Reviewsletter April 2016

ISSUE SIXTEEN

NON-FICTION REVIEWS FICTION FILM GRAPHIC NOVELS ONLINE RESOURCES JOURNALS GAME OF PROSE

APRIL 2016

P2. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE LIBRARY’S RANGE OF REVISION GUIDES AND STUDY SKILLS BOOKS.

P4. FEEL-GOOD FILMS AND UPLIFTING BOOKS TO KEEP YOU RELAXED DURING THE EXAM PERIOD.

P8. A ROUND UP FROM OUR #MYFAVOURITEBOOK WORLD BOOK DAY PROMOTION WITH A SELECTION OF THE SUBMISSIONS.

P11. FILMS WITH AN INSPIRING MESSAGE TO HELP PUT YOU IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND TO SUCCEED AT YOUR EXAMS. P13. REVIEWS OF NIMONA, DOUBT & THE SCULPTOR. P15. GNC’S BEST & WORST COMICS. P17. APPS TO SUPPORT REVISION AND EXAM PREPARATION.

P18. AN OVERVIEW OF NEW TITLES ADDED TO OUR STOCK: MEDIC MENTOR MAGAZINE, VICE, 1843 AND NEW HUMANIST. P19. A ROUND-UP OF THIS YEAR’S ENTRIES AND A CHANCE TO READ THE WINNING STORY.

Put down your pens, time is up, it’s our Exam special edition of the Reviewsletter.

With exams just around the corner we thought we’d point you in the direction of just some of the wealth of resources that the Glyn Library has to support you through this period. That doesn’t just mean revision guides though, we feel it’s just as important to remain stress-free at this time and so you’ll find a mix of relaxing and inspiring resources alongside the study guides.

In Non-Fiction you’ll find an introduction to not only our range of revision guides but also some of the general study skills books to ensure you’re prepared for your exams in every way possible. In our Reviews section our Reviewsletter Team tell you about the fiction and films which lift their spirits and make them feel good. In Fiction we take a look at some of the favourite books of our students and staff submitted as part of our World Book Day promotion. In Film we offer you a list of films to inspire you and fill you with the feeling that you can take on the world, or at least your A-Level exams. Graphic Novels offers reviews of some of the latest comic books and manga added to our shelves. Meanwhile the Graphic Novel Club tell us what they think are the best and worst graphic novels and manga of all time. In Journals we take a look at some of the new titles which have recently graced our shelves.

Finally, we offer a report on our Game of Prose competition with a chance to read the winning story.

Mike Jones – Assistant Manager, Glyn Library

REVISION AND STUDY SKILLS As we head into the Summer term exams are just around the corner and so you will have at least begun planning your revision. The Glyn Library has a multitude of resources available for you to help with your exam preparation, from subject specific revision guides to books on study skills, essay writing and time management.

REVISION EXPRESS BY PEARSON EDUCATION

This excellent series of revision guides is designed entirely with the purpose of you getting the best grade possible in your Alevel exams. Each chapter is broken down into 2 page topic sessions, packed with information, top tips and unique features to help you carefully organise your revision and gain vital extra marks. Also included are sample exam questions, alongside examples of the best answers to help get you into the right mind-set as well as insider information from A-level examiners explaining what they are looking for in the highest graded work.

COMPLETE REVISION & PRACTICE GUIDES BY CGP

These guides, published by Coordination Group Publications, are a more detailed revision tool with separate books for AS and A2 and different versions for each of the exam boards. You will find detailed explanations of each of the topics that make up the course but the information is presented in such a manner to make it concise enough to skim through when revising. Text is backed up with clear full colour diagrams and there are examstyle practice questions to round off each topic. What really sets the CGP guides apart from similar texts is a regular injection of humour designed to relax students during what can be a very stressful time.

MY REVISION NOTES BY HODDER EDUCATION

These revision books are put together by Hodder Education, the same publisher responsible for the excellent Philip Allan series of journals and unit guides. They aim to assist student in the planning and organisation of their revision breaking down the subject into clear key topics and giving specific examples. Alongside this are tips from examiners ensuring that students can be certain of what it is those who are marking their work are looking for. Additional content and answers to practice exam questions set in the books are avaialble at www.hodderplus.co.uk/myrevisionnotes.

I hate revision: study skills and revision techniques for GCSE, A-Level and Undergraduate exams by Robert Blakey.

The mind map book: unlock your creativity, boost your memory, change your life by Tony Buzan

On shelf in the Glyn Library at: 371.3 BLA

On shelf in the Glyn Library at: 371.3 BUZ

The exam skills handbook: achieving peak performance

by Stella Cottrell

Power up your mind: learn faster, work smarter by Bill Lucas.

On shelf in the Glyn Library at: 371.3 COT

On shelf in the Glyn Library at: 371.3 LUC

Study skills essentials: Oxford graduates reveal their study tactics, essay secrets and exam advice by Patrick Murray.

The good study guide by Andy Northedge

On shelf in the Glyn Library at: 371.3 MUR Academic writing and grammar for students by Alex Osmond.

On shelf in the Glyn Library at: 371.3 OSM

Studying creatively: a creativity toolkit to get your studies out of a rut by Brian Clegg eBook available by clicking here

On shelf in the Glyn Library at 371.3 NOR

How to ace your A-Levels: inspired by student success stories we tell you what your teachers don’t by Anshul Raja and Minesh Karia.

On shelf in the Glyn Library at: 371.3 RAJ The study skills toolkit for students with dyslexia by Monica Gribben On shelf in the Glyn Library at: T&L 371.914 GRI

COMING SOON…

During the exam period we’ll have a selection of “adult colouring books” available in the Library so if you need a few moments to take your mind off of your exams and just chill you can pick up some pens or pencils and create some art!

TURN OFF YOUR MIND, RELAX AND FLOAT DOWN STREAM… The exam period can be a very stressful time and so it’s as important to find time for the things you enjoy as much as it is to fill your every waking moment with revision. We asked our reviews team to tell us about the books and films which help them relax and make them feel good after watching it. Please feel free to let us know what books and films have that effect on you. Which is the one film that always gets put in the DVD player when you’re feeling ill? Which book lifts your spirits so that you can’t help but walk round with a smile on your face? Seeing as chocolate is scientifically proven to make us happy we’d like to offer you some so everyone who emails library@barton.ac.uk by the end of day on 22nd April 2016 with the name of the song that contains the above title as lyrics will be entered into a prize draw to win a chocolatey delight.

BILLY ELLIOT, directed by Stephen Daldry.

Reviewed by Hollie Cornell

Eleven year old Billy Elliott, lives in the North of England with his dad, older brother Tony and his Nana. Billy’s mum sadly died when he was only young. He has to help take care of his fragile grandmother as her mind isn’t fully there anymore and loves to wander off. Billy shares a room with Tony as they aren’t the wealthiest family around. Billy’s dad and brother are taking part in a strike to protest against pit closures, this continues throughout the whole film, emphasising the importance of the event.

Billy attends boxing classes but when he realises he’s not going to get very far with it he takes an interest in the ballet class which takes place straight after his class. When one of the girls asks him to join in, he decides to take her up on the offer. Billy manages to hold one of the positions better than the rest of the girls in the class. This is when Miss Wilkinson (Julie Waters) realises that Billy Elliott may have potential in ballet. Billy continues going to ballet each week, but keeps it a secret, knowing his family wouldn’t approve. Billy finds comfort within his best friend, who has a secret himself.

Practicing at home in secret, Billy begins to improve, with a lot of frustration and help from a supportive yet harsh teacher. When Billy’s boxing teacher lets it slip to his dad that Billy hasn’t attended boxing for weeks, Billy has to confess to what class he’s actually been taking. Whilst Billy is becoming immersed in ballet, his dad turns up unexpectedly and is furious at him.

After Miss Wilkinson mentions the Royal Ballet School to Billy, he has a new goal to aspire too, and nothing is going to change his mind, not even his family’s disbelief. Meanwhile, the strike is getting worst and more aggressive, especially for brother Tony, and sadly Billy witnesses it all.

After missing his audition, Billy luckily gets another chance, and this one could change his life forever.

Billy Elliott is one of my all-time favourite films, and I would recommend it always. It is a brilliant, clever story which has a lot of wit, swearing but most of all fantastic music. The clever way the writers have

tackled gender stereotypical roles and class inequalities really makes you realise how times have changed.

One of my favourite moments within the film has to be when Billy dances along the streets with anger and determination across his face. Julia Waters is an absolute credit to the film as she plays her character with sarcasm and humour, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to play the role. However the star of the show, Jamie Bell, makes acting look easy, even for an eleven year old. He is a brilliant actor and as himself, completely makes the film. This film shows that families will come together in the times when you most need them.

ON THE ROAD by Jack Kerouac

Reviewed by Adam Say

Jack Kerouac's famous beat novel is not my favourite novel he wrote - that would be the much longer Desolation Angels which the Glyn Library does not have a copy of (yet). But it is the Kerouac novel that I return to most often because of its conciseness, brevity and sense of drifting progress. Although it's probably reasonable now to see it as a classic, at the time of its release it was by turns both shocking and groundbreaking, causing an upset across America and beyond.

In essence the novel is a road trip in prose form, but one punctuated by bouts of domesticity, poverty and employment - across a series of different journeys we see Sal Paradise, inspired by the muse like Dean Moriarty, drift to Denver, Bakersfield, New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Mexico City and more besides. The narrative of On The Road is fluid, flexible and loose - like the jazz that Kerouac enjoyed so much, it flits, skits and plays around with events, ideas and characters. Like a vision into a subculture, we follow Sal and Dean as they drift across the US meeting characters drawn from real life, particularly some who would go on to also create unique art such as Allen Ginsberg (Carlo Marx) and William S. Burroughs (Old Bull Lee). There are periods of inertia, depression, illness and uncertainty to contrast with the parties, sex, jazz and drunkenness but through the whole book there is the drive to travel, to be out on the road, seeing new things, meeting new people. This escapism is at the heart of the book's appeal for me.

On The Road is all about travel, motion, new things, the desire to keep moving and never stop. For me, this is what makes it uplifting - the sense of adventure, excitement, the new, the significance of experience. As chapter 6 in part 2 says - "it was drizzling and mysterious at the beginning of our journey. I could see that it was going to all be one big saga of the mist." Although this is clearly an approach to life lived without consequences or consideration, particularly of women (Carolyn Cassady's book Off The Road gives a very different picture of events in this respect), there is something quite intoxicating about this attitude of no concern and moving on - it's this escapism, the leaving, the decision to just go back on the road that gives the novel much of its power. That and the unequal friendship between Sal and Dean are the foundations of the novel.

Kerouac's writing reads like it's effortless, a flowing stream of consciousness, but it would be wrong to underestimate the skill in the writing - practice makes perfect - as Burroughs noted, when he first met Kerouac "... he was twenty years old - and he had already written a million words." And despite Kerouac's distaste for editing, this took place - we can now contrast the original 'scroll' version of On The Road with the first published version and see exactly how much there was. I love Kerouac's dazed, meandering style even when not a lot is happening it's hard to stop reading attentively.

William Burroughs later wrote "it is necessary to travel. It is not necessary to live." On The Road is, for me, an illustration of this in action. Whatever else is going on, the characters can just go... forget the humdrum realities of life and enjoy new experiences. Real life often doesn't work like that but who wants to read about that?

THE BREAKFAST CLUB, directed by John Hughes

Reviewed by Polly Halladay

The 1985 film The Breakfast Club, is a cult classic.

Directed by John Hughes, director and script writer of some of the most successful comedy films of the 1980s and early 90s. Including, coming-of-age comedy Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Christmas family comedy Home Alone (1990) and its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), to name a few.

The Breakfast Club is a coming-of-age comedy-drama which follows the angst, alienation and ennui of 5 teenagers – labelled as “the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess and the criminal” –forced to peacefully coexist in a Saturday detention. These students, coming from different social ‘cliques’, initially appear to have nothing whatsoever in common. The beautiful and pampered Claire Standish, the state champion wrestler Andrew Clarke, the bookish Brian Johnson, the reclusive outcast Allison Reynolds, and the rebellious delinquent John Bender. This is an instantly recognisable occurrence for anyone who has been to school, and so you’ll be instantly drawn into the film.

What follows is an especially moving performance of teenage interactions, as they pass the 9 hours of detention talking, arguing and at one point smoking; as well as avoiding the tyrannical watch of the assistant principle in a particularly amusing scene. Gradually, they open up to each other, revealing their deepest personal secrets and coming to the realization that even with their differences, they face similar pressures and complications in their lives; that they aren’t defined by their associated social labels.

But don’t think this just another silly teen-movie. You will be faced with some truly smart and influential moments.

With quotes such as, “You see us as you want to see us –‘in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions.’”

And, “Spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people.”

It is instantly uplifting and will succeed in making you feel better about the world – notably in the Footloose dance imitation scene. It is considered one of the greatest high school films of all time – March the 24th, the day of their detention, has even become a day of recognition in tribute to the film. I really recommend it, to anyone and everyone who hasn’t seen it. Definitely my favourite Hughes film. Watch it now!

(Plus, I also recommend Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as another notable, entertaining and uplifting coming-of-age comedy)

YES MAN by Danny Wallace.

Reviewed by Mike Jones

In trying to lift your spirits, what can be better than something which simply makes you smile or even break out into fits of laughter. Yes Man is one such book which had me grinning throughout and occasionally bent double guffawing at the situations Danny Wallace gets himself into simply by determining to say “yes” whenever he is asked if he wants to do something.

There’s a beautiful wide-eyed innocence to Wallace’s writing as he tells the truelife tale of how, whilst feeling grumpy after being dumped by his girlfriend, a man on a bus tells him to “say yes more”. Being no stranger to odd adventures (see his previous books Are You Dave Gorman and Join Me) he takes this all too literally and makes a bet with a friend that he’ll say “yes” to everything for a year. The situations he finds himself in as a result range from the awkward (attending the first date of his ex and her new fella), to the surreal (poking a monk for a TV show), to the romantic (reconnecting with an acquaintance who will eventually become his wife).

A Jim Carrey starring film of the same name was made based on this but it doesn’t get anywhere near the heart-warming hilarity of the original book.

A new reward scheme from the Glyn Library…

READ

Read any resource in the Library collection. Actually you don’t have to just read, you could also view a film. It’s just “Read” fits better with our alliterative title 

REVIEW

Look up the resource on the Library Catalogue and add a review for it.

This is really simple to do and will mean your fellow students can get the opinion of one of their peers before they borrow a resource. Reviews can be positive or critical, we want honest assessments of our stock.

Instructions on how to add a review can be found by clicking here.

REWARD

For every five reviews that you add to the Library Catalogue we’ll reward you with a chocolately treat. All reviews are moderated by a member of Library Staff to ensure that they are at least 50 words long and contain appropriate content. Once your fifth review has been approved we will email you and you can come collect your reward from the Library Desk.

#MyFavouriteBook In the lead up to last month’s World Book Day by asking students at staff at the College to share with us their favourite books and to write a sentence on why it was their top choice. On the day itself (3rd March) we tweeted a selection of your choices and even had some interaction with the authors themselves! You can view the full list of “favourites” by clicking here and below you’ll find a selection you might like to try yourselves. We’ll be repeating the campaign after exams in asking for your favourite films so keep an eye on your emails for details.

Code name Verity by Elizabeth Wein.

Rachel Turner said: “This is brilliant because of all the different views you see the story from (true or not) and how everything links up between all the brilliantly flawed characters”

The catcher in the rye by J. D. Salinger Kyle Evans said: “This should be a compulsory text for teenagers - Holden Caulfield knows exactly how you all feel.”

The bees by Laline Paull Joshua Tudor said: “It shows every detail about bees as I loved the evocation of bee flight: the foragers like WW1 ace pilots.”

Middlemarch by George Eliot Liz Wade said: “It is intelligent, insightful, written by a woman when women's education was hardly a priority. I think the main character, Dorothea, is fascinating and it's a wonderful love story.”

Sabriel by Garth Nix Lauren Burnside said: “Sabriel is an inspiring tale about facing our fears and the unknown... life, adulthood, death, magic... as well as the most menacing of talking cats, ever.”

Perdido Street Station by China Mieville Dave Tipper said: “Read this if you dare. The world of China Mieville takes us to the depths of a dark and twisted landscape where nothing is as it seems. The characters are like no other and he weaves a tale of unthinkable terrors as people fall victim to a silent winged beast.

Not for the faint hearted but beautifully and gracefully written.”

To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee Yasmin Gorman said: “I love it for the fact it's told through the eyes of an 8 year old who understands prejudice and hate. Also for the fact that this book is relevant to our society today”

Eragon by Christopher Paolini Alice Britton said: “It seamlessly combines, fantasy, drama and action into an emotional and even relatable story, and it's really enjoyable for all ages, I was only about 7 when I first read the book but I still find it a wonderful read at 18!”

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy Fergus Milton said: “For me, this book perfectly captures what it is to be human and to have and exercise free will, even when the choices made lead to the deliberate destruction of a damaged life that had been carefully rebuilt”

The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon Annabel Bareham said: “I think the way it alternates between flashbacks and the present is really clever, and also the way the narrative makes you understand how someone with autism/Asperger's syndrome thinks and acts.”

Design your own cover for a classic work of fiction and not only could you win yourself a £25 Amazon voucher but you could also find your work featured on the Library catalogue to represent the eBook version of the text!

The Glyn Library have recently added a wide range of freely available, out of copyright, fiction books to our catalogue meaning you can access them anytime, from anywhere.

Most of these are scans by archiving ventures such as Project Guttenberg and Google Books meaning covers are plain and are not going to catch your eye as you scroll through the list of search results. So we’re asking you to come up with your own design for their book covers, as inspired by New York Public Library’s “Recovering the Classics” project.

RULES:

The closing date for submissions is Friday 6th May 2016 Images should be emailed to library@barton.ac.uk in a JPEG or PNG format Covers must be for one of the books listed here: https://goo.gl/4Yklfp Covers must not use any copyrighted images in any part of the work Covers should be representative of the book Covers must contain the title of the book and the name of the author The winning entries will be judged on the following criteria: o Representation of the book o Artistry o Originality o Technical abilities demonstrated  Students may enter more than one cover, but only one per book  Prizes are £25 Amazon voucher for 1st place with £15 for 2nd and £10 for 3rd.       

INSPIRING CINEMA With exams on the horizon I’m sure you could all do with a burst of confidence to get you in the right frame of mind and afford you the motivation to succeed. Some stories have the ability to achieve this mindset by spinning tales that inspire and make you feel like you can take on the world. Whether it’s a David and Goliath fable of underdog heroism or narrative of dogged determinism where shear will alone sees them reach their goal these films lift the spirits and leave you feeling positive and ready for whatever your exams might throw at you. Take a look at our suggestions below and let us know what other films give you that Herculean feeling.

Dead Poets Society, directed by Peter Weir If this film doesn’t inspire you then I don’t know what will. Robin Williams stars as an unorthodox English teacher at a stuffy boarding school in the late 50’s. He encourages his students to rebel against the conformity that the strict headmaster enforces and to be individuals, using the slogan “Carpe Diem” (seize the day).

Forrest Gump, directed by Robert Zemeckis Tom Hanks is in stellar form as the titular Gump, a below average intelligence man from Alabama who overcomes many obstacles to become a College football star, a war hero, a ping pong champion and successful shrimping business owner. You can’t help but be inspired but Forrest’s can do attitude and positive outlook on life.

The Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont If you need a lesson in resilience then you need look no further than the story of Andy Dufresne. Sentenced to two life sentences for the murder of his wife and her lover (a crime he denies), Andy endures endless hardships in prison but using his wits and buoyed by his friendship with Morgan Freeman’s Red he survives and flourishes.

The Kings of Summer, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts Coming-of-age stories have a particular knack of inducing a feel-good sensibility into you that makes you feel like you can take on the world. Dazed & Confused, The Breakfast Club and American Graffiti are all great examples of this. This recent entry to the genre tells the story of three kids who decide to build and live in a house in the woods when their home lives get too much.

Rush, directed by Ron Howard Sporting biopics are another genre full of inspirational stories. This true life tale of motor racing determination has not one but two characters fighting the odds to succeed, both very different and yet both equally as inspirational in their own ways.

Similarly check out Escape to Victory, Cool Runnings, Moneyball and Rocky.

The diving bell and the butterfly, directed by Julian Schnabel An inspiring tale of dogged determination in the face of physical adversity. This is based on the real life story of Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffers a massive stroke and after waking from a coma is diagnosed with locked in syndrome where he retains all of his mental capacities despite his physical actions now being limited to the blinking of his left eye. Regardless he sets about writing a book.

127 Hours, directed by Danny Boyle If you ever find yourself stuck in a rut with your revision then spare a thought for climber Aron Ralston who after an accident ends up with his arm trapped by a fallen boulder. After 5 days he decides to amputate his arm using his penknife in order to survive. It’s another awe inspiring true life tale that encourages you to never give up.

Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle Danny Boyle was clearly feeling like spreading some cheer in the late Noughties as 127 Hours was preceded by this film, an uplifting story of a young street kid from a Bombay slum who beats the odds to become a winner on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, directed by George Lucas Inspiration doesn’t necessarily need to come from this galaxy or time period, a good underdog story can spur you on no matter the context. In following the story of young farm boy Luke Skywalker and a small band of rebels taking on the massive Empire and their ultimate weapon, The Death Star, we can all be imbued with the feeling that we can take on anything and succeed.

Garden State, directed by Zach Braff Finding a sense of achievement doesn’t have to be in something as grand as blowing up an evil space station, winning a world championship or surviving adversity.

Sometimes it’s something as simple as remembering how to be happy and that’s what you get here in Zach Braff’s debut as a writer/director. It’s a simple feeling but one we can all too often take for granted.

NIMONA. Written and drawn by Noelle Stevenson

Reviewed by Matthew Baxter

A fantasy world with a gallant knight, an institution of justice, a villain, and his shape shifting side-kick. That’s what you’d expect. However, Nimona goes deeper than that, twisting the tale on its head. This comic, based on the original web-comic series by the same name, subverts this, and instead our hero is Lord Ballister Blackheart and the mysterious Nimona. Together they set off to cause chaos, and bring down the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics.

In a genre normally defined by its tropes, this take on the fantasy world is refreshing, as we have magic, science and all sorts of things, going from comedy, to tragedy, to redemption. The plot moves quickly, as we learn about how the rivalry between Blackheart and his nemesis, Goldenloin, broke out, what the Institution are up to, and, well, a version of how Nimona got her powers.

The art style is striking, giving enough detail to get truly immersed, while not being overbearing, the main part of the style being found in the colour, which changes a lot over the course of the story, following the tone. This means that while we start with light, bright colours, we then make our way to the darker side of the palette.

This is one of those stories where symbolism is rife, especially nearing the end, and while I won’t spoil anything, there is a reason this book is named after Nimona, not Blackheart, the protagonist, as Nimona tends to work behind the scenes, often surprising both us, as well as Blackheart. Indeed, the character of Nimona can be quite jarring, as she switches from mood to mood, and we’re left wondering what she’s going to do next, good or bad. As a for instance, she subverts typical rules of villainy, killing, destroying and changing plans.

A good read, and while I can’t speak for the web-comic, not having read it myself, I highly recommend giving Nimona a look.

DOUBT. Written and drawn by Yoshiki Tonogai

Reviewed by Matthew Baxter

Who doesn’t love a good old tale of betrayal, suspicion and murder? The sort of tale where friend is turned on friend, enemies could be all around you and nothing you know for fact, well, is an actual fact. This is one such tale, and while I will not reveal who holds the vaunted title of traitor, I will tell you all about this manga that is riddled with doubt.

The basic premise is based around a game, not the virtual one of those such

as Sword Art Online, or the dating sims of World Only God Knows, instead this game is based around several players, the rabbits, playing a series of minigames, while one of them, the wolf, has to stop them without getting found out and hung. The closest example’s I could give you, is an old CBBC show called Trapped, same premise, different setting, and a game where you can go online and try yourself, Town of Salem, which is slightly different, but still focused on the same mechanic of finding and hiding evil.

Now, imagine such a game played with people, this is the situation that our protagonist, Yuu, finds himself in, as he is drugged and kidnapped, along with five others, including his childhood friend, Mitsuki.

Everybody has a barcode, all they have to do is find the way out…

Were it not for the fact that one of them is tasked with killing the others, their identity unknown. This turns a simple escape, into a disordered mess, as no one can trust another, and soon, the bodies start to pile up.

Full of twists and turns this plot is more twisted than anything else I’ve seen in manga to date, and with the slim selection of characters, each has been very well filled up, with backstory and personality.

The art style of the characters is nothing new, although the presentation of the characters seems cute at first, this only strengthens the horror that awaits. All of the settings are detailed, and very well developed, making it easy to keep track of who is where, a very important thing for a manga with such a complex plot.

For this last paragraph, I will be discussing the ending, so given the nature of the mystery, if you haven’t read it yet, I would look away now. Ok, now that everyone here wants to be, the ending is on one level shocking, yet at the same time predictable, most who are experienced with this genre will be able to guess quite a bit, though the way the story is presented helps to shock even the experienced readers with its tragic, cyclical ending.

I highly recommend this one for any mystery fans, or those who love seeing character relationships toyed with and tested. The Glyn Library has both copies of Doubt, so don’t worry about reaching that all important ending.

THE SCULPTOR. Written and drawn by Scott McCloud

Reviewed by Matthew Baxter

The Sculptor is a story which truly deserves the name Graphic Novel. This sweeping story is worthy of great admiration, and I truly congratulate Scott McCloud for this.

The story, typical of any tale with artists, is simply about a sculptor, David Smith, who can’t sell a sculpture, despite their very personal nature. So, he sells his life to death, in the form of his Grandfather, in exchange for one year with the ability to sculpt anything merely by touching it…

So, it’s certainly an original story, and yet despite the promise of superpowers, this is more focused on the life of the man with the powers, struggling to get noticed and make a difference, in a world which sees him as nothing, after a split with a very rich sponsor. The ending is one of the best that I’ve read in a long time, as the themes of romance, community and art all blend together in a fantastic mix which never feels tired.

The art style compliments this, and while it isn’t in colour, which adds something to it, making it something more than it was. You can get a real sense of motion when sculptures are being made, and towards the end, the art style definitely helps, as things get quite surreal.

If there was anything I had to compare this to, I would have to say that The Sculptor, is the graphic novel version of Birdman, while for obvious reasons it’s not as visually styled, it explores many of the same themes, super-powers being gained for art, an artist trying to leave their past behind, to get noticed by the big names, and a tragic ending in both cases.

I would highly recommend reading this, regardless of which genre you like, as it shows just how far graphic novels can go.

GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB INTRODUCES… During the last half term there have been some rich debates raging between the Graphic Novel Club as in successive meetings they discussed what they think are the best and worst comic books and manga they have ever read. There’s some controversial choices on both lists so let us know whether you agree with their choices.

So first up then let’s take a look at what GNC thought to be the best comic books, graphic novels and manga they have ever read…

Blackstar

Surprised by the amount of animal detectives in comics, from monkeys to dogs, and in some cases Pikachus, it’s no surprise that within Blackstar’s pages, a cat detective can be found.

Surely a purrfect combination… I apologise sincerely for that pun.

The Killing Joke

So, a Commissioner, bat and a clown all walk into an amusement park, know how this one goes? With an animated movie on the way, this comic keeps on coming up, featuring some great monologues, one of the most well-known theories of the Joker’s origins, and Barbara Gordon getting paralysed, this is a joke that never gets old.

Durarara

With interweaving narratives, this twisted love story takes place in Ikebukuro, where the supernatural roams freely, a sinister info broker manipulates and a mysterious colour gang called the Dollars roam the streets. As an example, have you ever loved someone who doesn’t love you back? What if what you loved was the head of an Irish legend, separated from it’s body? These are important questions, but there is a simpler question there, who is Dotachin?

Sandman

While it starts slow, Sandman is a great exploration into the supernatural, following the titular Sandman as he recovers from a years long absence, when people find themselves unable to sleep. From a serial killer convention, to seeing Constantine and Martian Manhunter, this is a ride through the more obscure part of the DC universe.

Drama

Want something more light-hearted? Then look no further than Drama, a simple tale of highschool romance, and a musical. With a cute art style and engaging story, you won’t want to stop for intermission, as you watch this production come to life.

Full Metal Alchemist

Alchemy, now there’s a power I’d give an arm and a leg for, of course in Full Metal Alchemist watching a mixture of drama, tragedy, and comedy, this hybrid will leave you satisfied and wanting more, you won’t even stop for a phone call.

Fairy Tail

Just magic now, as we witness the Fairy Tail guild, a disorderly group of mercenaries that thrives, taking on the toughest missions and coming out on top, much more of a comedy than the previous example, expect action and a whole lot of adventure.

And so we move on to looking at what GNC rated as the worst comics, graphic novels and manga they have ever read with some choices you are bound to contest…

Superman: Red Son

A controversial choice, this was chosen due to its extreme focus on politics, that while good for some, can be dull and monotonous for others. An alternate universe take on Superman, the last son of Krypton lands in Soviet Russia rather than America, serving alongside Stalin himself.

Bat Manga

The Bat Manga, never more has there been a sillier showing of the Caped Crusader than this 60’s relic, featuring such terrifying villains such as Lord Deathman, who robbed banks with cardboard cutouts, and the Human Rubberball, this lot make Kiteman seem like the Joker.

Hayate the Combat Butler

There are some who like Hayate’s comedy. However, just because you’re referencing something you’re doing, does not make it funny, especially when you use it a lot.

Civil War

Same as Red Son, this comic, to some, is a good premise interspersed with too much politics and not enough action, for example, I think we can all agree that it’s ending was disappointing.

Slain

Mainly looking at the 20th anniversary arc, where the Celtic hero Slain is sent back in time to kill his old enemies. The problem? Nothing changes, several weeks of comics, and in the end nothing changes at all, what a waste.

The Invisibles

Everything wrong with the 60’s, in our opinion anyway, featuring such sights as a tramp telling a boy to eat magic mushrooms, and well, they’re actually magic, to brainwashing slugs and a time travel sequence which makes no sense, this comic should probably have stayed invisible.

GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB MEET EVERY OTHER TUESDAY TO DISCUSS COMIC BOOKS, MANGA & MORE, AROUND A CHOSEN THEME. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING EMAIL library@barton.ac.uk FOR MORE INFORMATION.

APPY REVISION… During exam time the Glyn Library, along with most of the other study spaces in College becomes very busy, with space at a premium. As such it’s important to be able to conduct your revision anywhere, anytime. To help with this there are a number of apps available to support your exam preparation and with WiFi availability across campus, all you need is a smartphone and somewhere to park your behind.

QUIZLET

Quizlet is an app and online tool that enables you to create revision materials such as flashcards and quizzes. You can use your flashcards to test yourself in a range of preset games. You can also share with other students and see how you fair against them.

GOJIMO

A revision app with specific revision materials designed for A Level subjects and covering all the exam boards. You will find materials for Biology, Chemistry, History, Economics, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Geography.

GRAMMARLY

Web based grammar checking tool. Download it as an add on to your Chrome browser and it will check your grammar in all that you write from essays to emails, helping you ensure you’re ready for writing in exams.

EXAM COUNTDOWN

Planner app to make sure you know when all of your exams are and what preparation you need to do for them. It will give you a countdown so you know exactly how long you have until each exam. Only available on iOS.

COLD TURKEY

It’s very easy to fall victim to distractions when revising so with this handy app you can block sites like social media, games and news for periods while you revise. Likewise you can also lock yourself out of your computer to enforce study breaks.

BREATHE2RELAX

Exams can be a stressful time so if you feel it all getting on top of you then you can use this app to regain a sense of calm. Based on stress indicators inputted by you it will take you through breathing exercises designed to decrease your stress levels.

HEADSPACE

You can have done the most effective revision in the world but if your head isn’t in the right place it could all fall apart. This app will take you through various meditation exercises to increase mindfulness and get your headspace where you want it.

A look at what’s new on the library’s journal stands…

For this edition of the Reviewsletter we take a look at a couple of new magazines that the library has recently subscribed to, another that has been relaunched with a new title as well as one that we have re-subscribed to after a short hiatus…

Medic Mentor Magazine is a new quarterly publication from an organisation of the same name, a network of UK medical students and doctors who aim to support aspiring healthcare students through ‘peer-assisted learning’. The magazine follows this approach and contains articles written by Medic Mentor students and mentors, with details of forthcoming events and courses, as well as useful articles about work experience, medical school applications, exam tips etc.

The first edition includes a Q&A with post-graduate medical students, articles about the benefits of volunteering (beyond your personal statement) and the importance of building emotional resilience for a career in medicine. There is a review of the new Geeky Medics iPhone app, an interview with an Iranian Marxist dissident turned doctor... plus much more!

If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine then Medic Mentor is definitely worth a look…

Another recent addition to our journals collection is Vice Magazine. Some of you may already be familiar with Vice which has been around for a number of years as a print magazine with a focus on arts, culture and news topics. The magazine was re-designed at the start of

this year with a new opinion section for contributors and a pared-down design which make the longer investigative pieces and photo-essays that Vice is known for really stand out. Vice Media has grown from humble origins to become a multi-platform media giant and its journalism, which was once the subject of much vocal criticism, has in recent years won plaudits. Providing a sideways, and often thought-provoking, view of news stories, we hope that you will agree that Vice is a welcome addition to our journals collection.

Another ‘new’ magazine which you may have already spotted on our journal stands is 1843, previously known as Intelligent Life, the culture and lifestyle magazine published by The Economist. With a narrative style of journalism, 1843 is wideranging in its coverage of topics and issues. The first edition carries articles on Marine Le Pen, leader of the fascist National Front party in France, the potential pitfalls of investing in fine wine and an exploration of the love-hate relationship that many modern professionals have with their work.

Finally, after a brief interlude, the library has re-subscribed to New Humanist, ‘a quarterly journal of ideas, science and culture from the Rationalist Association’.

The magazine was relaunched a couple of years ago and its smaller format and new, restrained design make it a pleasure to read. The journal features essays that seek to help readers understand the world through critical inquiry, without reference to religion. Recent contributors have included Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Marcus Chown, AL Kennedy, Nina Power and Jim alKhalili, to name but a few. Intelligent and compassionate, New Humanist is highly recommended reading.

Our annual short-story competition was three years old this year, and in a slight change to the contest's usual format, entrants to Game of Prose 2016 were challenged to take a predetermined title: 'It never just rains...' and use it to create an original tale, of no more than 500 words.

with the baby in the basket being given a more realistic treatment: "The ambiguity in the story was well weighted to let the reader join the narrator in wondering how this could happen but also offering no final explanation or conclusion. Captured the sense of unrealness that surrounds the inexplicable and tragic very well."

A total of 23 individual entries were received, from which our student In third place was Benjamin Hibbert. judging panel created a final short-list The judges commented: "This story of 9 stories, which were scored was a neat biblical retelling with Noah against the competition's five criteria: cast as a dull 'grey man' - clever to originality/interpretation of theme, twist the usual version and make you plot, characterisation, language and 2016 Game of Prose winners (from left): James enjoyment. The 9 finalists were: Harrison, Natalie McGhie and Benjamin Hibbert. consider whether things were better before the flood - before the 'Grey Aidan Brooks, George Clark, Jake De God' ruined it all. A nice narrative twist at the end with Bono, Tyler Hamblin, James Harrison, Benjamin Hibbert, the Serpent representing the only choice left. Some Chloe Jurd, Natalie McGhie and Shannon Stones. excellent imagery - particularly in the description of the However, when the final marks were aggregated there impact of the flood." was one clear winner…

2016 Game of Prose Champion: James Harrison The judges praised James' interpretation of 'It never just rains...' and his clever use of structure: "This story had a funny take on the title with a clever use of calendar dates as a narrative device. A neat concluding sentence with a pleasantly surreal feel to the story. I liked the idea of the cats and dogs being like a variant of a biblical plague and infesting houses, and the main character was pleasantly (and understandably) grumpy about the whole thing."

In second place was Natalie McGhie. The judges identified subtle biblical undertones in Natalie's story

The three winning stories can be read, along with all the entries to this year's competition (as well as previous years’ competitions) on the new dedicated Game of Prose website. If you have been inspired by our competition to start writing your own work of fiction you can also find a list of online resources here, along with a selection of titles from the library's shelves to nurture your imagination and help refine your technique.

Congratulations to James, Natalie, Benjamin and everyone who entered, and a huge thank you to our panel of judges for giving up their spare time to read, mark and comment on all the entries.

‘It never just rains…’ by James Harrison 24th AUGUST “Men have no complaining now, there’s literally pussy falling from the sky!”

The studio audience erupted in roars of laughter as the heavily-tanned, almost tangerine looking host smiled with smug glee at his own prewritten pun.

Applause filled up Mr Albert’s lounge, sounding ever so similar to the raindrops he once heard on his window panes. The radiant glow of the television screen lit up his gloomy surroundings for a while, until

he could not take the stock clapping effects, canned laughter and arrogant host no more. Mr Albert snatched the TV remote and aggressively hit the red button.

Click!

Two seconds pass before the noise kicks in.

That noise.

Mr Albert’s teeth grind and fists clench, he adjusts his posture as he retrieves the earplugs from his tattered coat pocket. He hesitates, hastily grabbing a tissue.

“A-CHOO!” Mr Albert scrunches up the sticky tissue, throwing it onto the table beside him, where multiple other old tissues reside. And he sits there, in his plush, leather chair…and listens.

That constant purring, that endless yapping.

That nonstop howling and growling.

That barking and that meowing.

That…that…THOSE…NOISES. Mr Albert hasn’t left the house in a week.

Mr Albert is out of milk.

31st AUGUST “A fortnight has passed now after, what professionals are calling, the most confusing weather event to ever shake Britain and even the world. Two weeks ago, after a brief shower over the west of England, multiple species of Cats and Dogs rained from the sky, all unharmed with no injuries from the excessive heights. Authorities, though confused, adjusted to the situation and advised the public to stay in your ho-” Mr Albert unplugged the radio from its socket and switched off the electric. He could not bear to listen to the same report for the 14th time this week.

Mr Albert looked out his kitchen window. Scratches and hair marked the once clear glass like a child doodling on a fresh piece of paper. Mr Albert sighed, and turned to go to hisA cat. A black cat sat on Mr Albert’s leather chair, paws dug into the upholstery.

Mr Albert grabbed the cat by the scruff of its collar, prying its staple-like claws from his furniture.

Carrying it like a bin bag, he threw the cat into the kitchen, rapidly opened the window and, only just managing the snatch the nimble feline, hurled it outside.

Third intruder this week.

Mr Albert doesn’t know how they keep getting in.

He’s still out of milk.

7th October Mr Albert’s nostrils overflowed.

He slowly lifted his head as he felt the eruption of a sneeze coming.

He raised his handkerchief and the explosion exited his nose.

Multiple hairs flew from the handkerchief. Multiple Cat Hairs.

The intruders have been malting.

Mr Albert is allergic to cats.

14th October The milkman came today.

He mouthed through the window, “Looks like rain today!”

Mr Albert’s milk sat on the doorstep.