Letters to the Editor

Letters posted here are associated with the following article:
"The Rabbi's Cat"
A graphic novel celebrates a lost Algerian-Jewish way of life and wonders what it means to live as a person of faith in a world that doesn't share it.
By Douglas Wolk [2008-05-07]
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  • Can't wait to read this

    This sounds terrific for somebody -- like me -- that usually can't get into graphic novels.

    Speaking of novels and cats, check out The World is Your Litter Box, which just came out. The link its site to my signature.

    -- sfvrealestate
    [Read sfvrealestate's other letters]
    Tuesday, May 6, 2008 08:28 PM

  • French? Heh - close enough.

    Another great article by Wolk; please keep publishing his reviews.

    Herge, author of Tintin, was, however, from Belgium not France.

    Cheer.

    -- Jeff M. Ward
    [Read Jeff M. Ward's other letters]
    Tuesday, May 6, 2008 08:46 PM

  • Hummmm

    Hummm...

    French Algeria in the 1930s eh?

    I think I'd rather watch my copy of "The Battle of Algiers."

    -- English_roG
    [Read English_roG's other letters]
    Wednesday, May 7, 2008 01:59 AM

  • Great for those not normally inclined to read this stuff

    "This sounds terrific for somebody -- like me -- that usually can't get into graphic novels."

    Over the past 5-6 years I began reading (and buying far more than I should!) graphic novels and The Rabbi's Cat is one of the ones I own. If you are one of those adults who is thinking that there is this whole other world of interesting literature that you are missing, this is definitely a good one to pick up. Reading graphic novels is a completely new experience - because of the often very good illustrations, the stories make contact with completely new parts of the brain. There's this wonderful connection of visual imagery and ideas that is very different from the experience with a non-illustrated novel. That's not to suggest that they are better - the building of very personal mental images associated with reading non-illustrated novels is also a wonderful experience (and, I think, often one of the reasons people dislike movies made from novels - the casting or other images just don't match the visuals you had already created for yourself).

    If you are a bit nervous of the odd new world that is the comic book store, don't be. You will generally find that the employees in comic book stores will be among some of the most knowledgeable you will find in any business. Seriously - when was the last time you went into a store and talked to workers who knew where everything was in the store, could give you amazing amounts of product detail, and could genuinely help you pinpoint specific products tailored to your preferences? That has consistently been my experience. And the current number and breadth of graphic novels is quite staggering - trust me, there's something for everyone.

    My personal favorite is the "Lucifer" series written by Mike Carey and illustrated by a bunch of stylistically interesting and unique artists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucifer_(DC_Comics)). But go explore for yourself - there's lots of great stuff to find.

    -- HungChad
    [Read HungChad's other letters]
    Wednesday, May 7, 2008 07:58 AM

  • I don't read many graphic novels

    But this one I've read. There are some graphic novels that are truly great literature (Maus, anyone?) and use the art form to its fullest extent.

    The story is wonderful, the backdrop captivating, and the artwork delightful.

    I'm off to Amazon to pick up The Rabbi's Cat 2: thank you Douglas Wolk for letting me know it was published!

    -- snarlingcoyote
    [Read snarlingcoyote's other letters]
    Wednesday, May 7, 2008 09:21 PM

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