Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros

This was a sprawling multi-generational story about a Mexican-American family, that didn’t feel so sprawling because many of the chapters were both short and filled with the poetic imagery you’d expect from Cisneros. Lala, the narrator of the novel, comes to terms with her family’s past by relating stories of her life as well as the stories of her ancestors.

Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Good but very derivative in spots. I know that when people are writing in the high fantasy genre, you’re gonna have elves and dwarves show up, but I like to see a bit more of a twist on things. Eldest could have been much shorter. These were entertaining and I’m sure I’ll read the third book in the series when it comes out, but I’m not sure if I’ll feel like rereading these books.

Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner

This was a good airplane book about four women who become friends while becoming new mothers.

Angel Seeker by Sharon Shinn

Shinn revisits the world of Samaria and focuses her story on two women whose lives intersect in an unexpected way. This book is set after Archangel.

Anansi Boys

This novel by Neil Gaiman was a real treat, I tore through it in a couple days.

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

Disposable but fun chick-lit book.

Manga and Graphic Novels

Epileptic by David B

An autobiographical graphic novel about an artist and his brother. The family turns to a sucession of cures in an attempt to cure the epilepsy.

Doubt #4

This had a couple funny moments, but I’m not really into this series anymore. One of the problems with preordering comics is that sometimes you order things too many months ahead. I don’t think I’m going to be getting this anymore – I might read the last volume in a bookstore to see how it ends though 🙂

The Devil Does Exist #1

OK, but not great. Hot Gimmick does the same type of storyline much better. I think I’m going to enjoy Crimson Hero by the same artist much more.

Prince of Tennis #9

Ryoma adds a drive volley to his impressive list of tennis skills as Seishun Academy advances to the finals of the tennis tournament. This is a pretty good sports manga, but I’m only continuing to buy it because the future Mr. Tangognat is a tennis freak and he wants plenty of tennis propaganda around the house so he can brainwash our future children.

Antique Bakery #1

Uneven story about a fabulous gay pastry chef and his hetero co-workers.

Bambi and Her Pink Gun #1

Very violent story about Bambi’s journey with a kidnapped child.

Fullmetal Alchemist #3

Again, a great fusion of action and humor. We get some backstory when Ed and Al visit their hometown to get repaired.

Love Roma #1

Cute romantic comedy about two high school students who start dating. The reactions of the classmates to the new relationship is priceless.

Ultra Maniac #1

Magic mishaps in junior high.

MeruPuri #1

Nice art but not very distinctive, with a semi-typical storyline about a girl with a magic trinket that happens to provide a portal for a prince from another world. The twist is the prince is sometimes a gradeschool kid, and sometimes a gradeschool kid living in a teenager’s body.

Othello #4

The split-personality hijinks continue as Nana take on the evil new girl in school

Hikaru no Go #1

Much more entertaining than any book about Go has a right to be.