KateKintail's May Reading Log

[katekintailbc]

This is a recap of my May reading, for a swap-bot swap I signed up for.

I am usually in the middle of three or four books at once in various locations--the one by my bed, the one in my car (audio book), the one in my purse (lines/doctor's appointments), etc. I also occasionally stand in the middle of the children's section at the library during my volunteer shift and read picture books. It just happens. LOL

Here's a list of books I read during the month but didn't finish:

• A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling


• Divergent by Veronica Roth (Audio)


• Star Wars Jedi Apprentice: The Dark Rival by Jude Watson


• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling


• Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls) by Maggie Stiefvater (Audio)


• Starfish by Donna George


• A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life (Revised Edition) by Judy Reeves

Here are the books I finished in May:

1. the Sequel by John Green: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/135403.html
   An unfinished beginning of an abandoned book, this was bittersweet. On one hand, new work by my favorite contemporary writer rocks my world! On another hand, it's just an unfinished draft. Still, the voice is strong and the characters were great. And it was a download I got as a reward for donating to the Harry Potter Alliance Equality FTW campaign, so it's a win-win.


2. The Roberts by Justin Shady: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/134997.html
   A dark, disturbing, entertaining book about two serial killers (the Boston Strangler and the Zodiac Killer) who meet each other when they're old and have moved into the same retirement community. Also contains some handwirtten letters from real serial killers, which was creepier.


3. Shay's Story by Scott Westerfeld, Devin Grayson, and Steven Cummings: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/134314.html
   Graphic novel version of Uglies, only told from Shay's point of view, instead of Tally's. This was a great concept and it was neat seeing some aspects of the story that happen without Tally or before Tally. However, the art was far too pretty for me and I felt like the canon wasn't matching up all the time, so it hurt my brain a little.


4. Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1: Mister Monday by Garth Nix: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/134061.html
   The first in a series that I've been wanting to read for years. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was creative and fun and I can't wait to track down book 2.


5. The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/133702.html
   A cute, short story about a magical cafe that changes people's outlooks and lives.


6. The Letter Q: Queer Writers' Notes to their Younger Selves by Sarah Moon, James Lecesne, others: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/133514.html
   Touching, inspiring, sometimes strangely similar, and diverse in subject matter, this was a great book. I hope that teens out there find it as supportive and reassuring as I found it interesting and inspiring as a writer.


7. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas, Helen Oxenbury: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/133152.html
   A creative spin on the well-known fairy tale, beautifully executed.


8. Black Dog by Levi Pinfold: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/132987.html
   Whether your black dog is actual depression or literally a gigantic dog outside your house, this book puts things in perspective and helps deal with the issue creatively. The artwork is absolutely astounding, from color pallet to the level of detail. Worth picking up for the art alone!


9. Wormwood by G.P. Taylor: http://katekintailbc.livejournal.com/132628.html
   Okay story about London as a comet is on its way to hitting the area. Confusing and giant cast of characters whose motivations are constantly in flux (due to spells, sometimes, but still). A nice blending of magic, science, and faith, but an execution that made me want to just get the book finished and move onto something better

And here are comics I read in May (May 4 was Free Comic Book Day, so it's only fitting):

1. The Adventures of Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty volume 2


2. The Adventures of Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty volume 4


3. Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness #1, IDW (comic)


4. Infinity, Marvel (free comic book day score)


5. The Steam Engines of Oz, Arcana (free comic book day score)


6. Grimm, Dynamite (free comic book day score)


7. Master of the Future (Batman)

That's my May! Happy reading to everybody in June!