This story of a boy who has his parents killed reminded me of Batman. A retelling of an ancient Inuit tale from the Kugaaruk region in Nunavut. AhiahiThis story of a boy who has his parents killed reminded me of Batman. A retelling of an ancient Inuit tale from the Kugaaruk region in Nunavut. Ahiahia is a tale of survival, perseverance and growth that is transcendent and relatable across cultures. The art is stark and adds to the feeling of apprehension that permeates this adventure....more
A little girl helps her grandmother make latkes and is told the story of Hanukkah. The grandmother explains that this is how she learned to make latkeA little girl helps her grandmother make latkes and is told the story of Hanukkah. The grandmother explains that this is how she learned to make latkes, and that this is how the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. A wonderful introduction to Hanukkah for people who may not be familiar with this important Jewish holiday....more
Terrible Tom is hired to kill a preacher in a 'bad' town that has gone 'good'. But as he steps into church he is converted to Christianity. When he isTerrible Tom is hired to kill a preacher in a 'bad' town that has gone 'good'. But as he steps into church he is converted to Christianity. When he is hung he goes to heaven. The sheriff who has been looking for Terrible Tom does not accept the invitation the preacher (he thinks he is a good person). When he is bitten (by a rattlesnake) he dies and goes to hell. A very 'truncated' version of Pascal's wager (I guess). ...more
Found more of these tracts over at my friend Tom's house. He has a whole box of them given to him by a friend who got them at a garage sale. In this tFound more of these tracts over at my friend Tom's house. He has a whole box of them given to him by a friend who got them at a garage sale. In this tract a little girl (who is dying) wants to go trick-or-treating one last time as a princess. She gets a tract from the neighbor as a 'treat' and decides that she is hellbound if she does not repent of her sins! I have said this before after reading other tracts that involved children in this series and I will say it again: I am very sure there are lots of people ahead of children in line having to get ready to 'abandon all hope'...sure you can even think of a couple world leaders with very little effort....more
A wonderful book that helps you understand the complex symbolism of the Haggadah of the Passover Seder. I can't think of a better guide than Elie WiesA wonderful book that helps you understand the complex symbolism of the Haggadah of the Passover Seder. I can't think of a better guide than Elie Wiesel to introduce you to this profoundly moving ritual. I do not feel qualified to comment on the Passover, this being my introduction to it. What I will say is that I was amazed by the intimacy and connection that is stressed; a dialogue with past and future generations that is truly unique....more
All these years...going to Chinatown and seeing signs and banners...seeing different mythological animals...seeing different flowers and fruits...evenAll these years...going to Chinatown and seeing signs and banners...seeing different mythological animals...seeing different flowers and fruits...even different colors - and not even being aware of the centuries of traditions that are represented symbolically. If you want to learn about Chinese culture this book will be of inordinate value to you! ...more
"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Gar"The words of the prophets are/Written on the subway walls/And tenement halls..."
This book brings these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel to mind. Bombed out buildings that have been painted over with murals that depict symbols from the past now ready to fight for tomorrow. Heartbreaking scenes of devastation that are used as a way to inspire hope and resistance. Highest recommendation. ...more
This jātaka (tale of a previous birth of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form) tells the story of a little parrot who tries to put out a foresThis jātaka (tale of a previous birth of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form) tells the story of a little parrot who tries to put out a forest fire and save the animals. Soaking her feathers in water she flies over the fire again and again; each time refusing to fly away to safety. As the gods eat, drink and relax they notice the little parrot and laugh at her, until one of the gods is shamed into action. A beautiful tale of trying to help your fellow creatures....more
Adapted from her own words, this autobiography of Coretta Scott King (CSK) is both moving and heartbreaking. Her struggles before and after she marrieAdapted from her own words, this autobiography of Coretta Scott King (CSK) is both moving and heartbreaking. Her struggles before and after she married MLK are told in a powerfully moving way. A timeline in the back of the book places important events in context to what CSK was doing at the time. Ekua Holmes is a wonderfully vibrant artist....more
I really like little books that you can read to kind of pick you up. I read some really heavy books; books that deal with subject matters that are verI really like little books that you can read to kind of pick you up. I read some really heavy books; books that deal with subject matters that are very disturbing, books that are really a challenge for me to understand because I am just not that smart. So I like to come back to a book like this that just helps me refocus; understandable and relatable....more
Stories that teach you how we are often the cause of our misfortune. By using animals to teach important lessons the stories told in this book appeal Stories that teach you how we are often the cause of our misfortune. By using animals to teach important lessons the stories told in this book appeal to children, but can be read by adults to find deeper meaning. For me that is a true mark of a classic; a work that can be revisited throughout your life that continues to teach you important lessons....more
How the Jackal ate the Elephant/The Jackal and the War Drum/The Brahmin and the Goat are included in this issue (each reviewed individually). One of tHow the Jackal ate the Elephant/The Jackal and the War Drum/The Brahmin and the Goat are included in this issue (each reviewed individually). One of the most enjoyable series of comics I have read in a long time. The art is simple but meshes well with the stories. Very much a worthwhile series of comics for grade school aged children to read....more
More tales from the Panchatantra. In the title story a man is tricked into believing that his goat is not a goat by those who want the goat for themseMore tales from the Panchatantra. In the title story a man is tricked into believing that his goat is not a goat by those who want the goat for themselves. A Rakshasa (evil spirit) and a thief join forces to rob and kill a man; but their selfishness prevents them from accomplishing their goals. Thought provoking tales written around 200 BC. ...more
More tales adapted from the Panchatantra. A hungry jackal hears a war drum and assumes that there is danger. But when he goes to investigate he finds More tales adapted from the Panchatantra. A hungry jackal hears a war drum and assumes that there is danger. But when he goes to investigate he finds that it is just the sound of the drum, the battle is over, and there is food everywhere! Insightful and relevant still to this day, I really like these tales very much! ...more
My comic friends have been telling me to pick this book up for some time. I have a rule: if more than three of my comic 'inner circle' recommends the My comic friends have been telling me to pick this book up for some time. I have a rule: if more than three of my comic 'inner circle' recommends the same book then I 'bump' it up on my TBR list. This book looks promising; a dystopian theocratic government in the future where virtual reality is used as a weapon. Adult situations and graphic violence....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
A gang leader finds salvation right before he gets out of prison. His gang is expecting him to kill the rival gang member who killed his kid brother. A gang leader finds salvation right before he gets out of prison. His gang is expecting him to kill the rival gang member who killed his kid brother. But when he gets out he decides to forgive the rival gang member and convert him. Nothing wrong with this story, but it seems highly improvable to me. ...more
Pretty straight forward retelling of Adam and Eve being banished from the garden of Eden. Very close to the version I learned when I was a little boy.Pretty straight forward retelling of Adam and Eve being banished from the garden of Eden. Very close to the version I learned when I was a little boy. The problem I have with these tracts is the often overly vengeful portrayal of eternal judgement; it almost seems that we are doomed to damnation by the very nature of our nature, almost an argument against free will....more
A very poor imitation of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. A young man accepts Jesus Christ as his savior and has to deal with both family and frieA very poor imitation of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. A young man accepts Jesus Christ as his savior and has to deal with both family and friends trying to dissuade him from his choice. The two demons assigned to him just can't seem to find a way to distract him from his faith; but the 'Big Man' downstairs (is Satan a man) is going to hold them accountable (I guess they are 'guardian demons') for the growing faith of the young man. ...more
Charlie (a tough construction worker) and his buddies spend lunchtime (?) debating different religious interpretations of salvation (?) and come to thCharlie (a tough construction worker) and his buddies spend lunchtime (?) debating different religious interpretations of salvation (?) and come to the conclusions that 'all roads lead to no afterlife'. The Grim Reaper says 'hi' to Charlie...and it is all over. An angel tells Charlie why is is dammed...and why things are going to get a lot worse. My critique of these tracts remain the same: Charlie seems to me to be just someone who is confused. Is that reason enough to condemn someone to an eternity of suffering? ...more
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