Check out this month’s staff picks from the Betty’s Books crew!
Alain’s Pick
Apocalyptigirl: An Aria for the End Times by Andrew MacLean (he/him)
Alone at the end of the world, Aria is on a mission! This post-apocalyptic sci-fi tale is the story of a woman in search of an ancient relic with immeasurable power. Traipsing through an overgrown city with a cat named Jelly Beans, Aria’s search seems endless, until a violent run-in with a young hunter sets her on a path to complete her quest. She’ll face death in the hopes of claiming her prize.
Colorful, bold, and strikingly illustrated, Apocalyptigirl is my new favorite of MacLean’s work. From the charm of the everyday life of working in the apocalypse, to the quietly poignant reflections of our character between epic fight scenes, this comic is filled with amazing pacing and emotion. Highly recommend it to anyone who’s enjoyed Little Bird, Head Lopper, or any of Sam Bosma’s work!
Alex’s Pick
Let’s Eat Together, Aki & Haru! by Makoto Taji
This sweet, chaste BL manga will make a perfect read for your food-filled holiday times. The story follows college roommates and good friends from high school, Aki and Haru, as they go about college life, and more importantly, college eating! The two boys share a love for good food, and in turn, making each other good food.
Amidst the yummy bites (most chapters end with a real recipe!!!), fun with friends, and stress about growing up, Haru starts to develop feelings for Aki. Since this is only volume one, don’t expect too much of a conclusion–we’re just getting started, and so is Haru on his journey of realization. Don’t worry about lack of story, however. This book is breezy and light, with great pacing that proves a good book doesn’t need to have sensational twists and turns. This is the perfect manga to read while you relax and digest some home-cooked meals.
Betty’s Pick
THE MYTHMAKERS: The Remarkable Friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix
Do you like The Lord of the Rings? The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Or, maybe you’re interested in Christian theology, World War I, or biographies? Or perhaps you are a bit of a softy for tales about friendship like me? This is THE book for you, or for the person in your life that fits into these categories. And, I’m not the only one saying it–this book has garnered much acclaim from reviews in the New York Times, Booklist, and beyond. It’s even already on its second printing!
The Mythmakers is a thoroughly researched and engaging account of the lives of the two masters J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and their beautiful friendship that was foundational to both of their careers and philosophies. The illustrations are highly detailed in a limited color palette, and include comic-style panels, full page illustrations and what I call “illuminated manuscript” style.
For me, what stood out about this book besides all the obvious technical excellence is the warm, fuzzy core of fellowship. The close examination of how these two men’s lives intertwined so closely despite their differences and then ultimately grew apart was the beating heart at the center of the story. I couldn’t help but think about how every Christmas season, Alex and I rewatch The Lord of the Rings extended editions over four nights. It’s a slow tradition I look forward to during a season that is bursting with activity. Reading The Mythmakers wowed me visually, enriched my understanding of these two great fantasy writers, and also gave me the warm fuzzy feeling that a holiday tradition with a dear friend does.
I recommend this book for readers ages 10 to 100+. This is good one for that reluctant graphic novel reader in your life because it is so text dense.
Emma’s Pick
All Princesses Die Before Dawn by Quentin Zuttion
On August 31st, 1997, a young family each experiences different love stories, some more hopeful than others. Young Lulu dreams of being with his best friend, Cam hides a secret relationship with an older boy, all while their mother fights to save her dying marriage. They will experience passion, longing, and heartbreak all at once.
A common theme throughout the novel is the news of Princess Diana’s death in Paris. While the family is going through their day, the news is reporting on the details of Diana’s untimely passing. This was an interesting way for Zuttion to wrap up the day and show time passing.
I felt incredibly connected to these characters; I can tell that Zuttion based them off people he knew in real life. Yoyo, Lulu’s best friend, is based on Quentin’s childhood best friend. He expresses that although this is fiction, many of the stories throughout happened in his childhood years.
This fast-paced read was incredibly moving and beautiful. Although heartbreaking at times, you will fall in love with these characters and feel with them as their lives are changed forever.