Michael -- what fun! Please enter me in the giveaway!
I was a huge comic book fan as a kid -- primarily things like Archie, Richie Rich, Casper the Ghost. I remember finding some copies of works of literature converted into comic form at my grandmother's house -- anyone else remember those?
But as an adult I don't think I've read any graphic novels. . .
I "read" The Know-It-All as an audio book and enjoyed it, although honestly wondered how his wife put up with all his shenanigans.
As a palate-cleanser, or when nothing else appeals, I will admit to this (should make everyone else feel less self conscious). I read *mumbleStar Trek Novelsmumble*. I dislike re-reading generally, but there's something about a familiar formula, familiar characters that gives me the same kind of mindless comfort as re-reding a favourite might give someoneelse. Also, I have to say, often the're quite good 
.
Laura - can imagine his wife having to deal with the huge beard he grew for the second book?
Tauret - I read Star Trek novels too! Though I haven't read one in a couple years, I've got a few of the recent ones on my shelf for when the urge strikes!
Tauret -- I've read a large number of those myself -- primarily those based on the original series characters and a couple based on Next Generation. I gave most of them away to the public library book sale years ago, due to space concerns, but they are a guilty pleasure I'll probably revisit again sometime. 
Michael -- Ugh, yes, shudder. She must really, really love him!! Haven't read that one yet.
(No need to enter me in the drawing, Michael...)
Happy Birthday!
I just read "The Gone-Away World" and it's totally wrecked me for novels ever since (it's been a couple weeks now) I loved it so much--the description of it on the back cover as a mix of Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut is dead-on, but there's a big hopeful heart at its center.
Anyway, when I can't find a novel that calls to me after a really good read, I then spend time with poetry & poetry essays--how's that for a complete change of scene?
Marie
i love graphic novels they are sooo amazing!! i read pretty much all genres
Someone else recommended The Gone-Away World to me (hi Jason!). It is on my TBR pile...
After I've read a really good book, I try to switch genres. Since I just finished two good fantasies (His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik and Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop), I've switched to nonfiction. So I'm reading The Last Human: A Guide to Twenty-Two Specikes of Extinct Humans by G.J. Sawyer.
Happy Birthday, Michael.
Recently I've been getting into graphic novels, mostly Batman a la Frank Miller. My brother-in-law keeps telling me I should read Watchmen and my wife just read the two Persepolis books. Oh, my brother-in-law, huge fan of Star Trek novels, especially Peter David. I don't think you need to mumble. I like mindless Louis L'Amour novels myself.
I would love to win this book. I'm a middle school librarian and would love to have more information on graphic novels.
I read a lot of young adult novels and I try to ready adult fiction that spawned a movie when I can't find any good YA novels. (nice run on!)
I too, have been a comics fan since childhood - usually well worn DC or horror comics passed down from my sister. As an adult I have loved the Watchmen, Sandman, and Maus. Thanks for the contest!
Hi Michael,
Well I go back and forth between fiction and non-fiction to keep it interesting. However I have a friend who just moved back to my town who is trying to get me to read graphic novels. So I just picked up Watchmen and the new collection of The Discworld Graphic Novels by Terry Pratchett that Harper Collins just put out, and I am enjoying them very much. Happy Birthday!
thanks for the birthday wishes everyone...
It's so great to hear there are so many comics (and Star Trek) readers lurking out there.
thanks for the comments!
It used to be the Star Wars novels I would read when I got stuck in a reading rut. Nowadays, I find myself reading graphic novels or alternate history.
I just recently heard the term graphic novel. I felt so out of the loop. I hate that feeling. As for palate cleansing, when I get in a rut (read: like right now) I tend to lean towards light mystery or crime fiction like the Sue Graftons I'm meandering around in. I tell you though, I've wondered if something is wrong with me lately because it's been at least two or three months and I haven't been able to really get excited about reading ANYTHING, except maybe magazines. *sigh*
Happy Birthday Michael!
For mindless reading I usually go back to something I'm very familiar with, like the Dragonrider books. It's like going to visit old friends. My daughter just sent me 7 books in a new (for me) genre. She sent me the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris. Not my usual type of read. But she wants somebody that can talk about them with her - she's thoroughly hooked on them. So, what's a mom to do? I'm suppose to be done with the 1st one "Dead Until Dark" by Sunday when she gets back from her cruise with her family.
Chris - I love the Naomi Novik books! I've listened to them all on audio and have read the 1st three.
Does manga count as graphic novels? My son has a huge collection sitting in our closets. I've tried to read a couple of those - but like the anime movies he also tried to get me to watch, I feel like I'm missing part of the story. Maybe more classic graphic novels would be better. I have the graphic novels of a couple of Anne McCaffrey's books (did I mention I'm a huge fan of hers?).
Enough rambling...happy reading everybody.
don't worry Maggie... I've had reader's block last that long... you've just got to ride it out and go with it. It will pass!
Debbie- I can't seem to get into manga either. I think it definitely "counts" as graphic novels, but it's also an acquired taste. I listened to the first Novik and audio and really loved it. and thanks for the birthday wishes!
I'm glad to know it will pass. I was beginning to think I've just lost it. I never had so much trouble getting into books and with a whole giant list of tbr too. I'll keep at it though.
Oops I meant to wish you a happy birthday too. Happy Birthday!
I'd love to enter. I'm a newbie to the graphic novel scene, and this sounds like a good book to start me on my way.
Thanks!
History books cleanse my palate. It's funny, I know, but so true. Anything by Thomas Cahill or David McCullough and I'm ready to conquer the world again.
Glad you're enjoying Made to Stick. It's a great book. Trish Lawrence
Hi Michael (and Happy Birthday!)
I'm a new-ish fan of graphic novels. Strangely enough, what got me started on reading graphic novels and comic books was Michael Chabon's novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Since reading it last year I've devoured every graphic novel I could get my hands on and even went to Comic Con for the first time. I'd love to be entered in you drawing for 500 Essential Graphic Novels. It sounds like a fantastic book and a great resource!
Palate cleansing: Short stories or essays. And an occasional People magazine. But don't tell anyone.
Persepolis is great. My kid is hugely into graphic novels -- including all of the Fables series, if you've come across those?
p.s. Don't enter me into the drawing, but I'd vote that you give it to the librarian! : )
Ann - I LOVE the FABLES series and just read volume 10. I'd love to give it to the librarian, but it's going to be a random drawing. No other fair way to do it!
Lauren - Kavalier and Clay is such a great novel and so deserving of the Pulitzer it won. It's a book I'd love to re-read one day!
Michael,
I've had this on order for my store since it was in Ingram Advance a few month ago, but I would looo-ooo-ove a copy to dig into, so please enter me in the contest. Although I've been enough of a "geek" to dabble in comics throughout my life, I too returned to them with a passion after reading Chabon's amazing book. While the collected adventures of the Escapist that Dark Horse put out was good, I'd suggest to anyone, fan of Chabon or not, the amazing "Escapists" book by Vaughan. He really nails the book, and the art is beautiful and takes some risks. I've just re-read Watchmen, and it does live up to the acclaim it has gotten. Strangely enough, I've been on a stint of fiction reading to cleanse my palate - I read comics both as graphic novels and "floppies," and needed some good prose for a change of pace. Just finished "Dr. Olaf van Schuler's Brain," so, so good.
Happy birthday! And Laura, I enjoyed Jacobs' second book just as much as his first, but his poor wife (and now, son)!
JChristie- I agree, BKV's The Escapists was so good and a great tangent to the original story. I have it in the monthlies, but I want to buy the collected edition to have on my shelf!
First Time Graphic Novel Reader
-------------------------------
I just finished The Watchmen -- the first time I have tried a graphic novel.
I am keen to try more, but of course, where do you start?
Kannenberg's primer would do me good. Would love the opportunity to dig into it.
cheers
I just loved Ethel and Ernest, Raymond Briggs' (of the Snowman fame) poignant graphic memoir of his parents. It's a far cry from the superhero sub-genre of graphic novels and will convert even the most stubborn opponent of "books with pictures."
As to palate-cleansing, my appetite for really good books comes right back after I read something terrible - the more commercial, pedestrian and salacious (e.g., The Gargoyle) the better!
I really enjoyed "Watchmen." I finally read it about a year ago. Now, I understand why a guy I knew in college came to class dressed as The Comedian on Halloween.
I also enjoyed "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and just finished volume 2 in paperback. It's much better than the movie.
At Free Comic Book Day last year, I picked up the first issue of "Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter" (based on Laurell K. Hamilton's books) and was intrigued. I may pursue this one more.
Like many of the folks on this comment list I recently got into graphic novels and just finished Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (recommended!) and I'd love to be entered in the drawing.
But for palate-cleansing I pick up the next book in a favorite series such as the Amelia Peabody books by Elizabeth Peters. These work for me because they hardly even feel like I'm reading but more like I'm visiting with old friends who I've known for years.
Happy Birthday Michael!
I'm going to rush out and buy this book as soon as I don't win it in this givaway...hehe. (Nothing like the power of positive thinking, eh?)
I too am a middle school librarian looking to keep up with my students reading options. This sounds like a must-read for me.
Thanks for introducing it to me.
I am new to Graphic Novels and this would be perfect to help out
Thanks for the contest
I would like to be entered in the drawing.
I recently took a children's literature course and was reintroduced to graphic novels. I graduated this spring and suddenly became aware that I could read books of my own choosing. I decided to give graphic novels a shot and after some pretty fruitless searches for lists on the web, I just started throwing darts. I have been combing through the online library catalogue and having good luck here and there. The prize book would really help out.
I bought my first graphic novel last week, Watchmen, I have been picking at it while reading Preacher, Y The Last Man, Artimus Fowl, and The Amulet. As a boy, I loved reading The Adventures of Tin Tin but I never bought comics, they always seemed to fall into my lap. Now I guess I'm clearing my palate of text books with graphic novels and loving every minute of it. I just need a little help finding the best titles.
AND WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!
Hey everyone... I used a random number generator to choose a winner
Rebekah Crain, send your mailing address to michael@booksonthenightstand.com and I will pop the book in the mail asap!
Thanks for entering everyone and we hope to have more giveaways soon.
REBEKAH CRAIN!!!!!
Please send your mailing address to michael@booksonthenightstand.com by Friday September 12th... I really want to send you your book!
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