Comics and Journalism

Last week I finished Joe Sacco's book, Palestine. I actually bought his new book, Footnotes in Gaza. When I came home with it my sister exclaimed, "Oh his work is really good. Did you read Palestine?" Palestine is about the Intifada. I decided I should read that first. Chronological order and all.

His books are really interesting. I have not read many 'graphic novels/books'. I read Persepolis, By Marjane Satrapi, The Imposter's Daughter, By Laurie Sandell, Blankets, By Craig Thompson. Each of these books is a kind of memoir-ish graphic novel. Sacco's books are also stories. But they are stories told by a journalist. He marks events and history through his graphic books.

Want to read a good story. Want to read about the world and be well informed? You may want to dive into Joe Sacco's wonderful books.

Bumming More Books

As you know I'm low on reading materials. Ian generously lent me his book, The Lost City of Z by David Grann. Before Costa Rica, Ian was travelling in Peru and trekked into the Amazon. To prepare for his journey he read Grann's book- both an account of the journalist's trek into the amazon as well as Fawcett's journey. Fawcett, a turn of the century trekker. As I began to read the book- laying poolside- sitting at the beach - and sipping coffee on my 'veranda' I think- that was brave- because if I read that book, pre my journey into the amazon- I don't think I would do it!

Grann's book is not only well written, with layered stories, but covers hundreds of years of history of the amazon.

The author makes a similar journey to find the city Z, that Fawcett took in the 20's. It is gripping, funny, and informative. A great read.



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Location:Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Tom French

I just heard Tom French address a group of educators about the teaching of writing. He is a reporter from St. Petersburg Times in Florida. He read from his reporting of studying a school, a middle school in Tampa. "Thirteen" is a series of reports about being a teenager in America. They are gripping accounts and stories. Enjoy the read.