Tuesday 20 November 2012

Novel Suprises

Graphic novels are a great way to diversify your reading habits, and you don't even have to venture too far from your comfort zone. As with attempting anything new try reading a book that's similar to what you normally read. So, if you like biographies  then stick to those; if you like detective fiction, then don't try a romance as your first venture. You might find that you like the freedom in which the writers and illustrators are able to communicate ideas in a way that text alone cannot do.






Alan and Heidy at CIUT 89.5 FM 
Alan Harnum, from the Toronto Public Library and blogger HeidyMo (http://hyemusings.blogspot.ca/) joined me to discuss TMTM's latest Book Club selection, LUCHADORAS by Peggy Adam. Alan has an extensive knowledge of graphic books and he was happy to share a short list o books with us, and with you. As with all TMTM Book Club selection, these books are available in the Toronto Public Library System, and Alan has provided the corresponding links, so happy reading!


Alan suggests:

Fun Home
Alison Bechdel

American Born Chinese
Gene Luen Yang

Vietnamerica
G.B. Tran

Adventures of Hergé
Michael Farr

Persepolis (1 & 2)
Marjane Satrapi

Paul Has a Summer Job
Michel Rabagliati

Louis Riel
Chester Brown

Two Generals
Schott Chantler

Stagger Lee
Derek McCulloch


HeidyMo suggests: 

  • Noche Roja by Simon Oliver and Jason Latour. 
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2747180&R=2747180
  • Recidivist by Zak Sally. You can find Recidivist 1 & 2 in the TPL copy of Sally's Like a Dog
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2587439&R=2587439
  • A Nail in the Heart by Ian Daffern
A Nail in the Heart (a horror collection of 3 short stories) can be purchased through Ian Daffern's website http://iandaffern.ca/ for the very reasonable price of $5 plus S&H).

donna g suggests:


  • A Dangerous woman: the graphic biography of Emma Goldman by Sharon Rudahl
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM2124450&R=2124450

I second Alan's recommendation of the Paul series by Michel Rabagliati (mentioned above), and we also connected on a very twisted, dark horror, romance, action series, 


  • Preacher by Garth Ennis. Not for the faint of heart or easily offended!

All three of us recommed checking out the indie  publisher Koyama Press and their variety of books and comic:  I'm adding Julia Wertz's The Infinite Wait and Other Stories (http://koyamapress.com/projects/the-infinite-wait-and-other-stories/) to my list.

Have your own favourites? Why not share them by posting a comment.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Speaking in Tongues

It was a pleasure to talk to award-winning actress, Yanna McIntosh about her roles in Speaking in Tongues.


Berkely Street Theatre
26 Berkely Street
Oct. 29 - Nov. 24, 2012

1.         Photo courtesy of www.tiff.net A BUMP ALONG THE WAY (DISCOVERY) Synopsi s: With her charismatic smile and formida...