They called us Enemy Reivew

Screenshot from Libby

Side notes

Well, it's been awhile since I wrote a review but wanted to share a few thoughts on this graphic novel I read.  The review is short but I truly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to everyone, especially those interested in WWII or even wanting to see some of the background to current events. 

Review

In this memoir, the reader follows the childhood of George Takei, best known for his role as

Screen shot from Libby: Takei as Sulu

 Sulu on Star Trek: The Next Generation.  This well illustrated graphic novel shows the realities of the Japanese interment from the perspective of a child. In the vane of Farwell to Manzanar Takei shares his families experience during WWII in internment camps.  The novel begins as if it were a Ted talk or other event with Takei sharing his story then continues on with his life and the events that lead him 

to where he is today. 

Screenshot from Libby: Leaving home

The illustrations show the reality as seen from a child’s perspective. Each page is full of mixed emotions as his parents' grapple with the reality of losing their home and being forced out by a country they have come to love which are contrasted with George and his brother’s excitement over taking a train ride or a “vacation”. Each new development comes with slow realization that only time and age would help George to fully understand. 

The full reality of the internment camps will never fully be understood by those not encamped there and as Takei shares even some of the children do not understand the extent of the injuries their parents suffered. This book shows a simple glimpse into the past and the experiences of one family. The lasting impact the camp had on George Takei stayed with him as he sought to make a career for himself in Hollywood. Learning from the past and understanding that much is still shrouded in lost memories is important to not repeating it again. Seeing what we have done and where others have been is important in empathy for others. 

The illustrations and narrative work wonderfully together to create a sense of loss mingled with hope. Each new chapter in Takei’s life brought something new though many events, such as meeting Mrs. Roosevelt, were shadowed by memories of the past wrongs done to Japanese Americans.  

I enjoyed the graphic novel and learned much. The historical information is often overlooked in textbooks and schools but so very important for an understanding of how to handle many situations today. Learning what was done wrong and how to not repeat such incidents can only be done when we listen to our past. The graphic memoir brings the story of one family to life in an easy to understand way. 

 

Screenshot from Libby: George Takei's dedication

Reference 

Takei, G. (2019). They called us enemy [Digital edition]. Marietta, GA: Top Shelf Productions.  

#HarryPotterAtHome Review of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on Libby

Screen Shot from Libby #HarryPotteratHome

Well I finally “read” the first Harry Potter. I found that it was better than I remembered, maybe I’m older or maybe it was because I was using it to keep me from going crazy alone in this strange time. While I belong to the target demographic while the books were coming out I was never able to get into them. So, while others kids were reading Harry Potter, I was reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

  

Libby and #HarryPotterAtHome 

Well, I started this post about a week ago when I finished the book but will now write my thoughts.  

I was browsing for a book to listen to while cleaning and doing simple tasks at my closed library (note I’m the only one in the building of the small town library and we are prepping for a move, strange to say this but it is May 2020 as I write this and times are strange). So, eight hours alone is just way too much and I have found that Libby is a great resource for not going insane. While browsing for books I noticed that the first Harry Potter was available. I decided well why not read this, after all I keep meaning to and being asked if I ever read it and now is as good a time as any and if I hate it I can simply listen to a new book or more likely just have it play in the background while I do various tasks. This was before I noticed it was for #HarryPotterAtHOme and not knowing how much demand would be for the second book (which I am now waiting for).

Summary...Not really 

So, since most people have read the book by now and I seem to be the last person on the planet (Ok, I know this is an exaggeration but really that is how I feel sometimes) I won't write the summary but if YOU haven’t just google it or watch the movie (maybe, still haven’t seen those either...).  IF like me you haven’t read it, but can still quote the story because of hearing about it constantly I will say briefly that this book is about Harry Potter when he is 11 and the crazy magical antics he and his classmates get up to in their first year at Hogwarts. 

Review and thoughts 

Well, it wasn’t as bad as I remember and was easy to follow. The plot did have many points of convince but it is a children’s book and they do all use magic so why not. It was a light read for me and I was able to happily go about doing my own work while not feeling so alone in a library by myself (which was a plus, believe me if you have ever been in a building that should have people you will understand). However, since I did know much of the story and surprise points the book was not as exciting as everyone said.  

So, will I read/listen to the next installment, most likely yes if things continue as they are and I have already joined the Libby que for both books 2 & 3 (book 2 has a 20 week wait time...WHAT!). Would I reread book 1 like some people do every year forever, no. The book is simply not as good as J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis in my opinion both of which series I have reread multiple times in my life. I just finished listening to C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and am looking forward to listening to or reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings in the near future.

References 

Rowling, J.R. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone. (2012). Pottermore Publishing [Audiobook Libby version]. Retrieved from Libby. 

Audio Books & Prince Caspian

Screen shot of Libby Edition

Recently I have started listening to books, instead of reading them. I found that audio books, especially ones with good narrators, help to escape reality. I have always loved books and stories but for the past few months found my self not reading. With everything that is going on I find my self alone or with time often, I decided to try audio books. I use my library's Libby app. The past few weeks I have started rereading the Chronicles of Narnia, one of my first fantasy books that I read.

I have listened to the first three books in the series by C. S. Lewis. Listening to them has allowed me to escape my thoughts but still keep my hands busy. Audio books have also allowed me to get over my reading “slump”.

Prince Caspian Review

I forgot how much I loved these books. C. S. Lewis does a marvelous job of telling a tale of four children who return to their kingdom after some hundred years. In Prince Caspian readers return to Narnia along side the Pevensie's to their old haunts. The tale tells of their adventure along side a young king named, Caspian. I enjoyed listening to this book and reliving the story, even though I had read it before. The audio book brought the story to life!

Summary

In the tale a young Prince Caspian is running for his life after his uncle Miraz, who usurped the throne from his brother. The young prince flees for his life after hearing tales of “Old Narnia” from both his nurse and tutor. With these tales in his head he heads off to find safety but unfortunately he is knocked off his horse. He is subsequently rescued by an odd assortment of folks from “Old Narnia.” Now if you have never read or heard of Narnia it will surprise you that one of the company was a talking Badger, and two others were dwarves. Caspian, after some difficulty, convinces them he is on their side and seeks safety from his uncle. After facing Miraz in battle the army of Caspian and “Old Narnia” has dwindled; it is at this moment Caspian blows the magic horn of Queen Susan to summon help, hopefully Aslan the great Lion of Narnia will come! At the same time the four Pevensies are sitting waiting for a train when suddenly they find them selves in a wood near a castle. They eventually meet up with Caspian and declare themselves as the kings and queens of old! (of course much more happens before this but that would reveal the whole story!) High King Peter (the oldest Pevensie) then challenge Miraz to a duel, which Miraz is tricked into accepting by his advisors. However, this fight is only results in a full on battle that does not seem to be going well for the High King and Caspian. That is until the trees begin to move, the sprites of old have revived once more to aid in the return of Narnia to her rightful king! IN the midst of this great battle Aslan himself returns to aid in it, with his presence the true King of Narnia, Caspian, wins his hard fought victory!

Review (cont.)

As a reader this story is exciting and masterfully written. I love the story of how Caspian learns to trust in himself and Aslan for the victory. Narnia is an escape from reality for a time, just as it was for the Pevensie children on their travels there. The books provide adventure and excitement for the difficult times were are in now. The stories of Narnia and Prince Caspian teach us to have hope and faith, and to never give up even when things feel grim. Each day we have new hope, in the Lord (Aslan is a picture of Christ in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, an earlier adventure in Narnia). Be thankful for what you have and you will make it through even the toughest of battles!

Reference

Lewis, C. S. (2005). The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian [Audio Book]. New York: Harper Audio. Retrieved from Libby by Overdrive.

Review of The Secret Chapter by Cigman

Irene is back at it but this time she is testing just how far she will go to for the library. What would she do and where will she draw the line? In this installment by Genevieve Cogman's Invisible Library Series the characters grow and test their  commitment to their long held convictions, views and commitments to one another.
The story
The book begins with Irene and Kia at a party hosted by Lord Silver as they work to settle into their new roles as ambassadors for the new treaty between Dragons, Fae and The Library. Can they walk the balance without harming anyone and survive the night? The book begins with [spoilers ahead] an assassination attempt by a Fae on Kia, the Dragon prince, which luckly is stopped by Irene.
The next test for Irene is that her parents show up but not for the talk she was hoping for. They are discovered in the home which Kia and Irene share after having searched the house causing Kia to go all protective and blame the Fea again. This however quickly passes and he excuses himself from the awkward situation of meeting the older Librarians as they “discuss “ things with their daughter. The news they share is not about the adoption , learned of in the last book, but for a new mission to save Irene’s childhood homeworld.
Irene quickly returned to the library where details are shared from her boss. Copiella has an assignment that is difficult and requires diplomacy and her new position will allow her access to one of the most difficult/dangerous Fae mob boss, Mr. Nemo, to secure a book without stealing and  using all her skills learned by years of dealing with Fae.
Upon arrival back at her home she finds Kia brooding and tells him of her mission, of course he insists on going, this is when the plans start to go downhill because they argue over putting the treaty at risk.  The next things that happen are general chaos which surrounds any interaction they seem to have on these missions. Kia and Irene make a first contact but are on the midst of a firefight in the airport on their way. Here they do make it to their destination but only after being drugged and “kidnapped” which of course makes them both angry and they find their contact was behind it. The first of their convictions are tested and they must decide who to trust and if they are willing to stay.
That night they are dragged into a crazy scheme to steal an expensive and highly protected piece of art.  Being forced to work with a team of thriving Fae and a surprising old acquaintance of Kia’s, she causes problems later between them. The majority of  the book deals with them trying to work as a team and steal this painting. They must decide what they are willing  to do as thieves and who to trust. Each member of the team has personal goal and desire to win a prize from their employer. The team is constantly running into problems first because of in fighting, particularly between Kia and the other dragon [spoiler] who turns out to be his half-sister that disgraced his father. They finally manage to steal the art after a few run ins with local law enforcement and an elderly local dragon.
The final strain comes when Irene discovers that the stolen art could be devastating for Kia’s family and she asks him not to look but tells him she won’t stop him. Each has to decide what to do, however this is not the end. The team has fallen apart because the true mastermind was never MR. Nemo but Indigo. The plan all along was to hurt her father and break the dragons. The end comes and a dragon fight breaks out though not in their true forms. They each receive their own prize, with Irene sacrificing her prize that the Library wanted to save Kia’s family. However one of the Fae offers a surprise by selecting the book that Irene needed to save her home simply for a promised talk of the treaty with his employer.
So, after taking time to test their boundaries Kia and Irene were able to save the day, keep the peace and stay together.
My opinion
I enjoyed this book and found it a great addition to the world. Each element of the story helped the characters to grow and learn more about what they believe. Cogman tells a wonderful story of adventure and moral dilemmas. I recommend reading the entire series and found this book exciting. This was one of my first books in a while that I found to keep my attention and I couldn’t put down.

Reference
Cogman, G. (2020). The secret chapter. New York: Ace.
Image from Goodreads.com