May 13, 2011

Two Generals Deserves Four Stars

The minute I picked it up, I knew I would love this graphic novel.  Physically it’s an exquisite piece. It’s incredibly handsome and manly.  The deep red cover with its engraved lettering mimics the leather notebooks used by officers during WWII. The size and weight felt very familiar in my hands and the elastic marker further enforced the idea that I was reading someone’s private diary.  I remember thinking, I hope I like this book because I’d want to give it as a gift. Recipients would be impressed with the packaging and remember the exchange.  Happily the content does not disappoint. 

It’s a wonderful story based on the author’s grandfather’s service as a Canadian soldier during WWII in France.  The panoramic sketches of the Normandy landing are breathtaking. Some pages contain nine panels of drawings containing no verbiage.  They remind me of stained glass window memorials but instead of cliché scenes of war patriotism, they show the reality of war; fear, sickness and prayer.

Overall Rating (*****) 4 stars out of 5.

May 11, 2011

The Help is Number 1

The book club had lots of fun discussing “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett.  Everyone gave it a thumb’s up.  That's why it's now our number 1 pick. We can’t wait to see what Hollywood does with it.  The movie comes out in late summer.  Here are some comments from our members;
It’s the only book I’ve read twice.  I loved it.

All the characters had positive traits as well as faults.  Nothing was black and white which made the story much more interesting.  It wasn’t preachy.  
I’m amazed at how recent this story takes place. When I began the book I thought I was in the 30’s. At one point, someone talks about Patsy Cline’s death.  I had to Google to find out when that was. It was 1963!
Overall Rating (*****) 5 stars out of 5