The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood and Renee Nault

 The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood and Renee Nault-240 pages

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Goodreads Synopsis: Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, where women are prohibited from holding jobs, reading, and forming friendships. She serves in the household of the Commander and his wife, and under the new social order she has only one purpose: once a month, she must lie on her back and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if they are fertile. But Offred remembers the years before Gilead, when she was an independent woman who had a job, a family, and a name of her own. Now, her memories and her will to survive are acts of rebellion.

Provocative, startling, prophetic, The Handmaid's Tale has long been a global phenomenon. With this stunning graphic novel adaptation of Margaret Atwood's modern classic, beautifully realized by artist Renee Nault, the terrifying reality of Gilead has been brought to vivid life like never before.

Thoughts: Provocative, startling, and prophetic are good adjectives for this book. I've heard so much about the series, especially with the HBO series of the same name. I saw this on the shelf at a local book store in New Orleans and was drawn to it. Having now read it (at least the graphic adaptation), I can see what all the talk is about. Honestly, shocking as the story is I don't think it's that outlandish. That's the thing about a lot of dystopian fiction. We may want to think something like it isn't possible, but I think it very well could be if we're not careful. This is a good, if heavy, read. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott-504 pages (paperback)

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Goodreads Synopsis: Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth--four "little women" enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England

The charming story of the March sisters, Little Women has been adored for generations. Readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over little Beth's untimely death, and dreamed of traveling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. Aspiring writers have found inspiration in Jo's devotion to her writing. In this simple, enthralling tale, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women.

In her enlightening, thoughtful introduction, Elaine Showalter discusses Louisa May Alcott's influences and her aspirations for Little Women, as well as the impact the novel has had on such women writers as Joyce Carol Oates and Cynthia Ozick.

Thoughts: I didn't read this earlier in life for school or for pleasure. I was interested to read this, though, as our next choice for the Book to Movie Club. It's well written and a decent story, but I didn't find myself very excited about the story or very invested in the story and characters until the final 100 pages or so. That said, I'm not mad that I read it. It's a decent read, if a little long.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah-464 pages

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Goodreads Synopsis: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone comes an epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras—the Great Depression.

Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.

In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.

Thoughts: This is such a good book. It has really opened my eyes to the experiences of those who went through the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression simultaneously. Elsa and her family's experience was harrowing. I had only heard about Kristin Hannah and I have been highly anticipating reading many of her books. This one is heavy, but really good. 

Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's, #1) by Dianna Wynne Jones

 Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's, #1) by Dianna Wynne Jones-429 pages

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Goodreads Synopsis: Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this. It is a fantastical adventure about finding your true self. I found myself rooting for Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy. It's our next selection for the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book to Movie Club, so I'm excited to watch the movie and compare them. 

Battle Angel Alita Mars Chronicle Vol. 10 by Yukito Kishiro

 Battle Angel Alita Mars Chronicle Vol. 10 by Yukito Kishiro-176 pages

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Goodreads Synopsis: The operation to track down Yoko is interrupted when Gyapollo launches an ambush in the night. A clever trap does some damage, but Keun knows a duel is inevitable, and that he must put everything on the line. Meanwhile, Yoko's solo adventuring leads her to a monumental discovery-if only she understood its significance…

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this even more than the previous volume. Battle Angel Alita is easily still my favorite manga to read. I like the mix of genres (dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, and manga). I am always rooting for Alita/Yoko. I am excited for the next volume to be released and to read more about Alita's origin story.

Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Vol. 9 by Yukito Kishiro

 Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Vol. 9 by Yukito Kishiro-176 pages

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Goodreads Synopsis: The cyber-martial arts saga that has spanned a solar system and over two decades in print returns, with creator Yukito Kishiro's new sequel that reveals the true story of Alita's childhood on Mars, and the mind-bending adventures that still await her...

Freed from the Fardarrig military, the Dejah Thoris can only enjoy a momentary peace before another dangerous foe descends upon Keun and the residents. The enemy’s name is Gyapollo, and he’s taken Yoko hostage and spirited her away! On top of that, he seems to have an enduring grudge against Keun, but why…?

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this. Battle Angel Alita is still my favorite manga to read. I like the mix of genres (dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, and manga). I am always rooting for Alita/Yoko. 

Blade Breaker (Realm Breaker, #2) by Victoria Aveyard

 Blade Breaker (Realm Breaker, #2) by Victoria Aveyard-578 pages

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Goodreads synopsis: The fate of the world rests on a blade's edge.

Fighting beside her band of unlikely companions, Corayne is learning to embrace her ancient lineage and wield her father's powerful sword.

But while she successfully closed one of the Spindles, her journey is far from over.

Queen Erida's army marches across Allward with her consort, Taristan, right beside them, opening more portals into nightmarish worlds, razing kingdoms to the ground.

Corayne has no choice but to assemble an army of her own if she's to save the realm as she knows it. But perilous lands await her and the companions, and they face assassins, otherworldly beasts, and tempestuous seas all as they rally a divided Ward to fight behind them.

But Taristan has unleashed an evil far more wicked than his corpse armies. Something deadly waits in the shadows; something that might consume the world before there's any hope for victory.

Thoughts: I liked this more than the first one in this series. There's a bit more action and the characters seem more fleshed out. I am excited to read the last book in the trilogy soon. 

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

 Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon-312 pages (paperback)

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Goodreads synopsis: My disease is as rare as it is famous. It’s a form of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, but basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in fifteen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives. New next door neighbors. I look out the window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black t-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly. I want to learn everything about him, and I do. I learn that he is funny and fierce. I learn that his eyes are Atlantic Ocean-blue and that his vice is stealing silverware. I learn that when I talk to him, my whole world opens up, and I feel myself starting to change—starting to want things. To want out of my bubble. To want everything, everything the world has to offer.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Thoughts: The chapters aren't typical. It's not written Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and so on. Some of the "chapters" are one paragraph or even one sentence. That being said, it is a good read. 

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

 Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry-416 pages (B & N Exclusive Edition)

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Goodreads synopsis: Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years—or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.

When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.

One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.

Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication.

Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.

But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.

And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad…depending on who’s telling it.

Verdict: I liked this one okay, but not as much as Funny Story or Happy Place. The pacing was the biggest issue for me. The first 350+ pages were a slow burn and I didn't care about the characters. The last 50+ pages were fast paced and I found that I cared a little bit about the characters. I like Emily Henry, but this one didn't quite do it for me. It has good ratings on Goodreads and The Storygraph, though, so it definitely has its fans. 

The Perfect Divorce (Perfect, #2) by Jeneva Rose

 The Perfect Divorce (Perfect, #2) by Jeneva Rose-280 pages

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Goodreads synopsis: It’s been eleven years since high-powered attorney Sarah Morgan defended her husband, Adam, against the charge of murdering his mistress. Sarah has long since moved on, starting a family with her new husband, Bob Miller, and changing careers. Her life is back to being exactly how she always wanted … or is it?

After discovering Bob engaged in a one-night stand, Sarah wastes no time filing for divorce. However, amid their ugly separation, new DNA evidence is uncovered in the case against Adam, forcing the police to reopen the investigation and putting Sarah right back in the spotlight. Everyone wants to know what really happened, most of all former deputy Marcus Hudson, who is hell-bent on finding the truth.

But when the woman Bob slept with is reported missing, he and Sarah start to fight dirty, and a high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues. Filled with page-turning suspense and Jeneva Rose’s signature twists and turns, this book will have readers wondering: Can Bob and Sarah achieve the perfect divorce? Or will it be “’til death do us part”?

Verdict: I really liked this sequel to The Perfect Marriage. It's a page-turning thriller that is more unpredictable than the first book. I did still guess a small part of the end game, but much of it I didn't predict this time. I find that I like Jeneva Rose's writing and I would recommend her books (especially the thrillers). 

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins

 The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins-374 pages

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Katniss Everdeen is 16 and doing her best to feed herself and her family in District 12 of Panem. District 12 is the poorest of the districts and putting food on the table is not easy. However, Katniss can hunt and often brings back squirrels and other meat to trade in the Hob. On Reaping Day, Katniss hopes that neither she nor Gale nor her sister Prim is chosen. In a nightmare scenario, her sister Prim (who is 12 and has only 1 slip in the drawing) is drawn as the girl tribute. Katniss volunteers as tribute and now must compete in the 74th Hunger Games. Peeta Mellark is the boy tribute for District 12. This is the story of Katniss and Peeta's harrowing experience in the 74th Hunger Games. 

I previously read this and have watched the movie several times, but this is our next selection for the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book to Movie Club and it fits right in with this month's blog challenge. I liked it the first time and nothing changed in that regard on this second reading. It feels like a very timely book (along with the rest of the series) considering current events. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen-361 pages

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I hadn't previously read any of Austen's works, but I had been wanting to read this one. It being our next book for the Book to Movie Club, I finally got the chance to read it. I had previously watched the 2005 film based on the book. One thing I find repulsive now about the setting and time period is the measure of a woman being tied to marrying well (and early). I do like the central romance story between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. (Fitzwilliam) Darcy, though.

Overall, I rather enjoyed reading this and I think the 2005 movie is a good adaptation. 

Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games Prequel) by Suzanne Collins

 Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games Prequel) by Suzanne Collins-382 pages

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Haymitch Abernathy lives in District 12 of Panem with his mom and younger brother, Sid. It's his 16th Birthday and it's also Reaping day. He has 40 "tickets" in the drawing, but is hopeful his name (nor his girlfriend, Lenore Dove's name) is not drawn. All hell breaks loose at the District 12 Reaping after a boy whose name is called tries to run. Haymitch ends up as one of the two boy tributes from 12 and is separated from his family and girlfriend and must compete in the second Quarter Quell (50th Hunger Games). What awaits is absolutely heartbreaking and horrifying. 

Having read and watched the original trilogy of books/movies, I knew Haymitch would survive, but I didn't realize just how much he would endure during his own Reaping and Hunger Games. I can completely understand why he took to heavily drinking after reading his story in this book. That being said, this is a good book and on par with the original trilogy. 

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century Graphic Edition by Timothy Snyder and Nora Krug

 On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century Graphic Edition by Timothy Snyder and Nora Krug-128 pages

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I've heard a lot about this book and its lessons. I saw this at the bookstore and decided to give it a read. It is a very powerful call to resist tyranny. It is a manual on how to spot the signs of tyranny and how one can do one's part to resist. The lessons are very practical and simple to follow. I have already been doing some of these things, but I plan to do all of these. 

I would recommend that anyone who is concerned about tyranny to read this book, whether the graphic edition or the first print edition. 

Elegy for Mary Turner: An Illustrated Account of a Lynching by Rachel Marie-Crane Williams

Elegy for Mary Turner: An Illustrated Account of a Lynching by Rachel Marie-Crane Williams-57 pages

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I very recently learned about the lynching of Hayes and Mary Turner. It is a profoundly sad and infuriating moment from history. The author powerfully illustrates the history of the lynchings following the murder of Hampton Smith. He was a local farmer who employed many blacks who owed court debts for various small crimes. He was a cruel man and treated his employees like indentured servants. One of his employees had had enough of him and murdered him. A lynching mob was formed of local white men and proceeded to go on a rampage. The mob lynched several black men and one black woman in retaliation for Hampton Smith's murder. One of the black men was Hayes Turner who had worked for Smith, but there was no evidence tying him to the murder. They lynched him despite the absence of evidence. Hayes' wife called out the mob's actions the next day (May 20, 1918). In retaliation, the mob decided to make an example of her and decided to lynch her, too, that same night. She was brutally murdered (I won't go into gory detail. I encourage you to read the book.) and so was her baby (she was 8 months pregnant). The NAACP spearheaded an investigation and was given names of those in the mob. However, no one was ever charged or arrested in connection with the lynchings. A tablet was erected to memorialize Mary Turner in 2020, but it was vandalized, so they took it down and put a cross there instead. 

I have a degree in Historic Preservation and a keen interest in history (especially American History during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era). I am very aware that lynchings like this took place, but I only recently learned of this specific instance, as mentioned earlier. I am appalled and infuriated by these events and even more appalled that most (if not all) lynching victims never got justice. In many (if not all) cases no one was ever charged for these murders. Thousands of mostly blacks were lynched from the 1880s to the mid 20th Century. This is a short, but powerful book on a harrowing story from May, 1918 in Georgia. 

Under Milk Wood: A Play in Voices by Dylan Thomas

Under Milk Wood: A Play in Voices by Dylan Thomas-107 pages

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This is a story of the townspeople of Llaregub, a small town in Wales. There are many colorful characters and narrators ("voices"). The story starts at night with the colorful townspeople's dreams and ends the following night as all are going to bed. It is funny at times and the songs rhyme often. Dylan Thomas was a poet, after all, but this is considered his masterpiece, which he finished right before his death. 

I enjoyed reading about a day in these characters' lives, although I must admit it was a bit hard to follow at times, especially with so many characters. This book intrigued me because I read about it in a previous book I just finished about the many literary influences of Taylor Swift. Taylor name drops him in The Tortured Poets Department alongside Patti Smith. I didn't know who he was, so I was intrigued to learn more about his life and works. I can see why she name dropped him after reading this play/book. 

Taylor Swift by the Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, from Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets by Tiffany Tatreau and Rachel Feder

 Taylor Swift by the Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, from Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets by Tiffany Tatreau and Rachel Feder-256 pages 

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I am a Swiftie and love to read (obviously), so this book intrigued me. I find Swift's lyrics often poetic and full of prose. This book attempts to flesh out the literary influences behind Swift's songs and lyrics. It also includes anecdotes and short biographies on several poets and authors. I learned about several poets and authors that I previously didn't know much (or anything) about, including Emma St. Vincent Millay, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Sylvia Plath, Dylan Thomas, Patti Smith, and others. Swift's music is greatly influenced by The Great Gatsby, Wuthering Heights, Peter Pan, and other works/characters. 

I enjoyed reading it and learning about authors and poets and their works that have influenced Swift's songs and lyrics.

Death of a Smuggler (Hamish Macbeth, #37) by M.C. Beaton with R.W. Green

 Death of a Smuggler (Hamish Macbeth, #37) by M.C. Beaton with R.W. Green-229 pages

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Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth has another murder mystery to solve. This time a woman is found dead (probably murdered) in her home near a shotgun. A piece of furniture is shot to bits and it appears she's been strangled. Also, two young women appear to have been smuggled into Scotland illegally and there's a Michael Gallagher missing. He's been accused of assaulting his wife and he may be involved in the murder and human trafficking. Whisky is being smuggled into Scotland, as well. Will Hamish solve the murder before anything happens to the two young women? Was Michael Gallagher involved in any (or all) of the crimes? Can they catch Gallagher before any more crimes are committed?

I always enjoy revisiting Lochdubh and solving a murder mystery along with these characters, especially Hamish. 

The Northwomen by Heather Pringle

 The Northwomen by Heather Pringle-336 pages

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Many books have been published about the Vikings, but few have focused on the women. This is a good look at the various roles Northwomen played in Viking society. At least a few bucked the norms and were warriors, voyagers, and traders. Archaeological evidence has been discovered of a potentially prominent Viking warrior woman buried in Birka. It was originally assumed to be a male, but more thorough research revealed it to be a female. I found this book to be very informative and enjoyed reading it. 

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

 The Call of the Wild by Jack London-120 pages

⭐⭐⭐1/2

Buck is a domesticated pet for a local judge in Alaska. He's a big dog (a mix between a St. Bernard and a Scotch shepherd) and weighs 150 lbs. One day, the gardener for the judge kidnaps him and sells him to Perrault and Charles, who are not kind. They own many sled dogs, mostly Huskies, and most of the dogs are also not kind. Buck learns to be tough and mean. He is then sold to mail carriers who are less mean, but still using the dogs as a means to an end. Finally, he's sold to Hal, Charles, and Mercedes. Hal and Charles know nothing about sleds or sled dogs, but want to travel to Dawson. Finally, Buck meets John Thornton who saves him from certain death by continuing on with Hal, Charles, and Mercedes. It's clear that John cares for Buck and Buck grows to care for John. How long will this relationship last? Will Buck stick around or will he heed the call of the wild? 

For such a short book, a lot happens in these pages. Buck goes through several different owners and has quite the adventure. Overall, the book is pretty good. It has the language from the first publishing in 1903 and some of it is outdated to be kind. There's a decent amount of violence, especially for a juvenile fiction book.