House-Wife, But Also Assassin

Jenn Northington Apr 28, 2016

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Jenn and guest Swapna recommend comics for kids, superhero novels, graphic memoirs and more on this week’s Get Booked.

This episode is sponsored by Book Riot Live and the Oh, Comics! Podcast.

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Need a book recommendation? Fill out the form at the bottom of the post, or email getbooked@bookriot.com and we’ll help!

Questions!

1. I listened to your recent podcast where you gave some great graphic novel recommendations for younger girls. I have 2 boys ages 7 and 5, the 7 year old is reading at an 8 or 9 year old level and the 5 year old is always picking up my Ms. Marvel’s and reading them. (Probably not ok but whatever.) I was wondering if you could give some suggestions for beginning comics for boys. The suggestions last week were great, and I will be getting those for them as well since the gender of the characters doesn’t necessarily matter but thought you might have some suggestions for boys to relate to!

— Jessica

2. My girlfriend is a major comic book geek. She’s been reading superhero comics almost her entire life, and knows pretty much everything there is to know about them. For her birthday in April I’m putting together a huge basket full of books for her and thought it would be nice to include a novel about superheroes. Not a comic book novelization, just a novel that has superheroes.
Thanks guys!

— John

3. I love your show (and Book Riot) and love to play along with the “what would I recommend?” game as I listen. I never thought I would be this at sea myself, but I definitely need your help.

I am an obsessive, voracious reader who love to research books and has a never-ending TBR shelf. However, lately I’ve been having a crisis of confidence, or something similar.

I’m a recently unemployed baker (my bakery closed) and a creative writing MFA candidate who’s waiting around to hear back from grad schools. Normally I would be in reader heaven, but I’ve DNFed the last three books I’ve read and I just haven’t been excited by anything I’ve picked up. This feels awful!!! Can you help me restore the passion??

I normally love novels that are either hugely long and involved or super quiet and specific. Favorite writers include Donna Tartt, Marilynne Robinson, and Colm Toibin. I loved Stoner, by John Williams, and A Little Life. I do tend to hit most of the major novels out in a given year, so I guess I’m asking for things off the beaten path with quality writing and a just-can’t-put-it-down storyline.
Thanks in advance for jump starting my bookish insanity yet again.

— Rebecca

4. Hey Amanda and Jenn! I feel like I’ve run out of graphic novels to read and I’m looking for some new titles. Although I loved Watchmen and V: For Vendetta, I couldn’t get into Saga (sorry Amanda, I know how much you love it) or Y: The Last Man, so I don’t think that “traditional” comics are what I want to pursue. I love Persepolis, Maus, Ghost World, Alison Bechdel’s books, and Mariko Tamaki’s books. I’m looking for things that are published as opposed to web comics because I have a hard time reading things on the computer for long periods of time. Thanks for your help!

— Breann

5. I just spent the last 3 days binge watching Jessica Jones. This is just after I read my first (yes…it took 38 years!) graphic novel, Nimona. I loved both and I feel like I want to jump into comics with both feet. But it is so overwhelming. I love a strong female but I’m so confused if I have to start with the first issue (I guess that’s the right term). Any suggestions for comics?? Where do I start?

–Nicolle

Books Discussed!

The Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye, #1 of the Geronimo Stilton series

Tiny Titans: Welcome to the Treehouse by Art Baltazar and Franco

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick

Secret Hero Society: Study Hall of Justice by Derek Fridolfs and Dustin Nguyen

Turbulence by Samit Basu

Gemsigns by Stephanie Saulter

Fallout (Lois Lane 1) by Gwenda Bond

A Once Crowded Sky by Tom King

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (out June 7 2016)

Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich