as a “refrigerator of a person,” readers have plenty of personality to visualize through the mind’s eye. 

And perhaps strong characters like Tiny lead to a weakness of the novel, which is a lack of connection with the other romantic venture in the novel between Jane and Will Grayson.  Jane never seems quite real, especially next to the Will Graysons and Tiny Cooper, all of which seem so flesh-and-bone that I keep checking my phone for a text message from one of them.  This may be because there was not enough room in the novel for another strong character or because the focus on romantic ventures was placed firmly on Will and Tiny, rather than on the done-so-many-times-before boy meets girl relationships that Will and Jane represent. 

Whether hetero or homosexual, teens will find a character that they can relate to, revile in, or be revolted by in Will Grayson, Will Grayson.  A sulky teen may find comfort in the fact that Will Grayson has such a depression-filled, bad morning that he finds solace in being able to drown his Cocoa Puffs in milk.   One may understand how Will can love and loathe his best friend, all at once.  And all readers may learn, as the other Will Grayson found out, that sometimes things need to be said aloud, rather than staying silent and invisible.

Jellicoe Road

Marchetta, Melina. Jellicoe Road.  New York: HarperCollins, 2006. 419 p. eBook.

 

Abandonment issues don’t begin to describe the issues that haunt Taylor Markham’s dreams.  Left at a 7-11 when she was eleven, Taylor has been living in a boarding school for the last seven years.  Her closest adult figure is a very aloof Hannah, who recently disappeared without a trace.  On top of Hannah’s betrayal, Taylor has to deal with being the unwilling leader of the school’s underground society and having to deal with the annual war games played between the Townies, the visiting military group known as The Cadets, and the Jellicoe School that Taylor calls home.  As the weeks go on talk of a serial killer, Taylor’s mother, and the history of a group of five kids that changed Taylor’s very existence begins to unfold.  The more answers that surface, the more questions come to light, and it seems as though no one can rest until all is revealed, once and for all.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta is certainly one of those books that gets under a reader’s skin and nestles itself into the very fiber.  Taylor Markham is a teenager who is hard to love. She is aloof and hostile and clearly wounded.  She ends up with a ragtag group of friends whom the reader wants to love and throttle, usually at the same time.  The core strength of the novel is the intricate web that Marchetta weaves around Taylor and her gang, and a whole other group of kids from the past… a group that has a lot of secrets that need to be uncovered.  The reader has moments of “I just knew it” only to find out that the reader only knew a miniscule piece of something much, much bigger and hidden deeper in the past.  Certainly a weakness from the book is the confusing set up that leaves the reader quite befuddled for the first few chapters.  The chapters in italics, a clear indicator that it is something different than the current-day Taylor story, are not truly revealed until well into the book.  A reader can feel just as confused as our protagonist, though surely that is not an unintentional fluke.  Perhaps to truly appreciate the story that untangles itself in Jellicoe Road, it is first important to be just as tangled up in it as the characters themselves.

For a YA reader, Jellicoe Road delivers a hard hitting story, filled with emotions that are very real to most teens: confusion, a yearning for acceptance, and a desire to know what the universe has in store.  The book takes readers on a journey that was twenty years in the making, and it has the travelers stop and wonder if maybe it would just be better to let history keep its own secrets. But, of course, we know that history has its own agenda.

Forever

Blume, Judy. Forever. Seattle: Bradbury Press, 1975. 224 p. eBook.

 

Katherine knew enough to know that she would only lose her virginity to someone she loved.   What Katherine did not know was that when she met Michael at a New Year’s Eve party, they would start down a trail of firsts, and lasts, and forevers as they moved closer and closer into adulthood. High school seniors, Michael and Kath become fully involved in one another’s lives, until distance and the realities of the real world begin to tear at the core of their beliefs.  Readers follow Katherine and Michael as they make decisions about sex, birth control, love, and what forever really means.

Certainly the strength of Forever is the honest writing approach to some very difficult topics.  While this book is frequently found on the challenged and/or banned books list, it takes a straightforward approach to topics that can be rather uncomfortable for a teen.  Readers experience what Katherine experiences as her relationship becomes intimate.  For teen readers, Forever can provide answers to questions that otherwise would be uncomfortable to ask.  And for a parent, Judy Blume has provided a perfect springboard for frank discussions about the family’s values regarding teen sex and teen relationships.

A weakness within the book is also its strength.  As young readers grow, they will recognize the name Judy Blume and easily connect her with some of their favorite childhood books.  That familiar author and innocent title may lead a younger reader to pick up the book. A reader that may not be ready for a book with the level of sexual frankness contained in Forever may be disturbed by the content of the book.  In this case, it would be important to reiterate the belief that parents/guardians need to be aware of the book choices of youngsters. 

Despite the potentially uncomfortable subject matter, Judy Blume’s Forever is a respectful, earnest depiction of sex and the emotions that are part of such a big decision.  This is a powerful novel for both readers and their parents/guardians, as it may open barriers that are often restricted as teenagers wade the turbulent waters that will ultimately lead them to adulthood.

 

I Am the Cheese

Cormier, Robert. I Am the Cheese. New York: Knopf, 1977. 233 p. eBook.

 

Adam Farmer is on a frantic bike ride to reach his father. His father is in the hospital in Rutterburg, Vermont, and fourteen-year-old Adam knows that he must reach him despite the dangers.  Each rotation of his bicycle tires brings him farther from what he knows and into a world that terrifies Adam.  As Adam struggles to continue on his journey, the reader soon learns that things are not exactly as they seem.  In fact, as Adam’s life crumbles around him, readers are left wondering who to believe and if there is anyone to trust.

I Am the Cheese can easily be regarded as two novels in one. The first novel describes Adam while he battles against environment, devious strangers, and his own mental demons to get to his father.  The second novel, written in transcript form, details methodical questioning designed to make Adam remember.  As Adam begins to recall his past, the reader becomes exposed to a sinister history that could not be predicted.

Truly the strength of Robert Cormier’s work is in his ability to leave a reader guessing.  As Adam forges on his bicycle journey, readers become engrossed in the details he reveals about his life with his parents.  And as the transcripts reveal more of Adam’s past that has been locked away in his mind, readers are floored by the unwitting deceit of such an unreliable narrator.  If there were to be a weakness of this work, it would be that the ending seemed to come quickly and almost too tidily.  Adam and his reader are going helter-skelter through his journey and sudden slam into the conclusion.  The impact is enough to bruise, but not enough to have regretted the journey.

For a young adult, I Am the Cheese fits perfectly into the question-everything mentality that is a rite of passage for so many.  For many, Adam is the first unreliable narrator who did not intentionally mean to lead readers astray.  For a young adult reader, it may be enough to eye their parents wearily for a few days. Maybe even enough to drag out the family photo albums…just to be safe.

Round Two

Well, I had such a good time reviewing books a few semesters ago, that I've signed up for the advanced course. All of the reviews henceforth will be with the new coursework.

Happy Reading!