Welcome to Tallahassee's Book Brigade!

When Jeffrey came busting into the office yesterday and announced that I would be doing book reviews for you guys, I said, "What? Why me? Why not have one of those screaming blondes who are always running around here do it?" He just cocked his head to one side and looked at me. "Oh... right," I said, "good point. Well what about you, then?" He scoffed, "I don't read comics. C'mon! Besides, you're always tryin' to tell people what to do. Now you can tell 'em what to read!"

You know if somebody had more leafy greens in his diet, somebody wouldn't be so surly all the time.

But I digress!

Today's review is of House Of Sugar by Rebecca Kraatz. House Of Sugar is a collection of strips that originally appeared in a Canadian newspaper, and also as a webcomic. I have to admit that prior to picking up this book, I was completely unfamiliar with Ms. Kraatz or her work. After reading the book, I like to think that she is the kind of lady who looks casually sexy in 1940's house dresses and has really shiny hair. We would hang out on white porch furniture, and have fresh lemonade and that war cake made with chocolate and mayonnaise, and play canasta.

House Of Sugar is beautiful and poignant, offering a glimpse into Rebecca's younger years and family histories coupled with a pure love for old Hollywood and an obvious longing for a time early last century when everyone just seemed classier. While most strips are just 'one shot' vignettes, there are a few storylines that run their course over a few strips. (My favorite example of this is "Mr. Desmond," a six part story of the oldest man she ever knew.) When read in one sitting, all of the stories of House Of Sugar mesh together into a heartfelt narrative. I really enjoyed reading it, and can easily see myself picking it up again.

In short, highly recommended! You can buy House Of Sugar for yourself here, and support both Rebecca Kraatz and the spirit of independent publishing!

Have a magickal day, all!

Loves, Tallahassee