Kurt Mason

I have always enjoyed reading graphic novels, but for some reason I just never find myself leaving the bookstore with them in my hand. I came to graphic novel relatively late (reading my first one a few years ago after a college friend gave me a couple of suggestions), and I have always felt that graphic novels were overlooked. Whenever I go to the bookstore, I do my usual sweep and casually meander my way through each section of the store looking for things that will catch my eye. Needless to say, when I passed through the graphic novel section and found the unmistakable face of Buffy Summers staring back at me, I knew what I was going to read next.

For starters, I am not a history buff. I have a very limited area of interest when it comes to history, but one of those areas of interest has always been World War II and the Holocaust. Ever since I was in school, this tragedy has always interested me; I have always enjoyed reading books that take place during this time, watching movies that chronicle the horrors of the war, and even visiting the museums that do such a brilliant job of honoring the history of those involved. Another, unrelated area of interest that I have is animals; I have always loved animals, and I have always been fascinated by the relationships that can be built between animals and humans. Needless to say, when I came across a story that brought those two, seemingly unrelated, interests of mine together, I was instantly hooked.

Julie Murphy’s book, Dumplin’ has been on my reading list for quite some time. This is actually the second time that I have attempted to read this book. I am incredibly glad that I decided to give Dumplin’ another shot because it turned out to be an outstanding read. The first time that I sat down to read this book was towards the end of my time in college. My advisor (an all-around amazing woman and absolute guru on the perfect book suggestions) told me that I should give Dumplin’ a try. I don’t know why I doubted her, but for some reason I did, and I ended up giving the book back to her before I finished it—before I really even gave it a chance (I think I was only 50-60 pages in).

This was a long read for me. It had nothing to do with the quality of the book (because it was a great book with an interesting story), but I just couldn’t seem to get my mind to focus on reading the past couple of weeks. My aunt recommended this book to me, and I am glad that she did, because it was the perfect combination of everything I enjoy in a book: a little bit of mystery, a dash of scandal, a touch of betrayal, and—of course—a hunt for the truth behind a murder that happened more than twenty years ago.

I’m still a little perplexed as I sit down to write this review because I’m not sure how I feel about this movie. As a huge fan of board games, and someone who plays board games frequently, I was excited to see Ready or Not after watching the trailer. I went to the theater with an open mind—and I wasn’t disappointed with the movie—but I was left with a lot of questions. I felt as though the movie was missing something that I just can’t seem to put my finger on.

For starters, I don’t think that I have ever been so excited to write a review for a book! “The Alex Crow” by Andrew Smith has been on my reading list for a long time (a recommendation from my YA Lit professor in college), and now I’m kicking myself for not reading this sooner. Though this book is geared towards more of a young adult readership, there are certainly some adult themes and a level of humor and wit that all readers will be able to appreciate.