Ferndale Library Picks: Griffin’s Choices
(Jeff Milo, FPL, Nov. 1, 2014)
Griffin Bray is local teen who works part time here at the Library as a Page. It’s Griffin’s responsibility to make sure this place is, above all, orderly! That’s thousands and thousands of books and DVDs that he (and our team of Pages) are putting away each and every week (and then returning to all these shelves to scan them all and assure proper dewey-decimal-systemization. It’s a tedious, diligent job, but somebody’s got to do it.
And between guitar lessons and his daily studies, he finds time to read an eclectic array of fantasy, sci-fi and graphic adventure novels. So if you’re looking for some recommendations this month, we insist you peruse these intrepid titles, the sensational syllabus of one Griffin Bray, Page-extraordinaire.
Griffin’s Picks
Watchmen (graphic novel) by Alan Moore
Graphic Moore
Widely considered one of the greatest graphic novels of all time, Watchmen is an interesting take on superhero comics. It opens on the murder of Edward Blake, the comedian, whose murder is investigated by the vigilante Rorschach. As he brings in former heroes, the mystery deepens, leading to an incredibly memorable ending. Complete with extra material inserted between the chapters of the comic, Watchmen is a great starting place for adults who want to get into the world of graphic novels.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (graphic novel) by Eric Shanower
J Graphic Baum
The only thing better than a great book, in my opinion, is a great book that is turned into a comic. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz does not disappoint. This retelling of the classic story uses a unique art style to enhance the experience of the original book. Complete with all the things you remember about the Wizard of Oz (and probably some you don’t) this book is definitely worth reading whether you are young or old.
Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas
by Jim Ottaviani
YA Graphic 591.51 O
This graphic novel explores the lives of the three women who taught us most of what we know about our closest relatives, the great apes. Separated into three sections, one for each scientist, Primates taught me almost as much about these girls as their non-comic biographies. The illustrations convey lots of emotion, helping the book educate and entertain at the same time. (P.S. If you like this book, I recommend checking out Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey [599.884 F]. )
Superman for All Seasons by Jeph Loeb
Graphic Superman
Every good superhero needs a backstory. Superman has one: He came from Smallville to Metropolis to fight for truth, justice, and the American way. Superman for All Seasons gives you a little more detail on how that happened. Chronicling one year of the Man of Steel’s life, it shows you some of the inner turmoil associated with his new-found responsibility and adjusting to the new environment of Metropolis. However, there are still enough scenes of superheroics for action fans, making it good for almost all graphic novel audiences.
Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
New SF Heinlein
Unlike the other suggestions on this list, Starship Troopers is not a comic book. But, as we recently acquired it, and it is my favorite book, I thought it deserved a mention. This tale of interstellar warfare follows young Juan Rico, who enlists in the Mobile Infantry. Originally planning on serving only one two-year term in peacetime, he is brought into a war between mankind and the “bugs”, alien creatures resembling arachnids. Robert Heinlein is an incredible author, and the writing is excellent. If you want a great book, pick this up.
For previous Ferndale Library Picks see…
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/10/18/ferndale-library-picks-susans-picks-for-teen-read-week/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/10/02/ferndale-library-picks-jeffs-picks-lately/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/09/15/ferndale-library-picks-end-of-summer-round-up/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/01/library-picks-wgabriel-bray-music-mystery-monty-python/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/07/15/ferndale-library-picks-with-board-president-pat-dengate/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/07/01/ferndale-library-picks-with-kelly-bennett/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/06/18/ferndale-library-roundup-best-of-summer-for-youth/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/06/03/ferndale-library-roundup-who-needs-hogwarts/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/05/15/ferndale-library-roundup-bff-roadtrip-edition/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/05/01/ferndale-public-library-round-up-best-in-books-and-more-2/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/04/15/ferndale-public-library-round-up-best-in-books-and-more/
Be sure to visit the Ferndale Library website at http://www.ferndale.lib.mi.us/.