The Life of a Children's Troubadour: An autobiography

This book was truly awesome. It satisfied me as a father, as an educator, as a fan of Raffi's music, and as a caring person who shares this earth with all of you. He writes about all this, and more, with intelligence, wit, and passion. Part biography, part call for environmental activisim, and part soul searching for meaning in his family relationships, Raffi shows his complexity and love for children and their future. A must read for anyone interested in any of these angles.

5 stars out of 5

The Complete Alice in Wonderland

Probably the best rendering of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland yet. Better than a book edition because of the wonderful imagery (i know imagining for yourself is one of the beautiful things about reading, but seeing someone's vision for the Alice books is always entertaining). Better than any of the filmed versions, because there's something so enjoyable about reading the written word and the wit of Lewis Carol's prose and poetry. Putting those two together in graphic novel form is pure genius. Absolutely loved this version of Alice!

4 1/2 stars out of 5

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

My newest favourite book. A nice little mystery filled with a small handful of characters, that exhibits an old cinematic charm straight out of the French New Wave. The interweaving of graphic novel style storyboards to the traditional novel text gives it a cinematic pacing and feel. Plus the thematic elements of magic and silent films falls directly within two of my most beloved interests. It may seem cliche to say this, but i'd love to see a film made of this book, as i could picture the energy, mystery, and sweetness that envelopes the main characters. For authenticity sake, i could imagine the director of Amelie putting a deft cinematic hand on this French tale. I would highly recommend this to anyone, old or young. Despite its some 500 page heft, it was a very, very quick read. You won't be disappointed.

5 stars out of 5

Hard Core Road Show

A nice companion piece to both the original work that was adapted and the film from whence this came...or should that read, which came of this...it's interesting in its exploration of the trials and tribulations of a screenwriter in the Canadian Film industry, both the minute and mundane moments alongside the monumental.

5 stars out of 5

A Clockwork Orange

If ever there was a must read, this is it. Do yourself a favour, my brothers, and immerse yourself in this world. Compelling, and unlike anything i've ever read, before, or since. Amazing in both style and structure, narrative and theme, it is a classic, despite some of the ultraviolence. Read it, it's worth the yarbles. That's if you've got any yarbles.

5 stars out of 5