5th shelf


Image by Yvesanemone
Comic books: Collections and Graphic Novels: Big Numbers by Alan Moore and Bill Sienkiewicz; only the first 2 issues came out before Bill quit. Next is Moore’s From Hell volumes one through six, and all 16 of Dave Sim’s Cerebus "phone books" that reprint every issue of the comic from 1-300, Judenhass and Swords of Cerebus, also by Dave Sim. Asterios Polyp, a graphic novel by David Mazzucchelli, Jimmy Corrigan, the smartest kid on Earth, by Chris Ware (it was hell remembering his name, because he’s a graphic designer with input on every single page, like Dave Eggers, but fortunately he included some blurbs on the first and second pages that mentioned him). This is followed by Ice Haven and Ghost World, both by Daniel Clowes, who I recently saw and who signed two issues of Eightball for me. Then Watchmen, by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, followed by the From Hell graphic novel by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. Then Caricature and Twentieth Century Eightball, also by Daniel Clowes. Then Harlan Ellison’s Dream Corridor, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Moore and Kevin O’Neill, Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud, Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg! Alan Moore’s Promethea, books 1-5, Swamp Thing 1-6 graphic novels, The Invisibles book 2 by Grant Morrison, God’s Man by Lynd Ward, and Brought to Light by Moore, Sienkiewicz and others.

Clarissa Oakes by Patrick O’Brian


Image by bennylin0724
Patrick O’Brian’s novels are the basis to the movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World." The movie, with Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany’s great acting, prompted me to read the books, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

O’Brian was truly the greatest historical novelist of the last century. His depth of research, encompassing nautical, medical, culinary, artistic, and cultural knowledge of the early 1800′s, created a believable story that transports any reader into the era.

The characters grow and change, Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin are the best duo I’ve ever read. O’Brian’s mastery over the language, his ease at switching the point of view, educates the reader along the way about the 1800′s.

O’Brian also introduced many memorable characters in the story, each with their distinct traits echoed through the way they speak. Who can resist breaking out a smile when old shipmates like Bonden and Killick show up?

I strongly recommend the series for anyone who wants to hear canons roar, to see nature’s beauty and fury, and to learn about history but is unwilling to read boring research.