Treasure Island Graphic Novel by Robert Louis Stevenson Review # 15

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Marvel Comics (March 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0785125957
ISBN-13: 978-0785125952


Summary for the Back Cover:

"Fifteen men on a Dead Man's Chest- yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!"
With this sinister natch of piratical song echoing along the English Coast, the mysterious Billy BOnes ushers young Jim Hawkins into an undreamed-of world of danger and adventure on the far-flung, mist-shrounded Treasure Isalnd, And over it all looms the towering shadow of the most famous corsair of them all- the ever-scheming, intirguing, and enigmatic Long John Silver

My Review:

I really did not like this book. Treasure Island is one classic that did not enjoy. I guess I am not into the pirate thing. The pictures were lovely but the story did not keep my attention it took me four days to finish this book and it was graphic novel that would usually take me a day in a half to read. I kept want to do other things rather than read this book so when I was finish I was actually proud of myself for sticking through it.

Pirates and gold have always been the fascination with young boys so I am sure I will recommend it to my son but for myself I have no intention of reading the original if I could not get into the coloring book.

I rate this book a 1/5


FCC: I am an Amazon associate and I borrowed this book from the library. I may be compensated through the Amazon associate program. The opinions expressed here are solely my own opinion.

Frankenstein The Graphic Novel by Mary Shelley Review #14

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Classical Comics (January 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1906332509
ISBN-13: 978-1906332501


Synopsis

Conceived as part of a literary game among friends in 1816, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is today regarded as a classic piece of 19th century literature. The story begins with the journey of an adventurer, Robert Walton, who saves the life of a man at the North Pole. That man, Victor Frankenstein, tells Walton about his experiments with the creation of life and how he ended up at the North Pole. Through this simple plot device, Shelley was able to deal with serious real-world issues like acceptance, tolerance, and understanding, as well as the universal human need for companionship and love. The novel, of course, inspired a host of films, from the 1931 classic starring Boris Karloff to Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein, and more recently, a series of novels by Dean Koontz. This version, though slightly abridged, retains much of the original dialogue and remains true to Shelley’s brilliant vision.



My Review:
This is beautifully illustrated book. The writing was not the original words but it stayed true to the story. I have read the original about 3 years ago. This is the story of Dr. Frankenstein who decides to make a human after seeing a lightening storm little did he know what he was getting himself into.

Frankenstien is a reread for me but in a different version. After this second reading I have learned to appreciate Frankenstein even though it is not one my favorite books. The pictures in this novel brought Mary Shelley's vision to life right before your eyes. I would recommend it for a teenager who is studying her novel to gain a better understanding of the text but this should not be used in studying for a test because it is Not the original work.

I rate this 3/5

FCC. Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library. I am an Amazon Associate. I did not receive any compensation for my review and the opinion expressed is solely my own.

The War of The Worlds by H.G. Wells Review #12

Product Details from Amazon
Hardcover: 72 pages
Publisher: Dark Horse (May 3, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1593074743
ISBN-13: 978-1593074746


Synopsis from Barnes and Noble
From the pen of legendary science fiction author and futurist, H.G. Wells, Dark Horse Comics is proud to present their adaptation of the most famous science fiction novel of all time: The War of the Worlds!

In the closing years of the 19th century, the genteel tranquility of Victorian England is shattered by the arrival of an invasion force from the red planet - Mars! Methodical and merciless, the Martians are intent on nothing less than the conquest and subjugation of the human race.

Told from the point of view of an ordinary man caught up in the carnage and chaos, witness firsthand how the then greatest empire in the world is brought to its knees by the Martians' cool alien intellect and the implacable heat ray!


My Review:

This story started out with a bang literally when the Martians invade upon a city. All the world is is chaos and the martians are taking over. What are we ever to do.

Science fiction and Fantasy is never a genre that I explore but I have always wanted to read this story even though I am reading it in graphic novel form. I will be review this form. The pictures in the novel were very detail you feel like you are right in the heart of this story. The pages kept you on edge and it was fairly a quick read. Will I read any more by this author probably not but it is not because of the story it is because this genre is not for me. I think it will be a fun read for my son since this type of subject intrigues him.

I rate this a 3/5. Recommend to the Space lover in your family.


FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library. I am an Amazon associate. I am have not been compensated for give this review and the opinions expressed are solely my own.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Review #9

Product Details
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Classical Comics (November 25, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1906332517
ISBN-13: 978-1906332518


Product Description from Amazon.com
One Christmas Eve, after being particularly cruel to his employee, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley, who tells him that he will be visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, Future. Each ghost shows him things that rekindle the joy and spirit of Christmas within his heart and awaken his goodwill toward his fellow man. In typical fashion, Dickens deals with social injustice in a way that transcends the 19th century. This illustrated version of the classic holiday tale is brough to life with an illustrated Character List (like a Dramatis Personae), 134 pages of color story artwork, and fascinating support material that details the life and work of Charles Dickens as well as information on Victorian England.


My Review:

I really loved this graphic novel version of one of the most famous Christmas stories of all time. This is my second reading of the story in two years I own the original version. The graphic novel version did not disappoint. It brought the characters of the Dickensian class to life of paper comic book style.

Your teen would love this book if they are more of a visual reader. It has the original text of the novel complete with illustrations for easy understanding of the story. I would recommend this for anyone who has kids who are visual learns so they can learn to appreciate this timeless classic.


I rate this a 5/5

FCC Discalaimer: I borrowed this book from the library and I am an Amazon associate. I was did not recieve in compensation for this review and this is solely my opinion.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka adapted by Peter Kuper Review #7

Product Details
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Crown (August 5, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400047951
ISBN-13: 978-1400047956

From the Inside Cover:
Acclaimed graphic artist Peter Kuper present a brillian, darkly comic reimaging of Kafka's classic tale of family, alienation, and a giant bug. Kuper's electric drawings- which merge American Cartooning with German expressionism- bring Kafka's prose to vivid life, reviving the orginial story's hmor and poignancy in a way that will surprise and delight readers of Kafka and graphic novels alike.

My review:

This book is one of the mosting interesting books I read. It is totally different from what I imagined. This is a story of a salesman named Gregor Samsa who wakes up from a dream to discover he turned into a dung beetle. With this metamorphosis he learns his life has changed forever. He can not go to work nor can he position himself in a different ways to get comfortable. All this eventually leads to depression. He is scorned by his family members because of his state.
This is a comic book with a hint of sadness. It really makes you think of how people treat others who are different. A teenager who is assigned to Kafka will find it easy to understand. The illustrations do the story a great justice. One day I hope to read the original.

I rate this a 4/5

FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this from my local library. I am an Amazon associate. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own and I was not influenced from publishers or people other than myself.

Beowulf by Gareth Hinds Review#6

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; 1st Candlewick Press Ed edition (March 13, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763630233
ISBN-13: 978-0763630232


From the Inside Cover:

First recorded in 1000A.D., the epic tale of the warrior prince Beowulf is here reinvented through Gareth Hinds's masterful and darkly beautiful illustrations. Grendel's black blood runs thick as Beowulf defeats the monster and his hideous mother, and a red fires rage in the hero's final battle against a ferocious dravon. From lightning-paced contests of muscle and will to the funeral boats burning on the fjords, all are rendered in glorious and gruesome detail. Told for more than a thousand years, Beowuld's heroic saga finds a true home in this graphic novel edition.

My Review:

This was another quick read. The illustrations really depicted the details of the story. The graphic novel version of Beowulf is a great supplement to the original. In this version you a transported to a time of chivalry, were warriors defeat giants and go on to be honored even in death.

The story of of Beowulf has been a staple in English Literature since it has been spoken and written. This version is for someone who may not understand the concepts in the Old English form of the novel. It brings the words to life.

I recommend this for the 12th grader or even English Lit major who struggling to understand the story. I like it even though this is not my favorite story.


3/5 is my rating.

FCC Disclaimer: I checked this out at the library. I am an Amazon Associate. The opinions written here are solely my own.

Review of The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

This is the story of Michael Henchard , a man who in a drunken stupor sell his wife and daughter to a fisherman. Eighteen years later she comes backk and finds that he is a the Mayor of a town called Casterbridge. When she returens life begins to change for Michael. Why did she return? How does it affect him? You will have to read to find out.


This is an excellent novel and I look forward to read more by Mr. Hardy(I have already read Tess of D'Ubervilles). Mayor of Casterbridge is a great introduction to Hardy because it less dark than Tess of D'Urbervilles. His character development is very good he digs deep into the psyche of Mr. Henchard. I could easily say this is one of my favorite books.

Movie Review- Psycho

Summary from Amazon.com:
For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off Psycho (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, Psycho is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters--then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you. Anthony Perkins is unforgettable as Norman Bates, the mama's boy proprietor of the Bates Motel; and so is Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, who makes an impulsive decision and becomes a fugitive from the law, hiding out at Norman's roadside inn for one fateful night.

My Review:

I have seen this movie about 5 times in the past 2 weeks. I love this movie. No one can capture the spirit of a true psychopath than Anthony Perkins. His character is what movies of that genre aspire to be. In the early 2000's, They did a remake of this movie but it never captured the essence of this film. Janet Leigh as the character of Marian Crane was a class act no one can do a death scene like her.

The movie is shot in black and white and it makes it all the more creepier than if it had been shot in color and the infamous music is a classic.

This is one of my favorite Hitchcock movies so far of the movies I have seen this one is my favorite and I would recommend it to anyone.

I rate this movie 5/5

Movie Review of REAR WIDOW

Synopsis from Amazon. Com: Like the Greenwich Village courtyard view from its titular portal, Alfred Hitchcock's classic Rear Window is both confined and multileveled: both its story and visual perspective are dictated by its protagonist's imprisonment in his apartment, convalescing in a wheelchair, from which both he and the audience observe the lives of his neighbors. Cheerful voyeurism, as well as the behavior glimpsed among the various tenants, affords a droll comic atmosphere that gradually darkens when he sees clues to what may be a murder.

Photographer L.B. "Jeff" Jeffries (James Stewart) is, in fact, a voyeur by trade, a professional photographer sidelined by an accident while on assignment. His immersion in the human drama (and comedy) visible from his window is a by-product of boredom, underlined by the disapproval of his girlfriend, Lisa (Grace Kelly), and a wisecracking visiting nurse (Thelma Ritter). Yet when the invalid wife of Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr) disappears, Jeff enlists the two women to help him to determine whether she's really left town, as Thorwald insists, or been murdered.

Hitchcock scholar Donald Spoto convincingly argues that the crime at the center of this mystery is the MacGuffin--a mere pretext--in a film that's more interested in the implications of Jeff's sentinel perspective. We actually learn more about the lives of the other neighbors (given generic names by Jeff, even as he's drawn into their lives) he, and we, watch undetected than we do the putative murderer and his victim. Jeff's evident fear of intimacy and commitment with the elegant, adoring Lisa provides the other vital thread to the script, one woven not only into the couple's own relationship, but reflected and even commented upon through the various neighbors' lives.

At minimum, Hitchcock's skill at making us accomplices to Jeff's spying, coupled with an ingenious escalation of suspense as the teasingly vague evidence coalesces into ominous proof, deliver a superb thriller spiked with droll humor, right up to its nail-biting, nightmarish climax. At deeper levels, however, Rear Window plumbs issues of moral responsibility and emotional honesty, while offering further proof (were any needed) of the director's brilliance as a visual storyteller.

My Review: This movie was a little creepy for me. Not in a scary sense but in a uncomfortable way. Can you imagine your neighbors looking in your window? Or in the reverse can you see yourself spying into the lives of your neighbors? Would you be surprised at what you would find?

James Stewart plays the character of Jeff who has a broken leg who has nothing better to do but look at his neighbors. At first it was just to pass the time but then stuff happens. Grace Kelly play his lovely girlfriend Lisa. Both actors were believable in their characters. The movie held my attention even though I had to watch it twice because I had so many distractions. His nurse played by Thelma Ritter is great too. Jeff pulls these two women into his voyeuristic world.

The cinematography was excellent shot in technicolor the DVD restored its original form. This one of my favorite films from Hitchcock after Psycho and The Birds. The set was shot entirely in the studio.

I would recommend this to anyone its a great mystery with a touch of voyeurism you feel like you are actually in the small apartment with them.

5/5

Review The Awakening by Kate Chopin

From the back cover:
Her most famous work, certainly roused many. This novel tells of a Louisiana wife who discovers the strength of her own sexuality and tries to wrench it from the hands of a patriarchal society. And just as Edna Pontellier is ostracized fro trying to master her own sexual fate, so was Chopin shunned after writing this book, her reputation and career destroyed. Today, however, The Awakening is considered a masterpiece, and along with her short stories, it has set a standard for younger generations of women, who have learned to value their individuality and independence.

My Review:

I really liked this short story by Katie Chopin. I kind of understand why Edna feels the way she does. Here she is keeping up appearances for her husband that she does not love but feeling empty inside. Why I don't agree that she should have left her children behind when she decided to claim her independence. I understood her need to find herself, what she is about and what she can accomplish. I read this for a book club called Banned Books. I understood why it was banned back in the Victorian Era. Women were not allowed to have opinion on anything. They were expected to very agreeable to their husbands and turn the other cheek when he did something that would disappoint her. The were like little puppets. Katie Chopin was criticized for this work so much so that she never wrote another novel again.

Overall I rate this 4.5/5

Review of Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell

Summary from the Back of the Book:
Set in Manchester in the 1840z- period of industrial unrest and extreme deprivation-Mary Barton depicts the effects of economic and physical hardship upon the city's working-class community. Paralleling the novel's treatment of the relationship between masters and men, the suffering of the poor, and the workmen's angry response, is the story of Mary herself: a factory-worker's daughter who attracts the attentions of the mill-owner's son, she becomes caught up in the violence of class conflict when a brutal murder forces her to confront her true feelings and allegiances.

Review:
The beginning started out slow. It was mostly about society and politics of the period for the first 100 pages. The last 200 pages were filled with excitement that kept you at the edge of your seat. I am glad I stayed past the first 100 pages because I ended up liking the book after all. The character were interesting and did wonder what was happening to them. The prose was great and it help you get inside the mind of the characters. Also included in my copy are two lectures on Lancashire dialect. Which at times in the book was hard to understand. While I did not read the lectures I may go back and read them at a later time. This is not my first work by Ms.Gaskell it certainly won't be my last. My advice is after the first 100 pages you will get to the meat and potatos of the the story.

My overall rating is: 4/5

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Summary:
This was Miss Austin's last work. It also has an alternate ending as well. This is a story about Anne Eliot who refuses to marry Captain Wentworth because he does not have any money. Well eventually he leaves and many years have passed and he comes back with money but he also has fell for Louisa Musgrove who he begins to court. Well, of course Anne does not like that. Something bad happens to Louisa and she is incapacitated. Anne and Captain Wentworth meet in Bath and realize that they never stopped loving each other. Well I won't spoil the ending for you. You will have to read to find out what happens next.

Review:
I am sorry to say this is one of my least favorites of Jane Austen works. It was not as engaging as Pride and Prejudice or held my attention as much as Northanger Abbey which most people do not give good reviews. I found myself hoping the story would finally be over. I guess I am not a big of a romance fan so to me it was painful. While I think she is a great writer this book did not do if for me. I still have to read Emma, Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park. Then I will have finished all of her works.

Overall rating 3/5

Review of Glinda of Oz by Frank Baum

Summary and Review:

This is the last book in the Oz series but I am reading this series out of order.

Even though it entitled Glinda of Oz, Glinda is not a major character in the story. The two main characters in the story are Dorothy and Ozma and how they travel to the lands of the Skeezers and Flatheads. Along the way the have some mishaps and challenges. When they eventually get to the land of the Flatheads they find that they are going to war with the Skeezers. The all fighting over fish in the pond. Not just any fish but the 3 Adepts who were turned into fish by the leader of the Skeezers. Well Ozma tries to stop them and she and Dorothy end up in the middle and are eventually trapped in the land of the Skeezers. Will they get out? Well you will have to read to find out.

This book as well as most of Frank Baum's books are filled with lessons for children. This novel is not different. This book includes bullying, lying and cruelty. I think any child would love this book its full of fantasy and not to scary for the little ones. This book is very engaging and you are immediately immersed in the beautiful language of the book. This book is a rather quick read even though I recieved it daily via Daily Lit. I finished it in about 2wks reading 4 entries a day.

I would recommend this to any family who wants an escape to the land of OZ.

Review for DIAL M FOR MURDER

Review and Synopsis:

This move start with a married woman, played by Grace Kelly who is discussing the past with her ex-boyfriend. They are just finishing a passionate embrace when her husband comes in. She immediately introduces her her old friend to her husband. They were supposed to go out to dinner but the husband changes his mind saying he has work to do. Here is where the the backdrop of the movies comes into place. I wont say anymore except she is accused of murder but will she have to suffer? What happens for her to be charged? Well you have to watch the movie to find out.

I would have to say I loved this movie. It will easily be one of my favorite movies. It was based on a play. This movie had the right amount of suspense. There was a remake in the '90s with Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow called a Perfect Murder.This is what I have known of Hitchcock rather than his movie North by Northwest.

The acting was wonderful and the character were very believable. Grace Kelly is one of my favorite actresses and its a shame her life was cut short by and accident. The male actors were really good in their roles too especially Ray Millard and Robert Cummings. I would like to see more of their work too.

Overall I give this movie a 5/5