Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Prince Caspian, Someday This Pain..., Shortcomingsy

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
I enjoyed this more than the first book. I read it quickly, starting it my last week in Mexico, and finishing it on the plane ride home. I actually found myself tearing up at the end during certain revelations, and that surprised me as I am not one to feel connected to fantasy characters. In short (because I can't remember REAL specifics about the book), I felt it was well plotted, the characters well developed, and I really enjoyed the back and forth of time as the story was told.

And let me just say that two days after finishing it I went to see the new Prince Caspian movie and I was highly disappointed.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron
I picked this up on recommendation from the Powell's website. Teenage angst and all that. I thought this was well written, and good characterization of this 18 year old boy, but I had a feeling I'd heard it before. Or that the characters were a little out there. Or something. I mean, I was invested enough to care and I thought there were some great points and great writing. Overall enjoyable, but not entirely wonderful.

Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine
I really enjoy graphic novels, but it's a whole genre that frankly kind of intimidates me in that I have no idea what to look for. I know I like Craig Thompson. I know I liked series that I checked out a few years ago. Ummm.. that's about it. So, a friend has been good about letting me borrow stuff. While I would have liked more from this novel, I did take pleasure in the Asian American experience and the questions brought up in the story.