I first became aware of the term "graphic novel" a few years ago. I thought it meant novels that are, well, graphic in the sense of violence or sex. (I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes!) My first introduction to a graphic novel/memoir was Alison Bechdel's Fun Home. (Some of you may know her as the amazing author of Dykes to Watch Out For in all its iterations.) I was enthralled with Fun Home's story, the illustrations, the form. Since then I've read several more graphic memoirs and some graphic novels. A particular favorite author is Shaun Tan, author of The Arrival, Tales from Outer Suburbia and others.
Do you read graphic novels or memoirs?
Who are your favorite authors?
Which books do you recommend?
If you haven't read any, why not?
Some people have the impression that graphic novels are glorified comic books, are unsophisticated or don't qualify as "serious" literature. What do you think? If you track your book numbers, do you count a graphic novel as a book read?
After you've posted your Weekly Geek, sign Mr. Linky, below. And be sure to visit some of your fellow weekly geekers if you're interested in some graphic novel recommendations, or if you have some to recommend.
This week topic is brought to the WG’s by Terri
My thoughts
Do you read graphic novels or memoirs?
I read more than a fair amount of Graphic Novels. I can’t even remember how I started, that how long since I have been reading these books.
I am a big fan of YAOI, Paranormal books that have been converted to Graphic Novels and recently I have found some thrillers that have also been converted to graphic novels that I am liking alot.
Memoirs – I used to read them alot, from the old Hollywood crowd, to Prime Ministers , world leaders of industry and music and art Icons. Over the last few years not so much – Why, firstly they are heavy reading and I find I have gravitated away from some heavier type of reading material, secondly in the UK book market every fashion model and her dog has a memoirs, it kinda defeat the premise of what a memoir is all about.
If you have not lived or done anything worthwhile – what's the point of having your memoirs written when you are 23yrs old. Seems odd to me.
There are some memoirs that I am looking forward to reading – if they are ever written, Lance Armstrong – I don’t know how honest he will be in his( already written, hopefully will read sometime this year), Sir Alex Ferguson – Manchester United Manager, Michael Holding – Caribbean Cricketer and Iman – Somalian fashion model and wife of David Bowie.
Who are some of my favorite authors?
Satoru Kannagi, Hotaru Odagiri
Hikaru Yura, Hirotaka Kisaragi
Which books do you recommend?
Agatha Christie – Graphic Novel series
Anything by Gaiman
I am also taking part in the Graphic Novels Challenge this year as well – Mainly to use the library more, as that’s where I am getting my books from and secondly, these challenges are a great way of finding cool books to reads…
I am always on the hunt for good GN books to read, so add your recommendations on comments or a good link if you have one..
24 Speak To Me:
Have surely read some, and will borrow some from a friend. A series where all the men have died, except one and his monkey..ok that sounded weird
Wow, you have quite the experience with graphic novels. They are so not my thing, I'm afraid to say.
Have a good weekend!
....in the UK book market every fashion model and her dog has a memoirs, it kinda defeat the premise of what a memoir is all about. If you have not lived or done anything worthwhile – what's the point of having your memoirs written when you are 23yrs old.
Have you been peeking inside my brain? I have made exactly the same comment a couple of dozen times in the past couple of years...sometimes muttering under my breath in bookstores which gets me odd looks but never mind.
Like Rikki above graphic novels are not my thing either but one of the things that makes the world a wondrous place is that there's something for everyone.
@Blodeuedd..
So good that you are reading GN.. you must remember the name of that book and let me know..
Sounds fun...
E.H>
@Rikki..
Yup, It really appeals to the creative side of me..
and I have to thanks my fellow bloggers, they are great with recommendation..
Happy reading this week hon..
E.H>
@Bernadette.
Have you been peeking inside my brain? I have made exactly the same comment a couple of dozen times in the past couple of years.
No peeking hon, I am relieved to know I am not the only who think like this.. I am not even sure how this started where people with only space for brain feels like they have to tell us about their dreary lifestyle..
I agree, while GN is not for everyone - this book industry is big and wide enough so that everyone can find their own space to explore.
E.H>
Beyond some yaoi in the swap and (I think, if I'm not imagining it) a Dresden Files book, I haven't read many graphic novels.
I wonder the same thing about Lance's memoirs! :)
A lot of Agatha Christie novels have been turned into graphic novels. And those work very well.
Weekly Geeks: Getting Graphic
@Chris..
I think after I finish the Christie books I am going to harass the library for the Dresden GN books..
I am quite curious to see what they did with that - I think the cover work on the novels are so cool..
As for the Lance book - with his racing career filled with assumption, speculation and a media circus - I am looking forward to reading his memoirs.
E.H>
GT..
It was because of you and Kerrie why we found the thriller GN...
So it's thank to you two that my kidlet and I are having a great time with Ms. Christie's work..
E.H>
I don't know if I'm completely clear on what qualifies as a graphic novel. I've read Black Wade, does that qualify?
I love graphic novels, I mainly read the fluffy or smutty love stories ones, LOL. I never knew there were Agatha Christie graphic novels, sounds interesting~
@FV..
yup I would put Black Wade in that category.. yummy book..
You must explore and try some of the UF that have been adapted to GN, I just read the Twilight GN and it was not bad..
E.H>
@Anna..
I love the fluffy ones as well- they do have there own charm and are quite addictive...
The Agatha Christie GN are really good.. my kiddo and I are loving them..
E.H>
Might have to take a look at the Agatha Christie graphic novels.
Graphic novels, comics, manga... I love them all. I love how the tiniest gesture or facial expression can add so much to the story. It's awesome.
And this post had reminded me of that favour I was gonna ask of you, EH. I really need to do something about that. It will be painless. Hopefully.
Oh we are kindred spirits when it comes to graphic novels. I am bookmarking your post to jot down your recommendations and favorite authors for later. I'm thrilled to see you put Calamity Jack on your recommendations list.
My full post is here.
I couldn't work out why the person who posed the question connected graphic novels and memoirs. And you and I are poles apart on our attitude to graphic novels. But as Bernadette says, that just is an indication of how there's something for eveyone.
@Elena..
Yes please...
they are so much good fun...
E.H>
@Kris..
I love how the tiniest gesture or facial expression can add so much to the story
I so agreed - a lot can be said from little nuances or just how the entire panel on the page is set up..
Love them...
And this post had reminded me of that favour I was gonna ask of you
*** fearfully checking my email in the mornings***
E.h>
2Pussreboot..
Than kyou hon..
I'm thrilled to see you put Calamity Jack on your recommendations list
After Rapunzel - I just had to read that book - I thought Hale and team did a smashing job on that one..
E.H>
@Kerrie..
I couldn't work out why the person who posed the question connected graphic novels and memoirs
I did think it was a little odd, as both questions have no relationship to each other..
But more fun - gave me something to think about and add more books to my bludging TBR list..
And I find GN are good way to get young people involved in reading, like in the case of my Kid...
We started with the Christie GN, and now he is slowly making his way through Murder on The Orient Express - so for those GN I am eternally gratefull, because he had no interest in the novels what so ever before..
I love them myself and find them a good break between heavier volumes..
E.H>
I didn't know that Shannon Hale also wrote graphic novels -- I'm going to have to check those out.
@KT
I didn't know that Shannon Hale also wrote graphic novel
I found them through a friend and I love them - I really do like what she put together from little bits of childhood memories..
E.H>
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