2020 EDIT: I now have my own copy, and have read it again for the first time since my very first year of school.
I have somewhat mixed feelings about 'Princess Smartypants', but I am happy that the princess stayed single and happy in the end, either way. Very progressive for its time. Very colourful and cartoony fun, and a mad dash and mix of the modern and the medieval. The princess wears so many different items of clothing - including muddy overalls, riding breeches, a biker jacket, and a bikini! I don't think she wears a dress once, except when she's disco dancing! She does many things, and has so many hobbies. She watches television! Princess Smartypants is happy as she is, with all of her pets. She really doesn't need a man!
Smash that patriarchy!
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
I only started remembering 'Princess Smartypants' from my very young schooldays after reading a current princess picture book with similar themes, 'The Worst Princess'. Yeah, this was a lot of fun.
'Princess Smartypants' stars a badass rebellious princess who wears biker gear, actually rides a motorbike, does whatever she likes and is comfortable in her own skin, and owns many pets, mainly of the reptilian type. 'Princess Smartypants' is a crazy, twisty, genuinely funny parody; making me a bit more forgiving of its questionable message that for a woman to be a feminist and independent means hating men or just being alone forever. I'm sure the author didn't intend that to be the case, but still, you got to be thoughtful and careful in your execution of your morals, especially in a story for children.
Well, you could argue that Smartypants is happy with having her pets as companions, and she merely wishes to do what she wants without a patriarchal society dictating her choices.
'Princess Smartypants' made my day back at primary school, during read-aloud sessions with the teacher. A sharp yet goofy comedy with a hilarious female lead. A classic one-of-its-kind.
Final Score: 3/5
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Book Review - 'The Worst Princess' by Anna Kemp (Writer), Sara Ogilvie (Illustrator)
Another day, another cute feminist princess storybook for children.
'The Worst Princess' isn't about a "worst" princess at all. Sue starts out waiting for a prince to come rescue her from her tower, as is her traditional role. She grows bored after a hundred years (!?), and she reads to pass the time, and lets her hair plaits grow.
Then she is finally "rescued" by a prince... only he puts her in another tower prison, where she isn't allowed to go explore and have adventures of her own. That's a man's role, after all.
Sue doesn't take this lying down! In the most hilarious and satisfying fashion. She isn't the "worst" for wanting freedom!
This reminded me of 'The Princess and the Pony', 'Princeless' (right down to the dragon companion), and other feminist princess fairy tales coming in the bucket loads nowadays. But it is a good one, nonetheless. Princess Sue, the prince and the dragon are literally the only main characters shown; simple and on point, working in the short story's favour.
'The Worst Princess' teaches important lessons about independence and taking charge of your own life, and not to let anyone, especially those who claim to love you and know what's "best" for you, put you in a box because of your gender. An abuse allegory? Am I thinking too deeply into the subtext of a kid's picture book?
Girls, fly and create mischief! The rhyming and illustrations are charming and cute, as well.
Short and funny and sweet, that's 'The Worst Princess' for you!
Final Score: 4/5
'The Worst Princess' isn't about a "worst" princess at all. Sue starts out waiting for a prince to come rescue her from her tower, as is her traditional role. She grows bored after a hundred years (!?), and she reads to pass the time, and lets her hair plaits grow.
Then she is finally "rescued" by a prince... only he puts her in another tower prison, where she isn't allowed to go explore and have adventures of her own. That's a man's role, after all.
Sue doesn't take this lying down! In the most hilarious and satisfying fashion. She isn't the "worst" for wanting freedom!
This reminded me of 'The Princess and the Pony', 'Princeless' (right down to the dragon companion), and other feminist princess fairy tales coming in the bucket loads nowadays. But it is a good one, nonetheless. Princess Sue, the prince and the dragon are literally the only main characters shown; simple and on point, working in the short story's favour.
'The Worst Princess' teaches important lessons about independence and taking charge of your own life, and not to let anyone, especially those who claim to love you and know what's "best" for you, put you in a box because of your gender. An abuse allegory? Am I thinking too deeply into the subtext of a kid's picture book?
Girls, fly and create mischief! The rhyming and illustrations are charming and cute, as well.
Short and funny and sweet, that's 'The Worst Princess' for you!
Final Score: 4/5
Saturday, 24 September 2016
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'milk and honey' by Rupi Kaur
2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
Another painfully real, intimate, life-reflecting and life-affirming poetry book. Bluntly feminist and poignant, bittersweet and hopeful, bleak and kind, 'milk and honey' covers the subjects of abuse, trauma, family, self-esteem, sex, love and relationships. Rupi Kaur knows about the ups and downs and the complexities of a loving yet co-dependent relationship too well.
'milk and honey', ultimately, teaches us this: Love yourself before you can give that love to others. You are beautiful, no matter what you've been taught your whole life. Respect yourself, and demand that your lover(s) respect you as a person as well. But be kind, above all else. I also hold the simple belief that to be kind is the most effective goal any human being can achieve. This moral evades so many of us due to selfishness, intolerance, and cynicism.
And support and love other women; never bring them down so you can feel special in having "risen" above it all. Privilege is the enemy of kindness and understanding.
'milk and honey' didn't affect me as much as 'The Princess Saves Herself In This One', but I'll still look toward it for encouragement and inspiration during difficult times in my life. Nobody is alone, and they shouldn't be made to feel so.
Final Score: 4/5
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
Another painfully real, intimate, life-reflecting and life-affirming poetry book. Bluntly feminist and poignant, bittersweet and hopeful, bleak and kind, 'milk and honey' covers the subjects of abuse, trauma, family, self-esteem, sex, love and relationships. Rupi Kaur knows about the ups and downs and the complexities of a loving yet co-dependent relationship too well.
'milk and honey', ultimately, teaches us this: Love yourself before you can give that love to others. You are beautiful, no matter what you've been taught your whole life. Respect yourself, and demand that your lover(s) respect you as a person as well. But be kind, above all else. I also hold the simple belief that to be kind is the most effective goal any human being can achieve. This moral evades so many of us due to selfishness, intolerance, and cynicism.
And support and love other women; never bring them down so you can feel special in having "risen" above it all. Privilege is the enemy of kindness and understanding.
'milk and honey' didn't affect me as much as 'The Princess Saves Herself In This One', but I'll still look toward it for encouragement and inspiration during difficult times in my life. Nobody is alone, and they shouldn't be made to feel so.
Final Score: 4/5
Wednesday, 21 September 2016
Book Review - 'Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story From China' by Ed Young
2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
A classic Chinese retelling of 'Red Riding Hood' - a very different albeit similar take, with three young sisters at the forefront.
The misty watercolour illustrations really add to the darkness of the book. The wolf himself - Lon Po Po, the house intruder disguised as the girls' grandmother - is terrifying, yet at the end you can't help feeling sorry for him. An oddly tragic villain, is Granny Wolf. I love the dynamic between the three girls - Shang, Tao, and Paotze - and how they prove to be as cunning as the hungry wolf. These children work together, and show they are not so innocent as all that. For you see, they've got nuts, and trees, and a rope! They did learn from their rather callous mother, who leaves them alone in the house overnight to go out and celebrate their grandmother's birthday without them, apparently. Cultural differences? Thus leading to the wolf's plot and demise in the first place.
'Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story From China'- a gloomy, creepy and strangely funny fairy tale. I'd definitely read it to my kids - it's not that scary, and children's stories need a bit of depth and darkness to them. And diversity. And smart, brave, ordinary heroines to aspire to.
I'm glad I happened upon this shadowy beauty only today. I adore it to pieces.
Final Score: 4/5
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
A classic Chinese retelling of 'Red Riding Hood' - a very different albeit similar take, with three young sisters at the forefront.
The misty watercolour illustrations really add to the darkness of the book. The wolf himself - Lon Po Po, the house intruder disguised as the girls' grandmother - is terrifying, yet at the end you can't help feeling sorry for him. An oddly tragic villain, is Granny Wolf. I love the dynamic between the three girls - Shang, Tao, and Paotze - and how they prove to be as cunning as the hungry wolf. These children work together, and show they are not so innocent as all that. For you see, they've got nuts, and trees, and a rope! They did learn from their rather callous mother, who leaves them alone in the house overnight to go out and celebrate their grandmother's birthday without them, apparently. Cultural differences? Thus leading to the wolf's plot and demise in the first place.
'Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story From China'- a gloomy, creepy and strangely funny fairy tale. I'd definitely read it to my kids - it's not that scary, and children's stories need a bit of depth and darkness to them. And diversity. And smart, brave, ordinary heroines to aspire to.
I'm glad I happened upon this shadowy beauty only today. I adore it to pieces.
Final Score: 4/5
Book Review - 'Eat Your Peas: A Daisy Book' by Kes Gray (Writer), Nick Sharratt (Illustrator)
One of the funniest picture books I've read. Daisy is adorable, and so is her mum, whom I can tell is especially close to her sulky and sassy little daughter. A sweet relationship.
Over the top and endearing for a fable set entirely at a dinner table, 'Eat Your Peas: A Daisy Book' also teaches how not everyone can like the same things, and that we can dislike whatever we want. And that adults are hypocrites. Good book for repetition and numeracy, too.
Enjoy!
Final Score: 4/5
Over the top and endearing for a fable set entirely at a dinner table, 'Eat Your Peas: A Daisy Book' also teaches how not everyone can like the same things, and that we can dislike whatever we want. And that adults are hypocrites. Good book for repetition and numeracy, too.
Enjoy!
Final Score: 4/5
Book Review - 'Susan Laughs' by Jeanne Willis, Tony Ross
A very simple but vitally important book for children about learning human differences, and similarities. Do not treat others differently because of a so-called handicap - give every single child a chance to do whatever they want. To be whoever they want. To be happy. For nobody should ever be considered lesser.
A rare diverse gem; much needed when the mainstream media still perpetuates the idea that it is better to not exist than be disabled. Tony Ross is a nice illustrator, as well.
Final Score: 4/5
A rare diverse gem; much needed when the mainstream media still perpetuates the idea that it is better to not exist than be disabled. Tony Ross is a nice illustrator, as well.
Final Score: 4/5
Book Review - 'The Princess and the Wizard' by Julia Donaldson
A sparkly, colourful fairy tale and fantasy children's picture book. A princess who learns and develops in order to escape her captor by herself, using the help given to her by her incapacitated fairy godmother? Fancy that!
I guess that's the reason why I like 'The Princess and the Wizard' more than Julia Donaldson's most famous work, 'The Gruffalo' - it's feminist, intentional or not.
Poor young Princess Eliza, with her fairy godmother's magic, turns herself into various colourful animals whenever the wizard gives her her seven chances to escape his castle (he owns a rhyming magical book which tells him where she is every time, so he isn't utterly stupid). This reminded me of 'The Sword and the Stone'. And the wizard being angry and setting forth the plot at the beginning because he wasn't invited to Eliza's birthday party is 'Sleeping Beauty'-ish.
The story itself is fun, and Eliza proves to be a proactive and smart heroine overtime (her seven-days deadline, to be exact) in this 30-page tale. The only real downside is the wizard is such a one-dimensional villain, even by the standards of children's picture books, and he doesn't receive any punishment for everything he's done in the end. He turns Eliza's family and fairy godmother to stone, for pete's sake!
It's nice and heartwarming, still.
I'd like to see 'The Princess and the Wizard' adapted into something, and expanded on a lot more. It'd make a great kid's film, especially for girls who like princesses with no princes; who work hard to save themselves. By adapting to and changing herself - externally and internally - depending on her circumstances and environment.
Final Score: 4/5
I guess that's the reason why I like 'The Princess and the Wizard' more than Julia Donaldson's most famous work, 'The Gruffalo' - it's feminist, intentional or not.
Poor young Princess Eliza, with her fairy godmother's magic, turns herself into various colourful animals whenever the wizard gives her her seven chances to escape his castle (he owns a rhyming magical book which tells him where she is every time, so he isn't utterly stupid). This reminded me of 'The Sword and the Stone'. And the wizard being angry and setting forth the plot at the beginning because he wasn't invited to Eliza's birthday party is 'Sleeping Beauty'-ish.
The story itself is fun, and Eliza proves to be a proactive and smart heroine overtime (her seven-days deadline, to be exact) in this 30-page tale. The only real downside is the wizard is such a one-dimensional villain, even by the standards of children's picture books, and he doesn't receive any punishment for everything he's done in the end. He turns Eliza's family and fairy godmother to stone, for pete's sake!
It's nice and heartwarming, still.
I'd like to see 'The Princess and the Wizard' adapted into something, and expanded on a lot more. It'd make a great kid's film, especially for girls who like princesses with no princes; who work hard to save themselves. By adapting to and changing herself - externally and internally - depending on her circumstances and environment.
Final Score: 4/5
Book Review - 'The Midnight Library' by Kazuno Kohara
2024 REREAD: A simple and cute fairy tale, all about animals, a midnight library, and its little girl librarian.
Libraries are so important, and magical. Let us never, ever lose them.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
Such a cute picture book about a library that opens from midnight to dawn. Its customers are forest animals (wolves, squirrels and tortoises galore, and three owls are the assistants), and it gets very busy. The librarian is a little girl who's a good role model to children, attending to the animals' needs always. There are simple but lovely illustrations with a black, yellow and blue colour palette. Adorable - a nibble, a must-taste for book lovers of all ages.
Isn't 'The Nocturnal Library' a more suitable title, though?
Final Score: 4/5
Libraries are so important, and magical. Let us never, ever lose them.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
Such a cute picture book about a library that opens from midnight to dawn. Its customers are forest animals (wolves, squirrels and tortoises galore, and three owls are the assistants), and it gets very busy. The librarian is a little girl who's a good role model to children, attending to the animals' needs always. There are simple but lovely illustrations with a black, yellow and blue colour palette. Adorable - a nibble, a must-taste for book lovers of all ages.
Isn't 'The Nocturnal Library' a more suitable title, though?
Final Score: 4/5
Monday, 19 September 2016
Is anyone else getting really, really f%^$!!king sick of romances? In books and all plots in general? That they ruin and hinder a story rather than aid it? Labelled romance, fine. Not central and properly kept to the side, again, fine. But after reading/seeing so many "true loves" over and over again, I'm like, "Do something else for a change! Be a tragedy!" Love triangles can go die in the next big bang, as well.
Saturday, 17 September 2016
Graphic Novel Review - 'Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: Rise of Alpha Flight' by Tara Butters, Michele Fazekas, Kris Anka (Artist), Tara Guggenheim, Felipe Smith (Artist)
A fun little episode of Captain Marvel's adventures. How I missed Carol!
'Rise of Alpha Flight' is basically an homage to 'Star Trek' and other sci-fi franchises. Specifically, it "borrows" its themes and character dynamics from 'Deep Space Nine' and 'Alien'. Captain Janeway - er, I mean Captain Marvel is clearly the Captain Kirk to Abigail Brand's Spock. Reading this was like watching a TV pilot in comic form, with more cheesiness than technobabble that even tries to make sense.
But it's a fun, celebratory homage. Helped along by the likable characters who bounce off each other nicely.
Carol Danvers is back, and is as brave, tough, impulsive but cunning and compassionate as ever. A new swagger to go along with her short haircut, too. Will this lady of fire and lightning cope with a desk job? Carol would certainly prefer to go out on missions in order to punch bad guys and asteroids - no grey areas, or boring meetings; just the deceptively-uncomplicated life of an action hero. Her past, alien powers, and new status as a starship commander and planetary diplomat are explored and challenged rather intensely. While I might miss Kelly Sue DeConnick's quick and witty dialogue, plus a personal, human touch, from previous issues, Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas manage to do a good job bringing Carol to life with a personality which shines like a supernova. She's had a lot of careers in her run, hasn't she?
How fantastic to have more female writers, from the 'Agent Carter' TV series (now things make sense), too - keep it up, Marvel!
Now onto Captain Marvel's crew, the Alpha Flight:
Abigail Brand, as already stated, is the Spock of the story about aliens and spaceships. She's cold towards Carol at first, seriously doubting her capabilities as commander-and-chief, and displays no emotion beyond barely-contained fury. But the defrosting ice queen warms up towards the end of the volume, as expected; and Brand and Carol slowly become trustworthy friends. I adored Puck, and the unassuming Aurora (who bears a striking resemblance to Asami Sato from 'Legend of Korra'). Wendy Kawasaki, the young scientist and lieutenant, is cute, and I mean that in the most uncondescending way possible. I admire her awkwardness, her youthful optimism, and sisterly relationship with Carol. Like the rest of the cast and crew, Wendy serves a very useful purpose to the plot and is treated with respect. Rocket Raccoon, Black Panther and Rhodey (the beginning of the first issue is so similar to that of 'Higher, Further, Faster, More' it's kind of funny) make cool cameo appearances, as well.
Can I just take a moment to praise the diversity in 'Rise of Alpha Flight'? About 75% of the cast is female, and there are more POC humans, space aliens, and even animals, than there are white people. Now here's a progressive starship crew I can get behind!
The artwork is colourful and expressive - I love the bright, contrasting palettes. It's delightfully serviceable for a comic set almost entirely in space.
The Bryan Adams reference, as well as humorous, brought me back to my childhood. I thought it'd be too obscure to end up anywhere like this! Incredible.
Of course there are glaring flaws in the comic. Like a few unanswered questions seemingly forgotten about as soon as they're spoken of; like why did Brand turn down becoming the captain of her own space station, yet is hostile to Carol for taking the same job? And when is Wendy's sick younger brother going to be mentioned again? A couple of times speech balloons come out of the wrong characters in the same panel - amusingly it made me think they had switched bodies for a moment. Some plot elements don't make a lot of sense, and are contrived: Things happen too conveniently and end too quickly, because the story needs to move on to the next point. Building up to a very predictable twist at a snail's pace. Though at least nearly every plot point and theme isn't abandoned, not entirely. 'Star Trek' fans also might not care for the overall homage to the franchise; seeing a "rip-off" easily.
But damn it, 'Captain Marvel, Vol 1: Rise of Alpha Flight' is so entertaining. Captain Marvel is amazing! Undeniably flawed, yes, but fun! Another colourful sci-fi chapter in the legacy of Carol Danvers - worthy of Captain Kirk, Biggles and Flash Gordon. Her presence alone makes me wish to see her and her crew and friends boldly go where no man or woman has gone before!
Final Score: 4/5
'Rise of Alpha Flight' is basically an homage to 'Star Trek' and other sci-fi franchises. Specifically, it "borrows" its themes and character dynamics from 'Deep Space Nine' and 'Alien'. Captain Janeway - er, I mean Captain Marvel is clearly the Captain Kirk to Abigail Brand's Spock. Reading this was like watching a TV pilot in comic form, with more cheesiness than technobabble that even tries to make sense.
But it's a fun, celebratory homage. Helped along by the likable characters who bounce off each other nicely.
Carol Danvers is back, and is as brave, tough, impulsive but cunning and compassionate as ever. A new swagger to go along with her short haircut, too. Will this lady of fire and lightning cope with a desk job? Carol would certainly prefer to go out on missions in order to punch bad guys and asteroids - no grey areas, or boring meetings; just the deceptively-uncomplicated life of an action hero. Her past, alien powers, and new status as a starship commander and planetary diplomat are explored and challenged rather intensely. While I might miss Kelly Sue DeConnick's quick and witty dialogue, plus a personal, human touch, from previous issues, Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas manage to do a good job bringing Carol to life with a personality which shines like a supernova. She's had a lot of careers in her run, hasn't she?
How fantastic to have more female writers, from the 'Agent Carter' TV series (now things make sense), too - keep it up, Marvel!
Now onto Captain Marvel's crew, the Alpha Flight:
Abigail Brand, as already stated, is the Spock of the story about aliens and spaceships. She's cold towards Carol at first, seriously doubting her capabilities as commander-and-chief, and displays no emotion beyond barely-contained fury. But the defrosting ice queen warms up towards the end of the volume, as expected; and Brand and Carol slowly become trustworthy friends. I adored Puck, and the unassuming Aurora (who bears a striking resemblance to Asami Sato from 'Legend of Korra'). Wendy Kawasaki, the young scientist and lieutenant, is cute, and I mean that in the most uncondescending way possible. I admire her awkwardness, her youthful optimism, and sisterly relationship with Carol. Like the rest of the cast and crew, Wendy serves a very useful purpose to the plot and is treated with respect. Rocket Raccoon, Black Panther and Rhodey (the beginning of the first issue is so similar to that of 'Higher, Further, Faster, More' it's kind of funny) make cool cameo appearances, as well.
Can I just take a moment to praise the diversity in 'Rise of Alpha Flight'? About 75% of the cast is female, and there are more POC humans, space aliens, and even animals, than there are white people. Now here's a progressive starship crew I can get behind!
The artwork is colourful and expressive - I love the bright, contrasting palettes. It's delightfully serviceable for a comic set almost entirely in space.
The Bryan Adams reference, as well as humorous, brought me back to my childhood. I thought it'd be too obscure to end up anywhere like this! Incredible.
Of course there are glaring flaws in the comic. Like a few unanswered questions seemingly forgotten about as soon as they're spoken of; like why did Brand turn down becoming the captain of her own space station, yet is hostile to Carol for taking the same job? And when is Wendy's sick younger brother going to be mentioned again? A couple of times speech balloons come out of the wrong characters in the same panel - amusingly it made me think they had switched bodies for a moment. Some plot elements don't make a lot of sense, and are contrived: Things happen too conveniently and end too quickly, because the story needs to move on to the next point. Building up to a very predictable twist at a snail's pace. Though at least nearly every plot point and theme isn't abandoned, not entirely. 'Star Trek' fans also might not care for the overall homage to the franchise; seeing a "rip-off" easily.
But damn it, 'Captain Marvel, Vol 1: Rise of Alpha Flight' is so entertaining. Captain Marvel is amazing! Undeniably flawed, yes, but fun! Another colourful sci-fi chapter in the legacy of Carol Danvers - worthy of Captain Kirk, Biggles and Flash Gordon. Her presence alone makes me wish to see her and her crew and friends boldly go where no man or woman has gone before!
Final Score: 4/5
Thursday, 15 September 2016
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'The Princess Saves Herself in This One' by Amanda Lovelace
The best modern poetry book I've ever read, bar none. It speaks of contemporary times, to the young adults of today, about the state of being a woman living under the brutal, burning hand of the patriarchy and rape culture. It's fucking tragic. I actually almost cried while reading this. It made me reflect on my own life, perhaps unlocked memories, and think how scarily similar the author and myself might be. Not least because we both love fairy tales and are utterly "bookmad". There is hope at the end of her book, however (not the end of her story, for no story has an ending, only a beginning, or many beginnings of our choosing). Amanda Lovelace chronicles her life so far in little astonishing verses, divided into four parts - "the princess", "the damsel", "the queen" and "you". She's a wonderful writer, and a proud feminist, who teaches us that we - young girls and women - can and will save ourselves. Our past and other people shouldn't define us. You don't have to be a helpless damsel and a child surviving the scary world of relationships, old and new. Stand up to abuse, and move on. Things done to you are never your fault. Be whoever you want to be. Be a mermaid, if you wish. You are the queen of your own life. You deserve to be happy.
It's inspiring. Personal. Haunting. Lush. Mesmerizing. I could read every poem in this over and over and my heart will skip a beat every time.
'The Princess Saves Herself in This One' isn't a fairy tale. It's life. Life presented in blissful and bittersweet poetry craft, scattered on pages like a broken heart, and like stars. Read it as soon as possible.
It might change - no, save - you.
Final Score: 5/5
It's inspiring. Personal. Haunting. Lush. Mesmerizing. I could read every poem in this over and over and my heart will skip a beat every time.
'The Princess Saves Herself in This One' isn't a fairy tale. It's life. Life presented in blissful and bittersweet poetry craft, scattered on pages like a broken heart, and like stars. Read it as soon as possible.
It might change - no, save - you.
Final Score: 5/5
Book Review - 'Night of Cake and Puppets (Daughter of Smoke and Bone. 2.5)' by Laini Taylor
2021 EDIT: A sweet and beautiful thing. A refresher - a short, understated, hot-and-cold, slushy, velvety, chocolatey retread into the world of Laini Taylor, that can last for one night. A reread I won't soon forget.
I do not care one morsel for the grossly insensitive African stereotyping on page 34 (in text messages between Zuzana and Karou), however.
But the rabid fairy/marionette and violin boy romance in Prague - involving a scavenger hunt, puppets, snow in darkness, origami, a morbid café, a boat in a dock, peacock footprints, and of course cake - is enough to win me over.
The magic part should go without saying.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
Oh to dive into the world of 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' again!
'Night of Cake and Puppets' centers on our favourite mortal, earthling-but-wholly-otherworldly teen characters, Zuzana and Mik - the perfect odd couple whose love transcends physical bodies, blood and the stars.
This novella is about their first finding each other via a scavenger hunt, in the snow at night, started by the awesome Zuzana: "rabid fairy", puppeteer and theatre extraordinaire. She sneaks Mik a treasure map, and she's the treasure! With a little bit of magic - scuppies courtesy of her best friend Karou - things go a long way one single night in Prague, and in unexpected directions, too. "Jackass" Kaz, Karou's ex, also makes a cameo, and Zuzana thrills in chewing him up without lifting a finger.
Yet when it comes to first love, she's just so shy! But Zuzana's always a girl who takes charge of everything in her life. Of course she makes the first move; don't expect anything less of her or she'll give you pleasurable pain - the pleasure being all hers!
Told from both Zuzana's and Mik's perspectives, it's such a joy to read Laini Taylor's language again! So substantial and magical. I so desperately want to go to the Poison Kitchen café. The vivid imagery described and implemented in the story is spectacular and clever, as expected. I'm sure 'Night of Cake and Puppets' would make a classic, gorgeous picture book, to be read by everyone every Christmas.
The pretty fairy tale misses a star because, well, despite the lovely writing and chemistry between the petite-and-delightfully-morbid Zuzana and the darling violin boy Mik, I get underwhelmed by love stories easily, especially pure romance short stories like this. It's like, why would I want to read the emotions and overblown sensations of other people falling in love, when I either don't care (but I do care that they get together, one way or another), or they're too corny and co-dependent, or I've already experienced it myself? So it all seems a little redundant. How Zuzana and Mik become entwined with the universe - with each other - is interesting though, while the end goal is predictable. They end up together, the end. And at least there is some self-awareness of the stalkerish behaviour in the story. Love is a game these starry-eyed teens play, I guess.
'Night of Cake and Puppets' is a deliciously sweet, cute magical romance. A relief from the war-and-death intensity of the rest of the 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' series. Small but adorable, like theatre puppets, and sugary and surprising, like cake. Like Zuzana herself. She would be a devil cake, and a puppet (or harlequin). Mik would be a yummy dark chocolate angel cake with vanilla icing, and an angel puppet. The couple would love dark flavours; with tea, in the snow, on a gondola.
Wow, I'm hungry now.
Final Score: 4/5
I do not care one morsel for the grossly insensitive African stereotyping on page 34 (in text messages between Zuzana and Karou), however.
But the rabid fairy/marionette and violin boy romance in Prague - involving a scavenger hunt, puppets, snow in darkness, origami, a morbid café, a boat in a dock, peacock footprints, and of course cake - is enough to win me over.
The magic part should go without saying.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
Oh to dive into the world of 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' again!
'Night of Cake and Puppets' centers on our favourite mortal, earthling-but-wholly-otherworldly teen characters, Zuzana and Mik - the perfect odd couple whose love transcends physical bodies, blood and the stars.
This novella is about their first finding each other via a scavenger hunt, in the snow at night, started by the awesome Zuzana: "rabid fairy", puppeteer and theatre extraordinaire. She sneaks Mik a treasure map, and she's the treasure! With a little bit of magic - scuppies courtesy of her best friend Karou - things go a long way one single night in Prague, and in unexpected directions, too. "Jackass" Kaz, Karou's ex, also makes a cameo, and Zuzana thrills in chewing him up without lifting a finger.
Yet when it comes to first love, she's just so shy! But Zuzana's always a girl who takes charge of everything in her life. Of course she makes the first move; don't expect anything less of her or she'll give you pleasurable pain - the pleasure being all hers!
Told from both Zuzana's and Mik's perspectives, it's such a joy to read Laini Taylor's language again! So substantial and magical. I so desperately want to go to the Poison Kitchen café. The vivid imagery described and implemented in the story is spectacular and clever, as expected. I'm sure 'Night of Cake and Puppets' would make a classic, gorgeous picture book, to be read by everyone every Christmas.
The pretty fairy tale misses a star because, well, despite the lovely writing and chemistry between the petite-and-delightfully-morbid Zuzana and the darling violin boy Mik, I get underwhelmed by love stories easily, especially pure romance short stories like this. It's like, why would I want to read the emotions and overblown sensations of other people falling in love, when I either don't care (but I do care that they get together, one way or another), or they're too corny and co-dependent, or I've already experienced it myself? So it all seems a little redundant. How Zuzana and Mik become entwined with the universe - with each other - is interesting though, while the end goal is predictable. They end up together, the end. And at least there is some self-awareness of the stalkerish behaviour in the story. Love is a game these starry-eyed teens play, I guess.
'Night of Cake and Puppets' is a deliciously sweet, cute magical romance. A relief from the war-and-death intensity of the rest of the 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' series. Small but adorable, like theatre puppets, and sugary and surprising, like cake. Like Zuzana herself. She would be a devil cake, and a puppet (or harlequin). Mik would be a yummy dark chocolate angel cake with vanilla icing, and an angel puppet. The couple would love dark flavours; with tea, in the snow, on a gondola.
Wow, I'm hungry now.
Final Score: 4/5
Monday, 12 September 2016
Graphic Novel Review - 'Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess Book 1: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew' by Jeremy Whitley (Writer), Rosy Higgins (Artist), Ted Brandt (Artist)
2023 EDIT:
Reread: Lady pirates. Lady pirate crew. What's not to love? (Even though it is only an introductory setup comic.)
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
This is the spinoff of the 'Princeless' comic series, which stars the teenage POC adventurer princess Adrienne, and it is blatantly, unabashedly feminist. It's as feminist as 'Bitch Planet' (Kelly Sue DeConnick even makes an artful appearance here, along with G. Willow Wilson and Marjorie Liu), if not more so. MRAs, mansplaining, misogynistic trolling, the "fake geek girls/pirate girls" male fabrication, the dangerous epidemic of so-called emasculation, the "friend zone", and the dehumanization of activists of social justice; these are all in this comic and are given the blunt kicking up the backside they deserve. The importance of representation to children is snuck in too.
And it is effing glorious.
An all-female pirate crew - what a wonderful idea! None of the same old boring, male-oriented stories to be discovered here: This small comic book is a map to its own buried treasure!
Book 1 of 'Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess' serves as an introduction; the start of a quest (revenge against men taking from a woman what's rightfully hers) that's to come. It's an excellent intro to each awesomely dynamic, memorable character; not just the pirate princess Raven Xingtao, an Asian LBGTQ female lead, reminiscent of Disney's 'Mulan'. Each lady and future member of Raven's crew is so diverse and smart and brave in her own way that I want to praise their creation to the heavens. Cookie, Raven's old pirate friend, is pretty much the only three-dimensional male character, but he's as important as everyone else to Raven's development, so it's good. The story is also surprisingly multilayered and touching.
The comic only gets four stars from me because of, oddly enough, Raven herself. She isn't a captain yet, and she is getting started on her own individual adventures away from Adrienne. But she's largely ineffectual in a story that's about her. She gets beaten up a lot of the time, and is even knocked unconscious at the end of the first issue - a tired cliché. The first few pages are a flashback, showing Raven being a master hand with the bow and arrow - she's known as the "Black Arrow" among pirates and the rich and robbed. But for the rest of the book she never picks up a bow. Raven is more awkward and easily-fooled than a badass pirate seeking revenge. She doesn't even come up with any plans near the end of her recruitment of female pirates, and is mostly in the sidelines while the important action is happening. Granted, the climax shows how brilliant Raven's childhood friend, Ximena the navigator, is - with whom she has a complicated past and is clearly secretly in love with. The wide range of fully-realised female characters in this epic do potentially overshadow the main lead girl herself. Hopefully Raven receives her due quickly in future issues.
'Princeless: Raven the pirate Princess Book 1: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew' - it's exactly what you'd expect from a title like that, and from Jeremy Whitley and the diverse fantasy-subversion world he created with the 'Princeless' series.
No heterosexual romances here. It is full of nonstop girl power action, and even some important life lessons. Above all, it's bloody fun. Just my cup of tea!
Final Score: 4/5
Reread: Lady pirates. Lady pirate crew. What's not to love? (Even though it is only an introductory setup comic.)
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
This is the spinoff of the 'Princeless' comic series, which stars the teenage POC adventurer princess Adrienne, and it is blatantly, unabashedly feminist. It's as feminist as 'Bitch Planet' (Kelly Sue DeConnick even makes an artful appearance here, along with G. Willow Wilson and Marjorie Liu), if not more so. MRAs, mansplaining, misogynistic trolling, the "fake geek girls/pirate girls" male fabrication, the dangerous epidemic of so-called emasculation, the "friend zone", and the dehumanization of activists of social justice; these are all in this comic and are given the blunt kicking up the backside they deserve. The importance of representation to children is snuck in too.
And it is effing glorious.
An all-female pirate crew - what a wonderful idea! None of the same old boring, male-oriented stories to be discovered here: This small comic book is a map to its own buried treasure!
Book 1 of 'Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess' serves as an introduction; the start of a quest (revenge against men taking from a woman what's rightfully hers) that's to come. It's an excellent intro to each awesomely dynamic, memorable character; not just the pirate princess Raven Xingtao, an Asian LBGTQ female lead, reminiscent of Disney's 'Mulan'. Each lady and future member of Raven's crew is so diverse and smart and brave in her own way that I want to praise their creation to the heavens. Cookie, Raven's old pirate friend, is pretty much the only three-dimensional male character, but he's as important as everyone else to Raven's development, so it's good. The story is also surprisingly multilayered and touching.
The comic only gets four stars from me because of, oddly enough, Raven herself. She isn't a captain yet, and she is getting started on her own individual adventures away from Adrienne. But she's largely ineffectual in a story that's about her. She gets beaten up a lot of the time, and is even knocked unconscious at the end of the first issue - a tired cliché. The first few pages are a flashback, showing Raven being a master hand with the bow and arrow - she's known as the "Black Arrow" among pirates and the rich and robbed. But for the rest of the book she never picks up a bow. Raven is more awkward and easily-fooled than a badass pirate seeking revenge. She doesn't even come up with any plans near the end of her recruitment of female pirates, and is mostly in the sidelines while the important action is happening. Granted, the climax shows how brilliant Raven's childhood friend, Ximena the navigator, is - with whom she has a complicated past and is clearly secretly in love with. The wide range of fully-realised female characters in this epic do potentially overshadow the main lead girl herself. Hopefully Raven receives her due quickly in future issues.
'Princeless: Raven the pirate Princess Book 1: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew' - it's exactly what you'd expect from a title like that, and from Jeremy Whitley and the diverse fantasy-subversion world he created with the 'Princeless' series.
No heterosexual romances here. It is full of nonstop girl power action, and even some important life lessons. Above all, it's bloody fun. Just my cup of tea!
Final Score: 4/5
Sunday, 11 September 2016
Book Review - 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli
2021 REEDIT: Read 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' a second time, and it remains just as good. A very cute and positive LBGTQ YA book with lots of swearing and understated yet "indeed, it's a big deal" drama, that can be binge-read (is that a thing?) in a day. The family, and the individual friendships, are awesome, and the romance is beautiful. My heart! The pop culture references are adorable (I'm also amused that Tumblr is called "the Tumblr" instead of just "Tumblr". 2014 is such a long time ago now).
I'm happy this has received the attention it deserves.
Final Score: 4/5
2021 EDIT: Finally I remembered to update! Yes, the film adaptation is very good, thank goodness. Great job, everyone!
2018 EDIT: Yep, this is now a movie. I only hope it's as good as the book, no watered-down, downplaying BS.
Original Review:
Here, for my 300th book review, I have decided to shine the spotlight on an important YA novel for this day and age: 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli.
Such positive representation of the LBGQ community; particularly for young people during such a vulnerable and scary time in their lives: high school - the "coming out" issue, and why should it even be an issue? In the book there is a cast of endearing, likeable and diverse characters included like it's nothing. 'Simon vs.' is a great holiday read, as well.
'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' is like a box of chocolates. That's the best way I can describe it in one sentence. You're bound to find something which suits your tastes in this charming little coming-of-age teen book. It's like the mature spiritual successor to middle-school/YA books such as 'Wonder' and 'The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl'.
The highest of fives for the one 'Fruits Basket' reference, too.
I can confidently tell you right now that, whatever your sexual orientation, you will fall in love with Simon Spier. He is real, soulful, spontaneous, not too awkward, quirky without being annoying, and awesomely-sweet. He's a gay teenage boy given a chocolate box-variety of likes and dislikes and totally believable character traits - his favourite flavour is Oreos, for a start. He loves music, 'Harry Potter', and performing impressions for his loved ones' entertainment.
Simon's friends and family are equally funny - their dialogue is delicious - and they each bounce off the pages like in a feel-good musical movie. Everyone has an arc, not just Simon. I cared about them almost instantly.
Simon's contemporary story is sweet and cute. This adds to its charm while also discussing vitally important issues of human equality. In 'Simon vs.', every action leads to consequences - often devastating ones - and unlike in a lot of YA contemporaries, no "quirk" is thrown in for the sake of it and as a lazy afterthought in place of genuine character development. Everything is in this book for a reason.
Straight white male should not be the default, indeed. There's a hopeful and original romance in 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'; beginning its progress as first love in its awkwardness, confusion, strong caring compassion, and heartbreak.
It's an absolute shame that this won't likely receive a film adaptation anytime soon. Culture has been favouring things like 'Grease' for far too long.
Homophobia needs to be viewed as an all-out atrocity and embarrassment in society, no excuses. And as an amusement, logically. I mean, why is being attracted to another person anyone's business but that of the couple themselves?
No one deserves ignorance and hatred in their lives. No one should be made to feel like they shouldn't exist.
Let us believe in hope, now more than ever. Hope that things will get better.
This is 2016. Happy 300th review.
Final Score: 4/5
I'm happy this has received the attention it deserves.
Final Score: 4/5
2021 EDIT: Finally I remembered to update! Yes, the film adaptation is very good, thank goodness. Great job, everyone!
2018 EDIT: Yep, this is now a movie. I only hope it's as good as the book, no watered-down, downplaying BS.
Original Review:
Here, for my 300th book review, I have decided to shine the spotlight on an important YA novel for this day and age: 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli.
Such positive representation of the LBGQ community; particularly for young people during such a vulnerable and scary time in their lives: high school - the "coming out" issue, and why should it even be an issue? In the book there is a cast of endearing, likeable and diverse characters included like it's nothing. 'Simon vs.' is a great holiday read, as well.
'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' is like a box of chocolates. That's the best way I can describe it in one sentence. You're bound to find something which suits your tastes in this charming little coming-of-age teen book. It's like the mature spiritual successor to middle-school/YA books such as 'Wonder' and 'The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl'.
The highest of fives for the one 'Fruits Basket' reference, too.
I can confidently tell you right now that, whatever your sexual orientation, you will fall in love with Simon Spier. He is real, soulful, spontaneous, not too awkward, quirky without being annoying, and awesomely-sweet. He's a gay teenage boy given a chocolate box-variety of likes and dislikes and totally believable character traits - his favourite flavour is Oreos, for a start. He loves music, 'Harry Potter', and performing impressions for his loved ones' entertainment.
Simon's friends and family are equally funny - their dialogue is delicious - and they each bounce off the pages like in a feel-good musical movie. Everyone has an arc, not just Simon. I cared about them almost instantly.
Simon's contemporary story is sweet and cute. This adds to its charm while also discussing vitally important issues of human equality. In 'Simon vs.', every action leads to consequences - often devastating ones - and unlike in a lot of YA contemporaries, no "quirk" is thrown in for the sake of it and as a lazy afterthought in place of genuine character development. Everything is in this book for a reason.
Straight white male should not be the default, indeed. There's a hopeful and original romance in 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'; beginning its progress as first love in its awkwardness, confusion, strong caring compassion, and heartbreak.
It's an absolute shame that this won't likely receive a film adaptation anytime soon. Culture has been favouring things like 'Grease' for far too long.
Homophobia needs to be viewed as an all-out atrocity and embarrassment in society, no excuses. And as an amusement, logically. I mean, why is being attracted to another person anyone's business but that of the couple themselves?
No one deserves ignorance and hatred in their lives. No one should be made to feel like they shouldn't exist.
Let us believe in hope, now more than ever. Hope that things will get better.
This is 2016. Happy 300th review.
Final Score: 4/5
Friday, 9 September 2016
Jersey holiday - September 2016
Back from holiday. Here's more merchandise I got, and other pics from a zoo and the Devil's Hole, all from the lovely land of Jersey! :)
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