The Complete Chi's Sweet Home, Part 2, by Konami Kanata

In author/artist Konami Katana's The Complete Chi's Sweet Home, part 2 (which combines stand alone books 4-6), Chi's human family has moved to a new home. One that actually allows pets. No more hiding for Chi. But with the move comes new smells, new sights, new neighborhood animals, and lots of new experiences. Some are confusing, like figuring out stairs and cat doors. Others are terrifying, like claw trimmers and the neighbor's dog. On the other hand, some are amazing. Like discovering delicious human food. All that is a lot for one little kitten to take in in such a short time! Chi eventually adjusts, but there's a lot of super adorable humor as she does so. Other things are hinted at as well, such as the whereabouts of Chi's cat mama (who he was separated from in Book 1), but nothing is resolved. The book ends on a cliffhanger, with Chi following a neighborhood stray, not knowing how far from home she will wander. 

Having not yet read Book 1, I snapped up the second Chi's Sweet Home because the cat on the cover bore an uncanny resemblance to my cat, Howard. IF Howard were to be drawn as an Anime character, that is. I'd like to add that, while I've really embraced graphic novel/comics these past several months, I still shy away from the Manga because it's just so different. And sometimes it's backward! Also, since Manga has been translated from another language, there's lots of opportunity for things/context/meaning to get lost.  I loved Chi, though! This kitty cat tale (tail?) was totally cute and charming and made me want to go home and cuddle with my cats (Howard would be up for it. Princess Luna, who prefers not to be touched, would probably consider biting).

I'll definitely be grabbing up the Book 3 as soon as it hits the shelves! --AJB

9 (DVD), produced by Tim Burton

Legendary filmmaker (and master of all that is visually weird and twisted), Tim Burton, produces this unusual animated dystopian in which humanity and life as we know it has become extinct. The world, now a post-nuclear wasteland, is overrun by mutated machines and the trash we left behind. Some are harmless, but most are unspeakably evil and determined to destroy any spark of humanity that remains. We learn this through the eyes of a ragdoll-like creature known only as 9.

But lets go back a bit... In humanity's final moments, a scientist-inventor learned the secret to preserving what remained of his world and life as he knew it. He put small pieces of his soul into nine of these ragdoll creatures and sent them out into the world. If all were to be reunited, that would begin a process to restore the world. But that feat is not as easy as it may seem.

Upon waking, 9 ventures out into the ruined world and discovers there are other creatures like him. Eight others, to be exact. These creatures must avoid being destroyed by rogue machines. Harder still, they must learn to trust each other and work together, something that Number 1, the original, struggles against with every fiber in his stiched-together being. Will these odd little creatures succeed at their mission? Or will humanity remain lost forever? You'll have to watch the movie to find out.

When I watched 9, my first thought was: "Hey! That scientist-inventor guy just made horcruxes! How very Voldemort of him." Overall, though, I wasn't sure what to think of the movie at first. I didn't know if I loved it or hated it. I just recognized the overwhelming feeling of weirdness it left me with. But as the days passed, I found myself thinking of the movie at odd times: Unloading the dishwasher, feeding the cats, driving to work, waking in the middle of the night to get a drink of water... And that original feeling of weirdness began to morph into one of awe. It really is an incredible film. The animation is first-rate, and the storyline is very deep and intelligent. 9 may not a movie to watch casually, but it's definitely enjoyable. --AJB

How to Talk to Girls at Parties, by Neil Gaiman (illus: Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba)

It's the holiday. Enn and Vic are two carefree teen boys out for a night of fun on the town. They're looking for a supposedly awesome party that studmuffin Vic heard about from a friend of a friend. There will girls there, Vic tells his awkward and introverted friend. Girls!! Enn isn't so sure, though. He's never been comfortable striking up conversations with members of the opposite sex. As far as Enn is concerned, girls may as well be from another planet entirely. 

(Note the subtle use of foreshadowing...)

After a bit of wandering, the boys do, indeed, find the party house. They are greeted at the door by a gorgous blonde. Inside the house (which is bigger on the inside than it appears from without), there are, indeed, girls. Each of them different, but eerily perfect in the same way. Before disappearing with the pretty host, Vic tosses his friend this last bit of advice: "Just TALK to them." And Enn is left on his own to fumble awkwardly through some very strange conversations with various female partiers. With each encounter, the weird vibe grows and grows. But Enn doesn't really catch on until a terrified Vic pulls him away from the party. Away from the girls who are not who they appear.

The guys escape just in time, but the strange terror of that night will stay with Enn forever. And neither of them will ever be the same.

The graphic novel adaption of Neil Gaiman's short story How to Talk to Girls at Parties is incredible. Illustrations by Brazilian artists Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba perfectly bring to life this classic sci-fi tale of close encounters. (I should mention that the print version of this story can be found in Gaiman's short story collection, M is for Magic).

How to Talk to Girls at Parties reminded me quite a bit of Bennett Madison's 2013 novel, September Girls. In this book, two brothers visit a very unusual beach town that is inhabited by hundreds of seemingly perfect girls. The boys get caught up in an ancient curse involving these girls, who aren't what they appear to be (spoiler: They're not human). Along with plot similarities, both stories were atmospheric in the same sort of way. They gave off the same sort of otherworldly vibe that kept me hooked, wondering what would happen next, but knowing that things wouldn't end well.

If you're looking for something a bit different than the typical Dystopian or want a Kissing Book that's not really a Kissing Book, recommend checking out both stories. You won't be disappointed.--AJB

I Hate Fairyland, by Skottie Young

Fairyland is an amazing world filled with nonstop wonder, magic, laughter, and joy. There are rainbow unicorns, sparkle fairies, and islands of ice cream...and the whole fluffing place is ruled by a kind and beautiful queen who is made entirely from clouds. But don't let this fool you. I Hate Fairyland, a graphic novel by Scottie Young, is absolutely NOT a light-hearted romp through a brightly-colored land of fairy tale fancy. On the contrary, this story is straight-up horror! In the best possible way.

When Gert was a starry-eyed six year old, she made a wish to be transported to Fairyland, where she could eat rainbow cupcakes and frolic through the daisies with her favorite fairy tale characters. And guess what? Her wish was granted! YAY!!

Upon arrival, Queen Cloudia tells Gert that, in order to get home, she must go on a quest to find a magical key to open a magical door back to her world. Until then, she is a special guest of Fairyland.

Nearly 30 years later, Gert is still stuck in Fairyland. She may still look like a sweet, curly-haired child, but inside she is a bitter grown-up in need of some serious anger management therapy. And the constant exposure to the (actually kind of scary) randomness of the Fairy Realm has made her...well...kind of crazy. Ok, REALLY crazy. But Gert is still a special guest. And no guest can be harmed. No matter how violent or bonkers they become. And believe me, Queen Claudia will do anything to get around this law. Even dig up a long-forgotten loophole.

Meanwhile: Welding a giant-sized battle axe stolen from the Headless Huntsman, Gert has been chopping her way through Fairyland on her continued quest to find the Key. But she comes up against her biggest challenge yet: A super-adorable, super-happy human child who has the power to blast magical rainbows from her fingertips. And oh yeah...this cute little newcomer is on the quest to find the key too. And if she gets to the key first, that means Gert will be trapped in Fairyland. Forever. It will also mean that Gert is no longer a protected guest, and all bets are off (the Queen is counting on this).

Only one thing will save Gert now: The Powers of the Seven Evil Dooms. But first she must defeat the Darketh Deadeth. IF she can survive.

I've been hearing a lot of good things about I Hate Fairyland. And everything I heard about this darkly humorous story is true. Although it's most definitely for OLDER readers, I Hate Fairyland is nonstop action and entertainment. Older teens with a dark sense of humor will love this one! --AJB

Six Impossible Things, by Fiona Wood

Six Reasons why you should read Six Impossible Things, by Fiona Wood:

1. Dan, the main character, is adorkable: He's motivated, he's sarcastic/funny, he's actually pretty mature for his age, and he's soooo in love with Estelle. And we're talking the totally cute-sweet sort of puppy love that can only happen with a first crush. Also he admits to owning a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles beanbag chair. How retro-cool is that?!? (wish I had a TMNT beanbag chair)

2. Howard the Dog. I'll admit it. The fact that there's an animal friend named Howard in this book hooked me. And I thought I was the only one with an animal friend by that name. True, my Howard is a cat and the one in the book is a dog, but the name is pretty unique for a pet. Plus, Howard the Dog is awesome! Wise, loyal, and awesome!

3. It's hilarious in the completely awkward, real way all well-written coming-of-age stories are. No spoilers, though. You'll have to stumble upon the humor yourself,

4. The romance! I can't make this list without mentioning the romance! It's not the hot & heavy stuff. There are no grand, sweeping gestures. This is the sweet, cute, innocent first-love romance that will totally give the warm fuzzy feels.

5. The side characters are well done, from the bullies to the parents to the friends. This makes the story feel more real.

6. The whole package! Six Impossible Things is an excellent book.

And So...

Dan's life has been going great up until this point: His well-off parents were able to provide a comfortable life, he was attending a prestigious private school, he was well-traveled, and he wanted for nothing (see: TMNT beanbag chair). He was happy. Or at least content. As much so as a 14 year old nerdish boy can be.

That was before. Before Dan's dad announced they were bankrupt, came out as gay, and ditched Dan and his mom to pursue other things. 

Now Dan and his mom only have the clothes on their backs, a few boxes worth of possessions (stuff hidden from the Reop team), and an inherited house that smells like, well...like pee. No nice way of saying it.

Although Dan is at rock bottom, he's ambitious. He creates a list of six impossible goals. Among them being cheering his mom, getting a job to help with finances, and figuring out his place in the world. But the main goal, the one that tops his list, is to kiss Estelle, the cute girl next door. 

Admirable goals, all of them. Except that Dan hasn't even worked up the nerve to talk to Estelle, let along get into a kissing sort of situation.

What follows is Dan's stumbling, awkward, and inspiring journey to achieve all six of his goals. And he discovers he's capable of a lot more than he ever dreamed.

So DOES Dan kiss Estelle?

You'll just have to read Six Impossible Things to find out. --AJB

Be Good Be Real Be Crazy, by Chelsea Philpot

I picked up Be Good Be Real Be Crazy, author Chelsea Philpot's second book, because I loved Even In Paradise. Unfortunately, this one wasn't nearly as awesome as I hoped.

Shy Homer is impossibly in love with Mia. Impossible because a girl like that could never return his feelings. But being a typical myrtar of unrequitted love, Homer decides to further torture himself by offering to drive his (very pregnant, but not by Homer) dream girl from southern Florida to her new home in Glory-Be-By-The-Sea, a postcard town on the coast of Maine. Accompanying them on their road trip will be Homer's doomsday-obsessed little brother, Einstein who, true to his name, is a certified brainiac. And their mode of transportation? It's ugly, it's smelly, and it's very, VERY yellow. Like, Taxi cab yellow. Homer's mission: To confess his feelings to Mia and, maybe, convince her to stay with him and live happily ever after.

If this sounds like the typical setup for a typical road trip story, you're absolutely right. It is.

Be Good Be Real Be Crazy reads more like a collection of random cliches than a linear story. 

Mia is the stereotypical Manic-Pixie-Dream-Girl. She dyes her hair unnatural colors, revels in cloud shapes, shoplifts junk jewelry (but it's ok, because she can charm her way out of trouble), and has a deliberstely mysterious past (because, of course, she's a fabulous liar). She's so quirky she's almost ordinary for a MPDG. She's more caricature than character, and that made her hard to relate to (or even care much about). As a reader, I've encountered so many MPDGs in my literary travels that I'm kind of sick of them. 

Homer and Einstein are equally quirky and have equal amounts of personal baggage, but they're, at least, more sympathetic.

As is typical with road trip stories, Homer, Mia, and Einstein encounter a series of unusual characters, eat bad road trip food, take photos on disposable cameras, and have a series of unfortunate (and also fortunate) things happen to them. Drama and angst and ghosts from the past all come out. 

And then...the bittersweet resolution. 

My overall reaction to Be Good Be Real Be Crazy was lukewarm, at best. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. As far as road trip stories go, there are better ones out there.  Be sure to ask at the Teen Desk for recommendations. --AJB

Giant Days, vol. 3, by John Allison

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