Festiva seeking book worms

Once upon a time Festiva covered books.

Back in the day (six months or so ago), Martin Winchester wrote excellent book reviews for this publication. But with the New Year, we have vowed to start reading more. To that end, this issue marks the beginning of the Festiva book club. And we invite you to join. The rules are simple:

Step 1: Read Festiva the first Friday of each month, and pay attention to what book we have selected.

Step 2: Purchase that book and begin reading.

Step 3: Submit your comments and thoughts on the book to either www.themonitor.com, www.myspace.com/festivarocks, or e-mail to zquaintance@themonitor.com.

Step 4: Read Festiva the final Friday of the month to see if your opinions and insights made print. The best comments win a free copy of next month's book.

Who should join? Anyone. Interested in reading? Do it. Running a high school literature class or university English course? Force - er, encourage your students to join. Want to broaden what you read? By all means, let us help.

Each month we promise to pick breezy, relevant literature. We won't ask you to read War and Peace. But at the same time, expect to read intelligent, thought provoking works. Stick with it. We promise it will be fun.

THIS MONTH'S SELECTION
The Watchmen
Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons
Available at Barnes and Noble, www.amazon.com, local comic book stores such as Myth Adventures in McAllen or Cyber Comics in Edinburg.
Price: $19.99

Ok, The Watchmen differs a little bit from the classic definition of literature.

But this graphic novel offers the same type of metaphors, character development and thought provocation. We'll spare you a summary, but this novel basically takes a realistic look at how the world would actually treat superheroes. It's dark stuff.

Now marks a perfect time to read this classic work. Warner Bros. plans to release a big screen adaptation March 6, helmed by 300 director Zack Snyder.

Read it now, and don't forget to comment for a chance to win next month's book club selection.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT WATCHMEN

"This was high quality literature and that's what made it stand up. It's well developed, structured and intelligent." -Manuel Arredondo, Myth Adventures comic book store employee. Arredondo, who read the comic books after their original release in the 1980s, says the McAllen store has had trouble keeping The Watchmen in stock since movie trailers began appearing for the film.

"It's a tribute to the quality of Watchmen that to this day there is still great interest in it." -Arredondo.

"We've had a lot of people ask about it since the trailer came out." -Roland Ramirez, owner of Cyber Comics in Edinburg.

Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.