Novel Suprises

Graphic novels are a great way to diversify your reading habits, and you don't even have to venture too far from your comfort zone. As with attempting anything new try reading a book that's similar to what you normally read. So, if you like biographies  then stick to those; if you like detective fiction, then don't try a romance as your first venture. You might find that you like the freedom in which the writers and illustrators are able to communicate ideas in a way that text alone cannot do.

Alan and Heidy at CIUT 89.5 FM 

Alan Harnum, from the Toronto Public Library and blogger HeidyMo (http://hyemusings.blogspot.ca/) joined me to discuss TMTM's latest Book Club selection, LUCHADORAS by Peggy Adam. Alan has an extensive knowledge of graphic books and he was happy to share a short list o books with us, and with you. As with all TMTM Book Club selection, these books are available in the Toronto Public Library System, and Alan has provided the corresponding links, so happy reading!

Alan suggests:

Fun Home

Alison Bechdel

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM174132&R=174132

American Born Chinese

Gene Luen Yang

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM171425&R=171425

Vietnamerica

G.B. Tran

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2748392&R=2748392

Adventures of Hergé

Michael Farr

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2466040&R=2466040

Persepolis (1 & 2)

Marjane Satrapi

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM175177&R=175177

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM188988&R=188988

Paul Has a Summer Job

Michel Rabagliati

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM228785&R=228785

Louis Riel

Chester Brown

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM928096&R=928096

Two Generals

Schott Chantler

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2731695&R=2731695

Stagger Lee

Derek McCulloch

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM306265&R=306265

HeidyMo suggests: 

• Noche Roja by Simon Oliver and Jason Latour. 

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2747180&R=2747180

• Recidivist by Zak Sally. You can find Recidivist 1 & 2 in the TPL copy of Sally's Like a Dog

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2587439&R=2587439

• A Nail in the Heart by Ian Daffern. 

A Nail in the Heart (a horror collection of 3 short stories) can be purchased through Ian Daffern's website http://iandaffern.ca/ for the very reasonable price of $5 plus S&H).

donna g suggests:

• A Dangerous woman: the graphic biography of Emma Goldman by Sharon Rudahl

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2124450&R=2124450

I second Alan's recommendation of the Paul series by Michel Rabagliati (mentioned above), and we also connected on a very twisted, dark horror, romance, action series, 

• Preacher by Garth Ennis. Not for the faint of heart or easily offended!

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2560487&R=2560487

All three of us recommed checking out the indie  publisher Koyama Press and their variety of books and comic:  I'm adding Julia Wertz's The Infinite Wait and Other Stories (http://koyamapress.com/projects/the-infinite-wait-and-other-stories/) to my list.

Have your own favourites? Why not share them by posting a comment.

TMTM Book Club Selection: LUCHADORAS by Peggy Adam

LUCHADORAS by PEGGY ADAM is our next Book Club selection.  Our on air discussion date: Sat. Nov. 17, 1-2pm on CIUT 89.5 FM or listen at www.ciut.fm 

Joining me in studio will be blogger, HeidyMo (http://hyemusings.blogspot.ca/) and Alan Harnum (Toronto Public Library). Read along with us (mature readers)!  This graphic book is available in the Toronto Public Library or at Comic/Graphic Book outlets.

 

The following copy about LUCHADORAS is from: 
http://www.blankslatebooks.co.uk/our-books/luchadoras/

Recommended for Mature Readers.

Chosen as part of the 2007 Sélection Officielle at the Angouléme International Comics Festival.

Since 1993, a grievous shadow has been cast over the Mexican border-city of Juárez. A tragic symbol of misogynist violence, Cuidad Juárez has been the scene of hundreds of feminicidios —the abduction and brutal murders of female victims aged between 12 and 22.

Referred to as ‘Las Muertas de Juárez’, many of these victims are found tortured, sexually abused, or disfigured – senseless atrocities that have caught international attention. With many of these cases still unresolved, some sources suggest the number of victims may even reach into the thousands.

It is in this harrowing real setting that we are introduced to Alma, a woman courageously attempting to escape her abusive gang-member fiancé. Following a violent altercation, she flees in the night, cementing her vow to never return by beginning a new relationship with a considerate stranger.

In this story of survival by any means necessary, Peggy Adam explores the complex issues surrounding the murders through the humanity of her characters. Truly a graphic novel of substance, Luchadoras asks the reader to consider where exactly the extents of morality lie in a corrupt society.

“Luchadoras is like watching a piece of great world cinema… It’s a series of reminders that comics are made by people other than white male nerds, that comics don’t need high concepts, and that comics don’t require misanthropic navel-gazing to be gripping and important.”
- Danny Djeljosevic, Comics Bulletin (4 1/5 stars)

“Luchadoras is a concise, focussed gem that deserves to sit up there alongside epics like Los Bros Hernandez’ Love & Rockets and Jessica Abel’s La Perdida as another empathic, perceptive portrayal of troubling aspects of contemporary Mexican society.”
- Paul Gravett

“Brilliant, brutal, and infused with the raw grace of a wounded panther, Luchadoras is so good, it hurts.”
– Jason Wilkins, Broken Frontier