8 of the Best Comic Adaptations of Classics - Book Riot

Posted: 06 Jun 2019 03:44 AM PDT

During the summer, I always get ambitious with my reading plans, and every year, they usually involve picking up a classic I never got around to reading. But sometimes, big complicated texts are intimidating, or I'd like to revisit an old favorite in a new way. Graphic novels are perfect for poolside reading, and these eight graphic novels and comics are exactly what I want to read this summer when I'm ready to dive into my own personal summer reading assignment.

Jane by Charlotte Brontë, Aline McKenna, illustrated by Ramon K. Perez

I'm a sucker for anything Jane Eyre, so when I saw this stunning cover art and the description of this adaptation, I was sold. A modern reimagining of the classic novel, Jane is in the world of the elite and secretive New Yorkers.

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, Miles Hyman

Shirley Jackson, thanks to Netflix, is more of a household name, though many may still not have read her classic works of horror. If you're looking for a way into her writing, check out this adaptation of "The Lottery," one of her most famous short stories. Raising troubling questions about quiet-neighborhood violence and tradition, this fresh retelling with creep out new Jackson fans and those who've been scaring themselves for years with her books.

The Odyssey by Homer, Gareth Hinds

If someone had let me read the graphic novel of The Odyssey in high school instead of the brain-wrenchingly-long original text, I would have been SO excited. The classic epic, along with its counterpart, The Iliad, have been illustrated in engaging watercolor and bold colors to give new life to one of the most infamous journeys in literature.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Gris Grimly

This stunning macabre graphic adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein tops my list of most beautiful books. The Tim Burton–esque style of art perfectly capture the eerie world of Dr. Frankenstein as he explores his scientific experiments. What I love about this adaptation is that the artwork accompanies the original 1818 text, mixing the old with a fresh, beautiful new format.

Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation by Anne Frank, illustrated by David Polonsky

I vividly remember Anne Frank's Diary as one of the first real books I was assigned in school, and I was in awe of this young girl who we were learning about in social studies class and what she was witnessing, experiencing, and writing. This graphic adaptation (authorized by the Anne Frank Foundation) stays true to her humorous and frank writing style while bringing new life and color to her story and life.

Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia Butler, illustrated by John Jennings

While Parable of the Sower is receiving a bit of small boost in sight recently (thanks to several podcasters pushing it and the release of this new opera), Kindred was my introduction to Butler, and I've loved it ever since. This graphic adaptation is powerful and harrowing and will mesmerize you.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Nancy Butler, illustrated by Hugo Petrus

Pride and Prejudice: the classic to end all classics, charting every list, every quiz, every adaptation. And there's even a comic series. Faithfully but humorously adapted, this spins the classic love story into a fun will they/won't they full of family drama and snarky quips. You can read the volume like a graphic novel, or you can get single-issue floppies of the series. I also must mention how much I love the magazine-style cover art.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, illustrated by Fred Fordham

The classic American novel we've all read (or will read) at some point in our lives is depicted as a graphic novel. Perfect for younger readers ready for a bigger story or those revisiting a new perspective on a novel they've read, this adaptation stays true to the original while bringing fresh emotion and connection in a visual way.

What classic would you love to read in a graphic novel or comic format?

If you're looking for more graphic adaptations of classics, check out this list of children's books as comics.

We have 5 copies of the Forbidden Hearts series by Alisha Rai to give away to Book Riot readers! Go here to enter for a chance to win, or just click the image below. Good luck!

Stillwater resident celebrates 100th birthday - Stillwater News Press

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 05:00 AM PDT

Laura Schlobohm celebrated her 100th birthday last week with Golden Oaks Village. On her birthday, May 28, Schlobohm was surrounded by her family members, dear friends, fellow residents and staff. Laura was honored by both the Centenarians of Oklahoma and Care Providers of Oklahoma, inducted into the "Centenarians of Oklahoma Club" and the "Oklahoma 100 Club" respectively. At Laura's request, birthday cards have been enjoyed all month long, and a lifetime of happy memories and stories were shared at the party.

Born May 28, 1919, Laura Lunsford grew up around the Eureka and Emporia, Kansas areas. Laura still holds many happy memories of her years there, appreciating the "homey" atmosphere of small-town living where she made life-long wonderful friends.

While attending Emporia High School and later, College of Emporia, Laura worked part-time for the Emporia Gazette newspaper at the time when famous American journalist William Allen White was at its helm as its publisher. White was well-known and loved for his folksy wisdom and political commentaries as a spokesman for small-town America. Laura had the privilege of meeting him and contributing to his paper. She later became a docent for the William Allen White House, also known as Red Rocks, a Kansas historic site in Emporia, Kansas and the White family home from 1899 until his death in 1944. She was a favorite with the tourists and visitors to the home, as she colorfully shared her personal anecdotes of her experiences with William Allen and his wife Sally White.

Laura's mother was an important and lasting influence. Laura describes Janie May as a feisty woman, petite in stature, with the demeanor of a "bear cat." Janie May joined the workforce long before it was popular for women to work, prior to World War II. Laura admired her mother's independent "can do" spirit, recalling when her mother bought a car before she knew how to drive, hired college boys to teach her how-to, and successfully attained a driver's license at age 65. It was her mother's no-nonsense advice to "keep breathing" that Laura attributes to her own long life, noting her advice has "held me in good stead all this time!"

Graduating from the College of Emporia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and thereafter achieving a Master's degree in Speech from Emporia State University, Laura followed her mother's advice and pursued a career in teaching. Her first year, she taught English at Reading High School and knew she had made the right career choice, sharing "it was so rewarding when I saw the light come on in their eyes … when they got something" that was taught. Transferring to Osage City High School thereafter, she enjoyed 30 years as a teacher of English, speech, drama, and debate. She loved coaching the debate teams, helping students learn the necessary organizational skills for debating, and the excitement of the competitions. She also served as President of the Kansas Speech Association and was selected as "Kansas Speech Teacher of the Year." After retiring from Osage City High School, Laura drove 50 miles every week to teach parenting to mothers who were incarcerated. When they successfully completed the class, she helped sponsor the mothers and their children on a weekend at Camp Chippewa near Ottawa for three days. During her 20-year tenure at Topeka Correctional Facility, she was awarded "Kansas Volunteer of the Year."

Laura was noticed by George Charles Schlobohm when she was giving a humorous reading of "The Waltz," a short story written by literary wit Dorothy Parker, one of her favorite authors. When later introduced at a teachers' reception in the fall of 1941, George shared with Laura that he had seen and enjoyed her earlier performance. Impressed by his clever notice, Laura and George enjoyed a "love at a first sight" whirlwind romance, for as Laura noted "when you know, you know!" George and Laura married on May 10, 1942. He was her best friend, supporting her in everything she did, and he was "a doll about driving kids to debate meets." They were happily married for nearly 52 years, until George's death in 1993. They raised four children, Bill, Sally, Charles, and Alan, in Reading, Kansas, where George raised corn, wheat, and cattle on their family farm. After George died, Laura moved to Emporia where she had better ease of medical care, transportation, shopping and social activities.

In 2011, Laura moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma to be nearer her daughter, Sally Harris. A resident of Golden Oaks Village Assisted Living, Laura quickly made new friends in her new hometown. With daughter, granddaughters and great-grandchildren nearby, Laura spends much time with her devoted family members. She also enjoys playing bridge weekly, knitting baby hats for newborns at Stillwater Medical Center, listening to books on tape, writing, and participating in Golden Oaks activities. She says about her residence, "I like it all! Golden Oaks is friendly, accommodating and comfortable. After my hip surgery, and later my knee surgery, I was very well cared for by the staff here. They checked on me often to make sure that I was doing alright."

Recalling her long and happy life, Laura has embraced her mother's words of wisdom as her own, "do the best you can, for as many as you can, for as long as you can."

Golden Oaks administration wrote, "We celebrate you, Laura Lunsford Schlobohm, and we wish you the happiest of birthdays."

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