I was able to lay my hands on a publisher’s preview copy of Jessica Farm by Josh Simmons.  Simmons drew 1 page every month for 8 years and will continue to do so as he creates other volumes. The problem with this is that he seems to have lost all concepts of what the story should be. This graphic novel makes absolutely NO sense! It has numerous characters who are there for one or two pages and never properly introduced. It is full of violence, sex and nudity that has NOTHING to do with the story. I have yet to figure out who the heck Jessica is and whether these things are happening in her imagination or in her real life. Maybe in 42 years when the whole series is finished it will make sense, but I seriously doubt it. All I know is that in 2016 I will NOT be reading volume 2.

All that being said, I do have a copy of this book sitting here for anyone who may want it.  I want it out of my house - definitely not a book that you should have around kids, so consider yourself warned.  If anyone feels brave enough to want it, leave a comment by July 31st and make sure you use a valid email.  I will pick a recipient on August 1st, 2008 using random.org.  Good Luck!

Here’s How It Works:

1. Kids read any 8 books.

2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to tell us their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs it when it’s complete.

3. Children bring their completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 29th & September 2nd, 2008.

4. They receive a coupon for a FREE book! They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.

Visit Barnes & Noble for more information.

Recently I checked out some books from the library that I thought the boys would enjoy.  Of course, once you get to know me you will realize that I usually end up reading them as well.  I am a sucker for a good read, not matter who the intended audience.  That is how it was when one morning I picked up Trenton Lee Stewart’s The Mysterious Benedict Society.

After Reynie follows his tutors advice and responds to an ad recruiting “gifted children looking for special opportunities,”  he finds himself wrapped up in a mysterious adventure involving three other gifted students and the odd Mr. Benedict.  Stewart’s unusual characters, threatening villains, and dramatic plot twists will grab and hold readers’ attention, young and old alike. 

Having two sons in the GT program, I appreciate that fact that Stewart has made an effort to encourage children to use their brains to solve the puzzles along with his characters.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable read and you can bet I will be reading his next book, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.

Has anyone else read this book?  What did you think?  Have any other’s to recommend?

© 2008  Blues Partnership, solely for personal, non-commercial use.