Just Kids by Patti Smith

read by the author

I’ve been meaning to read this ever since it was first published. I loved hearing it in Ms. Smith’s own voice—well, with respect, aside from her inability to pronounce the word “drawing” without inserting an “L” in the middle of it—in particular, hearing her echoing the loving tone in Robert Mapplethorpe’s voice when he teased her. I loved hearing how the two of them took care of each other, what their art meant to each of them and each other. If I’d known about them when I was a teenager I would have idolized them. As it is, I’ve developed a tremendous affection and respect for them both. I’m so glad I finally read this.

Blankets

by Craig Thompson

A very personal and vividly-told story about first love. I could really feel it… also, the zap that such an intensely religious upbringing put on those kids’ heads. Beautifully drawn. It feels strange to me that I don’t have more to say about this book than I do. It’s very absorbing. But it’s also a quiet book. I felt quiet when reading it, and I feel quiet now, thinking about it. Snow. Blankets. Thoughts.

For the Win by Cory Doctorow

read by George Newbern

Cory Doctorow in high form: a plot-driven, fast-moving, near-future ripping yarn that doesn’t neglect to give you characters you can care about. Except… well, he starts out giving you three different main characters in three different parts of the world, which is great, but then about a quarter or a third of the way through the book he adds three more in order to expand the POV and muddy the waters, excuse me, I mean add nuance and complexity.

I get why he did that; I do. And it’s admirable. But a chapter or so later the plot bloats up and bogs down, and I get the feeling that ol’ Cory is huffing and puffing, running back and forth from one corner of the world to another and from one character to another, trying to keep up with them all and trying almost as hard as I am to keep them all straight, and my eyes just sort of start to glaze over.

I almost gave up on the book here--almost. But it had had such a promising start. I gritted my teeth and kept listening--and I admit I was only half paying attention here and there. And for a while there I *seriously* had trouble keeping track of who was who and I was beginning to not care, and it was getting pretty dicey, and then... things got interesting again. I can’t tell you how, because that would be telling; but they did. Pretty soon I cared a lot.Then I was super engaged and then I couldn’t stop listening, and then, and then, and then… and then that ending--! No, I won’t spoil it for you. Read this book. Do. Just… be prepared for a bit of a slog in the middle. Totally worth it. Trust me.

Sad part: apparently there is no sequel. I really wanted a sequel.