Graphic Novels Challenge

Published on June 6, 2008 | 4 Responses

When I heard the term “graphic novel” for the first time a few months ago in the blogosphere, my first thoughts were that it was a novel that was “graphic”:

graphic, adjective: vividly or plainly shown or described <a graphic sex scene> (definition courtesy Merriam-Webster)

Why would anyone want to read a “graphic” novel, I thought? Sounds kind of extreme.

In reading other people’s reviews of them the past few months, however, I’ve found that a “graphic novel” is a completely separate genre of book.

graphic novel, noun: a fictional story that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book (courtesy Merriam-Webster)

I was clueless, I realize. How have I never heard of these before? (more…)

Masterclass in Photography by Michael and Julien Busselle

Published on June 6, 2008 | 7 Responses

With the advent of digital cameras, any person can take a photograph. Now we must ask, What makes that person a photographer? In Masterclass in Photography, we find some guidance as to the essential elements in a photograph and how to produce an appealing photograph. As a very amateur photographer myself, I find Michael and Julien Busselle’s Masterclass in Photography to be just the guide I need to find inspiration and images around me. It is a lovely coffee-table book that I will refer to again and again. (more…)

All the President’s Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward

Published on June 5, 2008 | Leave a response

After reading the biography of Henry Kissinger a few months ago, I wanted to read more about the Nixon presidency. I turned to All the President’s Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward for a closer look at the downfall of the crooked White House of Nixon.

Unfortunately, I found Bernstein’s and Woodward’s book to be a rushed time line of events, rather than a captivating analysis of the situation or people involved. Because Bernstein and Woodward were reporters, this style was to be expected. However, I found the book disappointingly boring and hard to read. (more…)