Huntington Public Library Adult Reading Challenge

  I loved this MG graphic novel from Norway--beautifully drawn! Tova is 12 and about to start seventh grade. She lives with her Dad who "makes pretty bad jokes and sometimes goes to metal concerts in a leather jacket (but luckily only SOMETIMES) but makes the best lasagna." And she's about to face some big changes--one of her two best friends has gotten a boyfriend over the summer and that change, plus some new changes of her own, are the plot of this story written in the form of her diary. I also enjoyed the author's afterword where she explains a bit about Norway and concludes "But what I've learned from other translations of this book is that we humans have more in common that we think. Kids in France, Germany, Mexico, and Italy also think that going from being a little kid to being a big kid to being a teen is hard....So, this book is for you who feel alone in all the madness of growing up."

The second part of Marjane Satrapi's memoir follows her life in Austria as a student before moving back to Iran after the end of the war. Satrapi shares how her culture shock affected her life in both countries and her attempts to carve her own way.  

  Lesbian Cartoonist Alison Bechdel recounts her life growing up in Pennsylvania, coming out in college, and dealing with the aftermath of her father's death. Bechdel uses the books that were important in her and her father's lives to make sense of their odd relationship and his proclivities as a funeral home director, home restorer, and closeted gay man.

  A lovely graphic novel about two cats, Cilla and Betto, and there search for a home. Cilla especially believes in the story of a quiet garden, a place where all cats are welcome and she convinces Betto to go in search of it. This takes the two far from their home in Malta to another island and through lots of stories and famous art. Very enjoyable and quick read.

  Marji is a young Iranian girl living with her parents during the Islamic Revolution. Her inner rebel grows as she becomes a teenager, but she is constantly dealt blows as friends and family are killed by bombings or captured by secret police. This autobiographical work cuts to the core and shows the dangers of radical fundamentalism and the importance of maintaining oneself in times of adversity.

This is an adult graphic novel about a Revolutionary War hero. American history, LGBTQ history and personal history intersect in a fascinating account of the life of one very important person. Amazing, informative and at times poignant. I will look for more titles form this dynamic duo in addition to exploring more of the Abrams ComicArts series. An A+!

 Lynda Barry's comics go straight for your heart with her beautiful and compassionate depictions and deep truths about growing up, with all of the perfect imperfections left in. The best kind of writing/drawing, it will inspire you to write your own, "Deep! Tragic! Beautiful! Freaked Out!" story.

  The second graphic novel in The Adventure Zone series joins the gang of Magnus, Taako, and Merle as they go undercover to take a dangerous magical artifact from the famous Rockport Limited, while also uncovering the identity of a killer who resides on the train. Full of fun action and hilarious fourth wall breaking.