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thenextgenlib's review
5.0
This graphic novel was beautiful. It told the history of surfing against the story of a surfer named Kristen who passed away from cancer and the author/boy/man who loved her. “Grief comes in waves”. It’s the perfect analogy for this and I definitely cried throughout.
dogtrax's review
5.0
So beautiful ... the way this story entwines the power of the ocean, the sport of surfing (and its history) and the human relationship ... the pacing was perfect ...
chaoticbibliophile's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I was a bit skeptical of the structure at first but it all came together for me in the end. Beautifully done, highly recommend.
tx2its's review
5.0
Reading 2023
Book 224: In Waves by A.J. Dungo
Another graphic novel from my library haul for #nonfictionnovember. This is a graphic memoir and a lesson in grief.
Synopsis: Dungo explores the beauty and complexity of his relationship with his partner as they face her prolonged battle with cancer. With his passion for surfing uniting many narratives, he intertwines his own story with those of some of the great heroes of surf.
Review: I loved this graphic memoir combination nonfiction surfing book. Having been to Hawaii and learned some things about Duke Kahanamoku, I vibed with the surfing parts of the book as well. Definitely recommend, 5⭐️.
Book 224: In Waves by A.J. Dungo
Another graphic novel from my library haul for #nonfictionnovember. This is a graphic memoir and a lesson in grief.
Synopsis: Dungo explores the beauty and complexity of his relationship with his partner as they face her prolonged battle with cancer. With his passion for surfing uniting many narratives, he intertwines his own story with those of some of the great heroes of surf.
Review: I loved this graphic memoir combination nonfiction surfing book. Having been to Hawaii and learned some things about Duke Kahanamoku, I vibed with the surfing parts of the book as well. Definitely recommend, 5⭐️.
agathemrt's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Such a beautiful book. First of all, I love the graphics and the colors used (shades of blue for AJ’s life, shades of orange for the past and history of surfing). A great story about surf, love and grief. The ending of this book is extremely touching and relatable to me, and wraps up perfectly this story. Quick and amazing read, I will probably come back to it once in a while.
droar's review
5.0
Heartbrakingly beautiful and full of tears. I cried a lot (you know me) but I shan't begrudge it the salt, it was earned. Dungo talks about illness and love, grief and surfing, and living, this one always circles back around to living in a way that feels both unbearably sad and hopefully light at the same time. It's a mix of Kristen's story, his long ill girlfriend who eventually succumbs to her cancer, and the story of surfers in the 1800's-1950's. If you told me the premise I wouldn't have expected it to work nearly so well as it does, he weaves the two halves together so well. Very much so worth your time.
bookshelfbybub's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
My interest in this book came and went in waves. The historical aspects of surfing in the book read more like grade school reports rather than tales that established the author’s understanding of the sport. While I was saddened by moments, I never truly felt like a clear picture of Kristen was given, making the author’s grief inaccessible.