A Review of Amily Shen's Coloring Book, Wonderland

I've made a discovery: I don't actually love adult coloring books. I love the idea of them, but when it comes down to it, when I want to relax, I want to keep it simple. And if I'm not trying to relax, but to express myself creatively, I'm going to be doing an original piece.

Having said that, as adult coloring books go, this is a good one.

Amily Shen's Wonderland takes a story most people are familiar with, and re-imagines it as the author's own dream. It harks to Carroll's novel, but is not so much of an Alice retelling, but rather as if the author were forced into Alice's place, rushing through her adventures at a mad and frenzied pace. The story reads like a dream. And I don't mean dreamy; I mean those disjointed dreams where your are standing in one place doing one thing and then suddenly you're somewhere completely diffent, doing something completely else, and you keep running into weirdly impossible people. I'm actually really impressed with the pacing of this story.

The author seems to really hone in on the food aspect, bedecking her pages with treats and sweets. I suppose this only makes sense, as the author appears to have fallen asleep in a bistro. Honestly my favorite part so far has been coloring the caucus race candy page.

The book is also a little bit gimmicky, but in a good way; there's a little bit of look-find action in it, audience participation and some picturebook-ish questions. I think it may hold some appeal for teenagers as well as adults.

I'm not sure how to rate this book, since we have established that I am not enamored of the genre. I will say this, if you google images from this book, you'll see a lot of great work from some incredibly talented people. If you're looking to pour some serious time and talent into this book, it could be perfect for you. If, however, you're just looking for a few minutes to let go, borrow your kid's dollar store animal coloring book. You'll be just as happy.

I'm going to give this book a five, in spite of myself, because this is a coloring book for grown-ups, and for what it is, I think the author did a fantastic job. Ms. Shen can't help it if I'd rather be coloring teddy bears and balloons.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion about the book.

A Review of Maja Säfström's Book, The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts

Maja Säfström, The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts, p.31 (image retrieved from mamamuseme.wordpress.com, 22 April 2016)

The above spread is my favorite image (and fact) from Maja Säfström's book, The Illustrated Compendium of Animal Facts.

Now, I wouldn't call this book so much a compendium, although, by strict definition, it is. I see it more as a random trivia book, accompanied by cute black and white illustrations. Other than being slightly grossed out by some of the facts (Mosquitoes pee on you when they bite (p.26), anyone?), I have no objections to this book - and actually I don't have an objection to that even, just a mild aversion. It is well laid out, with an assortment of facts across a variety of species, and great pictures. The facts are indeed interesting, and the animals quirky and fun. It's a quick read, and it inspires interaction, as you begin looking around for someone to share your new knowledge with. One frequently recurring tidbit that I quite enjoyed was what a group of particular animals is called, my favorite being frogs: a group of frogs is called an army. I can see it. Also literally, because Säfström's illustration includes a group of frogs in army helmets. I really don't have any negative criticism about this book, because it is exactly what it advertises itself to be, and it lives up to expectations. This book is meant to be perused, and joins my list of books I think would be a great addition to waiting rooms of physicians and dentists.

Want more info about Maja Säfström?

• @MajasBok Instagram
• Author Bio

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion about the book.

A Review of Ben Hatke's Book, Little Robot

Remember when I said I was obsessed with Ben Hatke's work? This is the little guy that started it all:

benhatke.com

Well, minus the star. I first became aware of Little Robot when it showed up as a lightning deal on Amazon.com. I have a daughter who loves robots, the artwork looked cool and I figured it was worth a go.

I love it. The artwork is fairly glorious. It's faintly reminiscent of Lilo & Stitch, but different enough that you don't feel like he's copying anybody's style. The story is fun. It's about friendship; making new friends, and being a good one. And about love. Loving your friends, and loving humankind...well, robot-kind. But there's an applicable message here! And there are almost no words.

Little Robot is a graphic novel. It is fun to sit down with your little ones and talk about the pictures, and see the story. Little Robot gave me a whole new respect for graphic novels, and art as a literary device. For the most part I've pretty much ignored graphic novels as books for kids who hate reading (I still think they're great for that, by the way), but as an avid and constant reader, I more than enjoyed this book, I adored it.

I immediately proceeded to my local library (well, sort of immediately...I impatiently sent my husband to the library, where he found one, but not both of the Hatke books available, and made him take me to the library a few days later so I could hunt down the other one.) to read more. I pored over his entire blog, inhaling his artwork. I preordered three of Ben Hatke's upcoming books. And I vowed that I will one day own the Zita trilogy (Also amazing...at least one and three are. I didn't notice three wasn't two until I was most of the way through with it...which kind of cleared up my criticism of his plot holes; turns out I had the wrong book! Sadly, my library doesn't have number two. Why?!?), which I'm a little bit obsessed with right now, and Julia's House for Lost Creatures.

If I have any criticism, it would be that you see a lot of the same characters repeated throughout Mr. Hatke's work, and it can make his world seem a little small. But it's actually something fun too, because it's a little bit like playing I Spy.

I was in no way compensated for this review, or my obsession with Mr. Hatke's artwork, but if his publishing company, First Second, ever wants a family-oriented advance copy reader, I would be more than happy to oblige.

A Review of Camilla d'Errico's Book, Pop Painting

I selected this book to read because I found the cover art riveting. I wanted to see more. Which was good, because this book has lots of examples of her work. And overall, I like her paintings. They can be downright fun. Some of her paintings creep me out a little bit...like the girl with a rainbow-leaking hole in her chest. But even when her works make me uncomfortable, they're well done, and not inappropriate. 

That's how I liked her artwork. How did I like her book?

I  enjoyed the author's sense of humor, like her dream of having a nut dispenser for the family of  squirrels living in her fantasy studio (p.36), and funny phrases like "artistic chili for the brain" (p. 35). She has a fun little ink splotch named "Zu" who adds commentary and demonstrates specific points.

 On pp. 43-44 she has some great stuff, i.e. 43 has a good discussion about what composition means, with follow-up advice on 44, such as: remember what part of your painting is going get covered up by the frame. She talks a lot about finding your own stride as an artist. My favorite line in the book is, "You are born an original, don't die a copy (p.13)." Which ironically is derived from a quote (and book) by John Mason, but point well taken.

Oddly enough, I didn't enjoy the second half of her book, where she demonstrates how she does several of her paintings by example. I found it mildly interesting to see how she went from point A to point B, but as an amateur artist, I'm very much about just doing whatever floats my boat. Which is why those of you who apply yourselves and take the time to learn these things are going to be much better artists than I am. I'll try not to be too jealous. My main complaint about the book is that she gets so very specific about her painting tools...I can see people liking this part, because here you're getting recommendations straight from a professional artist, but I'm probably never going to buy them, so finding out how to make those very specific items give the desired effect isn't crucial for me.

Who should be in the market for this book?

Doctors offices. People looking for new books for their end tables. Big fans of Camilla d'Errico. Artists who are really sincere about their craft and always trying to learn something new.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion about the book.

A Letter to Others Who Struggle With Obesity

Dear Obese Stranger,

I too am obese. Last week I was at least 80 lbs. overweight. There are many long and interwoven reasons for being overweight, including genetics and emotional problems, but the short and simple explanation for why I am obese is that I eat too much, and have a fairly inactive lifestyle. Mostly that I eat too much. I think most of us have realized by now that exercise cannot keep up with the massive quantities of calories we put into our bodies. Exercise is incredibly important, and it does help with weight loss, but the main thing is to put fewer calories into our mouths.

Dear Stranger, if you and I were doing that, we wouldn't be obese anymore, but that is a personal and complicated battle we are fighting, and my victory isn't going to be your victory (in more than in the solidarity sense), because you and I are not the same person. So this letter to you isn't about my weight loss tips and hints. It's about what I wish I could say to you.

You are worthy of being loved. The body of proof is out there, and it is a shapely and plus-sized body. If you look around you, you will see many obese people in happy marriages with partners who love and respect them, and think their spouse is the most fun and exciting person they've ever met. And it isn't just fat people finding fat people. My own husband is a handsome, slender, and loving sweetheart, who thinks that a can of peaches for dinner is great as long as he gets his needed caloric intake over all. I'm not saying there aren't shallow people out there out there for whom being overweight is a distinct and immediate turn-off, or that everyone on Earth is going to love you. I am saying that being obese doesn't make anyone unlovable. There are fat people who love fat people. There are skinny people who love fat people. There are fat people who love skinny people. There are skinny people who love skinny people. You aren't somehow the only obese person on the planet that no one will ever love. And friends are no different. Fat people can and do have skinny friends who love and support them, just like they have fat friends who love and support them.

Wear the right clothes. Briefly, don't wear clothing that is so tight that everyone observes every ripple of your fat as you walk. Sure, I mean that. But mostly I mean don't wear shapeless, unattractive clothing that is way too big for you. I once assumed that because I am obese it didn't matter how I dressed because my body was working against me, negating any positive effort I made. Let me point out to you what my sister pointed out to me: we all know plus-sized women who are gorgeous. They are beautiful and elegant and vivacious. They are careful in their grooming, and gifted at assembling glamorous and flattering clothing ensembles. We know well-dressed men with great haircuts and great taste, who are incredibly attractive - who are also overweight. Just like we know people like that who are skinny. They look good, whatever their body type. So don't bust out the Russian circus tent just because you have fat rolls. You'll make a better impression, and, I'm convinced, look less obese if you're wearing the right size and style of clothing for you.

Don't brag about how much you eat, or try to pass yourself off as the resident fatty. Being a positive person is important, and it makes you more likeable, but trying to be "the fat person" isn't positivity or self-acceptance. It's belittling and demeaning to yourself. And it's also an excuse and an alibi for not changing.

Which brings me to the last thing I'd like to say to you right now. Don't be okay with being obese. It isn't who you are. Smart. Funny. Clever. Kind. Be the best things about you. Keep trying to loose weight. Being obese is hurting us, but not because it is making us unlovable, or unattractive. It's hurting us because we're increasing our risk for serious health challenges, as well as creating or exacerbating actual health challenges we're facing right now. It's hurting us because we're missing opportunities: Do not ride this ride? Weight limit x number of pounds? Running and playing actively with our children? Teaching our children how to care for themselves appropriately? Maybe even living to see our children and grandchildren?

Sum up: Don't let obesity stop you from loving and being loved. Don't let obesity stop you from being an attractive person. Don't adopt your obesity as your defining characteristic. Don't stop fighting to be a healthier you.

Sincerely,

Karyn

P.s. Skinny people have insecurities too. Just like fat people. The key word here is people. We are all people, all together on this planet, all God's children. Let's focus on just being people, good people, and cheering each other on.

A Review of Christopher Hart's Book, Doodletopia Cartoons

Christopher Hart's book, Doodletopia Cartoons is a quasi how-to book about drawing cartoons. It is divided into ten sections each featuring cartoons emphasizing different aspects of cartooning followed by drawing exercises to practice said concept.

What do I like about this book? The art. The cartoons have a really fun retro look, and they are well done. The humor. Mr. Hart is a funny man. He promises that  completion of the first chapter will enable you to run for public office and be elected president (p.11), makes unflattering personal remarks about his likely fictitious family (We're talking about you, Aunt Ethel, p.48) , and shares his personal opinion about the Hipster look (pp. 105-107). Pointers. Mr. Hart has helpful advice, e.g. "A small chest with slightly wider hips gives a humorous look to thin characters. (p.50)."

What don't I like about this book? In section 3, Draw the Other Half, Mr. Hart talks about symmetry. I disagree that this is what he's taking about. I think the real concept at issue here is proportion. His pictures are not symmetrical. Although I am giving him kudos for drawing his eyes the same size and shape. It's the other features that are asymmetrical. In his drawing exercises he gives a prompt, the completed picture, and a facing page with half of the picture for the artist to complete. Some of the prompts differ slightly from the half-cartoon, so it can be a minor adjustment if you're basing it off of the prompt. On a whim I completed one of the exercises completely symmetrically...it doesn't work out great. Not horrible. Just not great. I did think the exercises were really excellent practice for getting the proportions right - something I struggle with. My next issue is that I would have preferred maybe a little bit more instruction. Mr. Hart sometimes issues directives that aren't explained; the small chest/wide hips for thin characters is clearly illuminated, but "Draw the eyes on a tilted angle (p.38.)" and "Draw the hair flat on the sides but bumpy at the top (p.34)." work to good effect on the picture, but why and when?

I was going to flat out not recommend this book. Mr. Hart is witty, his art is great, and he has some helpful pointers. But his book, which is about two steps away from being a one-time use book, is retailing for about $17.00.  And although I like the book, for the most part, I think that price point is too high. When you stop and think about the time and expertise that were obviously put into this book, of course it seems completely reasonable. But what we're really looking at here is our budgets, not the artist's. For me to pay $17.00 for a paperback, it's going to be a special occasion or someone who's work I'm obsessed with (like Ben Hatke, but we'll talk about that later.). I give this one caveat: there are about 160 pages in this book. It is the length alone that makes me say, maybe you would be okay forking over the money. The other reason you might pay that is that a number of cartooning books ( many of them written by Christopher Hart) are similarly priced. But as I read and drew in this book, I kept itching to pull out another book. Which I finally did, and confirmed that, yes, I really do love that book. So here is my honest recommendation: Buy the book if you want, but seriously consider additionally or alternatively buying Action Cartooning by Ben Caldwell. It is an amazing resource for anyone truly interested in cartooning. Also take to heart Mr. Caldwell's recommendation that you purchase Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rogers Peck.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion about the book.

A Review of Anne Tyler's book, Vinegar Girl

I'm afraid I'm going to wax long, though perhaps not eloquently, on the subject of this book.

I did a lot of prep work before reading this book. First you need to know that this book Vinegar Girl is part of Hogarth Shakespeare's relaunch of Shakespeare's plays in modern settings, by famous authors. Anne Tyler is a Pulitzer prizewinning author retelling Taming of the Shrew. In preparation for reading this book, I read one of Anne Tyler's other novels (I was previously unacquainted with her work.), Digging to America. I read Taming of the Shrew, its Wikipedia, its cliff notes, and I even looked up an alternate version of the play, Taming of a Shrew, to read its completed induction (the partial induction is the framework of Taming of the Shrew). In addition, I watched McLintock and 10 Things I hate About You, both modern adaptations. I tried to watch the play on film, but I didn't like the suggestive physical humor, so I had to pass on that one.

Vinegar Girl is the story of Kate Battista, a thoroughly independent preschool assistant who manages her father's affairs while he conducts his scientific research. It is also the story of Pyotr Cherbakov, a Russian genius who has come to the states to be a research assistant, and who can't forget the loneliness of growing up as an orphan. With Pyotr's visa expiring soon, he and Dr. Battista decide to ask Kate to help him to adjust his visa status to "married to an American."

Actually, this book reminds me a lot of the movie The Proposal.

I enjoyed the Anne Tyler novel. I didn't enjoy Taming of the Shrew. I remembered liking it as a teenager, but found myself wondering why as I reread it. I found that the only way the play was palatable or even sensical to me personally was if you borrowed the complete induction from Taming of a Shrew. I was curious about how Anne Tyler would deal with the induction.

Answer: She didn't. Anne Tyler jumps right into her story; and I'm calling it her story deliberately. I can picture Ms. Tyler and the Bard chatting on a park bench. He's telling her all about an idea he has for a story. "No, no!" She protests. "Your story has good bones, " (that's how she phrases it, in my head). "But you're adding so much clutter. Here, I'll show you how to do it." So she outlines her story. And Shakespeare likes it. "I do, really. But it isn't my story. My story is about deception and perception; it's about control and submission. Yours is about fitting in, and belonging. It's about learning to be assertive instead of merely aggressive." Well, that's how it happens in my head, anyway.

Ms. Tyler has direct quotes "Kiss me, Kate" and shout-outs, and nods, and little jokes "Aha! A shrew." "Where?", but her story is only loosely based on the play. And I think it has to be, if you're going to turn a short play with little back story into a novel. And I'm going to be honest; I liked this book much more than its predecessor. I enjoyed it, and I'll probably reread it, maybe even soon.

That isn't to say that there weren't things I didn't like about the book.

Ms. Tyler has used profanity as a way of demonstrating brashness, frankness, and toughness. I'm sure that compared to contemporary novels her language usage is pretty minimal (one reason I usually confine myself to middle grade fiction) but I object to any instances of foul language, so I almost stopped reading when right out of the gate she took the Savior's name in vain.

I didn't like Kate's interactions with the preschoolers; she's supposedly been working there for six years, but we're supposed to believe that in that time she has neither learned to set a good example for the children, nor been fired. However, Ms. Tyler does use the preschool to demonstrate moments of tenderness in our main character.

Speaking of characters, I like the characters. They are well developed and have plenty of personality. Even characters introduced only briefly have endearing personality quirks and uniqueness. With the characters that do stick around, you come to understand them, and their believable motivations. I enjoy Ms. Tyler's writing style.

I enjoyed the ways that she snuck in actual events from the play without making them foreign to her own story and characters, despite telling a vastly different tale. I enjoyed the famous monologue delivered by Kate, restructured to carry Ms. Tyler's message.

I greatly appreciated that Ms. Tyler told a love story without getting smoky, steamy, or racy.

The story is set in Baltimore, and naturally references Johns Hopkins, since Pyotr and Dr. Battista are both employed there. I lived in the Baltimore area for two years, while my husband worked at Johns Hopkins as a postdoc, so for me, it's a little bit like reading about home.

Did Ms. Tyler succeed in the aims of Hogarth Shakespeare? You'll have to ask them, but in my opinion, not so much. Entire elements of the play are dropped. The entire subplot is subverted. The message and tone are entirely different. Anne Tyler has used The Taming of the Shrew as a vehicle to tell her own story, for which I believe we should all be grateful. I believe a faithful retelling of Taming of the Shrew would have required a young woman deliberately putting herself into an abusive relationship, and I think we can all agree we don't need that.

Should you read the book? Yes. It's well-written. I think you'll be happy if you buy it, and happy if you check it out from the library. I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. Maybe 3.5, because I really didn't like the language.

Should you read Hogarth Shakespeare's other stories? I couldn't say. It was evident from Goodreads reviews that I would not enjoy Jeanette Winterson's The Gap of Time, and I quit reading  Howard Jacobson's Shylock is My Name as soon as I hit the F word (Before that point though it was pretty clear that Jacobson's writing style is a bit above me.). So if you like Vinegar Girl, do not automatically assume you'll enjoy the others.

More about the book: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/239448/vinegar-girl-by-anne-tyler/
Author Blurb: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/31626/anne-tyler/

I received an advance reader's edition from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion about the book.