Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Title: Dragon Hoops
Author: Gene Luan Yang
Genre/ issues: Graphic novels. Sports. Race. Life journeys.

Shop local where you can: search Indies to locate your closest independent bookstore, or find it on Booktopia.

In order to get myself out of a bit of a reading slump, I’ve been smashing though some books that are new styles and genres to me. Graphic novels and comics have been high on my list lately, but I usually pass right on by sportsing books. This one looked interesting though, and that first impression was upheld by the wonder contained in its pages. A graphic novel from the point of view of the author, a teacher at a school whose basketball team were headed for a State championship, and who was looking for a new story, Dragon Hoops is fascinating. Part personal narrative, part historical exposition, part cultural analysis, it doesn’t shy away from dealing with difficult topics, like the former coach of the school who faced historical sexual assault charges, or the questions about whether treatment of individual players may have been the result of unconscious racial bias. It’s self-reflective, thoughtful, gently humorous, and so compelling that it had this non-sportsing geek girl sitting on the edge of her seat hoping for a last minute win at the championships – even though, really, that’s not what the game is all about. It’s still satisfying though, right?
The recurring motif of the importance of a single step, small but so powerful, really struck me, and had me thinking about all those steps I’ve taken in my life.
This is a compelling graphic novel. I thought I’d read it and then pass it along to someone else, but I loved it so much that I’ve just added it to my newly-created graphics shelf on my bookcase. Off to stalk the author, and get everything else he’s worked on. I love his style. 

#TamaraReads #2020readingchallenge 25/52

Happy reading,

Ms. Marvel

Title: Ms Marvel, Vol.1: No Normal
Author: G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona (Artist)
Genre/ issues: Graphic novels. Comics. Superheros. Culture, religion and identity.

“Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey!”

When I said I wanted to get back into reading comics, this was on my list, and I was thrilled to open the mail this week to discover that Jacob had lent me his copy! I LOVED this. Smart, funny, beautiful artwork and some really thoughtful reflections on religion, identity, individuality and the way we value people in society. Definitely getting some more Ms. Marvel in my life!

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Happy reading,

Paper Girls 1

Title: Paper Girls 1 
Author: Brian K. Vaughan (Goodreads Author), Cliff Chiang (Illustrator), Matthew Wilson (Colorist), Jared K. Fletcher (Lettering)
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Comic books. Mystery. Sci-fi. Coming of age.

Another installment of Tamara Reads Comics tonight, with Paper Girls 1. A suburban supernatural mystery, with stunning atmospheric illustrations and some really interesting commentary on life in the late 80’s. It represents the 80’s aesthetic really well, both in terms of the visuals and the attitudes, and I felt very much like this could have been set in my smalltown Australia as much as it was smalltown USA.

I felt like this one a much slower burn than my previous comic reads – I was just feeling like I was getting a handle on what was happening and was starting to feel invested in the story when we hit the end. Regardless, I really enjoyed this, and will be checking out the next volume, as much for the art as for the story!

#TamaraReads #2020readingchallenge 20/52

Happy reading,