I read six books in May, which is a lot for me. Three of them were graphic novels, however. I love graphic novels, but they do not require the same investment of time as traditional novels or books. Here is the complete round-up of books I read last month.

The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change by Adam Braun

I read this for my church book group. Let’s just say that none of us were thrilled with this book. Although Adam Braun may be a perfectly nice guy with his heart in the right place, this book was all about Adam, and that was not a good thing. The subtitle was also misleading at best, since Mr. Braun had a privileged upbringing most of us could hardly imagine, so his access to wealth and opportunity was far from “ordinary.” ANYWAYS. Moving on…

A Morbid Taste for Bones (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #1) by Ellis Peters

I have read many of the Cadfael books before, including this one, and I am a devoted fan of the BBC adaptations starring Derek Jacobi as Br. Cadfael. So, this was more of a comfort read for me. I have never read the entire series in order, though, so this might be the summer I do it. These cosy medieval mysteries are such a delight to read.

One Corpse Too Many (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #2) by Ellis Peters

Although this is the second book in the series, it is a better book than Morbid Taste for Bones and a better introduction to the major series characters, including Hugh Beringar, who will become sheriff of Shrewsbury in due time. The reader is also introduced to the historical conflict between King Stephen and Queen Maud, which serves as a backdrop to many of the stories in the series.

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Although I have not made a big to-do about this, at the beginning of this year I decided to dedicate this year to seeking out more female authors and reading more books written by women. This is includes graphic novelists and comic writers. Noelle Stevenson was a major find for me this past month. Her graphic novel Nimona, based on her popular web comic, was so much fun to read. The titular character is a shapeshifter who decides to play sidekick to a local villain in a quasi-medieval fantasy realm. It is well-written and beautifully illustrated.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy (Lumberjanes #1-4) by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Brooke A. Allen (illustrator)

I loved Nimona so much that I sought out other titles written by Noelle Stevenson and stumbled across this comic book series. Lumberjanes is about a group of girls at a summer camp who get into all kinds of paranormal adventures. It’s cute and fun, although it is aimed at younger readers.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max (Lumberjanes #5-8) by Noelle Stevenson (Writer, Creator), Grace Ellis (Writer, Creator), Shannon Watters (Creator), Brooke Allen (Illustrator)

I was on a roll with the Lumberjanes series so I read this second volume of collected issues, too. The story line that started in the first volume wraps up in this second volume, so it was a good stopping point. I may read additional volumes in the series, but probably not right away.