Books

‘The Way I Used to Be’ (2016) a mature portrayal of the age of immaturity

Amber Smith’s debut novel, “The Way I Used to Be” (2016), was my book club’s selection for “Makes You Cry” month, and indeed, she delivers

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‘Soldier’ finally gets (somewhat) appreciated in ‘From Script to Screen’

Whatever you say about Danny Stewart’s “Soldier: From Script to Screen,” a 25th anniversary 134-page slice of obsessional archaeology about the Kurt Russell-starring sidequel to

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‘Superman: The High-Flying History of America’s Most Enduring Hero’ (2012) a good place to start your Supes scholarship

Having recently read Michael Chabon’s “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” (2000) – which borrows from “Superman” writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster’s

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M.K. England makes crisp ‘Firefly’ debut with ‘What Makes Us Mighty’ (2022)

With some “Firefly” novels, a reader can sense an author is willing themselves to summon the TV series’ vibe. It’s just in M.K. England’s bones,

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‘Carnival’ (2021) the weakest of the first six ‘Firefly’ novels

Characterization is a tricky thing; we tend to say a tie-in fiction writer gets characterizations “right” or “wrong.” Getting it right can sometimes mean they

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‘Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay’ (2000) a super novel about superhero comics

Michael Chabon’s “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” (2000) has always been, in the back of my mind, my pick for the Great American

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‘Firefly’ books show ‘Life Signs’ (2021) in Lovegrove’s latest

James Lovegrove has shepherded “Firefly” into books, writing four of the first five. Books six, seven and the upcoming eighth, though, are by different authors.

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‘Buffy: Big Bad’ (2022) a fun alternate-dimension romp

“Big Bad: A Novel” (September 2022) announces up front that it’s set in an alternate “Demondale” in 1999. It’s obviously a fun novel from the

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‘Bloody Fool for Love’ (2022) goes back to ‘Buffy’s’ good ole days

After the cancellation of Dark Horse Comics’ “Buffy” line in 2018, a longtime fan could accuse the franchise’s handlers (which is now – ugh –

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‘John Dies at the End’ (2009) a passion project, despite myriad influences

Like Joss Whedon loves penning dialog and Shane Black enjoys dodging action-movie cliches, David Wong (real name Jason Pargin) clearly has a blast writing insane

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