Recent Reads

77. Tales from the Farm
Essex County Vol.1. I read the Complete Essex County omnibus version of this trilogy. After his mother dies of cancer, 10 year old Lester goes to live on his Uncle's farm. The story explores themes of loss and grief and imagination and connection. The art is bold and sketchy and captures the mood of the story really well. Rating: 3 stars.

78. Ghost Stories
Essex County Vol.2. I read the Complete Essex County omnibus version of this trilogy. Ghost Stories, the second volume in the trilogy, is about two brothers, Lou and Vince. The story is a meditation on family, dreams, hockey, love, loss and aging. As in the first novel, the sketchy nature of the art wonderfully captures the emotions. And the connection to the first story made me smile. This really is a collection about a small community. Paths cross. And diverge. I look forward to seeing what the final volume has in store. Rating: 3 stars.

79. The Country Nurse
Essex County Vol.3. I read the Complete Essex County omnibus version of this trilogy. In this final volume of these graphic novels set in Essex County, we spend more time with Nurse Q, and follow her on her rounds as she makes house calls. This volume ties up the loose ends from the previous two, and the artwork is loose and sketchy and wonderful. Rating: 3 stars.