Book Review: The Complete Peanuts 1977 - 1978

From Goodreads: As the 1970s wind down, the last two recurring Peanuts characters have fallen into place: Snoopy’s brother Spike and the youngest Van Pelt sibling,Rerun. But that doesn’t mean Schulz’s creativity has diminished; in fact, this volume features an amazing profusion of hilariously distinctive new one-(or two-) shot characters!For instance, in an epic five-week sequence, when Charlie Brown, found guilty by the EPA of biting the Kite-Eating tree, he goes on the lam and ends up coaching the “Goose Eggs,” a group of diminutive baseball players,Austin, Ruby, Leland, and—did you know there was a second black Peanuts character, aside from Franklin?—Milo. Also: a tennis-playing Snoopy ends up reluctantly teamed with the extreme Type “A” athlete Molly Volley... who then reappears later in the book, now facing off against her nemesis, “Crybaby” Boobie. (Honest!) Add in Sally’s new camp friend Eudora, the thuggish “caddymaster” who shoots down Peppermint Patty and Marcie’s new vocation, an entire hockey team, and a surprise repeat appearance by Linus’s sweetheart “Truffles” (creating a love triangle with Sally), all in addition to the usual cast of beloved characters (including the talking schoolhouse and the doghouse-jigsawing cat, who gets hold of Linus’s blanket in this one), and you’ve got a veritable crowd of characters. It’s another two years of the greatest comic strip of all time, full of laughs and surprises.

Thoughts: Another great two years of Charlie Brown and the gang. Some reviewers have said that they feel this is the beginning of the end of Peanuts - the strip was getting tired. I personally don't find that. It is changing, starting to reflect the societal trends - jogging and tennis feature as prominently as baseball - and take on a more mature vein of humour - less laugh out loud and more appreciative chuckle at a astute observation or realisation. I plan to take a break from Peanuts for a bit, but hopefully not too long!

The Complete Peanuts 1977 - 1978 gets 3 stars

*        Did not like it
**       It was OK
***      Liked it
****    Really liked it

*****   It was amazing

Book Review: The Complete Peanuts 1973 - 1974 & The Complete Peanuts 1975 - 1976

From Goodreads: The twelfth volume of Peanuts features a number of tennis strips and several extended sequences involving Peppermint Patty’s friend Marcie (including a riotous, rarely seen sequence in which Marcie’s costume-making and hairstyling skills utterly spoil a skating competition for PP), so it seems only right that this volume’s introduction should be served up by Schulz’s longtime friend, tennis champion Billie Jean King. This volume also picks up on a few loose threads from the previous year, as the mysterious “Poochie” shows up in the flesh; Linus and Lucy’s new kid brother “Rerun” makes his first appearance, is almost immediately drafted onto the baseball team (where, thanks to his tiny strike zone, he wins a game), and embarks on his first terrifying journey on the back of his mom’s bike; and, in one of Peanuts’ oddest recurring storylines, the schoolhouse Sally used to talk to starts talking, or at least thinking, back at her! The Complete Peanuts 1973-1974 also includes one of the all-time classic Peanuts sequences, in which Charlie Brown’s baseball-oriented hallucinations finally manifest themselves in a baseball-shaped rash on his head. Forced to conceal the embarrassing discoloration with a bag worn over his head, Charlie Brown goes to camp as “Mister Sack” and discovers that, shorn of his identity, he’s suddenly well liked and successful.

From Goodreads: That’s right! With this volume, The Complete Peanuts reaches the halfway point of Charles M. Schulz’s astounding half-century run on the greatest comic strip of all time. These years are especially fecund in terms of new canine characters, as Snoopy is joined by his wandering brother Spike (from Needles), his beloved sister Belle (from Kansas City), and... did you know he had a nephew? In other beagle news, Snoopy breaks his foot and spends six weeks in a cast, deals with his friend Woodstock’s case of the “the vapors,” and gets involved in a heated love triangle with Linus over the girl “Truffles.” The Complete Peanuts 1975-1976 features several other long stories, including a rare “double track” sequence with two parallel narratives: Peppermint Patty and Snoopy travel to participate in the Powderpuff Derby, while Charlie Brown finally gets to meet his idol Joe Shlabotnik. And Peppermint Patty switches to a private school, but commits the mistake of allowing Snoopy to pick it for her; only after graduation does she realize something’s not quite right!Plus: A burglary at Peppermint Patty’s house is exacerbated by waterbed problems... Marcie acquires an unwanted suitor... Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty become desk partners... The talking school building collapses... Lots of tennis jokes... and gags starring Schroeder, Lucy, Franklin, Rerun, Sally, and that vicious cat next door. It’s another two years of Peanuts at its finest! Featuring an introduction by comedian Robert Smigel .

Thoughts: 1975 - 1976 marks the half way point of this series of books. Sad to think we are on the downhill run. I continue to enjoy this series, especially as viewing it through the eyes of an adult is completely different from seeing as a child. My heart breaks for Peppermint Patty - no child should be made to think they are stupid. I love Linus' continued devotion to his blanket. Lucy's certainty that her and Schroeder are meant to be together and Schroeder's equal certainty that they're not. Best of all, I like the way they all work their way through the year, never getting up, sure that this year will be their year.

The Complete Peanuts 1973 - 1974 and 1975 - 1976 both get 4 stars.

 *        Did not like it
**       It was OK
***      Liked it
****    Really liked it

*****   It was amazing

Book Review: The Complete Peanuts 1971 - 1972

From Goodreads: Peanuts surges into the 1970s with Schulz at the peak of his powers and influence: a few jokes about Bob Dylan, Women’s Liberation and “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex” (!)aside, these two years are as timeless as Peanuts ever was.
Sally Brown—school phobia, malapropisms, unrequited love for Linus and all—elbows her way to center stage, at least among the humans, and is thus the logical choice for cover girl... and in her honor, the introduction is provided by none other than Broadway, television and film star Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked, Pushing Daisies), who first rose to Tony-winning fame with her scene-stealing performance as Sally inYou’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Two long Summer-camp sequences involve Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty, who has decided that Charlie Brown is madly in love with her, much to his clueless confusion. Snoopy shows up at camp as well, as does Peppermint Patty’s new permanent sidekick, the one and only Marcie.
The eternally mutable Snoopy mostly shakes off his World War I Flying Ace identity and turns into Joe Cool, college hipster extraordinaire. And in three long sequences he writes a fan letter to his favorite author, Miss Helen Sweetstory, then goes on a journey to meet her, and finally enlists Charlie Brown’s help when her latest opus, The Six Bunny-Wunnies Freak Out, falls afoul of censors.
Also, Woodstock attends worm school, falls in love with a worm (perhaps the most doomed unrequited Peanuts love story ever!), and is nearly eaten by the neighbors’ cat... Peppermint Patty is put on trial for another dress code violation and makes a very ill-advised choice in terms of lawyers... Snoopy turns Linus’s blanket into not one but two sportcoats... Lucy hits a home run...and the birth of one Rerun Van Pelt!

Thoughts: During reading slumps it's good to turn to something warm and comfortable - like Peanuts. I've been struggling to find anything that's truly engaging me recently. Peanuts is my safety blanket. A reminder to keep going even when the chips are down. Friends turn up in unexpected places and just occasionally you get a win.

The Complete Peanuts 1971-1972 gets 3 stars

 *        Did not like it**       It was OK***      Liked it****    Really liked it*****   It was amazing

Book Review: The Complete Peanuts 1969-1970

From Goodreads: He turns up first as Snoopy’s secretary, then gradually becomes a good friend whom Snoopy helps to fly South... but it’s not until June 22, 1970 that the little bird gains a name, in a perfect salute to the decade that ends with this volume: Woodstock! In other timely stories, Peppermint Patty runs afoul of her school’s dress code (those sandals!), Lucy declares herself a “New Feminist,” and Snoopy’s return to the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm on a speaking engagement climaxes in a riot and a new love found amidst the teargas (“She had the softest paws...”). Speaking of Snoopy, this volume falls under the sign of the Great Beagle, as three separate storylines focus on the mysterious sovereign of Beagledom. First Snoopy is summoned by a wrathful G.B. when Frieda submits a complaint about his (Snoopy’s) desultory rabbit-chasing efforts; then, back in the Great one’s good graces, Snoopy is sent on a secret mission; and finally he himself ascends (briefly!) to the mantle of Great Beagledom.
In other news, an exasperated Lucy throws Schroeder’s piano into the maw of the kite-eating tree, with gruesome results... Miss Othmar goes on strike and Linus gets involved... Charlie Brown’s baseball team has an actual (brief) winning streak... Snoopy’s quest to compete in the Oakland ice skating competition is thwarted by his inability to find a partner... Charlie Brown goes to a banquet to meet his hapless baseball hero Joe Shlabotnik... Snoopy is left in the Van Pelt family’s care as Charlie and Sally Brown head out of town for a vacation... and (alas) the Little Red-Haired Girl moves away...
This volume also features a new introduction by renowned illustrator Mo Willems and, as always, gorgeous design by award-winning cartoonist Seth.

Thoughts: Way back in 2010 I came across the first volume in this series and set out to read the whole lot. As occasionally happens, I got a bit side tracked and haven't read one since 2012. Where does the time go I swear it wasn't that long! Anyway, I've finally got around to the next in the series, Volume 10.

These books really a trip down memory lane. Everyone knows Snoopy,  has their favourite character (I can't go past Peppermint Patty or Linus). We feel for poor ol' Charlie Brown as his life drags along and admire his ability to keep going, love his dog and never give up on that baseball team. If you're a Peanuts fan, this is a series worth tracking down.

The Complete Peanuts 1969-1970 gets 4 stars.

 *        Did not like it
**       It was OK
***      Liked it
****    Really liked it

*****   It was amazing

The Complete Peanuts 1967 - 1968

Title: The Compete Peanuts 1967 - 1968
Author: Charles Schulz
Genre: Comic
Series: Peanuts
Audience: Everyone!
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Volume 9 in this series takes us through 1967 and 1968.

What I thought: Oh it has been awhile! I haven't read a Peanuts since February! When I went to borrow this from the library, they didn't have it so I had to request it to be bought! The process can take awhile but finally I got it! Now I need to check out if they have 69 - 70! This series is a must read for any peanuts fan!

The Complete Peanuts 1965 - 1966

Title: The Compete Peanuts 1965 - 1966
Author: Charles Schulz
Genre: Comic
Series: Peanuts
Audience: Everyone!
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Volume 8 in this series takes us through 1965 and 1966.

What I thought: Yet another classic. Truly am loving this series and so good for a quick easy read!

The Complete Peanuts 1963 - 1964

Title: The Compete Peanuts 1963 - 1964
Author: Charles Schulz
Genre: Comic
Series: Peanuts
Audience: Everyone!
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Volume 7 in this series takes us through 1963 and 1964.

What I thought: You all know what I'm going to say here - love it, love it, love it!! The Goodreads synopsis does a much better job of describing this book than I ever could. Check it out here.

The Complete Peanuts 1961 - 1962

Title: The Compete Peanuts 1961 - 1962
Author: Charles Schulz
Genre: Comic
Series: Peanuts
Audience: Everyone!
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Volume 6 in this series takes us through 1961 and 1962.

What I thought: More Peanuts brilliance! There are a total of 25 volumes in this series, I wonder how many I can get through this year!

Challenges:

The Complete Peanuts 1959 - 1960

Title: The Compete Peanuts 1959 - 1960
Author: Charles Schulz
Genre: Comic
Series: Peanuts
Audience: Everyone!
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Volume 5 in this series takes us through 1959 and 1960.

What I thought: Love it! Not only are the cartoons a blast, but the introductions to each book are fantastic as well and can put a slightly different slant on the cartoons. Finding out that Charles Schulz had difficulty fitting in when he was young, that he often felt on the outer lends a whole new slant to Charlie Brown. In this volume Charlie Brown gets a sister and Snoopy starts sleeping on top of his dog house.

Recommended for: those who love Snoopy and the gang!

100+ Challenge, 

The Complete Peanuts 1957 - 1958

Title: The Compete Peanuts 1957 - 1958
Author: Charles Schulz
Genre: Comic
Series: Peanuts
Audience: Everyone!
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Volume 4 in this series takes us through 1957 and 1958.

What I thought: This was my much needed light relief while reading The Fear. I haven't read one of these since April, and in the end the comment is the same! Want a laugh? Go find a Peanuts book. Amongst the belly laughs is some great social and emotional commentary on the world as a whole and the life of a kid. Can you get any better than this? I enjoyed it so much, I'm off to put the next one on reserve now!

Recommended for: those who love Snoopy and the gang!

100+ Challenge, 

The Complete Peanuts: 1955 - 1956

Title: The Compete Peanuts 1955 - 1956
Author: Charles Schulz
Genre: Comic
Series: Peanuts
Audience: Everyone!
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Volume 3 in this series takes us through 1955 and 1956. This time saw Linus's first spoken words, Charlie Brown's first baseball humiliation and Snoopy's first impressions.

What I thought: Want a laugh? Go find a Peanuts book. Amongst the belly laughs is some great social and emotional commentary on the world as a whole and the life of a kid. Can you get any better than this?

Recommended for: those who love Snoopy and the gang!

100+ Challenge, A-Z Challenge, 

The Complete Peanuts: 1953 - 1954

The Complete Peanuts: 1953 - 1954 by Charles Schulz

I love Peanuts. I'm really enjoying watching how this evolved over the years. July 1954 saw the introduction of Pig-Pen and May saw the introduction of Linus' blanket.

I also thought there was only 3 books in this series because that was all I saw on the shelves at work. Silly me. A little extra research show there are 14!! Yay!!!

The Complete Peanuts: 1950 - 1952

The Complete Peanuts: 1950 - 1952 by Charles Schulz

I don't think there is an adult in the English speaking world who doesn't know Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Lucy, Linus and Schroder. I always loved Peanuts and when I came across all three volumes in this series at the library I work at, I thought I showed great restraint by just borrowing the first one!

This first volume explains the beginning of Peanuts, Schultz's "rise to stardom" and his determination to stay "normal." It includes a short history of Schulz's life and an indepth interview with him.

To tell you the truth, I only made it half way through the interview at the end of the book. I started to find it very repetitive and only scanned the second half of it. I did however read every single one of the comic strips, laughing out loud frequently. I'm looking forward to the other two volumes.