Wonderstruck
Yes, I realize I said I was reading something else, and am now writing up a totally different book. Readers will have to check out my apology at the end of the blog. It will explain why I've been all over the place.
Most of my readers understand my obsession with graphic novels, comics, and comic strips. They are a passion of mine, and I love the medium deeply. Brian Selznick's work has brought a new and refreshing voice to a genera all too dominated by its own strange form of hubris. Selznick's books tend to transcend the term graphic novel, and tend to make up their own category. Most comics are broken into a system of panels, Selznick's books are full page, sometimes life sized, pencil drawings. The books are a tad unwieldy, his children's book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, clocks in at over 400 pages. Imagine that conversation with a publisher.
Wonderstruck is his attempt at a Young Adult novel. I use the word attempt, because I honestly think this can work for a really mature six or seven year old. His trademark illustrations are sharper and more honed than his previous novels. The stories are simple, sweet, and just lovely. Hell, it's difficult to find an author that writes about New York City that is not cynical. Selznick not only does that, but writes about NYC in the 70s, prior to the Disney make over of Time Square, and makes it seem wondrous. I'm hard pressed to find a better illustrated work this year. Anya's Ghost comes close, but I always felt that that book needed to be longer. At any rate, this book would make a wonderful holiday gift for that special young reader. Buy it in hardbound so the young one can impress all of his friends with the adult sized novel.
Yes, I realize I said I was reading something else, and am now writing up a totally different book. Readers will have to check out my apology at the end of the blog. It will explain why I've been all over the place.
Most of my readers understand my obsession with graphic novels, comics, and comic strips. They are a passion of mine, and I love the medium deeply. Brian Selznick's work has brought a new and refreshing voice to a genera all too dominated by its own strange form of hubris. Selznick's books tend to transcend the term graphic novel, and tend to make up their own category. Most comics are broken into a system of panels, Selznick's books are full page, sometimes life sized, pencil drawings. The books are a tad unwieldy, his children's book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, clocks in at over 400 pages. Imagine that conversation with a publisher.
Wonderstruck is his attempt at a Young Adult novel. I use the word attempt, because I honestly think this can work for a really mature six or seven year old. His trademark illustrations are sharper and more honed than his previous novels. The stories are simple, sweet, and just lovely. Hell, it's difficult to find an author that writes about New York City that is not cynical. Selznick not only does that, but writes about NYC in the 70s, prior to the Disney make over of Time Square, and makes it seem wondrous. I'm hard pressed to find a better illustrated work this year. Anya's Ghost comes close, but I always felt that that book needed to be longer. At any rate, this book would make a wonderful holiday gift for that special young reader. Buy it in hardbound so the young one can impress all of his friends with the adult sized novel.
(Image brought to you by: bookshelfporn)
Dear readers, I'm so sorry that I've been all over the place the last few days. See, a week ago I quit smoking, and one of the lovely side effects is that I will have the inability to concentrate. Leave it to medical science to totally underestimate what I'm feeling. This is like having temporary ADD. I can barely hold a conversation with friends, I start projects and leave them half way done, and nothing keeps my attention for more than 30 seconds. According to all the stop smoking literature that I've found, the lack of concentration should be waning within the next week. If it doesn't I'm calling a doctor for some Adderall.
My next book, hopefully, is Leviathan. Also, I am going to the Austin Teen Book Festival this weekend. Leave a comment if you'd like to meet up.
My next book, hopefully, is Leviathan. Also, I am going to the Austin Teen Book Festival this weekend. Leave a comment if you'd like to meet up.
No apologies necessary, Heather. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhy apologize? This is a great idea, Heather. I would love to read this.
ReplyDeletefaa housing