Wonderful meditation on predicting the future by Octavia E. Butler (OB). If you have not heard of OB look her up; she was a pioneering voice in the geWonderful meditation on predicting the future by Octavia E. Butler (OB). If you have not heard of OB look her up; she was a pioneering voice in the genre of Afrofuturism. In this short piece she reminds us that the future we are expecting may not happen - that so often we do not look to historical patterns to predict the future, but base our views on misinterpretations that arise out of collective forgetting. Sound familiar? ...more
Paco Roca tells the story of his mother, Antonia, in this heartbreaking story about growing up in Franco's Spain. Centered around a picture taken at tPaco Roca tells the story of his mother, Antonia, in this heartbreaking story about growing up in Franco's Spain. Centered around a picture taken at the beach in 1946 we learn that this family has been broken by war: a war that the country survived and a war within the family. The title of the book refers to the focus on returning to Eden after death - the only way to look for a happiness that will never be taken away....more
A very good first book on Geronimo (G) for small children. Just enough information. This would be a great book for a book report for children in gradeA very good first book on Geronimo (G) for small children. Just enough information. This would be a great book for a book report for children in grades 1-3. Several very clear pictures of G - think it is so important to show young children what historical figures really looked like if photos are available. Sophie Washburne has done a fine job telling the story of G....more
Shelly Berman was a comedian who was very active in the 50's and 60's. Those of you who are Twilight Zone fans may remember him from the episode The MShelly Berman was a comedian who was very active in the 50's and 60's. Those of you who are Twilight Zone fans may remember him from the episode The Mind and the Matter where he wishes everyone was exactly like him - and then can't stand living with multiple versions of himself. This book is actually a very sophisticated look at words we consider 'clean' (C) and 'dirty' (D) (washroom is C but toilet is D). Published in 1966 - another great find at the library book sale! ...more
Excellent first book on José Andrés (JA). Tells the story of how he became interested in cooking and the path he took to become a world renowned chiefExcellent first book on José Andrés (JA). Tells the story of how he became interested in cooking and the path he took to become a world renowned chief. Throughout the book it becomes clear that JA is trying to do much more that just serve food: he is trying to show those who have lost everything that they can still nourish their souls when hope seems far away. ...more
The cries of different peddlers as they tried to sell their goods in the streets of New York circa 1830. Knife sharpener, milk seller, strawberry sellThe cries of different peddlers as they tried to sell their goods in the streets of New York circa 1830. Knife sharpener, milk seller, strawberry seller, radish seller, watermelon seller...cries that are now long forgotten, but at one time people in NY must have heard them almost everyday. A fascinating look at a time long gone....more
Book of cartoons that are extremely critical of Copperheads (members of the Democratic Party in the Union who wanted to make peace with the ConfederatBook of cartoons that are extremely critical of Copperheads (members of the Democratic Party in the Union who wanted to make peace with the Confederates). Printed in 1863 this is a very interesting look at politics as the average person must have viewed them; a polarizing issue that was beyond any compromise....more
Biting political cartoons from (mostly) the 1890's. Uncle Sam is used as a central theme in many of the cartoons; being the personification of AmericaBiting political cartoons from (mostly) the 1890's. Uncle Sam is used as a central theme in many of the cartoons; being the personification of America he is put in situations that are very revealing as far as the 'state of the state'. Numerous references to Tammany Hall are made here - must confess that I feel I need to learn more about the references and the politicians associated with this aspect of American history. ...more
Sarcastic cartoons that look at what will happen due to a ban on alcohol. Written in 1919 it is a very interesting perspective at what was a very diviSarcastic cartoons that look at what will happen due to a ban on alcohol. Written in 1919 it is a very interesting perspective at what was a very dividing issue at the time. I think that this is an often overlooked reason why cartoons are so important; they are often a reflection of a specific time and place that is hard for us to understand....more
Wonderful first book on the Hopi. Lots of information on their culture and the challenges they have had to face. Information on where the Hopi lived aWonderful first book on the Hopi. Lots of information on their culture and the challenges they have had to face. Information on where the Hopi lived and where they were forced to relocate to. Looks at the food they grew and the pueblos they built. Information on Kachinas and Hopi religious beliefs. A very interesting book....more
Incisive in intent and speculation; Nam Le is a true metaphysical escape artist - his ability to escape from the 'trappings' of culture is a rare taleIncisive in intent and speculation; Nam Le is a true metaphysical escape artist - his ability to escape from the 'trappings' of culture is a rare talent. His detailed eye is able to see past the curtain of inclusivity that immigrants coming to America often have to dodge, before they are allowed to find a role in a play never written with a part for them....more
Put out by Tabasco this cookbook looks at 16 classic recipes from around America and gives a history of how they originated. Included is BBQ ribs, chiPut out by Tabasco this cookbook looks at 16 classic recipes from around America and gives a history of how they originated. Included is BBQ ribs, chili, crispy fried chicken, eggs Benedict, potato salad...and many more. Very interesting to learn the history of the recipes and the ethnic group that they came from. ...more
Tales that center around birds highlighting human attributes. Loyalty is stressed along with cooperation; building a community that helps you in timesTales that center around birds highlighting human attributes. Loyalty is stressed along with cooperation; building a community that helps you in times of need is looked at. These Aesopian type tales deserve a much wider readership. Still have quite a few of these comics to read, looking forward to diving in!...more
This 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of MiseThis 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of Misers. Each of these books have been reviewed individually by me. A wonderful introduction to tales that can hold up to anything Aesop ever wrote - should have a much wider readership!...more
A poor man overhears a rich man say that a motivated man could make a profit from a dead mouse in the road. The poor man picks the dead mouse up - jusA poor man overhears a rich man say that a motivated man could make a profit from a dead mouse in the road. The poor man picks the dead mouse up - just as a hungry cat tries to take it from him! The owner of the cat offers the poor man a copper coin for the mouse - and the poor man is on his way to wealth and position! Wonderful tale of perseverance!...more
The Dwarf is an expert archer; but because he is a dwarf he knows that if he tries to become one of the king's archers he will not be considered for tThe Dwarf is an expert archer; but because he is a dwarf he knows that if he tries to become one of the king's archers he will not be considered for the position. He finds the Giant (a basket weaver) and goes to the king's palace, representing himself as the Giants servant. Under the guidance of the Dwarf the Giant accomplishes feats of bravery and is rewarded. Then the Giant decides he really is a brave warrior who no longer needs the advice of the Dwarf. Pride and stupidity soon reveal who is the real 'giant' to the king!...more
The tales in this book center on greed; greed and the way it so often leads to violence. In one tale a man who knows a chant to make it rain gems is tThe tales in this book center on greed; greed and the way it so often leads to violence. In one tale a man who knows a chant to make it rain gems is taken prisoner for ransom. His student is sent to collect the ransom. His student warns him not to let his captors know that he knows the chant. But the man tells his captors and makes it rain gems. A group of robbers then robs the gems from the captors; greed kills everyone because no one wants to share the gems. The student returns with the ransom - only to find a pile of corpses next to a pile of gems....more
Two tales of very greedy men who discover that it is better to give than to receive. One of the most amazing aspects of religious tales is how often tTwo tales of very greedy men who discover that it is better to give than to receive. One of the most amazing aspects of religious tales is how often there is a singular thread of doctrinal connection running through them all. Although these tales are Buddhist in origin the lesson of giving to the poor transcends any single religion....more
The Ravana (R) 'cycle' is told in this collected issue. I have reviewed each of the 5 books individually: The Lord of Lanka, Ravana Humbled, MahiravanThe Ravana (R) 'cycle' is told in this collected issue. I have reviewed each of the 5 books individually: The Lord of Lanka, Ravana Humbled, Mahiravana, Kumbhakarna and Ghatotkacha. Really enjoyed reading this book - have become a huge fan of Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) comics. A wonderful way to learn about Hinduism....more
Kumbhakarna (K) is the younger brother of Ravana (R). A giant who is almost undefeatable - he will fall in battle because R can not see that he is wroKumbhakarna (K) is the younger brother of Ravana (R). A giant who is almost undefeatable - he will fall in battle because R can not see that he is wrong. K will remain loyal unto death; R can not see that his pride is sending K to his death. A tale of brotherly love in the face of unbeatable odds; moving and masterfully told....more
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