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Ross (3284 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books

Nov 9, 2018

Fantastically written self-contained story with superb artwork

This short graphic novel sees Batman trying to peacefully put an end to his conflict with the Joker (safely behind bars - or is he?) before one of them ends up dead. Needless to say Joker escapes and puts in place his plan to show the beauty of madness. He wants to show that everyone would be happier if they just let their brain snap under extreme strain, and then you'll always see the funny side.
Some superb artwork throughout the book, both in the current story and flashbacks of Mr J's life.
I think fans of the Arkham video games will get a real buzz out of this, it is totally in line with the stories and settings used in the games.

Kudos

David McK (3475 KP) rated Life, the Universe and Everything in Books

Jan 28, 2019

The third of the Hitch-Hikers Guide books, which starts with Ford Prefect and Arthur Dent still stuck on a prehistoric Earth.

It's not long, however, before they are back in 'our' time, roped into an attempt to save the Universe for destruction by an army of robots made by an alien race. Of course, they fail spectacularly in all their attempts to stop the robots gathering the items they need to release their masters, who were imprisoned inside a 'Slo-Time envelope' following a long and protracted war aeons ago.

To be honest, I found this book to be rather surreal. Despite a few good moments, it was never really laugh-out-loud funny, ending in a blatant attempt for a sequel (which, to be fair, I probably will read at some stage).

Kudos

David McK (3475 KP) rated Me Bandy, You Cissie (The Bandy Papers, #4) in Books

Jan 30, 2019

The fourth book in Donald Jack's Bandy series of novels, following a Canadian aviator through the early parts of the 20th century.

This is the first novel not set in (or related to) The First World War, as it is set in the 1920s, and follows the trials and tribulations of its titular character upon his escape from Russia and return to America: events that see him join (and then get fired from) the postal service, and eventually become an unwitting early Hollywood star.

While it's still fitfully amusing, I have to say I didn't find this as funny as the earlier books: maybe because it is set in America, and relates to events and characters that we (in the West) are not as familiar with as our American or Canadian counter-parts.

Kudos

Vicki Coyne (45 KP) rated The Bookish Life of Nina Hill in Books

Jan 3, 2020

The writing is conversational and witty, welcoming the reader right in (2 more)

The story flows really well to the point where it never seems like a good place to stop

It takes on anxiety, social awkwardness and modern family structures without breaking stride

It finished - always with a good book, you are sad when it's done (0 more)

Well written, funny and welcoming. Couldn't put it down.

Nina Hill is anxious, a control freak, competitive, smart and completely socially awkward. And you'll love her.

The story takes you briefly through her life growing up and gradually offers explanation for each of the character traits as her present story evolves.

I love that there are a couple of threads to the story and not just the love interest part.

Completely engaging and unputdownable.