This Week in Reading

BOOKS:

Naked Greed, by Stuart Woods, pages 1 – 96.

Wonder Woman at Super Hero High, by Lisa Yee, pages 46 – 93.

Deadly Beloved, by Max Allan Collins, pages 86 – 164.

COMICS:
Avengers & the Infinity Gauntlet 1 – 4
Daffy Duck 66
Doctor Who: The Time Machination
Free Comic Book Day: Archie, DC SuperHero Girls, Doctor Who, Lady Mechanika, The Phantom, and ROM.

Girlfrenzy! Event: Batgirl, Lois Lane, The Mist, The Ravens, and Tomorrow Woman

Strange Planets 9, 10, 12, 16, 18

Review of Thuvia Maid of Mars

Book #17. Thuvia, Maid of Mars, by Edgar Rice Buroughs. Unabridged audio.

After three Barsoom novels focusing on Virginia calvaryman John Carter and his undying love for Martian Princess Dejah Thoris (reviewed here and here and here), Burroughs changes the focus of this novel. Carter and Thoris make scant appearances in this novel, as center stage is taken by their grown son, Carthoris.

Cathoris arrives in Ptarth, appearing at Thuvia’s court. She is spurning the advances of another man, and despite being in love with the girl himself, his honor will not allow him to pursue his feelings as he is promised to another. Warlord, that he his, Carthoris recognizes her situation and promises her his eternal friendship and help.

But soon after, he meets with his father and other leaders of the different Barsoomian kingdoms, it is reported that Thuvia has been kidnapped. She is held captive by a huge green warrior, but despite the odds against him, he will attempt to rescue his friend, the woman he loves.

Going this direction was important to the storytelling, because Carter had already rescued Thoris more times than seemed reasonable in the first few novels, and the series needed another basic plot. I enjoyed the similarities of this story to the prior ones, but there were enough differences to keep me interested.

I am not sure where the stories go from here, but am interested in reading more. 

Source: public library

Review of Judge Not

Book #16. Judge Not, by Patricia Flewwelling and Jonathon Parker. Paperback.

This book tells the true story of Jonathon Parker, a businessman who ran afoul of a pair of corrupt and relentless RCMP officers. They say the Mounties always get their man – but what if they go after the wrong one?

This is Parker’s story, as told to Pat Flewwelling. It begins with the investigation into a business partner of Parker, suspected of mob ties. The RCMP agents want Parker to sign a false affidavit against the partner, but he refuses. His life is torn apart by his refusal to participate, and he eventually spends a few years in prison himself. Only the intervention of internal RCMP

The events of the story begin in the 1970s, and I did wonder what took so long for this gripping story to be told, as so much of it takes place in courtrooms. Anticipating that, the author makes sure to include the details of the non-disclosure agreement that Parker had to sign with the RCMP after his release from prison.

What I like about this book is that even though it is a story clearly told form Parker’s perspective, he is not made out to be a perfect saint. His anger and selfishness are not hidden, and his own mistakes are not glossed over. The balanced way that the story is told draws the reader in to the lead character.

Flewwelling does a great job of letting the natural drama of the story drive the narrative. She also does a good job continually keeping us focused only on the events related to the case, reminding us regularly of dates and locations. The story takes place over an extended period, so this is an important part of the story-telling.

Source: I received a signed copy from the author, based on her appearing multiple times with us on the old Book Guys Show podcast. Her works can be found at herwebsite.    

This Week in Comics

BOOKS:

Thuvia, Maid of Mars, by Edgar Rice Burroughs, COMPLETED.

Wonder Woman at Super Hero High, by Lisa Yee, pages 1 – 46.

Deadly Beloved, by Max Allan Collins, pages 1 – 86.

COMICS:
All-New Classic Captain Canuck #1
Man-Bat (1984) reprint, one-shot
Man-Bat (2006) 1 – 5
Miracle Force #1
Patsy Walker, AKA Hellcat! 1 – 5
Planetary #1
Secret Origins 36 & 39
Twisted Tales of Two-Fisted Justice #1

Review of The Wind in the WIllows

Book #15. The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame. Unabridged audio.

Spring has arrived, and Mole takes a trip to the far side of the river. He meets Rat, and learns from him the way of the river. They disembark near Toad Hall, and pay a visit to the lord of the manor. Toad is rich and jovial, but aimless and in search of adventure. And Toad’s latest fascination is automobiles.

He just can’t resist driving automobiles. And he can’t resist stealing them. We eventually meet Badger, and the along with Rat and Mole, they try to curb Toad’s obsessions with motor vehicles. Crazy shenanigans ensue, including a long sequence in which Toad disguises himself as a washerwoman.

This is a delightful story, legitimately considered a children’s classic/ Although it is more than one hundred years old, there is nothing about the action or language that makes the work seem outdated.

Source: TheClassic Tales Podcast. Narrator B.J. Harrison does a good job, as always, bringing to life this menagerie of characters.