Review: Mother Nature by Jamie Lee Curtis

Goodreads Blurb

Discover the incredible debut graphic novel from Hollywood horror legend Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress in the acclaimed movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once .

Adapted from her script for the Comet Pictures/Blumhouse film Mother Nature by award-winning artist Karl Stevens, witness the terrifying supernatural revenge of Nova Terrel, whose father was mysteriously killed on site of a corrupt oil giant.

After witnessing her engineer father die in mysterious circumstances on one of the Cobalt Corporation’s experimental oil extraction projects, Nova Terrell has grown up to hate the seemingly benevolent company that the town of Catch Creek, New Mexico, relies on for its livelihood and, thanks to the “Mother Nature” project, its clean water.

Haunted by her father’s death, the rebellious Nova wages a campaign of sabotage and vandalism on the oil giant’s facilities and equipment, until one night she accidentally makes a terrifying discovery about the true nature of the “Mother Nature” project and the malevolent, long-dormant horror it has awakened, and that threatens to destroy them all.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

The book discussed essential topics, such as climate change and companies’ projects that benefit them rather than the community or the environment. Some of the graphics were unforgettably graphic. The deaths are so graphic that the reader will feel like they are in the story, watching the gruesome death take place. This story had Native American spirits and Nova Terrel looking to destroy the oil company. Nova witnessed the death of her father at the oil company when she was younger. Between the spirits and Nova, they sabotaged everything and took lives trying to fight back. Mother nature will eventually fight back for what is rightfully theirs.

Author Biography

Jamie Lee Curtis is a two-time Golden Globe-winning, BAFTA-winning, and Emmy-nominated American film actress and an author of children’s books. Although she was initially known as a “scream queen” because of her starring roles in many horror films early in her career such as Halloween (1978 film), The Fog, Prom Night (1980 film) and Terror Train, Curtis has since compiled a body of work that covers many genres. She has received an Emmy Award nomination and two Golden Globe Awards. Her 1998 book, Today I Feel Silly, and Other Moods That Make My Day, made the best-seller list in The New York Times. She is married to actor Christopher Guest (Lord Haden-Guest) and, as the wife of a Lord, is titled Lady Haden-Guest, but she chooses not to use the title when in the United States.

Review: Penny Palabras by James B. Willard, Patrick K. Beavers, illustrator

Goodreads Blurb

Penny Palabras, 17, has experienced the paranormal for years. She knows that things aren’t always what they seem. She’s tormented by a malevolent entity called the Straw Man. As she searches for ways to banish him from her life, she’s haunted by more than ghosts. Her nightmares won’t let her sleep, her friends and family can’t understand, and the Straw Man is getting more powerful every day.

This Season One volume collects episodes 1-6 of Penny Palabras as well as the kickstarter funded addition of the “Lucas” segue and additional developmental artwork. The episodes are (minor plot spoilers follow):

01 – The Spectacular Revolver. Penny begins her narrative, introducing us to her world. We learn about the Straw Man, meet the Pawn Broker and the Librarian, and Penny acquires the Spectacular Revolver.

02 – The Devil’s Weight. Penny is visited by a surprise guest when she least expects it. She learns more about ghosts and getting rid of straw men.

03 – The Detachment Bell. Penny’s friend Stevan brings her an artifact that she’ll later find useful.

04 – Disappearing Acts – Penny gets expelled from school and we see what it’s like to be tormented by the Straw Man. Penny realizes that there is only one way to protect her family and friends from him – by leaving.

05 – A Gun In Act One – Penny makes some discoveries that lead her to her father and has another run-in with the Straw Man. She finds out more about the librarian and herself as a result of his attack.

Segue – Lucas. Backed by a Kickstarter supporter of the project, this segue chronicles Penny’s quest to find the summoning spell that she uses in the beginning of the next episode.

06 – Love Letters – The season one story arc concludes as Penny resorts to extremes, allowing the Tiger Devil and his associate to help her bind the Straw Man and send her home.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. This graphic novel was nicely written. Love the artwork that was done for this book. I feel horrible for Penny. It’s such a freak twisting novel. Really wasn’t expecting what was unraveled in the last few chapters. I could relate to Penny because I myself have nightmares most nights. I have some really twisted weird dreams. This book reminds me of bullying. Since the Straw Man and the tiger devil won’t leave her alone. They are willing to help only if you do something for them, which is definitely not something that you would normally do. It’s great that they started the book with the cast of characters and there picture so you would know who the character is. The way I interpret this book is a teenager who has been haunted by some evil spirits and is looking for a way put. No one can help her, but the spirit of the librarian who knows what she is going through. I can’t wait to read the rest of the novels.

Review: Homeroom Diaries by James Patterson and Lisa Papademetriou

Goodreads Blurb

James Patterson introduces the best selling “illustrated fiction” format to teens! It’s “Middle School” for high schoolers!

In James Patterson’s first highly illustrated “diary fiction” story for teens, the mega-bestselling author’s most endearing and original teen heroine ever proves that everyone can use a helping hand once in a while.

Margaret “Cuckoo” Clarke recently had a brief stay in a mental institution following an emotional breakdown, but she’s turning over a new leaf with her “Operation Happiness”. She’s determined to beat down the bad vibes of the Haters, the Terror Teachers, and all of the trials and tribulations of high school by writing and drawing in her diary. And when life gets really tough, she works through her own moments of uncertainty through imaginary conversations with her favorite literary characters.

Cuckoo’s also got a nearly impossible mission: she, along with her misfit band of self-deprecating friends (who call themselves “the Freakshow”) decide to bridge the gap between warring cliques and “bring the Nations together”. Not everyone is so willing to join hands and get along, but Cuckoo never stops smiling… until one of her closest friends, pushed to desperation by a Hater prank, decides that enough is enough.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I totally enjoyed this books and the best part was that I got to personally meet James Patterson this past Sunday. This is such a great read for teenagers. It’s about a young girl who has had a tough life, and when she thinks it’s getting better, something else happens. Life is high school is very hard for most teenagers. Fitting in and being accepted is very challenging.Life is unexpected, and some teenagers really don’t know that bulling other people isn’t right. James became one of my best authors because he used Mr. Darcy as an imaginary friend.I love Mr. Darcy. The illustrations through out the book really illustrated exactly the images I was imagining as I read through the book.I was so sad when the book ended because I didn’t want the story to end, hopefully Mr.Patterson will make a continuation. I can not forget the book cover is just beautiful with those vivid colors. Definitely pick this book up or gift it to a teenager.

Author Biography

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Review: Number One Is Walking: My Life in the Movies and Other Diversions by Steve Martin, Illustrations by Harry Bliss

Goodreads Blurb

Steve Martin has never written about his career in the movies before. In Number One Is Walking, he shares anecdotes from the sets of his beloved films―Father of the Bride, Roxanne, The Jerk, Three Amigos, and many more―bringing readers directly into his world. He shares charming tales of antics, moments of inspiration, and exploits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford, and Chevy Chase. Martin details his forty years in the movie biz, as well as his stand-up comedy, banjo playing, writing, and cartooning, all with his unparalleled wit.

With gorgeously illustrated cartoons and single-panel “diversions” in Steve and Harry’s signature style, Number One Is Walking is full of the everyday moments that make up a movie star’s life, capturing Steve Martin’s singular humor and acclaimed career in film. The perfect gift from the team who brought you the #1 New York Times bestseller A Wealth of Pigeons.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 Stars

Steve Martin and Harry Bliss are fantastic together. I loved to learn about Steve’s movie career through these amazing illustrations that Harry created. The illustrations were perfect and resembled the real live people mentioned throughout the book. I do wonder how long it took Harry to draw all the illustrations for this book? The book included some funny cartoons and a retelling of Steve’s career. Steve’s comedic tales were depicted perfectly by Harry. I loved The dog talking throughout the book. It was great to learn that he wrote a number of films in which he acted. I didn’t know this beforehand.

Author Biography

Stephen Glenn “Steve” Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician, and composer. He was raised in Southern California in a Baptist family, where his early influences were working at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm and working magic and comedy acts at these and other smaller venues in the area. His ascent to fame picked up when he became a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and later became a frequent guest on the Tonight Show.

Review: Terry’s Crew by Terry Crew

Goodreads Blurb

Young Terry Crews has a Big Dream Plan: He wants to become a MULTIHYPHENATE. That means he wants to be an artist. And a football player. And a musician. And maybe a NASA scientist, too! OK, maybe it’s ambitious, but his parents worked hard so he could go to a new school—Rock City Academy, a prestigious institution (read: rich kids go there) where he’s sure he can make his mark at the talent show. He plans an elaborate performance with his new friends, Rani, a passionate engineer, and Xander, a shy kid with a head like an encyclopedia.

Along the way, Terry’s plan is threatened by his grades, which slip below Mom-and-Dad-approved levels, as well as the schemes of the school’s football star, Rick, who won’t stop until Terry quits the talent show altogether. No matter what challenges he faces, though, Terry knows that he always has his crew to back him up.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

A fantastic comic novel that takes us back to when Terry was younger. Terry has not changed a bit, always looking for ways to make a difference, and cares about others. We get a glimpse into Terry’s childhood in this comic; he was bullied, but that never stopped him from dreaming big and achieving his goals. While he was scared of dealing with bullies, his big heart allowed him to convince those bullies that their actions were wrong. He never judged anyone but saw the good people have regardless of the life they lived.

Author Biography

Terry Alan Crews (born July 30, 1968) is an American actor and former American football player. He is best known for playing Julius on the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, Sergeant Terry Jeffords on the NBC comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and for his appearances in Old Spice commercials, as well as films such as Friday After Next, Idiocracy, and The Expendables series. He is a host of America’s Got Talent.