Jair Beltr Beltr itibaren Blue Haven NSW, Avustralya
This graphic novel biography presents one of Houdini's most famous escapes -- jumping, handcuffed, off the Harvard Bridge into the freezing Charles River -- and a theory of how it was done. The grayscale pictures are very fitting, and the artwork reminds me of Persepolis. Nick Bertozzi really captures Houdini's glowering looks, dark brows, and famously parted black hair. He also does some nice things with empty white space (and, in the case of the underwater scenes, black space). The only criticism I have of the art is that Bess seems to be perpetually wearing the same expression. But then again, when you read how she was one of Houdini's few trusted accomplices, maybe that makes sense. Who'd suspect the silly, pretty wife? The underwater scene is heart-poundingly drawn out in a way that is hard to do with prose, but the silent, cinematic pictures force you to experience the minute as slowly as Houdini. Both the intro and the end notes provide some fascinating insight into Houdini's life and times (he was obsessed with fame and self-promotion; he said "anyone could do what I do if they worked hard enough"; there were no sound systems or microphones; etc.). This would be good paired with Escape! by Sid Fleischman.
review coming soon ....
John A. Michailidis has written a practical, step-by-step guide to building wealth in real estate. The Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses shows you how to buy and sell rent-to-own houses to create your own Million Dollar Wealth-Loop. The idea behind rent-to-own is that it takes the hassle out of landlording by shifting the burden of maintenance onto the tenants because they have a vested interest in maintaining a property they will one day own. Michailidis explains his methodology in an easy-to-understand manner, using layman's terms. He opens the book by showing that he understands the working man and woman. He explains that the traditional economic game is rigged against the nine-to-fiver, and then he demonstrates how to tilt this economic game in their favor. He does an excellent job of explaining his economic theory, and he even includes about twenty pages of resources and an extensive glossary. If you follow his directions, you will no doubt create a nice "virtual money machine." Michailidis clearly knows his field, as he has a great deal of experience in real estate. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who is looking to break out of the daily grind and live a life of financial independence. Of the investing books I have read, this one truly provides a unique approach to a subject that can be both difficult and confusing. --Lynn Peterson, BookReview.com
This is the best book I've read in a long time. The language is fantastic. I spend my day working as a tech writer; figuring out how to dumb things down. Its refreshing to read a text that takes full advantage of the English language - is more like poetry in spots. I also enjoyed the interconnected absurdity of the plot. I'm afraid I'll be disappointed by whatever I read next.