Graphic Novel Review: Seconds

Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley reviewed by Sergio Ragno

Seconds is the newest graphic novel by Bryan Lee O’Malley, the man behind the illustrious Scott Pilgrim series and the underrated Lost At Sea.  O’Malley tells a less epic tale in this outing, but it is just as masterfully executed as his other works, emotional and relatable.  Seconds is an adventure about pursuing your dreams and the importance of the little missteps along the way.  

Book Review: "Silver Linings Playbook"

Silver Linings Playbook by Mathew Quick Reviewed by Kim Rinaldi

I waited to see the movie until after reading this book and I am so happy that I did! I was riveted from the very first page.

The book tells the story of a man who is struggling with mental illness, specifically delusional thinking, brought on by a traumatic experience and by a lifetime of unhealthy family relationships. If you have seen the movie, then you are under the inaccurate impression that this is a love story. Although the story contains those elements, Quick’s book is really about relationships, and how those relationships can literally drive us insane.

This sounds heavy, I know, but Quick manages to present a topic as serious as mental illness in a way that feels ordinary, comical, comfortable, and even sweet. I have never before read a book quite like Silver Linings Playbook. And the fact that it is set in Philly and much of the plot is centered on the Philadelphia Eagles games makes it an excellent choice for Heggan Library customers, and especially for men looking to break out of the espionage and crime fiction genres for a change.

5 Stars!