Zombies in the Reading Room? No Problem.

Rex Libris, The Kickass Librarian

by James Turner

I was doing my readers’ advisory assignment, looking for graphic novels for a friend when I found a graphic novel about Rex Libris, “The world’s favorite ass-kicking, sesquipedalian Librarian.” The first issue is called, I, Librarian and begins with a samurai demon attempting to check out a book without a library card. He’s trying to check out, “Evil Made Easy”. When the samurai gets peeved because Rex won’t let him leave with the book, a battle ensues. The demon offers to spare Rex’s life if he assembles a library so that he can rule the cosmos. Rex replies, “Knowledge is not to be monopolized by tin-topped demons. It must be available for all people!” That’s all I could read on Amazon’s preview but it was most enjoyable. The beginning was especially funny, “Here you will find…the tumultuous tales of the public library system and its unending battle against the forces of evil. This struggle is not just confined to our terrestrial sphere but extends out into the farthest reaches of the cosmos…and beyond!” I also checked out the website for Rex Libris. Click here to go there yourself. It’s very funny. I love that the stereotype of an old-maid type librarian with a bun and glasses is actually a disguise for “femme fatale librarian agents who employ a variety of methods, from lethal martial arts to feminine wiles, to protect knowledge, retrieve books, and add to the library collection.” The website is also a lot of fun. In the Library History tab you can find a map of libraries that have cats. I had no idea that the Beech Grove Public Library was at one time home to two cats named Tigger and Pooh! So if you are bored or just wish to explore something entertaining I recommend checking these out.

Avert Your Eyes

Today I was at Meijer on a grocery trip when I noticed that at the checkout counter, on the magazine rack the Cosmopolitan Magazine was flipped backwards. I looked around me and saw that this theme persisted in every checkout counter throughout the store. I quickly adjusted the rack in my aisle so that a scantily clad Lady Gaga was visible to everyone.  I felt a compulsion to fix all the magazine racks in the store. I’m regretting that I didn’t.   

I can’t say for sure I know why the magazines were flipped over. Was it one angry person on a mission, going from aisle to aisle making sure no one else was offended or was the store management behind it? Some people called in and complained, maybe? No matter what, I’m sure that it was because someone, somewhere felt that the overt sexuality portrayed on the cover was not appropriate for consumers and needed to be covered up. 

I don’t like Lady Gaga. I don’t like Cosmopolitan. I also think that a magazine cover with the word “sex” on three times isn’t appropriate for young children.   I don’t think that I have the right, nor would I want the right, to keep it out of the hands of those that are interested in its contents. I also feel as if sexual content of  this nature is prevalent in our society and that parents should engage in open dialogue with their children regarding their own beliefs on such matters. 

Maybe I need a little more time to mull this over before I can adequately articulate my feelings on this issue. Right now all I can think to write is that this type of suppression frightens me deeply. 

Eat, Pray,Love

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia

by Elizabeth Gilbert                                       

Penguin Books, 2006

ISBN: 978-0-14-3038412 (pbk.)

 

Elizabeth Gilbert is recovering from a messy divorce when she begins a spiritual journey to rediscover herself. This discovery takes place when Elizabeth lands a book deal that sends her around the world. Her journey begins in Italy where she learns to speak Italian, eat delicious food, and luxuriate in the Italian culture. In India she learns about discipline and spiritual strength, and in Bali she finally discovers not just the love of a man but also love for herself.

This story will be well liked by those that really want to escape to a world where the stresses of real life dissolve into an easeful journey as Gilbert learns some life lessons. Gilbert’s voice is a mixture of a quirky, modern, business woman and a yoga loving spiritualist making some parts of the story reflective and others witty and entertaining.

While parts of this book were enjoyable, for instance Gilbert quoting Lilly Tomlin for insight, there were things that kept me from fully enjoying it. Firstly, I’d love to say that Gilbert’s story is a harrowing one and that she overcame great obstacles and ended up better in the end. It’s just that I don’t really know that. Gilbert begins the story by explaining to the readers the darkness and depression she felt after her divorce with her husband, but she avoids discussing with readers the messy bits. As Gilbert herself explains, “The chronicle of our marriage’s failure will remain untold here.” What this leaves readers with is a blah story. Yes, I said blah. I have no doubt that the real story is exciting and full of conflict and passion but the story that Gilbert tells in this book seems watered down.

Although this book wasn’t for me, I do understand that sometimes people just want to hear a happy story. This book accomplishes that and more. There are beautiful and relaxing destinations, spiritual insights, and even some funny moments. If you are interested in a real life feel good story pick this one up. If you are cynical I recommend you avoid it.