Friday Review - Growing Pains

photo by mobtownshank

This week Benn read It's Not News, It's FARK by Drew Curtis:

Admittedly, I've never been a huge fan of Fark.com. It's always felt a little too morning radio shock jock-y, and after reading Fark founder, Drew Crutis' book, now I know why: A large number of morning radio shock jocks use Fark to prep their shows. The subtitle of the book is "How Mass Media Tries To Pass Off Crap As News," and this is an area that Fark is an undisputed expert in. Fark (the book) breaks news story types into sections, uses actual stories to illustrate these categories and then includes some Fark visitors' snark/comments about the stories at the end for humorous effect. Not earth shattering, but a good primer for those who don't understand all the contemporary criticism of modern media.


Mish read Tank Girl: The Gifting #2 by Alan C. Martin & Ashley Wood:

Alan Martin has resurrected Tank Girl, and it no longer looks like the
rainbow fall-out from a post-apocalyptic Pride parade. Like the original
readership, Tank Girl's grown up, matured some, and even -shockingly-
started wearing heels. Much of this is due to Ashley Wood's art style,
which has retained the manic energy of the original series while
utilizing a muted palate that lends a hip, retro feel to the characters.
Tank Girl is still packed to the tits with vulgarity, excessive
violence, and lewd, mutant kangaroo sexuality, but she no longer careens
madly from panel to panel in a frenzy of childlike energy. Rather, she
maturely straps a jet to her back and gets Booga to light her arse.


Lauren read I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle:

This book is the ultimate romp through Denis' high school graduation night. It
all starts with a declaration of love in his valedictorian speech. This leads to a night of fights, firsts, parties, and a view to what we all feel as we make the move from teenager to adult.

Larry tells the story with a lot of humor. I found myself laughing frequently. But whether we were the nerd, the cheerleader, the geek, the jock or one of the other labels handed out in high school, a part of this book will resonate with you. Rather then wince you'll probably smile remembering how much it meant in those days and doesn't anymore.

I felt Denis' pain, but it sure was funny.