Columbine

I finished reading Dave Cullen’s Columbine yesterday. It’s one of those books that you simply can’t put down. If you have any interest in sociology or journalism, you need to read this book. The sociological examination of suburbia and the high school ecosystem is fascinating, and the journalistic irresponsibility that took place during and immediately following the events that took place at Columbine (and those myths that are perpetuated even today) is staggering.

I was a little hesitant to read Columbine at first. I read non-fiction almost exclusively, but one exception was last year when I picked up We Need to Talk about Kevin. That was an absorbing but difficult read for me. Disturbing is too strong a word, but it definitely affected me, and I was worried Columbine might be even more challenging to get through because it was based on actual events and because I have a soon-to-be middle schooler. Columbine, however, turned out to be an incredible read.

Well laid out and instantly engaging, this is one of those books with passages that alternately riled my anger, shook my constitution, tugged at my compassion, and brought me to tears. It’s a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of an American tragedy, and I can’t recommend Columbine highly enough.

Christmas ZOOM!

The scanning and cleaning of my family's photo archive continues. Since liberating the multitude of photos from their albums a couple of months ago, I’ve been slowly working my way through the process of scanning and touching up each individual photo. I’m moving chronologically through the rows and rows of my personal history. I finished the stack of photos from 1973 earlier this week. As I whittled down the pile, I was surprised to find this gem among the Christmas pictures… my sister with The ZOOM Catalog I wrote about last month! I didn’t realize she got that as a Christmas gift. Weird how these various artifacts keep intersecting.

And note that the book didn't arrive with the coveted ZOOM sticker already affixed to the cover.

Iron Man Covers Project #2

The first Iron Man cover recreation I did was quick and dirty. I ripped through it really fast and without regard for much of anything – including lettering and the number of fingers on a human hand. Since then, however, I’ve been taking more time with each one, slowing down and drawing purposefully. They are taking me about two hours apiece now, from first ink to finished colors. I’m really happy with how the subsequent covers have come out, and I’m excited to share them!