Author: Alisha Helms

Kafka: A Graphic Novel Adaptation / Franz Kafka, Nishioka Kyoudai, David Yang (Translator), Nishioka KyōdaiKafka: A Graphic Novel Adaptation /

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Kafka: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
By: Franz Kafka, Nishioka Kyoudai, David Yang (Translator), Nishioka Kyōdai
Genre: Manga
Number of Pages: 176
Published: October 24, 2023 (1st Published April 20, 2010)
Publisher: Pushkin Press
Dates Read: October 23, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook

Two favorite Japanese writers present graphic adaptations of nine of Franz Kafka’s classic short stories: The Metamorphosis, A Hunger Artist, In the Penal Colony, A Country Doctor, The Concerns of a Patriarch, The Bucket Rider, Jackals and Arabs, A Fratricide, and The Vulture. 

I am a pretty big fan of Kafka. Was first given him in my Fiction II writing course in college and have loved him ever since. My favorites have been The Metamorphosis, The Penal Colony, and The Bucket Rider – so you can bet I was overly excited to see a manga adaptation of these come to life and I wasn’t disappointed in seeing them come to life in manga form.

I especially want to applaud The Metamorphosis not showing what the creature was, but only showing the family and lodger’s reactions to seeing it – just like Kafka had wanted.

Which brings up the fact that it is manga, and was translated from Japanese into English – but it was first translated from German to Japanese. All of these adapted versions. As someone who loves Kafka, I was slightly disappointed in what was missing in some of the stories, but I’m still impressed by David Yang’s job at the translation.

Overall, I think any fans of Kafka would like this version of the stories as it does give them a new translation and a twist in a way.

*Thank you Pushkin Press and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I Loved You in Another Life / David Arnold

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I Loved You in Another Life
By: David Arnold
Genre: YA, Romance
Number of Pages: 352
Published: October 10, 2023
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: October 20, 2023 - October 23, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook / Library Book / Audiobook

Sosh is lost and angry at the world for the drunk driver that killed her sister. Stevie and Sosh were more than sisters, they were the best of friends – Sosh looked at Stevie like she was her moon. Evan’s struggling with his dad walking out on his family and his mom’s breast cancer diagnosis – but mostly, he’s worried about how to take care of his younger brother William, a sensitive seven-year-old, who wears the same red hoodie, covers himself in bandaids, and watches E.T. every Tuesday night. Both are trying to figure out their next step in life when they begin hearing a mysterious singer no one else seems to hear. How will the melody bring them together?

The characters of Sosh and Evan were a little harder to get into at the beginning but they were closed off, which was understandable. It was almost like meeting a friend for the first time – the more you got to know them, the more they opened up and shared their struggles.

I don’t read a ton of romance, but this book is most definitely a slow burn romance. Did I get the “love you in another life” part? Not really – sure there were tidbits here and there of other characters in a different time, but I had a hard time connecting them to Sosh and Evan.

What I really did like about this book, that wasn’t the romance, was both the family dynamic of Evan, his mom, and his brother, and the therapy positive outlook they had on there. Oh – and Sosh and her teacher’s relationship, because that’s what I always wanted for my kids when I taught – was for them to feel safe enough to talk about their stuff and for me to hopefully give them a positive outcome.

Overall, I enjoyed this mostly for the character’s individual’s journeys over the romance portion of it. Romance was okay, but that’s not why I will be recommending this book when I do.

*Thank you Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review

The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Triology #1) / Katherine Arden, Kathleen Gati (Narrator)The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Triology #1) /

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The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Triology #1)
By: Katherine Arden, Kathleen Gati (Narrator)
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 347
Published: January 10, 2017
Publisher: Del Rey 
Dates Read: October 12, 2023 - October 19, 2023
Format: Audiobook, Library Book, Paperback

At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year. Vasilia isn’t bothered much by the amount of time she has to spend indoors, because she gets to listen to her nurse’s fairy tales while huddled around the fire with her family. 

After Vailisa’s mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Vasilia’s new stepmother forbids the family from honoring the household spirits – all the family follows, except for Vasilia, who can see the spirits, knows they must continue. But because the others have stopped, crops begin to fail, evil creatures come closer and closer to their house and village. All the while, Vasilisa’s stepmother is determined to groom the rebelliousness out of Vasilisa in order to marry her off or ship her off for a life in a convent.

I did mostly listen to this in audiobook because I wanted to make sure I could pronounce the Russian names correctly – I was not the first two chapters of the book – but the narrations of Katheleen Gati were amazing and really put me into the storyline of Katherine Arden.

Arden did a fantastic job of taking us on a journey into this magical, historical world of Russian folklore, mythology, and fairytales. She does amazing at teleporting you into the cold, bitter frost of their winters. It’s also so very much a page turner that keeps you hooked from the very beginning – a little slow, but still a page turner. I’m pretty excited to continue on with the series.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to those who love a good historical fiction mixed with mythology and folklore. This is also a good book to read curled up under a thick blanket with a warm drink in hand too.

Lights (Sheets #3) / Brenna Thummler

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Lights (Sheets #3)
By: Brenna Thummler
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA
Number of Pages: 
Published: 368
Publisher: Oni Press
Dates Read: October 15, 2023
Format: Library Book / Paperback

The 3rd book in the Sheets trilogy connects us back to Marjorie, Eliza, and Wendell as they try to uncover the secrets of Wendell’s human life and death. When they hear a rumor about Wendell’s death, they wonder if it might not have been an accident after all. Meanwhile though, Marjorie begins hanging out with the very girls who used to bully Eliza and it begins to put a strain on their friendship. Can they work together to find out the truth?

I was slightly worried about the ending of this series – the other two books were so good that I put a lot of pressure on this one to hopefully wrap the story up beautifully. Well, I worried for nothing, because Brenna Thummler did a wonderful and amazing job at taking the characters we loved throughout this series and giving them a beautiful ending they deserved.

I can’t with Eliza’s dad – he’s just a peach and such a supportive father. When Eliza mentions that Marjorie wants “normal friends” he breaks down what was said, mentions that friendship has to work both ways, and gives an idea of a Duncan family activity to invite her to. And then when Eliza asked for needle and thread in case she has to give her friend stitches, he simply replies with, “You’d be surprised at the medical expertise of the youth today”.

Thummler’s art is stunning as it was before – I can see myself using a few panels as phone backgrounds in the coming months. Her writing has also come a long way from the first novel, and even the second to be honest, I even forgot this was originally aimed at Middle Grade reading and not YA (not that YA readers won’t enjoy this either!)

Overall, a wonderful ending to a trilogy. I’ve been recommending the first novel since it came out for the artwork alone, but now that the series is wrapped up, I’ll be recommending it to all that like the gentle spooky Halloween reads (even though this one goes all the way through Thanksgiving).

Whisper of the Woods / Ennun Ana Iurov

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Whisper of the Woods
By: Ennun Ana Iurov
Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror
Number of Pages: 96
Published: October 24, 2023
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Dates Read: October 14, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook

After his friend goes missing in Romania’s most supernatural forest, Adam disregards the local’s warnings about the spirit who prays on the men in the vicinity. There is even a witch who predicts his impending death. But Adam continues the search, even though, with each passing night he’s there, it becomes harder and harder to ignore the calling from the forest.

This was a very quick read and I kind of wish it was longer in a way. The story itself wrapped up well, I wasn’t disappointed in that. I just kind of wish I was able to get a little more in depth about the background of the characters – maybe find out the reason why his friend went there by himself to begin with…

Overall though – it’s a great graphic novel with creepy art.

*Thank you Mad Cave Studios for for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Infinity Particle / Wendy Xu

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The Infinity Particle
By: Wendy Xu
Genre: Graphic Novel
Number of Pages: 272
Published: August 29, 2029
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Dates Read: October 14, 2023
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: Emotional abuse

Clementine Change moves from Earth to Mars for a fresh start and to work her dream job with Dr. Marcella Lin, an AI pioneer. On her first day of work, Clementine meets Kye, Mr. Lin’s personal humanoid AI assistant. Clem has built her own robot – a moth-shaped companion named SENA, so she’s no stranger to artificial intelligence, but there’s something human about Kye. When the two begin working together, sparks begin. But Dr. Lin is enraged by Kye’s growing independence and restricts his freedom. Both Clem and SENA can tell there’s something different with Kye, that he’s possibly more than just your standard AI – but what is Dr. Lin trying to hide?

Firstly, this is all just adorable.

Secondly, when do we get to have our own “Build-A-Friend: Kiddie Robotics Kit”? I would also like to have my own SENA as my best friend. Seeing her expressions always got me to giggle at how cute she was.

The artwork in this novel is beautiful and works really well with the complimentary limited pallet. Everything is clearly seen from panel to panel – even in the darker/evening time panels.

Overall – if you read Mooncakes and loved it, you’ll love this one. You’ll also love it if you like the age-old Sci-Fi question of : when is a being truly a conscious living thing? Also, again, cute and adorable companions.

Meowl-o-ween / Diane Muldrow, Tiffany Chen (Illustrator)

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Meowl-o-ween
By: Diane Muldrow, Tiffany Chen (Illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Holiday
Number of Pages: 41
Published: September 5, 2023
Publisher: Astra Young Readers
Dates Read: October 14, 2023
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Meowl-o-ween is about the neighborhood cats that move around the carved pumpkins and decorations in preparation of spooking the trick-or-treaters out on the streets. A lone kitten is overwhelmed by the crowds and gets separated from their mother.

Okay, this is just adorable. I couldn’t help myself.

A Halloween book with cats.

Adorable cats – with facial expressions and silliness.

I loved it.

Nice change of pace from the older books I was reading. Saw this in a librarian’s newsletter and immediately went and found it on our shelves.

Possibly going to buy myself my own copy – even though I don’t have kids, that’s how much I love it.

Gone Wolf / Amber McBride

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Gone Wolf
By: Amber McBride
Genre: Middle Grade, Dystopia
Number of Pages: 352
Published: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Dates Read: October 11, 2023 - October 12, 2023
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

In the future, 2111, a girl known only as Inmate Eleven is kept confined in a small room with her dog, Ida. Inmate Eleven is also known as a Blue, a biological match for the president’s son, Larkin, should he fall ill. When Larkin begins taking her out of her confinement, Inmate Eleven begins to see the world that’s been hidden outside her small room’s walls and it’s a great shock.

In 2022, Imogen lives in Charlottesville, VA. The pandemic has fractured and distanced Imogen from everyone but her mom and therapist, also causing her nightmares and intense phobias. Her brothers used to help her out, but now she’s on her own. Until a college student, Toni, helps her see differently.

I absolutely loved Me (Moth) when I read it, so I was excited to pick up this novel when I saw that it was coming out. That one punched me in the gut while reading it, so I was kind of expecting this one to as well – it sure didn’t disappoint. This book is a lot – it’s about race, diversity, equality, oppression, loss and grief, and most of all, trauma.

Gone Wolf is aimed at Middle Grade readers, but in all honesty, I can see all ages beyond that enjoying this as well. This isn’t an easy read, as mentioned above, this handles a lot of topics. This story invites readers to face heartbreaking realities that parallel events people of color have gone through (and are still going through), as well as those affected by a loss(es) caused by COVID-19.

*Thank you Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Girls Like Girls / Hayley Kiyoko

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Girls Like Girls
By: Hayley Kiyoko
Genre: YA, Romance
Number of Pages: 336
Published: May 30, 2023
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Dates Read: October 9, 2023 - October 10, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook / Audiobook

Trigger Warnings: mentions of suicide, grief, loss of a parent, homophobia, underage drinking and drug use

It’s the summer of 2006 and 17-year-old Coley has been forced to move to rural Oregon after losing her mother. She’s in no position to risk her already fragile heart – but then she meets Sonya, and everything she’s tried to keep down goes flying. Both girls have a lot to figure out and realize before they can step up.

Based on Hayley Kiyoko’s hit song and music video with the same title, Girls Like Girls is about young, queer love between two girls.

The writing of this isn’t perfect, I didn’t think it would be, especially being Hayley Kiyoko’s debut novel, but it made up for it in the parts that really hit it home. Sure some parts were a bit cringey and filled with teenage dramatics, but it was also very lyrical and still realistic in parts.

Though, Tenton drove me so nuts! I understand in a way that it’s set in a small town and you don’t always have a wide selection of people to hang out with but like – come on! Sonya would continuously defend him but we never saw anything good from him.

Overall, this is a cutesy YA sapphic romance that gives a bit of a “cinematic extension” to Kiyoko’s song and music video with the same title. Don’t hold it up to high standards of regular romance, it is Young Adult – other than that, I can see quite a few people enjoying the read.

*Thank you Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Eagle Drums / Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson, Irene Bedard (narrator)

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Eagle Drums
By: Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson, Irene Bedard (narrator)
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 256
Published: September 12, 2023
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Dates Read: October 6, 2023 - October 9, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook / Audiobook

Trigger Warnings: Death of siblings, grief, animal death, depictions of depression and anxiety

As his family prepares for winter, young hunter, Piŋa must travel up the same mountain where his brothers died in order to collect obsidian for knapping. When he reaches the mountaintop, he’s immediately confronted by an eagle god named Savik who gives him a choice: come with me, or die like your brothers.

What follows is the origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition.

99% of this I listened to as an audiobook on my way to and from my hometown (2.5 hours each way, perfect amount for the 5 hour audiobook). I’m glad I listened to it because I would have been pronouncing everything incorrectly and I already do enough of that in English (and that’s my first language).

This is a beautifully written, fast paced middle grade novel that gives the important origin story of the Native Alaskan tradition of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast – a story that has been heavily relied on the Elders’ accounts of it from when they were children after encroachment of the missionaries into Indigenous territories and communities. Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson’s writing mixed with Irene Bedard’s narration made me feel like I was sitting around a campfire listening to the stories of long ago.

This is a story of grief, courage, honor, and community mixed in with lessons about leading, sharing, and communicating.

I know this is aimed at the Middle Grade reading level, but I can see many age groups reading and enjoying it, especially since it is about a part of a culture that was on the verge of being snuffed out because it wasn’t Christian.

*Thank you Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review