You are always welcome here

And you can visit anytime! A general posting / book review blog with a focus on the spiritual, religious, artistic, and inspirational

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Review: The Sorcery Code, by Dima Zales

I’m not normally a fan of fantasy, but when I saw this book on sale, I decided to give it a go. Ultimately, I thought it made for a pleasant downtime read: nothing too complicated or revolutionary, but complex and interesting enough to keep me engaged.

The book takes place in a world where magic is the norm – for only the population’s upper classes and nobility. Otherwise, commoners and “peasants” are discouraged and prevented from learning the magical language and are made to live and work on the territories of powerful landowners, typically sorcerers. An ongoing drought has sparked rebellion and heightened tensions between these two groups of people. Enter our main character, Blaise; once regarded as a member of the elite sorcerers but cast out after the council’s trial and execution of his brother, Blaise is skilled sorcerer who seeks to make magic accessible to everyone by creating a magical object able to translate regular language into workable spells for any purpose. After days and nights of working with the Spirit Realm (the plane of reality responsible for the existence of magic), he eventually causes this object to manifest in the form of Gala, a young, beautiful woman whose naivete about the real world is as impressive as her ability to absorb knowledge and solve complex computations in her head almost instantaneously.

The pair’s efforts are set at odds to another duo: the seductive sorceress and Blaise’s former lover, Augusta, and Barson, a military man and Augusta’s current lover. Blaise and Augusta’s opinions stand on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the accessibility of magic, and their beliefs remain just as contrasted with the creation of Gala, whom Augusta believes is a host of “unnatural life” and remains paranoid that the powerful Gala may not mean entirely well for the mere mortals of the real world when once she does learn how to wield her powers.

The writing is simple, easy to follow, and easy to read. Each chapter of the book is a point-of-view switch between Blaise, Gala, Augusta, and Barson interchangeably over the course of the story. Sometimes, these chapter breaks felt a little bit fragmented – especially considering that the majority of the book’ action takes place only within about a week. The romance element was interesting as well if, in my opinion, somewhat stilted. Gala’s feelings for Blaise seemed to come on too strong, too soon; for being so aware of the limitations of her own knowledge ( “ I’ll meet other men…” ), she seemed far too quick to commit herself to him ( “… but it won’t change my feelings for you.” ).

Despite that, the highlight of the story was definitely the likeability of the characters. I especially loved the brilliant and forward-thinking Blaise, who despite everything always had his heart in the right place. I came to like Gala as well, even in the face of my fears that she would be played into the “Airhead” or the “Pure and Innocent” tropes. On the contrary, Gala was intelligent, curious, and occasionally even selfish in her desires to experience the rest of the world. As a living, breathing, thinking human fresh entered into the real world, she anxiously desires to experience everything she possibly can and craves life experience. She has believable moments of anger and frustration in the face of Blaise’s warnings that her discovery may put the both of them in danger. I also appreciated the multilayered effect that the multiple points of view had on character development; just as we understand Gala’s frustration as she expresses her desires to life her life during her more self-centered moments, we are given an idea of Augusta’s fear during her weaker moments and rationale for her misguided way of thinking. It balances well and gave me a sense of understanding and three-dimensionality, even for our antagonists.

Overall: while nothing ornate or thought-provoking, The Sorcery Code was simple and engaging enough to be a pleasant read for an idle day, and I wouldn’t mind sitting down with the sequel and revisiting this world sometime soon.

*I received this book at a discounted price for an honest review, and make it a priority to keep it that way. I will return to update this review is any aspect of my opinion should change over time.

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Product Review: Frosty Pillow Gel Mat from Angel Direct Products

Hey there tumblr! It's smile posting here with something new: a product review! I'd like to start up a special tumblr just for product reviews soon... so please take a look at my sample review here for the Frosty Pillow Gel Mat, a cooling mat for your pillow!

This cooling mat is meant to be used for comfort and/or things such as hot flashes, headaches, neck pain, and fevers. I've been using it for about a week now, and it's nice to have around -- no complaints or issues yet.

The mat itself is a thin sheet of cool, gelatinous material sewn inside a blue cover. The outer cover that comes along with it both acts a buffer for the cold and keeps the mat clean, as the mat can be folded for storage. It’s pretty thin so it’s not very intrusive while laying on it, but it does have a bit of weight on it, which made it a little awkward to use when using the mat for my back, with the pillow propped up. It does take some getting used to at night because it's something new beneath your head. The instructions on the box are fairly straightforward; place the cooling mat into the refrigerator for about an hour before use, and then place the mat over or inside of your pillowcase. In my experience, the cooling effect lasts for about an hour before it begins to warm up. If you’re like me and have a relatively thin pillowcase, I highly recommend placing a towel in between the pillowcase and the mat for layering, as the mat can get very cool especially when left in the refrigerator for longer than an hour.

I get migraines fairly regularly, and I tried using it once during a duller episode. I can say conclusively that while the mat can’t be used by itself as a remedy, it does make the bed more comfortable while waiting for the Tylenol to kick in. As a college student, I also live in a dorm with no air conditioning... as of this review, it’s February here in Cleveland, and so the weather has been very "on/off" recently. I have definitely found this to be a better bet on warmer nights as opposed to colder ones, and I can see myself getting the most use out of this mat during the summer and fall.

Overall, I can see myself using this every now and then in the future, and for the week I’ve tried it for, it’s remained functional and is fairly portable on top of being easy to use.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this product at a discounted price for an honest review.

Amazon direct link here.

30% Discount Code for Amazon: 30TMSN15

#PillowGel

Thanks for reading!!! Please feel free to leave me any suggestions, improvements, or products to review in my ask box.

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Performing Under Pressure

Reading this book was, in many ways, an eye-opening experience. I've been working hard on my powers of improv, and I feel like I understand better why it can be so difficult to pump out good ideas when on a time limit, or with larger than normal stakes. The primary premise of this book is the assertion that a human brain is comparable to a computer, in the sense that when under pressure, the brain has less "mental RAM" to process things, like the slower performance of a computer running multiple programs at once. Those who are able to keep concentrated on the "programs" that will best suit them are the ones who perform the best under pressure -- and are able to stay in the "autopilot" they maintain when simply rehearsing or practicing their skill instead of performing it. I liked the anecdotes and examples weaved throughout the book illustrating this theory, and did feel like thinking about things in the way that the book illustrates helped me to understand some of my "performance anxieties" in the real life -- a harsh cycle between diminished performance and anxiety. Overall, I thought it was a good book, and am glad that I now own it to return to when I need a refresher.

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A Study in Spenzer: Cleveland's Sherlock

As many of you know, I have been working for the past year on the archive of John George Spenzer, toxicologist and forensic expert in Cleveland Ohio (1864-1932). Today, I would like to introduce th...

Cleveland’s very own Sherlock Holmes! Check out my “evening of amateur deductions” of the Dr John George Spenzer collection... 

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Bite-Sized Review: Choose Your Own Autobiography, by Neil Patrick Harris

Back Cover Summary:

Tired of memoirs that only tell you what really happened? Sick of deeply personal accounts written in the first person? Seeking an exciting, interactive read that puts the “u” back in “aUtobiography”? Then look no further than Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography! In this revolutionary, Joycean experiment in light celebrity narrative, actor/personality/carbon-based-life-form Neil Patrick Harris lets you, the reader, live his life. You will be born to New Mexico. You will get your big break at an acting camp. You will get into a bizarre confrontation outside a nightclub with actor Scott Caan. Even better, at each critical juncture of your life you will choose how to proceed. You will decide whether to try out for Doogie Howser, M.D.You will decide whether to spend years struggling with your sexuality. You will decide what kind of caviar you want to eat on board Elton John’s yacht. Choose correctly and you’ll find fame, fortune, and true love. Choose incorrectly and you’ll find misery, heartbreak, and a hideous death by piranhas. All this, plus magic tricks, cocktail recipes, embarrassing pictures from your time as a child actor, and even a closing song. Yes, if you buy one book this year, congratulations on being above the American average, and make that book Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography!

Review:

Has anyone honestly met someone who doesn't like Neil Patrick Harris???

The style is fun to read, the concept is ingenious, and NPH is just hilarious. How else do I say it? I enjoyed this book tremendously. Which is to say I loved it. NPH makes anything 120 percent more awesome.

it's clear that the making of this book was an intensely personal and fun experience for its writer -- it's read that way, too. The book is sprinkled with meaningful guest writers chipping in with fond memories - and even Barney Stinson gets a section! A large percentage of the book is devoted to Harris’s discovery of his sexuality, and he writes both humourously and sensitively on this topic.

A highly entertaining read. Walk through NPH’s fantastic life with him! What a great way to guide your audience through that. I kept returning and read through every pathway with a big smile on my face -- the sign of a choose-your-own-adventure book done well.

Cons: Entirely unnecessary.

Overview:

Still mega-impressed by this concept. A big cheer for NPH! Keeping this one on my bookshelf!!

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Review: Growing Up Catholic, Mary Jane Frances Cavolina and co

Back Cover Summary:

The original edition of Growing Up Catholic, along with its sequels, struck a heavenly chord with a generation of Catholics of all persuasions. Now, to commemorate the Great Catholic Jubilee of the Year 2000, the authors bless us with an updated and expanded version of this beloved national bestseller. Filled with a witty, poignant, and downright hilarious potpourri of essays, lists, games, drawings, photos, and quizzes, it includes the best of all three Growing Up Catholic books, along with many all-new features, such as: Jubilee 2000: Not Your Average Birthday Party Father Phil: Confessor to the Sopranos Who Will Be The Next Pope?: A Handicapper’s Guide Ansubstantiationtray: Can’t Anybody Here Speak Latin Anymore? www.holy.com For Catholics of all ages — from those who lived through Vatican II to those who’ve never seen a nun’s habit except in a movie — Growing Up Catholic celebrates in a lighthearted way the funny and sublime side of day-to-day Catholic life.

Thoughts:

I’m a believer, but I’m always one for a good-spirited Christian joke. I figure that, out of all beings in Heaven and on Earth, God is one of the most capable of laughing at Himself. That being said, this collection of small, magazine article-style segments manages to make a pleasant little read of itself.

I didn’t complete the book all in one sitting. In fact, I believe the best way to read this book is in pieces; the layout of the articles is similar to the ever-popular trivia books you occasionally read to pass the time — and indeed, I can’t see someone going remiss leaving this in their bathroom or some other public place where it can be picked up and randomly browsed through, a mixed bag of short and sweet, humorous and absurd. There was also little activities sprinkled here and there that I found cute — “What Is Wrong With This Picture?” was one of my favorites.

The writing manages to be satirical but not irreverent. Most of the humor comes from the hyperbolic portrayals of Hell and expectations set up for moral behavior, as well as humanity’s actions and thoughts in response to those expectations: things from the petty rivalries between the Catholic schoolchildren and the “public” kids, to comparing penances after Confession to find the unlucky sinner with the most amount of prayers to account for their sins, to giving that good-looking priest the nickname “Father What-a-Waste.”

Cons:

Of course, by reading something like this you’re taking the risk of running into some things you may not agree with or find in bad taste. It’s important, I think, to start reading with a clear idea of what you might be getting into.

A lot of the jokes I didn’t recognize, having grown up in and attended Catholic school in mostly the 90s and 2000s. My school also didn’t have nuns teach any classes — something my mother said happened more commonly when she was in school.

Overview:

If you have a turn for religious humor and a background in the Catholic school system, it's a quaint little read. As for me, I have a ridiculously good-natured Christian reader-friend in mind to give this to, that I think would love this.

(FTC Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from BloggingForBooks in exchange for this review.)

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Review: Sketch, by France Belleville-Van Stone

Back Cover Summary:

An inspirational manual for integrating sketching into daily life for artists and non-artists alike. 

Urban sketching--the process of sketching on the go as a regular practice--is a hot trend in the drawing world. In this aspirational guide, French artist France Belleville-Van Stone offers motivation to move beyond the comfort zone, as well as instruction on turning rough sketches into finished work. By sharing her own creative process, which includes sketching by hand and digitally, Belleville-Van Stone emboldens readers to craft a method of their own and devote more time to art, even if it's just 10 minutes a day. Sketch will inspire artists both established and aspiring to rethink their daily practice, sketch for the pure joy of it, and document their lives and the world around them.

Thoughts:

The subtitle of this book is "the non-artist's guide to inspiration, technique, and drawing daily life." I've been sketching and drawing for a few years, and so to write this review, I took a trip down memory lane and considered my personal artistic development; as a result, I'm going to try to review this book from recommendations to a beginner artist, someone who's just trying to get their footing in the art -- so anecdotes abound!

I see myself as pretty lucky that I really haven't struck out at all with any of the art books I've been picking up. They all bring something new to the table, and I appreciate hearing different artist's voice on the subject.

I considered Sketch's most valuable lesson as this: as an art form, drawing comes to full bloom only through turning it into "something you just do" as opposed to a big event. Indeed, this idea is seen from the introduction onward, and seems to set the tone for the entire book: Belleville-Van Stone keeps her technique section to a minimum, spending most of the time writing about supplies, how to draw on a time limit, and digital sketching on the iPad for on-the-go work. In my experience as an artist, this piece of advice is invaluable! At some point in my own drawing experience I began to consider everything that I began working on to be the next Mona Lisa... or at least I figured that every time I drew, I had to be striving for Mona Lisa. I realize now in retrospect that this feeling emerges primarily after a long time of not drawing -- after I've forgotten what a pencil in my hand feels like. It's because learning to draw is about becoming acquainted with the materials you're working with and just working, letting go of artistic inhibition step by step. Sketching is not magic or "talent" -- it's all about practice and mistakes. The book was, I was happy to see, true to that spirit.

Only about four drawing techniques were covered in depth, and to good effect. Especially in those beginning stages, it's important not to get overwhelmed by perfecting technique but instead focusing on practice of those skills, slow integration of them over the course of style development. And speaking of style, the book is very referential to other artists for inspiration, both classical and modern, ranging from the Renaissance painters to Michael Nobbs. This makes sense -- it's an encouragement for new artists to get out there and find artists that they wish to emulate, a huge part of the drawing process: namely, feeling free to both inspire and be inspired. When I was just beginning art, I made the mistake of thinking that copying another artist's work was, well, just copying. But in truth, I was learning things from that artist, developing my style through imitation -- and that's what so much of it is about, and where everyone who is successful begins.

Cons:

Not a book I would recommend for intermediate artists, especially not for exploratory artists! This is definitely geared towards building-blocks sketching and letting go of artistic inhibitions. If you feel like this isn't a problem area for you, this book might not have as much value to you as something like Sarah Simblet's Anatomy for the Artist or Stan Smith's Anatomy, Perspective, and Composition for the Artist.

Overall:

A good launchpad for beginners, and for the more advanced artist, an honest reminder of your roots. Lots of valuable tips and lessons -- it's tough to go wrong giving it a read.

(FTC Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided for me by Blogging for Books in exchange for this review!)

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Review: My Paris Kitchen, by David Lebowitz

(image courtesy of Amazon.com)

Back Cover Summary:

It’s been ten years since David Lebovitz packed up his most treasured cookbooks, a well-worn cast-iron skillet, and his laptop and moved to Paris. In that time, the culinary culture of France has shifted as a new generation of chefs and home cooks—most notably in Paris—incorporates ingredients and techniques from around the world into traditional French dishes. 

In My Paris Kitchen, David remasters the classics, introduces lesser-known fare, and presents 100 sweet and savory recipes that reflect the way modern Parisians eat today. You’ll find Soupe à l’oignon, Cassoulet, Coq au vin, and Croque-monsieur, as well as Smoky barbecue-style pork, Lamb shank tagine, Dukkah-roasted cauliflower, Salt cod fritters with tartar sauce, and Wheat berry salad with radicchio, root vegetables, and pomegranate. And of course, there’s dessert: Warm chocolate cake with salted butter caramel sauce, Duck fat cookies, Bay leaf poundcake with orange glaze, French cheesecake...and the list goes on. David also shares stories told with his trademark wit and humor, and lush photography taken on location around Paris and in David’s kitchen reveals the quirks, trials, beauty, and joys of life in the culinary capital of the world.

Thoughts:

I started college a couple months ago, and much to my dismay it's really been interfering with my ability to dig into things I actually WANT to read. That being said, I received this cookbook a while ago, and hadn't gotten the chance to really pick it up and look at it until now. But now that it's a Saturday, I've been able to give the book a good perusing and, after stepping back from the book a couple times to satiate sudden spells of hunger, am finally ready to compose my review. 

The book has quite a nice variety of dishes: separate chapters for the creation of appetizers, first courses, main dishes, sides, desserts, and common pantry ingredients. Following the introduction, the book also contains a small section on other, store-bought ingredients as well as one on recommended equipment and its usage.

The stories mentioned on the cover are mostly Lebowitz's anecdotes of his life living in Paris. These are quite enjoyable; they help to complete a sense of immersion in French cuisine by providing a cultural component, and a personal one at that. Lebowitz mentions that he is a formal professional cook with a real love of food... and with his casually informative writing style, you're inclined to trust him. This cookbook isn't just an impersonal collection of recipes; it's more of personal tipbook: Lebowitz's opinions, his techniques, his experiences. I understand that that's not exactly everyone's style, but then again, the cover does say "Recipes and Stories"... it's not exactly neutral territory!

The recipes included almost all smack of dinnertime. This doesn't take away anything from the book at all. They all look delicious, and most of them have pictures illustrating the finished product on the same or opposite page. Personally, this is something I prefer in a cookbook; when I'm making something from scratch for the first time, I like to compare what I'm making to some kind of visual reference. Afterwards there's room from deviation, but I like to feel secure in what I've made the first time around.

Another cool thing I noticed was the little "variation" section that pop up every now and then in a recipe, wherein listed is an alternate method for creating something with a new twist: spicier, sweeter, thicker, etc. I've never seen that before in a cookbook -- quite interesting!

In a nutshell: handy pictures of the food, as well as kitchen scenes and beautiful Paris skylines.

Cons:

The hardcover edition I own is quite a large book. If you like to keep your cookbook right by your side as you're cooking, I recommend that you make special accommodations before you begin so you don't accidentally spill anything on the open book, or just photocopy some pages to pin up in front of you.

To repeat myself, the book is also not just a straightforward cookbook. Much of its length can be attributed to Lebowitz's recollections of France. Because of this, the book is recommended more particularly for those with an interest in France itself as well as the cuisine, rather than just... someone looking to eat something.

(Some of the ingredients are also not easily attainable at my grocery store, and the ones that are sometimes have a price tag. It IS French cooking, though, so save up some dollars before you begin.)

Overall:

I'm very pleased to own this one. It will be a little while before I can actually cook anything out of it, but just from my hungry glances, I think I'll enjoy it when the time comes.

(FTC Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided for me by Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.)

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Review: Simple Thai Food, by Leela Punyaratabandhu

Back Cover Summary:

Thai takeout meets authentic, regional flavors in this collection of 100 recipes for easy, economical, and accessible Thai classics--from the rising star behind the blog She Simmers. Who can say no to a delicious plate of Pad Thai with Shrimp; a fresh, tangy Green Papaya Salad; golden Fried Spring Rolls; or a rich, savory Pork Toast with Cucumber Relish? Thai food is not only one of the most vibrant, wonderfully varied cuisines in the world, it also happens to be one of the tastiest, and a favorite among American eaters. The good news is, with the right ingredients and a few basic tools and techniques, authentic Thai food is easily within reach of home cooks. Take it from Leela Punyaratabandhu, a Bangkok native and author of the popular Thai cooking blog She Simmers. In her much-anticipated debut cookbook, Leela shares her favorite recipes for classic Thai fare, including beloved family recipes, popular street food specialties, and iconic dishes from Thai restaurant menus around the world. All of Leela’s recipes have been tested and tweaked to ensure that even the busiest cook can prepare them at home. With chapters on key ingredients and tools, base recipes, one-plate meals, classic rice accompaniments, and even Thai sweets, Simple Thai Food is a complete primer for anyone who wants to give Thai cooking a try. By the end of the book, you’ll be whipping up tom yam soup and duck red curry that will put your local takeout joint to shame. But perhaps more importantly, you’ll discover an exciting new world of Thai flavors and dishes—including Stir-Fried Chicken with Chile Jam, Leaf-Wrapped Salad Bites, and Crispy Wings with Three-Flavored Sauce—that will open your eyes to all the wonderful possibilities that real Thai cooking has to offer.

Thoughts:

First of all, there are two main reasons that I now own this book.

#1.) The dish on the cover, the chicken-looking item in the orange sauce. On very special occasions, my mom would bring home chicken from a local restaurant looking almost identical to this. I've only had it twice in my life, and if this dish was indeed the famed dish of old, I was anxious to get my hands on this book again and try to make it for myself. If not, it still looked pretty darned good.

#2.) Thai food is not something I have ever had in abundance. My family has pretty strong Sicilian roots, and my grandmother was a big fan of traditional Italian dishes, so I've had my share of those. Chinese food -- certainly. Most likely not "real" Chinese food, but Chinese restaurants are all over this area of town and are pretty popular. But Thai? I don't think I've ever seen a Thai restaurant around here, and that kinda sucks, because I've heard it's distinctively wonderful.

Now, to address these two points in order.

RE: #1.) I haven't attempted to make it yet, but I think I may have found the food on the cover that I freaked out about: Phaenaeng Curry with Chicken and Kabosha Squash. I recently asked my mom what she used to bring home, and she said it was the much less interesting-sounding "butter chicken". Even if this isn't the right recipe, there's a recipe for curry paste in here, and I've heard tell that butter chicken is usually prepared with curry paste in the sauce, for which there is a recipe in the back of this book. So yeah, this book has still been immensely helpful on that front.

UPDATE: I was wrong; the recipe is actually depicting Fish in Red Curry Sauce. In my culinary experiences thus far in my life, I've learned the unfortunate fact that seafood and I don't get along very well, but either way I think my family will want to try this one out, and with how it looks on the cover I might give this dish a try when they do. I'm prepared to make the potential(ly painful) sacrifice.

RE: #2.)  Needless to say, I'm really excited to begin preparing some of these.

Included with each recipe is a little description of the name, the food, and the common circumstances under which it is prepared or eaten (comfort food, special occasions, etc). After this, the recipe itself begins.

The language was uncluttered and straightforward, and I could easily see myself making the listed foods. I appreciate this since the book is called "Simple Thai Food". Be prepared to do some real cooking, though; if you're just looking for something you can slap together in a few minutes without having to face the stove, you're likely to not find much in this book to go off of, as most of the recipes do require cooking.

I also noticed that the author includes little "tests" along the way for each recipe that I found interesting and traditional. For example in the recipe for Fish Cakes with Cucumber-Peanut Relish, the author gives a method of testing the temperature of boiling oil using not a thermometer but a wooden chopstick, like the disposable kind they give to you in paper at Chinese restaurants. Thermometer directions were also given, but... the chopstick thing was pretty cool either way, and something I'm likely to keep in mind.

I like to do stuff the "right way" before experimenting with any alternatives, and little details like this not only show me these tips and tricks for any future recipes but also make me feel that much more confident of the recipe while I'm cooking; "a little goes a long way" really feels like it's coming into play here. Many of the harder-to-find ingredients have recipes that are listed in the back of the book to prepare from scratch, which I also greatly appreciated.

Cons:

Occasionally, there were instances where an illustration was placed on a page opposite a recipe, but ended up not being the dish facing it. Instead, there were little captions below these photos that listed the name and page number of the actual recipe for the pictured food. This was mostly in the opening pages for a new section of the book, and was a little bit confusing at first as I went through the book primarily using the pictures as a guide to what recipes I wanted to try and didn't pay much attention to the captions until later. It was nowhere near a huge hindrance, but I imagine come cooking time it might be a little frustrating for people who are visual cookers, who like to go back and forth between the recipe and the picture to gauge their progress.

Overall:

I'm heading off to college soon, and have been craving a good cookbook to bring with me and try out while I'm there. This is going to be one of them.

(FTC Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided for me by Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.)

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Review: Foundations of Comic Book Art, by John Paul Lowe

Back Cover Summary:

Artists seeking a way to break into the exciting world of sequential art first need to master the tools, techniques, and habits used by their favorite pencillers, inkers, and digital artists for creating dynamic, exciting comic artwork. In Foundations for Comic Book Art, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)—a leading force in art and design education—enlists one of its top instructors, John Paul Lowe, to provide aspiring comic book makers with a thorough primer for creative comics, featuring must-know concepts like contour drawing, mastering perspective, using photo-reference, and adding digital patterns. Examples from the works of SCAD faculty, alumni, and students are paired with Lowe’s easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons and exercises for readers, demonstrating the vital processes all would-be sequential artists have to know before joining the ranks of the comic book–making elite.

Thoughts:

In the last review, I talked mostly about the personable voice and focus on business as what I liked about Words for Pictures, by Brian Michael Bendis. Instead of being a book about how to draw comics as I had originally suspected it of being, it was more for those looking to make comics a full-time business who wanted insight into the process and plenty of advice from actual professionals in the field. If you are looking for a book that teaches you more on the process of drawing comics, this would seem to be the solution! Foundations for Comic Book Art by John Paul Lowe is exactly the volume for the aspiring comic artist... and it's got some pretty good material.

The majority of the book is about the actual, physical process that goes into the creation of comics: learning how to draw your subject, the figure, perspective basics, inking and advanced inking, and eventually taking to the computer for digital rendering of an image. Editing is treated as more of a final step in, where in Bendis's book editing was a crucial middle step. In addition, where Bendis used working with the editor as a huge part of the comic-making process from idea to scripting to final draft, Lowe only occasionally touches upon the role of the editor, mentioned every now and then. In short, Lowe focuses much more thoroughly on the techniques of the artist, a contract to Bendis's focus on business aspects.

The voice here rather retreats to the voice often found in standard educational books. It doesn't take on the scholarliness of Anatomy, Perspective and Composition or the personality of Words for Pictures, but is earnest and instructive nonetheless. I can see this book being used as a supplement in classrooms -- which isn't a far stretch, considering that the book was written by an art instructor at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

I especially liked the sections in which the artist uses photo reference. It emphasizes what a valuable tool using a photo for reference and inspiration is. The tips, like exaggerating photo reference features for a new character, or using smaller pieces of general photographs as reference for a bigger more dramatic drawn picture, were wonderful. I also appreciated the pages that were meant to be scanned in and used, such as cube creation and grids used for comic page setup.

Cons:

I noticed that there wasn't a section on paneling or composition of a comic page. I was nearly certain the book was going to get to that eventually, but it sort of lumped it in with the section on creating a thumbnail image. It was a little disappointing, but not enough to ruin my enjoyment of everything else the book covers.

Overall:

A mini-drawing lesson, with special skills and techniques for the aspiring comic artist. I would generally recommend the book's content and presentation to beginner/intermediate artists or to be used as a supplement to a class on sequential comic art/design.

(FTC Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.)

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Review: Words for Pictures, by Brian Michael Bendis

Back Cover Summary: 

One of the most popular writers in modern comics, Brian Michael Bendis reveals the tools and techniques he and other top creators use to create some of the most popular comic book and graphic novel stories of all time. Words for Pictures shows readers the creative methods of a writer at the very top of his field. Bendis guides aspiring creators through each step of the comics-making process—from idea to script to finished sequential art—for fan favorite comics like The Avengers,Ultimate Spider-Man, Uncanny X-Men, and more. Along the way, tips and insights from other working writers, artists, and editors provide a rare, extensive look behind the creative curtain of the comics industry. With script samples, a glossary of must-know business terms for writers, and interactive comics-writing exercises, Words for Pictures provides the complete toolbox needed to jump start the next comics-writing success story.

Thoughts:

Words for Pictures feels like a real comic book guide — by someone who truly loves his craft and wants to help you improve. Needless to say, I am very impressed; it was a business-focused book with heart, and there was encouragement at every turn. 

Unlike many books that fill their intros and outros with empty promises and needless information, I feel like these sections deserve special mention for being just as important as the meat of the book. I started off reading the intro somewhat unwillingly, but by the end, I knew this was the right kind of book. I couldn't help but to respect and appreciate the encouragement and advice here — something I will take with me in not just comic book writing but in everything I do: the real value of not letting obstacles get you down, learning from failure; of hard work, and of not giving up on what you really want.

The voice of this book feels very genuine and transparent. Most guides have a tendency to talk down to you as if a parent to a child, laying out the basics and holding your hand through the process. This, however, feels like a good friend with a real passion for what he does, anxious to explore the world of comics with you and make you a better artist for it. I don’t even really consider myself a comic writer and I still have a compulsion every time I pick up this book to go out and draw up some panels.

Each section of this book focuses on a different aspect of the comic writing process and submission. For those curious, this isn’t a book that teaches you how to draw comics; rather, a great portion is interviewing with other artists and important figures in the comic book industry, serving as more of an overview of the common comicking processes and casual insight into the experience of being a professional on the market. There is even one section (“Artists on Writers”) which features 14 different artists answering the same set of questions! About two or three times in the book there were segments called “The Writer’s Side”, short interviews with one artist on their personal drafting processes, but mostly, the focus remains on the diversity of opinions in the industry.

For the artistic doers, there were writing exercises at the back of the book in order to get those skills in gear, which I thought showed real consideration on the part of Mr. Bendis for his audience. A quick lookover of them makes it clear these are exercises with a focus on writing and plotting comics. I plan to dig into those for practice!

Cons:

I did find myself wishing I could have seen more female comickers and comickers-of-color in the spotlight. As both a gal and a lover of the comic book medium, I am always on the lookout for that. While on that subject, I noticed many of the illustrations had a focus on male comic book characters, and the majority of the pictures presented of female characters were, unfortunately, sexualized portrayals. I know, I know — throw a rock in the comic book industry and you’re bound to hit an over-sexualized depiction of females, in an arena that is already so fraught with sexism. But it still would have been nice to see a special effort to balance out the points of view in the book because of it, not just in spite of it. 

Overview:

An intimate conversation with a passionate artist. There was much I appreciated in this book, and I can definitely see myself in the future referencing this invaluable guide.

(I received this copy from Blogging for Books for my review!!!)

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Review: Anatomy, Perspective, and Composition for the Artist, by Stan Smith

Back Cover Summary:

Splendid color illustrations by a distinguished painter and teacher highlight this volume of practical instruction in the foundations of art. Perfect for intermediate-level and advanced artists wishing to take their work to the next level, this manual combines detailed anatomy studies with guidance in the principles and practice of perspective and the art of composition. Author Stan Smith interprets the traditions of European art from the Renaissance onward, providing step-by-step diagrams that develop students' understanding and familiarity with concepts and techniques. Technical and expressive qualities receive equal emphasis. In addition to its value as a source of instruction, this book also functions as an essential reference.

Thoughts:

As an intermediate artist, I feel I did learn from this book.  haven't ever taken any formal art instruction classes besides in elementary and high school, and so while some parts of the book were refresher for me, I enjoyed that the book did not talk down to me or my skills and spared no relevant details for the sake of coherence. From my experience, most books on anatomy are specialized in that respect; the added sections on perspective and composition were welcome additions, and the drawings placed in this section to show what the author is talking about were used to excellent effect. The composition of human posture is especially interesting, and I could tell from the outset that the author was a teacher by his writing "voice": the way it feels like he is guiding you in these chapters through significant features of composition in works by renowned painters.

As a sort of aside: the book's sometimes-poetic, always-admiring writing style kind of reminded me of Sarah Simblet's Anatomy for the Artist, another excellent tome on human anatomy in illustration.

Cons:

While the pictures and diagrams work to good effect while discussing perspective and composition, I feel like they were wanting in the sections about anatomy. Some sections require visualizing for yourself how certain parts of the body work and look -- specifically, early on where Mr Smith discusses bone structure in great depth. Generally, I would recommend this more for the artistic scholar rather than for the beginner or hobbyist, as the terminology used can be technical and may require lots of peeks back at the glossary. There are also little to no hand-on exercises -- the book does not take baby steps with the reader but assumes a general knowledge of the subject material. Not to say that's a bad thing, considering that the book is mainly for intermediate to advanced artists who may not appreciate what they may consider a jab at their professional competence, but it still would have been nice to have at least a couple hidden in an appendix for all the artistic Doers out there. :)

The guide also seems to lose a bit in eBook form, but I'm not willing to hold that entirely against it! Almost all books tend to lose something when transitioning to a digital format, especially when the subject matter is art and when you're reading on your cell phone!

Overall:

A relatively brief but in-depth analysis of the various forms and structures of the human body and the practical drawing applications, as well as a wealth of informative examples of composition and perspective and accompanied by informative diagrams. Recommended for the artistic Observer more than the artistic Doer -- though both could benefit from giving it a read!

(FTC Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this review!)

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Review: The New Colored Pencil, by Kristy Ann Krutch

Back Cover Summary:

If you want to create colorful, radiant works of art, colored pencil and related color media (pastels, watercolor pencils, and so on) provide you with limitless options for adding vibrancy to your creations. In The New Colored Pencil, artist and instructor Kristy Ann Krutch guides you through the latest developments in color drawing media with examples of and recommendations for the newest pencils brands, drawing surfaces, and groundbreaking techniques (including using the Grid Method, grating pigments, blending with heat, and more). Supported by step-by-step demonstrations and showcasing inspiring art from some of today's best colored pencil artists, The New Colored Pencil shows you how to use color theory to your advantage, combine color media, create and enhance textures, and experiment with surfaces to create interesting effects. Whether you use traditional, wax-based or watercolor colored pencils, The New Colored Pencil will take your art to the next level.

Thoughts:

So the back cover summary promises -- and I thought it delivered. 

This was one of the best colored pencil instruction books I have encountered thus far! Ms Krutch provides so many crucial tips and techniques that make this book really invaluable, and she keeps the instructions accessible while providing a real wealth of information.

In a way, the book has the feel of a personal class on colored pencil art. Each section in this book focuses on a different version of colored pencil media, beginning with wax colored pencils (the most common of them), to watercolor colored pencils, and wraps up with pastels. Ms Krutch is a fabulous artist, and as such she provides examples of her own pieces of art as well as other artists to show what techniques were used, how they were used, and how they enhanced the picture. Much of the advice in the book is rooted in color theory, illustration instruction, and other such formalized artistic studies, but some of the most valuable pieces of advice she shares are things that the typical unaided artist usually gains through experience, and a healthy share of mistakes. You can't underestimate that kind of advice -- trial and error isn't normally just any 'oh-well-it-doesn't-matter' moment in colored pencil art, and you can be halfway through your latest work when one accidental error or botched attempt at something new can upset a critical element of a piece. The book throws in small tips and tricks to keep your work lightfast, safe, and looking just the way you like it.

Ms Krutch also outlines her preferences for colored pencils, drawing paper, and related materials which, for her skill level with colored pencil drawings, was very interesting to read about and made me think twice about how I decide to purchase art supplies. She showed no strong preference for any brand either, which I also appreciated -- you can trust the artist that takes a third-party point of view... and that you don't suspect is being paid off by some company to endorse something more strongly than something else.

There's even a neat appendix showing all of the colors of colored pencil brands the artist owns, as well as a bibliography of other helpful colored pencil books to check out -- which I will definitely keep handy in the future to continue this study.

Cons:

There was only a very, very slight bias against Prismacolor colored pencils vs all the other brands of colored pencils in this book. Otherwise, to be honest I really have nothing to put here at the moment. I'm just too happy with the generosity of this author to think of any complaints.

Elements of Note:

(It's somewhat difficult to write an indepth analysis of certain elements of note for reference books such as this one, but just for good measure:)

The artistic: This book really ups the ante for art instruction books. If you are a colored pencil artist in any capacity, this book is excellent reference material.

Overall:

A book I will reference in the future and keep by my side through my art journey. I am very satisfied with my decision to keep this book.

(FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.)

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Review: Manga Classics's Les Miserables, edited by Stacy King and illustrated by Tszmei Lee

Back Cover Summary:

Adapted for stage and screen, loved by millions, Victor Hugo's classic novel of love and tragedy set in 19th century France is reborn in this fantastic new manga edition! Gorgeous and expressive art bring to life the unforgettable stories of Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, and the tragic Fantine in this epic adaptation of Les Miserables!

Thoughts:

(In this review, I will try to avoid talking about the plot of the story and instead focus on the things that make this particular adaptation of the novel special; there are so many adaptations of this novel with the same plot but different elements that spice it up, I felt this would be more worthwhile!)

A small note: As someone who hasn't read the novel Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, I have to sadly say that I can't be a judge here of the canonical veracity of this manga or its trueness to form...

However, I can say this: this manga has inspired me to begin reading the novel -- because it's certainly an engaging stand-alone adaptation.

The art reminded me of the old manga I used to read when I was a kid: in a wide-eyed, flouncy style, with unrealistic but stylish hair on characters that appear consistently attractive regardless of their age. Not only that, but the manga didn't have the put-off flavor of so many other manga adaptations of literature before it... that feeling that you get that the editor didn't actually read the book and/or get attached to any of the characters.

I also LOVED the 4komas in the back of the manga. I'm always on the lookout for more lighthearted literature-geared humour. :)

Cons: I do wish this manga was longer. I felt like the series would have fared better if this story had been done as a series of volumes and not as one large manga, and given the mangakas a lot more time to focus on different characters and their plights. Generally comics take much less time to read than novels do, and key scenes could be given a lot more time and attention not only to reflect the amount of time a novelist would spend developing those scenes but also to reflect the times when a person would likely set down the book for a break.

I believe that if the idea for the story of Les Miserables had originated in a manga form, the story would most certainly be a series rather than one condensed work. And I suppose that's the best word for the drawback of this adaptation: condensation. Though the story is meant to be just that, the cost is a tangible sense of a missing in-depth, atmospheric feel. You can sort of tell where key scenes were not given the potential to bloom like they do in the novel. However, you do somewhat expect this in one adaptation, and for the "condensed" style, this wasn't bad at all. It was just missing the literary immersion of its novel counterpart.

Elements of Note:

The religious: The story as represented in the manga portrays religious elements and people in a positive light, and is particularly centered on Christian values and teachings. The character of Father Myriel changes Jean Valjean's life with his philosophy on faith in both God and fellow man, and he truly inspires him, after all his misfortunes, to go out and serve. The events of the story's end even serve to validate this worldview -- but I won't go into spoilers here! I do recommend giving it a read. :)

Overall: A shortened Les Miserables, with a definite and enjoyable manga flavor.

Recommendations: If you're a comic lover who isn't sure if you want to commit to the daunting size of the original novel, this is highly recommended!

(Thank you to NetGalley for providing this wonderful review copy!)

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Review: Stand Strong, by Nick Vujicic

As this is my first book review on a big site like Tumblr, I would much like to improve my review system as I go along -- please feel free to leave feedback and ideas in my askbox! :)

Thank you immensely to BloggingForBooks and RandomHouse for providing me with a print and ebook copy of this wonderful book!

Back Cover Summary:

NIck has experienced bullying of all kinds for being "different." But he's learned that he doesn't have to play the bully's game -- and neither do you. In Stand Strong, Nick gives you strategies for developing a "bully defense system," so you can handle bullies of all kinds by building your strength from the inside out.

Thoughts:

I have long been a fan of Nick Vujicic. If you haven't seen or heard of him -- and are in the mood for a good healing cry -- I recommend checking out his YouTube videos in which he speaks before crowds of school-aged children about the issue of bullying. As a child, Nick was bullied in copious amounts by his classmates, and for a while it all got under his skin. It culminated in a suicide attempt when he was only ten years old, during which he found that he couldn't go through with the act when he thought about the heartbreak it would cause his family and friends. Now, he dedicates his life to being a beacon for others who are being bullied -- and this book is a part of that mission.

Stand Strong promises to give its readers a strategy for dealing with all kind of bullying. Each chapter is dedicated to elaborate on a step in the process Mr Vujicic sets out for his readers -- and in my opinion, it's very effective.

There is something so accessible and open about the language and voice Mr Vujicic has that I was feeling strong after reading the opening chapter. From there, I was hooked. I sped through the book in three days. Granted the book is only about 200 pages -- but you're talking to a lady who's technically been reading Jane Eyre for two years straight. :)

(A nasty habit, I know, but one that I'm going to break for more review copies. What can I say? Free books!!!)

In the book, Mr Vujicic uses both examples from real life personal encounters and success stories he has heard from once-bullied children to demonstrate the many steps of his plan in motion. The book also tackles the not-often mentioned parental bullying -- a form of bullying where love and acceptance are given by parents on the condition of meeting high expectations or making certain life decisions -- which I've never encountered before in a book like this, and that I applaud!!

Just a heads up for non-religious readers: This book does have a Christian focus -- Nick cites Jesus as his biggest inspiration, and one of the steps in his plan is even building a spiritual foundation of faith in God. However, though I find myself in this period of my life struggling with my faith, this chapter was also the most affecting for me, not just because of this focus, but because of the story of a woman named Camilla -- an example of the kind of parental bullying mentioned above. As a late teen myself, her predicament resonated with me and has inspired me to turn back to my Bible when I'm in need.

I guess my one regret is that the story couldn't have been longer! But the advice -- every piece of advice in this book -- is entirely sound for its target audience. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really couldn't put it down; it felt like a conversation with a good friend. Highly recommend -- 5 stars.

(FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.)