Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Humans of New York: Stories by Brandon Stanton

Humans of New York: Stories
In 2010, while working as a bond trader in Chicago, Brandon Stanton bought a camera and began photographing city sites and residents in his spare time. After losing his job, he moved to New York City to pursue photography full-time. Out of that career change came Humans of New York, a blog and book featuring photographs and profiles of people he speaks to on the streets of the city.  Now Stanton brings us Humans of New York: Stories, which delves even deeper into the lives of the strangers he meets.

At first glance, a book of interviews with New Yorkers may seem to have little relevance to those of us who don’t live in the city. But the strength of this book is the ways in which it highlights our similarities, rather than our differences. We are hopeful for the little boy who wants to grow up to build bridges, inspired by the woman who works two jobs so that her children can go to college, and heartbroken for those who seem to have no hope. Some of the stories are funny, some are sad, and some are just…strange! Stanton’s strengths as an interviewer are clearly evident, and the beautiful color photographs which accompany his subjects bring each one to life. 

Humans of New York: Stories helps us realize that most of us are very much the same - we want the best for our children, we want to belong, we want to be loved. As Stanton himself says, "... there's a comfort, an affirmation, a validation in being exposed to people with similar problems."

Monday, December 28, 2015

A Duchess in Name by Amanda Weaver

A Duchess in Name
Victoria Carson is nothing if not practical when it comes to matters of marriage. She knows she must marry a man with an impressive British title to appease her mother's societal ambitions. She also knows that although her American wealth will be appreciated by a fiscally challenged fiancé, her lack of pedigree will not. Andrew Hargrave, the Earl of Dunnley and heir to the Duke of Waring, is enraged at being forced to marry to save his family from ruin. Making matters worse, he quickly learns how the duke lost the last of the family fortune, thanks to Victoria's father. Andrew's contempt for Victoria is obvious, but she is taken aback by his overt animosity. Yet each feels an undeniable pull toward the other that provides a glimmer of hope that their marriage could be more than in deed only, but deceptions exacerbate their fragile union and drive the couple apart time and again.

Verdict Weaver (This Book Will Change Your Life) doesn't allow Victoria to fall into the role of victim but instead creates a strong and resourceful heroine, though one who can be vulnerable, making Victoria immensely accessible to readers. The sexual encounters between Victoria and Andrew are skillfully rendered with spine-tingling tension. This exceptional series opener is a must-read for Regency romance fans; highly recommended for public library collections.

This review was originally published in Library Journal Xpress Reviews: E-Originals, November 5, 2015.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Lady Killer by Joëlle Jones

Lady Killer
Taking place in the early 1960's, Josie is a picture perfect, doting mother and wife, who also happens to be a fierce assassin, trying to juggle her mundane domestic tasks with her ruthless and bloody assignations. When Josie's employer opts to terminate her employment and, consequently, her life, Josie fights back the only way she knows how...taking no prisoners.

The drawings quickly transport the reader back to the 1960's; the detailed costumes, cars, and other period pieces are meticulously executed. Meant to be just a one-time limited series, Lady Killer will be returning for a second story arc in future. Deadly fun indeed.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash

Honor Girl
Each summer Maggie is sent to an all-girls' camp in Kentucky that proudly follows years-old traditions of Civil War re-enactments, target practice and more. At fifteen, Maggie falls for 19-year-old counselor, Erin. First love can be hard enough, but Maggie's is compounded by the fact she is gay and has fallen for an authority figure who is strictly out of bounds. Maggie strikes up a friendship with Erin while trying hard to hide her true feelings to avoid discovery and the inevitable censure that would follow from her peers if they find out she is a lesbian.

A well-written memoir of what it is like to grow up in a conservative family, live in a conservative community, and realize you are gay. Limiting her memoir's focus to this particular summer at camp allows readers to really put themselves in Maggie's shoes. Thrash doesn't focus on her parents and how they might react to her coming out, but instead, limits her tale to peer responses. Teens should relate to Maggie's belief that if her fellow campers find out she is a lesbian, cruel attitudes are inevitable at an all girl camp already overflowing with back-stabbing rumors and snide remarks.