Book Nook

"On the Ropes" is a graphic novel that is the long awaited sequel to a book called "Kings in Disguise." Both books were written by James Vance and illustrated by Dan E. Burr. In this interview with James Vance we find out how technological changes have vastly altered the collaborative process that took place for "On the Ropes" when compared with how that original book came together. The internet has really streamlined their process.

One of the joys I derive from reading books is the sense of euphoria I experience when I realize a book I'm reading is something quite special.  We book reviewers dig and dig through the stacks of books. There are some very good ones. And now and then there's a book like Ben Miller's memoir about growing up during the 1970's in the Mississippi River town of Davenport, Iowa. I felt like I had stumbled upon an old trunk up in the attic. When I opened it up I was delighted by the gleaming treasure inside.

One century ago, during the final week of March 1913, severe weather caused death and destruction across a wide swath of the Midwest. In Omaha a tornado outbreak wrecked thousands of buildings and claimed many lives. The bad weather was headed east.

Rising waters from heavy rains caused severe flooding. In places like Indianapolis, Columbus, Portsmouth, Middletown, and hundreds of other towns the floodwaters breached levees, swept away buildings, and left thousands homeless.

“My One Square Inch of Alaska” is set near Dayton in the fictional town of Groverton. It takes place during autumn. The year is 1953.

During the late 1970's Manchester, England was a hotbed of musical activity. One of the bands that burst forth from that scene was Joy Division. They were not together very long. Joy Division ended when Ian
Curtis, their lead singer, took his own life as the band was preparing to embark on their first tour of the United States. A tour that never happened.