They had to do something for the sixty-ninth issue of the comic, so there you have it. We've got a few flashbacks hearkening back to the old days thatThey had to do something for the sixty-ninth issue of the comic, so there you have it. We've got a few flashbacks hearkening back to the old days that'll freak a reader out and the excitement of Lying Cat. And then there's poor Squire who's having a rough go- he's done a little self-harm and Alana has to figure out how she can help the robot kid.
I think I'd need the context of the original book it's retold from to better lay the groundwork that doesn't exist at the start of the book. I think II think I'd need the context of the original book it's retold from to better lay the groundwork that doesn't exist at the start of the book. I think I was looking for EK Arnold or A Drop of Venom that came out of the gate with dark, elegant rage with a visual to boot but didn't get that level of intensity and creativity in the writing so I was plodding along with a girl hellbent on revenge and ends up back in the universe of the boy who put her in prison and was a former love interest.
Points for the Pakistani representation with fantasy elements, but it didn't work for me.
Nothing much happens in this manga which is a semi-romantic slice of life about a girl who wears a mask-- a figurative one for everyone around her. ChNothing much happens in this manga which is a semi-romantic slice of life about a girl who wears a mask-- a figurative one for everyone around her. Chitose has been relatively fine living this way until she meets Itsuki who can see right through it.
The story was disjointed so it didn't flow for me and I didn't connect with either of the characters to continue with this particular series.
Merged review:
Nothing much happens in this manga which is a semi-romantic slice of life about a girl who wears a mask-- a figurative one for everyone around her. Chitose has been relatively fine living this way until she meets Itsuki who can see right through it.
The story was disjointed so it didn't flow for me and I didn't connect with either of the characters to continue with this particular series....more
Eh. I wasn't a fan I think because of the brash and wholly obnoxious way both Emma and Caleb came about things. I thought the crassness of their languEh. I wasn't a fan I think because of the brash and wholly obnoxious way both Emma and Caleb came about things. I thought the crassness of their language and swearing got in the way of a deeper story about relationships, friendships, dynamic, and expectations. I cringed every time there was a cheap joke or unnecessarily extra swearing and I'm not even prudish about it in general, it was misplaced.
Obviously the trajectory of the story is exactly what's expected and that comfort was the comfort and saved me from totally dropping the story at all....more
Gah, it's the end! I have adored this adaptation (not manga but a graphic novel because it's not written/drawn right to left nor does it have the tellGah, it's the end! I have adored this adaptation (not manga but a graphic novel because it's not written/drawn right to left nor does it have the telltale features, it's simply a black and white graphic novel) in a way that I didn't enjoy the original.
But I have been obsessively waiting for this final volume and I know one particular student of mine that will also be excited to read it and it does not disappoint from "Laura" being called to the hospital when Wren is dropped off at the hospital with alcohol poisoning. Her conversation and reactions with Cath say everything about what their relationship is like and how it will continue to be. But it's about Cath, Wren, and their father putting pieces back together again while both of the girls navigate relationships and their relationship with each other in college.
The romance for them both is squee worthy and I love Cath's "last stand" at the end of the book as well as the climactic end to Simon Snow. ...more
The way Soontornvat has put her life out there for other middle schoolers to experience in these middle grade graphic novels have been nothing short oThe way Soontornvat has put her life out there for other middle schoolers to experience in these middle grade graphic novels have been nothing short of amazing-- the connections that any reader can make to embarrassing, sweet, frustrating, and delightful experiences are all wrapped up in a perfect bow. Her parents decide to divorce which upsets Christina. She has a chance to try out again for the cheerleading squad... and makes it. Friendships. A love interest and smooch. A toe-tastic art project.
This glimpse into her world is what endears all readers to her whether we're young or old. And her note was pitch-perfect at the end. The complimentary art of the graphic novel pairs perfectly to the tone of the memoir. Can't wait to shout about this one from the rooftops!...more
Adore this werewolf romance with a dose of humor and mystery.
Tessa is park of a werewolf pack living in this town. As a supe, she has to keep focusedAdore this werewolf romance with a dose of humor and mystery.
Tessa is park of a werewolf pack living in this town. As a supe, she has to keep focused on what it means to be a part of the family even though her dad succumbed to cancer that even their werewolf form couldn't save. The alpha is a good enough guy but she feels distanced (as teenagers do) because her younger sister turned before she did and she's had a major crush on Maddie at school and wants to make a move but doesn't know how. Until she does and it goes humorously and horribly wrong all at the same time. It's the clunky teen romance with the added nervousness of showing your true self (in this case, her werewolf!) Oooops! But danger is knocking as there seem to be a group of hunters on the lookout for werewolves that is putting everyone in danger.
There's a meaty story in this campy romance that strikes an entertaining but heartfelt balance. I love Dugan's stories! ...more
The second and final in the duology that focuses on Rowan and Neil's relationship at college. They're on the east coast but four hours away. When theyThe second and final in the duology that focuses on Rowan and Neil's relationship at college. They're on the east coast but four hours away. When they got together at the end of the first book on the last day of school they had a blissful summer together and decided to stay together at the start of college. While Rowan is fitting in and finding her groove as a romance writer in a writing-focused college path, Neil is struggling, both with the baggage of his father's imprisonment and adjusting to college life. He's ignoring friends and when he and Rowan are together, it hasn't been fireworks.
The realism in this freshman year college story and instruction manual for how to work through depression and relationship issues (including talking about sex and their feelings) is what works best in this story and it's what was so fun about the first book as well. It's a real awakening for teens graduating high school and moving on to college (or whatever lies beyond as some of the friends demonstrate).
I like the concept of the two books and would recommend. ...more
The story is the last day of school and Rowan and Neil have been rivals throughout high school as #1 and #2 in the school. They prefer to antagonize one another but this is a romance so we know how this will go and we love every minute of it. There's a Howl game that gets played and they're a team so as they spend time together navigating the sights and sounds of Seattle with the sentimentality of being the last day of their high school lives, there's a squishy romantic coupling on the horizon.
Every element works so well including the timing and the celebration of getting to know people on a deeper level as the two of them do including Neil's father's incarceration, their plans for freshman year of college, and Rowan sharing out with more people that she is a writer of romance novels which factors into the delight of the story. ...more
The summer festival is upon us and the two, Taiki and Chinatsu are navigating their feelings for one another, living together because Chinatsu's familThe summer festival is upon us and the two, Taiki and Chinatsu are navigating their feelings for one another, living together because Chinatsu's family is away, and being the best at their sports, badminton and basketball respectively.
I adore this series for the romance, the friendships, and the sports and will continue to read it and love it and share it with others. ...more
The book refocuses plenty of character development in this fourth volume after Chinatsu helps nurse Taiki back to health and they have a little heart The book refocuses plenty of character development in this fourth volume after Chinatsu helps nurse Taiki back to health and they have a little heart to heart that ends up with her falling on him on the bed. There's less sports in this one but more about their overarching goals in their respective sports while navigating their relationship to one another through the lens of others including Taiki's friend who like Taiki without outwardly saying it. Ending up at a festival with fireworks brings them together in different circles.
So sweet and wonderful, I love this wholesome sporty romance and Chinatsu's message "not to be afraid to have lofty goals". ...more
In a way Hesse's usual fare without being her usual fare-- this one had a lot packed into a few pages but chock full of historical exploration she didIn a way Hesse's usual fare without being her usual fare-- this one had a lot packed into a few pages but chock full of historical exploration she did when she came upon the story of Hello Girls who were employed by the Army to be switchboard operators overseas during WWI to transit codes/information during wartime.
The story features Edda who is back stateside working as a Bell operator living in a boarding house and we meet a friend in the same boarding house, Theo. The story begins to be unwrapped when Edda gets a connection at the switchboard that's directly connected to her traumatic time as a Hello Girl and that brings up a sense of dread and personal responsibility. Readers are left to figure out why she's become unhinged about a seemingly inconsequential thing that leads her to divulge pieces of what happened. Though throughout the story, even readers sense that they're not being given the whole truth either-- Edda really is an unreliable narrator and the revealed pieces give context to her scattered response. The particular event focuses a group of boys/men who died when she couldn't get the code she was supposed to remember. Edda has created a whole backstory for each of the young men to help ease the mental burden but it's revealed what was happening during this time too.
There's quite a bit to unpack in this graphic novel from Iggy's family's Colombian roots to the 2016 election, immigration, and deportation, and the gThere's quite a bit to unpack in this graphic novel from Iggy's family's Colombian roots to the 2016 election, immigration, and deportation, and the grandfather ghost of Iggy's who is there behind him throughout the story.
Iggy doesn't have a lot of his Latine roots in tact- his dad emigrated and wanted better for his family so Iggy is enrolled in Spanish because he doesn't really know any of it. Luckily he mistakenly drops his grandfather's ashes in the basement and his grandfather is now a ghost that is helping/haunting him including helping him with his Spanish homework while Iggy shares things like his crush and video games. And Iggy is getting friendly with another girl whose family cleans offices in the evening- in exchange for helping him really learn Spanish, he helps and Iggy learns about her undocumented status and fear with the upcoming election- many don't like Clinton but they're also very scared about Trump. ...more
I didn't realize it was a part of a series but honestly, this book stands on its own merit so whether it's in the universe of Fortuna Beach or a contiI didn't realize it was a part of a series but honestly, this book stands on its own merit so whether it's in the universe of Fortuna Beach or a continuation, I thought this book was lovely. Plain lovely.
Male main character Jude, yes, his parents named him after the Beatles song and his parents own a record store. He's on the music scene enough and has a good girl friend, Ari, who is about making music. Jude's true passion is a dungeon master playing Dungeons and Dragons with a group of friends and being an artist though he's hesitant to submit any work to a zine. Oh and pining for Mya, a girl he's been hopefully in love with from afar for a while.
And then luck looks his way. Whether it's the D20 die that he has now or something else entirely, everything lucky to him happens- he wins tickets to a concert and has the opportunity to ask Maya who agrees and they have an awesome time. He submits art to the zine and they accept it and want him to send more. The list goes on. But luck must run out and it does at an unlikely moment-- when he realizes that the girl he's figuratively put on a pedestal and adored might not be who he really wants to be with but a friend who has been there from the start. Is luck what's needed now?
It's just lovely, truly lovely. Jude as a main character with all of his internal dialogue is three dimensional. The story has flow and doesn't feel slow as he progresses through his feelings. The fact that it highlights the creativity of D&D is a plus as well and the audiobook does a fantastic job of bringing those sections to light. It would pair well (obviously) with Dungeons and Drama....more
Jackson is a tech for his high school theater and a list-maker. He and his sister Jasmine have a little bond over making lists of the annoying parts oJackson is a tech for his high school theater and a list-maker. He and his sister Jasmine have a little bond over making lists of the annoying parts of their exes. But their sibling bond is tested a little in this romance with some humor where a boy, who Jasmine is crushing on may not be straight but gay and have feelings for Jackson.
The school backdrop takes some liberties however set firmly in a high school theater world with the drama that comes with it seems spot-on. It's straightforward with a balance of internal dialogue, that I always appreciate in Khorram's writing, and story with characters that are dealing with stuff. So while two identity items are present- Jackson being gay and being deaf- they are not the focus of the story and for which authenticity points abound because life is life and love is love. ...more
Jason Reynolds is the GOAT. Has been for a while, will remain so for life especially when he continues to drop stories like thisPure FREAKING genius.
Jason Reynolds is the GOAT. Has been for a while, will remain so for life especially when he continues to drop stories like this.
I have talked extensively about my love for YA literature that features sex in realistic conversation and context. Reynolds' new one opens up with Neon in the bathroom psyching himself up for first-time sex with his girlfriend of two years, Aria. And then the rest of the story goes BACKWARD in time from this point in their senior year.
When I share this book, I may or may not share this information as it's both the reason it's so genius and I'd want everyone to discover it for themselves but it's also the selling point for it too. Neon's voice is that introspective and fun peek inside a teen's brain while the rest of the characters are just as three-dimensional as Neon.
The quirkiness of the elements like what the Wednesday family business does or how Neon's mom approaches a conversation about sex or the inclusion of BINGO are the layers of this amazing YA novel. But the intelligence lies in how it's laid out. It's what captivated me in this story and another favorite (adult graphic novel) Always Never....more
I have kept this book since college because I remember the passionate depth and tragedy of the story (similar to my love of Ethan Frome which I shouldI have kept this book since college because I remember the passionate depth and tragedy of the story (similar to my love of Ethan Frome which I should reread too. Either way, this was a book I picked for my forty rereads this year and it was all that I thought I remembered AND a few details I didn't remember about a man, Werther completely head over heels for a woman that he opines... but she's engaged to be married and is caretaking for children
The up and down of this unrequited love ultimately leads him to kill himself.
The epistolary style makes it even more tragic.
"All learned schoolmasters and tutors are agreed that little children do not know what they want, but no one likes to admit that grown men stumble across this earth like children, not knowing whence they came nor whither they are going, and that a grown man can be just as poor at pursuing higher aims of life and can be ruled, just like a child, by cookies, cake, and rod. To me all this is quite obvious."
""One thing is certain-nothing justifies a man's existence like being loved."
"Often I would tear my breast and bash my brains in because we can mean so little to one another. Ah, the love, joy, warmth, and ecstasy that I cannot contribute and will therefore never receive from anyone else!... I have so much, yet my feeling for her devours it all. I have so much, yet without her all of it is nothing."...more
A book with a message. A book that shows what second chances are and what looking for forgiveness looks like. And a book the shows the devastating conA book with a message. A book that shows what second chances are and what looking for forgiveness looks like. And a book the shows the devastating consequences of the rumor mill, misinformation, and secrets.
A fresh start at a new school, a public one versus a private one, is supposed to be a good thing for Jordyn, but she's already the subject of the mysterious podcast that a mysterious person at the school runs that knows that she was expelled from her first school and asks who Jordyn really is.
So the mysteries begin to pile up- what happened to Jordyn before this new school? Who is this person spilling the tea? Why does it seem like everyone is keeping secrets? The last one is easy to answer, it's hard to make mistakes and own up to them be it cheating on a girlfriend/boyfriend or saying things you don't mean. What works so well is the authenticity- there are no big bombs of information- it truly feels like what happens in schools (sub out a podcast for an Instagram account as an example) and relationships fluctuate as misunderstandings go unresolved and people seethe.
Woodfolk is a true voice of YA that feels so real. This one has a few elements that make it feel too pop culture for its own good (like the phrase/concept of spilling tea), but that's understandable for the actual audience. ...more
It's more of a preference than a true judgement of the book, but these sad, mourning the loss of a fellow teen friend or significant other and it's haIt's more of a preference than a true judgement of the book, but these sad, mourning the loss of a fellow teen friend or significant other and it's hard to get over aren't my favorite. When they have lyrical language or offer a nugget that's different from the others like I Heart You, You Haunt Me, I usually fall head over heels. This one was average- it didn't offer lyricism or an approach that was wildly different though exploring the concept of mediums similar to The Cure for Dreaming and In the Shadow of Blackbirds did keep me reading when I would have skimmed.
Natalie and Leander's budding romance and their questions regarding a medium and the haunting of the Harlow Hotel was in the intrigue more than getting over a friend. ...more
Packed with layers, this realistic YA fiction title hits all the marks. Veronica has hip dysplasia which has required countless surgeries and plenty oPacked with layers, this realistic YA fiction title hits all the marks. Veronica has hip dysplasia which has required countless surgeries and plenty of adjustments in her life. Her parents are supportive but also protective. It's likely one of the reasons she loves the water, particularly the mermaid cove which is where there is a performance-based show of mermaids that is an attraction locally that she knows quite a bit about but could never dare (or could she?) to try out to become a mermaid. Egged on by some friends and a new love interest who recently moved into their massive apartments (his mom is the new complex manager). From the start, their romance is easy in that she doesn't have to explain herself to him however she treads lightly since she got in trouble with her parents with a boy before-- but she sadly had learned her lesson as he was actually a horrible person, but couldn't really share that with her parents.
There's a bit of deception as she tries out to be a mermaid and gets it. Of course there's a little hiccup in her budding relationship and trust between her and her parents.
Sylvester's story wins on many levels from the three dimensional characters to the dreamy setting connected to Peruvian folklore, which is where the family was originally from. ...more
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