Scan barcode
sabrinalefebvre's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
“Duke represented the blissful nature of surfing”
“Tom personified the idea that surfing could provide comfort to those who felt broken”
This graphic novel tells us two stories that the author told beautifully.
The first one being the life of 2 of the greatest figures in surf history, Tom Blake and Duke Kahanamoku, and how their stories shaped surfing in the modern world.
The second one being the modern story of the author and Kristen, the woman he loved who was diagnosed with cancer. We see how surf was a factor in their relationship and how the author used it in his following grief.
The author is able to craft a graphic novel that ends up being a mix between an informative work, a compelling story of love and grief and something more for the readers to find for themselves.
“Tom personified the idea that surfing could provide comfort to those who felt broken”
This graphic novel tells us two stories that the author told beautifully.
The first one being the life of 2 of the greatest figures in surf history, Tom Blake and Duke Kahanamoku, and how their stories shaped surfing in the modern world.
The second one being the modern story of the author and Kristen, the woman he loved who was diagnosed with cancer. We see how surf was a factor in their relationship and how the author used it in his following grief.
The author is able to craft a graphic novel that ends up being a mix between an informative work, a compelling story of love and grief and something more for the readers to find for themselves.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Cancer, Terminal illness, and Grief
ocean's review
2.0
I’m pretty sure this book completely glossed over the fact that Hawaii was a sovereign kingdom that was illegally overthrown and annexed by the US. Also, I wish that their relationship felt more two-sided. I get that grief makes that hard, but it doesn’t sit well with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, and Chronic illness
oscareads's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Cancer
mermaidsherbet's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Cancer, Terminal illness, and Medical content
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, and Religious bigotry
robinks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
I initially had a hard time switching back and forth between the two stories and seeing the connections made between them. I also wish there was a bit more background into Kristen & AJ’s story. Loved the illustrations and colors though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
maiakobabe's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A very beautiful meditation on grief, through the lens of water. The author, who lost someone very dear to him to cancer when she was quite young, weaves through the history of surfing with his own experiences of surfing, and the oceanic properties of grieving.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
cookiesandchapters's review
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Death
ercas's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Death