Book Review: Classic Redone

My own image

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: A GRAPHIC NOVEL

Written by Harper Lee
Adapted and Illustrated by Fred Fordham
2018; Harper/Harper Collins (288 pages)
RATING: 5 STARS

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one of my favourite books. As cliche as it sounds, this book changed my life. It made me aware that the colour of one’s skin can be enough for someone to hate you, that truth and justice wasn’t always going to be fair and the good guys don’t always win. Lee’s writing also inspired me as a writer. When I saw that Lee’s book was getting adapted into a graphic novel, I had mixed feelings as I didn’t know how faithful it would be to the original story. Were they going to add or take big things out. Phew, Fordham did an amazing job! Not only were the illustrations great, but the story is faithful to the book and hits all the great scenes. This is one I hope to buy as it a must for any collection, especially fans of the writer and the book.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Book Review: I’d Rather be Reading (- ALWAYS!)

Thank you to Baker Books for my own copy!

I’D RATHER BE READING: THE DELIGHTS AND DILEMMAS OF THE READING LIFE

Written by Anne Bogel
2018; Baker Books (160 pages)

RATING: 4 STARS

I first honed in on the cover art and the title of this book, and after reading the synopsis, I was really excited to read this little book. Anne Bogel is the creator of the blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy, and podcast, What Should I Read Next?. 

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading!”

–Rainer Maria Rilke

There are 21 very short essays (approx. 2-3 pages) about book lovers – both herself and others she has known, or from her site and podcast.  Some of these chapters just sent me down memory lane or comparing my time as a reader – The Books that Find You, I’m Begging You to Break My Heart and Readers I Have Been.  I read about a chapter a night before bed to give myself time to absorb each theme, and think about my own thoughts on it.  You could read this book cover to cover in a few hours, but this book is better, in my opinion, to savour.  I know you are wonder, “Why just 4 stars then?”.  What would discourage me in recommending this book is that it seems to be too brief.  I wish there are had been more to read – more fleshed out.  I am very happy to add this book to my shelf as it is pretty and gives me good feels, but I would recommend maybe borrowing it from the library.  This book also gives you a taste of who Bogel is if you are looking for someone to suggest what to read next.  I don’t think, after finishing this book, we have the exact taste so I will be skipping the blog and podcast.  She does have another book, Reading People – How Seeing the World Through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything.  I am looking forward to reading this as I have the eBook (and hopefully review at some time).

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Calling All Book Clubs!!!

TIP: This is a great book to take to book club.  The chapters can either open up conversation – especially if you are just starting and want to get to know one another – or provide some possible book selections!