This odd and long graphic nearly feels like a fever dream. Yes, it's the story of a sapphic romance between a transgirl and her childhood best friend,This odd and long graphic nearly feels like a fever dream. Yes, it's the story of a sapphic romance between a transgirl and her childhood best friend, but it's also about the manifestation of anger and trauma in a very real and constant monstrous form. Ostertag takes a lot of risks with the coloration and art style, and I think for the most part, they pay off. I'm never someone who will be okay with as much of a vague and mysterious air this has in its lore, so I can't give it a five-star, but while it's a long graphic at almost 500 pages, it's an interesting and worthwhile ride....more
*4.5 stars I enjoyed this one even more than the first, as we move past the first seed of human connection and into forming a relationship between two *4.5 stars I enjoyed this one even more than the first, as we move past the first seed of human connection and into forming a relationship between two and then a group of people who are all dealing with their own insecurities and worries....more
While this wasn't exactly what I was expecting, this was a great graphic novel on depression and anxiety and human connection. It's not a spooky seasoWhile this wasn't exactly what I was expecting, this was a great graphic novel on depression and anxiety and human connection. It's not a spooky season read like I expected as the ghosts merely act as a stand-in for people inflicted with mental illness, but it was a solid read....more
This was a wild ride because it's not a very long book. I absolutely loved the interwoven story of the retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice; it added a cThis was a wild ride because it's not a very long book. I absolutely loved the interwoven story of the retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice; it added a complex layer to an already beautiful story. I will say I was really hoping for a romance of some sort, especially after I realized it was, in fact, YA and not middle grade as I had originally guessed from the cover. However, I understand that was not really the point of the story, though it did really seem like the major moment between Sy and his ex, Farouk, was minimized for being such a central point of the plot. I'd like to read this again because I'm not sure I fully "get" the jinn character and her eccentricities (but I still liked her). I definitely recommend this, but it's definitely something you need to pay attention to and not the lighthearted read the cover may lead you to believe. (Warnings for: forced outing, child abuse, homophobia, and graphic scene of character getting kicked out of house.)...more
***I received a free eARC of this book from First Second Books through Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all thoughts and opin***I received a free eARC of this book from First Second Books through Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.*** I did not have super high hopes for this graphic novel because I do not have fond memories of my reading experience with one of Walden's previous books, Spinning. However, this one really surprised me. Don't get me wrong: this book is weird. It has a magical realism element that sort of feels out of place but also pulls the book together in a way. It was so great to see a story of a complex female friendship between two queer women. This is certainly an emotional journey that feels a little unsettling at times. This isn't a light read, but this kind of weird introspection is what I now have come to expect from Walden. ...more
*3.5 Stars This was...weird. And I'm not really faulting it for that because it's definitely meant to be a weird little book. I can't speak on the speci*3.5 Stars This was...weird. And I'm not really faulting it for that because it's definitely meant to be a weird little book. I can't speak on the specific mental health rep for this book because I don't have schizophrenia, so...I won't. I almost DNF'd this several times because it's weird, it's confusing, and it's so unique. The payoff was emotional and, I would say, worth it. I did want a little more of the love story that's sprinkled throughout, but to be honest, that wasn't really the point. Overall, a weird and sad and enjoyable(?) book....more
*3.5 Stars ***I received a free eARC of this book from Wednesday Books through Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all thoughts a*3.5 Stars ***I received a free eARC of this book from Wednesday Books through Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.*** This was by far one of my most anticipated titles of the year. I've been watching Christine's videos for a couple of years now, including her writing videos, and I was very excited to see what she had been working on all this time. Although I was frustrated with a lot of the decisions Shane was making, I liked the contemporary fiction part of the story. However, once it hit that magical element in the second part, I was a little thrown, though I knew something like it was coming. I'm a little grey on the details and even the ethics if that's the right word for what I feel. Regardless, if you like Christine, you'll like at least the voice of this book because it's just so her. I enjoyed this overall, and I have high hopes for her upcoming work....more
2.5 Stars Honestly, I've been searching through a bunch of reviews just trying to figure out what so many other people saw in this book that I didn't. I2.5 Stars Honestly, I've been searching through a bunch of reviews just trying to figure out what so many other people saw in this book that I didn't. I just really didn't like the main character at all. He was pretentious and annoying, which would be fine if someone had really called him out for it, but that moment never fully came. Like if I was at a party and someone started talking to me about their love of Thoreau and why they wear the same David Bowie shirt every day, I would just start screaming. Also, his sister spends most of the book trying to get Noah to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's with her because it's her current obsession, and he's just a real bitch and a half about it. Like, just watch your little sister's favorite movie with her?? It won't kill you. I also did not like the "twist," especially as it wasn't much of a twist since it was the only "logical" explanation (well a variety of it). (view spoiler)[Also, I hated that it felt very "and it was a dream the whole time"; that's such a tired twist. (hide spoiler)] Everything just felt very random to me and a little too try-hard for my tastes. I did enjoy the best friend, especially as I know he is based on Adam Silvera, which is super cool. This is my first David Arnold book, and it may be my last if I don't hear something AMAZING about another one of his books. I struggled to finish this one and almost DNF'd it several times, though I do have to say the last 75 pages or so are a great conclusion. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator, so I do recommend that if you still are interested....more
I picked up this ARC from the ARC shelf in the library I work at, and I was so excited to find it.
Things I liked: - the set-up and premise is super intI picked up this ARC from the ARC shelf in the library I work at, and I was so excited to find it.
Things I liked: - the set-up and premise is super interesting, and the book wastes no time getting into it - it kept me guessing and kept me intrigued and actually caring what happened - those last 30 pages oh my GOD - I enjoyed the writing style, although it doesn’t particularly stick out to me
Things that could use some work: - I wanted more of the relationships between the characters, both in the past and in the wake. There was some, but I feel like I didn’t fully grasp the intricacies of the group dynamic - the resolution should’ve been more fleshed out. Specifically, and without giving anything away, the group decision that was made at the end...idk. Maybe I wanted more discussion or arguing or explanation...anything.
Overall, the concept and the intrigue kept me hooked. I think maybe I was expecting more of a psychological thriller and for them to focus more on group dynamics/the vote than it was, but that expectation didn’t really hinder my enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a YA mystery with a little “magic” thrown in. ...more
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