Y: The Last Man

I absolutely loved this graphic novel. Not only had Mr. J encouraged me to read it, but the local comic store girl went on and on and on about it.

It was already on my list to read, but I was trying to finish up all the other series' I was reading, like Sandman, and continuing with Jack of Fables, Fables and Walking Dead before starting on another.

Aside: When it comes to me, it's one novel at a time. I like to bury myself into one story and lose myself in it. Plus, I don't really like having a lot of different plot lines floating around in my head from various books I've decided to start reading. Surprisingly, when it comes to reading I like to focus on one thing at a time. However, with comics, it seems to be different. Perhaps, it's because the story isn't finished (if you reading it as it comes out). Or perhaps because they are short snippets of a plot line that can be easily put down or compartmentalized so as to not be confused with other stories in my head. Or perhaps I am just talking shit. Anywho, I digress.

I don't even remember when I started it, all I remember is making sure I picked up as many issues as possible at our local comic store because Mr. J didn't actually own them all. But I am finished now, and I am thoroughly happy with the choice I made to read it now rather than later.

I loved the different perspectives it offered on how women would deal with the situation. It really makes you question, 'how would I act if faced with a situation like that?' I am sure I've got some ideas on how I would continuing living, but would that actually happen in light of the tragic events and the behaviours/reactions of everyone else.

It was thought provoking. I liked it. A lot!

The World of Comics

So, I've taken a break from reading The God Delusion (even though I'm really enjoying it and TUO says it's great) due to the fact that I've been quite distracted with a number of comic books.

I started reading Fables a couple of years ago, and James had picked up the most recent book - The Good Prince. I managed to finish Volume 10 on our trip. TUO & R:tAG told me about the spin-off - Jack of Fables, so I picked up Volume 1 when I was down visiting and just picked up Volume 2 yesterday at Happy Harbour Comics.

I've been reading the Sandman Series for the past couple of months. However, due to other readings I am only on Volume 3. However, I am really enjoying the series, and will be reading more of it in the coming months.

I finished off Stardust a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Also, forgoing Bne's recommendation, I picked up Neverwhere. TUO & R:tAG raved about it, so I decided to pick up the novel (see that I am on this Neil Gaiman kick). Don't worry Bne, I do plan on reading Good Omens - as soon as I find it. I look in every book store I am in, and I can never find it.

The Walking Dead Vol 8, just came out, so I'm going to have to pick up a copy as soon as I can. An excellent series; a bit gory at times, but really, it's zombies!

Besides the current series' I am reading, I need to read The Watchman before the movie comes out. And also, Y: The Last Man.

I am really enjoying this new genre of reading.

My Daily Escape

I think I have mentioned this before, but the bus system has worked out quite well with my new job. I am not even remotely close to downtown (where I work), and I can pretty much frolic in the fields if I wanted to, but the bus has provided me with good quality reading time.

My reading had become pretty non-existent over the last few years - I think I read, maybe, 3-4 books. See...I have a pretty over-active brain that likes to think and think and think, and if my mind is distracted with other issues, I just can't focus and escape into the fantasy world that books offer me. But with a clear head, happy heart and plenty of free time to read each day, I am back 'ater.

I quickly finished up the series by Kelly Armstrong that included Dime Store Magic, Industrial Magic and Haunted. I really enjoyed it, and it helped me realize how much I missed reading. So, I was on a mission to continue reading, yet my own personal collection was stale. So, after remembering the cool little book community, Shelfari that r:tAG invited me to last summer, I remembered there were a number of books on his shelf that I wanted to read. So I wrote them down and headed off to the book store about 3 weeks back. I am currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman. I wouldn't say I completely love it, but I am definitely intrigued by the story and the writing. And I am looking forward to reading The Sandman series which Mr. J brought me this past week during his Easter visit. I also wouldn't mind reading Stardust, as I enjoyed the movie immensely.

You might be interested

What have I been reading:
As I believe I mentioned already, I was reading The Glass Castle. I didn't really enjoy it all that much - a little too depressing for my liking. But I plugged through and finished it up about 3 weeks ago.

In April, I started reading The Te of Piglet thanks to Mr. J. I own the The Tao of Pooh, and have read it on a number of occasions. I guess Mr. J thought it would be good for me to read the second book. It was enlightening, however, I didn't enjoy it as much as The Tao of Pooh.

My current reads I started a couple of weeks ago. Mr. J lent me World War Z. I have read the first chapter, but put it down because I was much too engrossed in The Walking Dead. The is my second time reading trade paperback graphic novels. My first was Fables. R:tAG started me on them during my visit last fall. I really enjoyed them, and have continued on with the series. In fact, I also just finished reading volume 8 Wolves. I highly recommend both series; The Walking Dead is fantastic. It has been a long time since I haven't been able to put down a book.

Finally, I spent some of my weekend reading old posts. I was feeling particularly interested in remembering my time in Oxford. At least that is where it started, and then I started going back even further and reading older posts. I stumbled upon this post, and remember recently talking about it at Jenn & Al's wedding. Of course I had to watch it again. So good!

What have I been working on:
I am finally about 3/4 done the baby sweater that I started way back in the fall. It is a great little sweater, and I am using some nice, soft light green yarn, however the pattern is all screwed up. I called upon The Knitting Queen back in the fall for some help, and she provided me with detailed instructions that I still reference (due to my large gaps in knitting). Initially the sweater was just a project, but since my girlfriend announced her pregnancy it has become a gift for the baby - which is due in August. I should finish it in time, no problem.

I was also planning on knitting a blanket for the baby, but we'll have to see how dedicated I am to knitting over the summer. I usually only knit in the winter, but I have been picking it up here and there when I am not too busy, which isn't very often these days.

My most recently completely project is the painting I did for Jenn & Al as their wedding gift. Of course, they didn't get it in time for me to present to them on their wedding day, but I advised Al that it would be coming shortly. I got to work early this morning and finished it off in about 3 hours. Now all it has to do is dry. Because I use oils, I like to make sure I give it plenty of time to dry. It should be in their hands at the end of June. I hope they enjoy it.

What have I been active in:
I am still going to the gym as often as I can. However, I have been fairly active practising for Corporate Challenge over the past number of weeks. On Saturday, we competed for the first time in the Bowling event. We placed 6th. On Monday and Tuesday, I will be busy competing in the Volleyball. On Saturday, we have the Slo-Pitch tournament, and the following Friday is my last event - Horseshoes. I am looking forward to the remaining events.

Everything else:
I am busy with work. I have started playing Diablo II again. My brother and his family are coming to visit this weekend, and Suzi the week after that. Life is definitely staying interesting and busy. Good times!