House of Java: Vol. 1 [Paperback]

Mark Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

ComicsLit is proud to launch another talented newcomer in a collection of short slice-of-life stories quietly but strongly etching various facets of our lives, making us think about ourselves and how we act with others. The House of Java is a coffee house where little flashes on all sorts of people that happen in for a cup are sprinkled among other stories such as "Welcome to Seattle" where a girl leaves her home town for the first time to meet her boyfriend. But he stands her up and she is left to fend for herself in a strange town. As it turns out, it's a liberating experience and once she does stumble on to him, he is amazed at her transformation, so similar to his own. Reminiscent of the insightful work of Adrian Tomine.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-A collection of short stories in graphic-novel format about the denizens of a Seattle coffee shop and its local environs. Opening with a hilarious speech about the sanctity of black coffee and the evils of tainting its full flavor with milk, sugar, and suburban drabness, the first story moves readers around the House of Java to give salient peeks into the lives of college students, senior citizens, and a mismatched, middle-aged couple. Subsequent stories reveal a nightmare rest stop (the only story set away from the House of Java), a newlywed couple losing their honeymoonlike regard for one another, a Texas teenager's attempt to track down her wandering boyfriend, a college student's fascination with a silent elderly man, and a teenage boy's attempt to find missing children. Interspersed are scenes from everyday life at the coffeehouse, all depicted with workmanlike black-and-white drawings. In contrast to the unremarkable artwork, the text is refined and wholly engaging. YAs will be pulled into the selections immediately and will be able to identify with one or more members of the realistic and sympathetic cast.-Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This short-story collection has a unifying backdropAthe local coffee houseAand the protagonists share a common search for meaning and identity. Murphy's characters come to the coffee houses to satisfy their needs for love, excitement, and direction as well as a cup of joe. The black-and-white illustrations are bare and appropriate for telling these stories. The dialog is crisp and revealing. The plots are strong here, but often at the conclusion of each story more questions are asked than answered, and the quiet tone allows the reader to ponder the issues raised. Naturally, search for identity and purpose are generally the purview of young adults, and indeed most of the protagonists are young people; but Murphy shows a sensitivity to seniors as well. Memorable stories and characters and popular themes recommend this graphic story collection to most public libraries.AStephen Weiner, Maynard
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: NBM Publishing (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561632023
• ISBN-13: 978-1561632022
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,010,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable book of "slice of life" stories., September 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: House of Java: Vol. 1 (Paperback)

Murphy's stories in _House of Java_ are honest looks at relationships: romantic, platonic, intergenerational, and otherwise. The only weak link in the story is a horror-type sketch that reeks of urban legend, set in the desert. The other stories held my attention, and the characters are drawn with wit, intelligence, and compassion.

I recommend this book.