When there is nothing to compare it to, it is hard to find a good way to critique and rate such a book. It's not like a childhood picture book or even just a photography book, these images and words (used sparingly) tell a story that I actually liked. It's hard for me to find a category that this book would fit under to accurately describe what it is like. The story of Glory is told through pictures, newspaper articles, instant message conversations, and so on. It is honestly like nothing I have ever read before to put it plainly and here's why: When I received this book, I hadn't formed an opinion on it from the cover or the synopsis and decided to just let everything play out. (There is some mature content, so stick to the 14+ age recommendation.)Ĭhopsticks by Jessica Anthony can only be describe as, well, surprising. If you want to read something that totally flips the traditional novel on it's ear, then you must pick this one up. The downside for me when reading was that I didn't have access to the Internet, so I had to go back later and watch the clips. I think this book might be better experienced through the app, as you'd be able to watch the YouTube videos immediately as you come across them. I hear there is also an iPad app, which I'm going to check out. The usage of YouTube links and other modern tech was brilliant.

Who doesn't want to take a peak into the mysterious lives of the neighbors next door?Īll in all, this was an excellent experience and I highly recommend it. There was a disconnect at all times, like I was looking in through a window, spying on the neighbors next door. I didn't become Glory or Frank, so I didn't have the empathy I needed to truly fall in love with the characters. I was definitely engrossed, but not in the same way as a traditional read. Due to the unique format, I felt like I was reading a newspaper article and therefore never really slipped into the characters' shoes. That said, I did find the overall story to be lacking in the end. The experience of reading Chopsticks was one I won't soon forget. I found myself feverish to turn the page, to discover more of the mystery, to drink it all in.

Using this scrapbook-style format, the authors were able to create abstract expressions that are hard to come by with the written word.

Each page evokes just as much emotion as a traditional page of prose, sometimes even more so. The photographs are stunning and masterful. In this novel, a picture truly is worth a thousand words. It's told through a collage of photographs, newspaper articles, drawings, text-messages, and other scrap-book-like items. It's not your typical read written in standard prose.

Chopsticks has to be one of the coolest books I've ever read.

Chopsticks by jessica anthony