Scan barcode
sheilajsn's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
montigneyrules's review
3.0
#readingchallenge2023 (my extra books!)
I expected to breeze through this graphic novel, engaged in mildly humorous tales of work and struggle-bus life moments, however the overall novel was a lot deeper than I expected- portraying heavier, heartier characters, driving more ‘self-reflection’ storylines.
Following three diverse women, in the peak of their twenties, attempting to navigate ‘life/career paths’ each action, side comment, and miniature thought had a well-articulated intent-
The characters were well balanced, but I woed at their obviousness- often telling the reader how to react, how to feel, how to engage- leaving a feeling of wavering engagement, in which so much of the novel was ‘point blank’. I also felt because of that the novel became repetitive; in which small nuances of snobby judgmental attitudes in the main characters became highlighted clichés’ in a way
Overall, the post-college, ‘coming of age’ aspect was an intriguing strength, but the characters had a level of frustration & confusion, creating a weakness
I expected to breeze through this graphic novel, engaged in mildly humorous tales of work and struggle-bus life moments, however the overall novel was a lot deeper than I expected- portraying heavier, heartier characters, driving more ‘self-reflection’ storylines.
Following three diverse women, in the peak of their twenties, attempting to navigate ‘life/career paths’ each action, side comment, and miniature thought had a well-articulated intent-
The characters were well balanced, but I woed at their obviousness- often telling the reader how to react, how to feel, how to engage- leaving a feeling of wavering engagement, in which so much of the novel was ‘point blank’. I also felt because of that the novel became repetitive; in which small nuances of snobby judgmental attitudes in the main characters became highlighted clichés’ in a way
Overall, the post-college, ‘coming of age’ aspect was an intriguing strength, but the characters had a level of frustration & confusion, creating a weakness
erboe501's review
5.0
I've only read a couple graphic novels before, but I really enjoyed this one! The entry-level publishing industry scenes were so relatable. And I love a book about female friendship.
redhdlibrarian's review
3.0
I like that the book doesn’t wrap up neatly in the end, like I thought it would in the beginning. All the ladies are still looking to find the right job, right partner, and their next step. However they all learned things about themselves along the way while meeting and befriending a Booker prize winning author.
ms_greenjeans's review
3.0
Fun characters, smart writing, funny. Very trendy and full of just-in-our-time jokes. Some of the illustrations bugged me, but overall, I liked this story of three young Asian-American women trying to make it in publishing in NYC.
otterno11's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A light and engaging graphic novel, with an emphasis on novel, cartoonist Kate Gavino’s A Career in Books follows three Asian-American college friends and roommates living postgrad in Brooklyn circa 2011 as they follow their dreams (or, what they thought were their dreams) and break into the rarefied world of publishing. Gavino’s text-heavy but snappy dialog balances these three women's lives and their specific hopes and fears, though on occasion her art feels a little flat. As the ambitious type-A Nina (corporate), the writer Sylvia (private small press), and the exuberant Shirin (academic) each experience different aspects of an industry struggling with diversity, they befriend their elderly neighbor, whom they discover to be the acclaimed but neglected booker prize-winning author Veronica Vo. This multigenerational friendship becomes the heart of the work as her influence sparks each to look at their own lives and desires in a new light.
Gavino’s slice of life narrative captures the ambiance of this distinct scene, this mix of millennial anxieties and affirmation that seem common to 20-somethings working in media. From the bands, brands, and references she includes in her diagrams of apartments and offices and her labeling of expensive decor and fashion of coworker, even for someone further away from this world, the work feels real.
Gavino’s slice of life narrative captures the ambiance of this distinct scene, this mix of millennial anxieties and affirmation that seem common to 20-somethings working in media. From the bands, brands, and references she includes in her diagrams of apartments and offices and her labeling of expensive decor and fashion of coworker, even for someone further away from this world, the work feels real.
laurel_leaves1023's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Alcohol, and Vomit
oddandbookish's review
5.0
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
What a heartwarming graphic novel!
This tells the story of 3 Asian American friends who all get jobs working in publishing. It also details their friendship with their elderly neighbor who happens to be an author.
I absolutely loved the friendship dynamic between the 3 friends. It felt realistic and I liked how supportive they were of each another. Their friendship with their neighbor was also well done. I liked how she became a mentor to the girls and how the girls also helped her out.
As an Asian American (I’m Filipino), I loved seeing all the Asian representation. I loved that 2 out of the 3 friends (Shirin and Silvia) were Filipino. I always enjoy seeing Filipino culture in books. It makes my heart so happy.
This is a graphic novel that feels more like a newspaper comic than a typical graphic novel. It’s entirely in black and white and is heavier on text than what you would typically see in a graphic novel. I thought the format worked well. I didn’t mind it being more text heavy because sometimes more explanation was needed to convey what was happening.
Overall, I loved this glimpse into the world of publishing! I recommend this if you love books about books and books centering around female friendship.
mbrandmaier's review
4.0
Three roommates navigate life as young Asian women living in NYC. They all share an apartment and have various careers in publishing. They endure micro aggressions and discover that their downstairs neighbor was once a famous author.