WHO'S ON TOP: GRAPHIC NOVELS

TOP 5 GRAPHIC NOVELS:

HARDCOVER:  

1. THE FIFTH BEATLE: THE BRIAN EPSTEIN STORY, by Vivek Tiwary and Andrew C. Robinson

2. BATMAN, VOL. 3, by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

3. THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 6, by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard

4. THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 1, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard

5. FAIREST: IN ALL THE LAND, by Bill Willingham and Others

SPOTLIGHT:

HAWKEYE, VOL. 1,

Matt Fraction and David Aja

The breakout star of this summer's blockbuster Avengers film, Clint Barton - aka the self-made hero Hawkeye - fights for justice! With ex-Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, he's out to prove himself as one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes! SHIELD recruits Clint to intercept a packet of incriminating evidence - before he becomes the most wanted man in the world. You won't believe what is on The Tape! What is the Vagabond Code? Matt Fraction pens a Hawkeye thriller that spans the globe...and the darkest parts of Hawkeye's mind. Barton and Bishop mean double the Hawkeye and double the trouble...and stealing from the rich never looked so good.

COLLECTING: Hawkeye 1-5, Young Avengers Presents 6

WHO'S ON TOP: CHILDREN'S BOOKS

TOP 5 CHILDREN’S BOOKS:

PICTURE BOOKS:

1. WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?, by Ylvis

2. THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT, by Drew Daywalt

3. GOODNIGHT, GOODNIGHT, CONSTRUCTION SITE, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

4. THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Clement C. Moore

5. STEAM TRAIN, DREAM TRAIN, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

SPOTLIGHT:

WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?

Ylvis.

Do you know what the fox says? Based on the hugely popular YouTube video with more than 200 million views, this picture book is packed full of foxy fun.

Dog goes woof. Cat goes meow. Bird goes tweet and mouse goes squeak…

But what does the fox say?

The lyrics of Ylvis’s YouTube sensation “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” meet Svein Nyhus’s playful illustrations in this irresistibly entertaining read-aloud picture book.

WHO'S ON TOP: NONFICTION

TOP 5 NONFICTION:

HARDCOVER:

1. THINGS THAT MATTER, by Charles Krauthammer

2. KILLING JESUS, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

3. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SECRET SIX, by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger

4. DAVID AND GOLIATH, by Malcolm Gladwell

5. THE BULLY PULPIT, by Doris Kearns Goodwin

SPOTLIGHT:

THE DEATH OF SANTINI

Pat Conroy

In this powerful and intimate memoir, the beloved bestselling author of The Prince of Tides and his father, the inspiration for The Great Santini, find some common ground at long last.

Pat Conroy's father, Donald Patrick Conroy, was a towering figure in his son's life. The Marine Corps fighter pilot was often brutal, cruel, and violent; as Pat says, "I hated my father long before I knew there was an English word for 'hate.'" As the oldest of seven children who were dragged from military base to military base across the South, Pat bore witness to the toll his father's behavior took on his siblings, and especially on his mother, Peg. She was Pat's lifeline to a better world-that of books and culture. But eventually, despite repeated confrontations with his father, Pat managed to claw his way toward a life he could have only imagined as a child.

Pat's great success as a writer has always been intimately linked with the exploration of his family history. While the publication of The Great Santini brought Pat much acclaim, the rift it caused with his father brought even more attention. Their long-simmering conflict burst into the open, fracturing an already battered family. But as Pat tenderly chronicles here, even the oldest of wounds can heal. In the final years of Don Conroy's life, he and his son reached a rapprochement of sorts. Quite unexpectedly, the Santini who had freely doled out physical abuse to his wife and children refocused his ire on those who had turned on Pat over the years. He defended his son's honor.

The Death of Santini is at once a heart-wrenching account of personal and family struggle and a poignant lesson in how the ties of blood can both strangle and offer succor. It is an act of reckoning, an exorcism of demons, but one whose ultimate conclusion is that love can soften even the meanest of men, lending significance to one of the most-often quoted lines from Pat's bestselling novel The Prince of Tides: "In families there are no crimes beyond forgiveness.”

WHO'S ON TOP: FICTION

TOP 5 FICTION:

HARDCOVER:

1. SYCAMORE ROW, by John Grisham

2. THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN, by Mitch Albom

3. COMMAND AUTHORITY, by Tom Clancy with Mark Greaney

4. THE GOLDFINCH, by Donna Tartt

5. DOCTOR SLEEP, by Stephen King

SPOTLIGHT:

S.

Doug Dorst

J.J. Abrams and acclaimed novelist Doug Dorst create a reading experience like no other in this dazzling novel of love and mystery.

One book. Two readers. A world of mystery, menace, and desire.

A young woman picks up a book left behind by a stranger. Inside it are his margin notes, which reveal a reader entranced by the story and by its mysterious author. She responds with notes of her own, leaving the book for the stranger, and so begins an unlikely conversation that plunges them both into the unknown.

The book: Ship of Theseus, the final novel by a prolific but enigmatic writer named V.M. Straka, in which a man with no past is shanghaied onto a strange ship with a monstrous crew and launched onto a disorienting and perilous journey.

The writer: Straka, the incendiary and secretive subject of one of the world’s greatest mysteries, a revolutionary about whom the world knows nothing apart from the words he wrote and the rumors that swirl around him.

The readers: Jennifer and Eric, a college senior and a disgraced grad student, both facing crucial decisions about who they are, who they might become, and how much they’re willing to trust another person with their passions, hurts, and fears.

S., conceived by filmmaker J. J. Abrams and written by award-winning novelist Doug Dorst, is the chronicle of two readers finding each other in the margins of a book and enmeshing themselves in a deadly struggle between forces they don’t understand, and it is also Abrams and Dorst’s love letter to the written word.

WHO'S ON TOP: GRAPHIC NOVELS

TOP 5 GRAPHIC NOVELS::

Hardcover:

1. THE FIFTH BEATLE: THE BRIAN EPSTEIN STORY, by Vivek Tiwary and Andrew C. Robinson

2. THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 9, by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard

3. THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 1, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard

4. INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, VOL. 1, by Tom Taylor and Jheremy Raapack

5. JUSTICE LEAGUE, VOL. 2, by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee

Spotlight:

THE FIFTH BEATLE: THE BRIAN EPSTEIN STORY

Vivek Tiwary and Andrew C. Robinson  

The Fifth Beatle is the untold true story of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who discovered and guided the Beatles - from their gigs in a tiny cellar in Liverpool to unprecedented international stardom. Yet more than merely the story of "The Man Who Made the Beatles," The Fifth Beatle is an uplifting, tragic, and ultimately inspirational human story about the struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Brian himself died painfully lonely at the young age of thirty-two, having helped the Beatles prove through "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" that pop music could be an inspirational art form. He was homosexual when it was a felony to be so in the United Kingdom, Jewish at a time of anti-Semitism, and from Liverpool when it was considered just a dingy port town.

Why Distrust The Poor

We think just because someone is poor that they must be doing something awful to deserve their lot in life. It couldn't be that they have been dealt a bad hand in life. No it must be that they are all lazy and high on drugs all the time.

This is not a rant against capitalism. I am firm believer that with the right oversight (and yes my liberal/progressive friends there is such a thing as too many regulations) that capitalism is the best economic system that we have. I will admit that it has its flaws, like the fact it offers only a marginal chance for advancement up the social ladder. But until the time somebody develops a better system, this is the one we got.

For those that have been born into a working class family, your means of changing classes is almost nil. Sure ever once and a while somebody does manage to go from working class to middle class, but these instances are very few. If you were to closely examines these individuals lives you will see that they managed to hit upon every break in life. Not everybody in the working class is that fortunate.

WHO'S ON TOP: CHILDREN'S BOOKS

TOP 5 CHILDREN’S BOOKS:

Picture Books:

1. THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT, by Drew Daywalt

2. GOODNIGHT, GOODNIGHT, CONSTRUCTION SITE, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

3. THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Clement C. Moore

4. STEAM TRAIN, DREAM TRAIN, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

5. PRESS HERE, by Hervé Tullet

Spotlight:

AN OTIS CHRISTMAS

Loren Long

A NEW HOLIDAY CLASSIC FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING CREATOR OF OTIS AND THE ILLUSTRATOR OF THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD

It's Christmas eve on the farm where Otis and all of his friends live. The farmer has given Otis his first real Christmas present--a shiny new horn! A tree has been decorated, a big snowstorm is on its way, and all of the animals are excited. Best of all, one of the horses on the farm is about to give birth to a foal! Yet in the middle of the night the horse begins neighing in pain and when the farmer says, "We'd better get Doc Baker out here or we'll lose 'em both," Otis knows the horse is in trouble. Snow has been falling hard for hours and the roads are unpassable. How will they got Doc? Otis to the rescue! He knows a shortcut through the woods and he arrives at the doc's house flashing his headlights and revving his engine. When Doc fails to awake, Otis uses his new horn. Then, with Doc in tow, he races back to the farm just in time for a Christmas miracle . . . and the arrival of a new friend to play with.

A warm, feel-good Christmas story featuring everyone's favorite tractor, Otis, the friend you can always count on. From the creator of OTIS, OTIS AND THE PUPPY, and the illustrator of THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD and OF THEE I SING by President Barack Obama.

Praise for Otis:

          

Long’s gouache and pencil artwork is stunning with a red and cream main character against a sepia-toned monochromatic background. The overall effect is nostalgic and comforting as readers bond with the determined little tractor . . . the satisfying conclusion that speaks of a place for everyone is sure to ring true to children.” —STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal, on Otis

        Hearkens to the golden age of picture books, with a style and tone that recall the work of Virginia Lee Burton and Munro Leaf.” —Booklist, on Otis and the Tornado

        Children will be delighted with this story about friendship” —School Library Journal, on Otis and the Tornado

        Fans of Otis will not be disappointed with the satisfying ending that results in a creative solution and a most happy reunion. Seek this out—game on!” —Kirkus Reviews, on Otis and the Puppy.

Thoughts on Duck Dynasty

Now the Duck Dynasty guy said something that some people are upset about. Now I don't watch the show, as a rule I try to avoid reality tv, though to be fair I have to admit I have watched Mythbusters in the past (I really should start watching this show again) and I watch Ice Road Truckers. So I don't know what the show is about, so I can't give my opinion on it, or any of the people that are featured on it. And I also admit that I do not know what this person has or hasn't said, all that I can gather from just looking over things that have been posted here on Facebook is that he said something that has upset a lot of people.

If I had more interest in the guy I might check into what it is he has said, however I am  not interested in him, and to paraphrase a from the former First Lady, Barbara Bush, why should I waste my beautiful mind with the likes of him. I believe what he has said was derogatory towards homosexuals. If this is the case I am not inclined to have positive feelings towards the man, at least not anymore than I already had. If he did say such things I think he is ignorant and bigoted.

What I do want to say, and this is coming from what I have read in some of the post, if you have watched the show are you really shocked by what he said? If you have watched Duck Dynasty for any length of time I am pretty sure you have gotten to know what this man thinks. Even if he has never said anything about LGBT individuals on the show, he has made his feelings known on other topics, and certain points of view tend to be linked (not always but in most case) to other points of view. This should not come as a surprise to anybody. I mean this is not like Michael Richards going on a racist rant in a comedy club. That was an eye opening event for people.

WHO'S ON TOP: NONFICTION

TOP 5 NONFICTION::

Hardcover:

1. THINGS THAT MATTER, by Charles Krauthammer

2. KILLING JESUS, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

3. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SECRET SIX, by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger

4. DAVID AND GOLIATH, by Malcolm Gladwell

5. MIRACLES AND MASSACRES, by Glenn Beck with Kevin Balfe and Hannah Beck

Spotlight:

LET ME OFF AT THE TOP!

Ron Burgund

The autobiography every true American has been waiting for: a shockingly candid and raw

confessional from a national treasure.

From his humble beginnings in a desolate Iowa coal mining town, his years at Our Lady Queen of Chewbacca High School to his odds-defying climb to the dizzying heights of becoming America’s most trusted and beloved television News Anchor, Ron Burgundy pulls no punches in Let Me Off at the Top!

In his very own words Burgundy reveals his most private thoughts, his triumphs and his disappointments. His life reads like an adventure story complete with knock down fights, beautiful women and double-fisted excitement on every page. He has hunted jackalopes with Bobby Kennedy and Peter Lawford, had more than his share of his amorous exploits, and formed the greatest on-air team in the history of televised news. Along the way, he hobnobbed with people you wish you knew and some you honestly wish you didn't -- celebrities, presidents, presidents' wives, celebrities' wives, dogs, and, of course Veronica Corningstone, the love of his life. Walter Cronkite, Barbra Streisand, Katie Couric, the list goes on. Who didn’t Mr. Burgundy, or “Ron” as he is known to his friends, rub elbows with in the course of his colorful and often criminal life?

This may well be the most thrilling book ever written, by a man of great physical, moral and spiritual strength and not surprisingly a great literary talent as well. This book deserves a real shot at a Pulitzer Prize. In fact if it doesn’t win one then we will finally have proof that the Pulitzer is rigged.

Ron Burgundy has taken the time to write a book. We owe it to him, as honest Americans, to read it.

WHO'S ON TOP: FICTION

TOP 5 FICTION::

Hardcover:

1. COMMAND AUTHORITY, by Tom Clancy with Mark Greaney

2. SYCAMORE ROW, by John Grisham

3. THE GODS OF GUILT, by Michael Connelly

4. DOCTOR SLEEP, by Stephen King CROSS

5. MY HEART, by James Patterson

Spotlight:

COMMAND AUTHORITY

Tom Clancy with Mark Greaney

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author and master of the modern day thriller returns with his All-Star team.

There’s a new strong man in Russia but his rise to power is based on a dark secret hidden decades in the past. The solution to that mystery lies with a most unexpected source, President Jack Ryan.

WHO'S ON TOP: GRAPHIC NOVELS

Top 5 Graphic Novels:

Hardcover:

1. FAIREST: IN ALL THE LAND, by Bill Willingham and Others 

2. MADELEINE L’ENGLE’S A WRINKLE IN TIME, by Hope Larson 

3.BATMAN, VOL. 3, by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo 

4. INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, VOL. 1 by Tom Taylor and Jhermey Raapack 

5. MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN, Ransom Riggs and Cassandra Jean Spotlight: 

FAIREST: IN ALL THE LAND 

Bill Willingham and Others

In the spirit of FABLES: 1001 NIGHTS OF SNOWFALL and FABLES: WEREWOLVES OF THE HEARTLAND comes the first ever original graphic novel from the pages of #1 New York Times bestselling writer Bill Willingham's FAIREST.

FAIREST has explored the secret histories of the most stunning beauties in Fabletown: Cinderella, Snow White, Briar Rose, Rapunzel, and the list goes on and on. In FAIREST IN ALL THE LAND, the best names in comics take their turns fleshing out the pasts of the loveliest Fables in existence. For all those wanting to dive into FAIREST or FABLES, this original graphic novel is a fantastic entry point, as well as a great new chapter for those that have been following Bill Willingham's fairy tale epic for years.