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I'm a sucker for graphic novels that take place during my own middle school/high school years. They just feel cozy to me in a way that most other things don't.
The Greatest Thing explores a lot of tough subjects. Also, Win's mom is pretty cool, even when she breaks the (fairly mild, tbh) rules.
The Greatest Thing explores a lot of tough subjects. Also, Win's mom is pretty cool, even when she breaks the (fairly mild, tbh) rules.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
I enjoyed this book a lot, the only reason it wasn’t a five is because it triggered my own experiences with disordered eating, but that’s all me and nothing against the author for including something that so many people go through.
Other than that, I appreciated the many examples of explorations of sexuality and gender when you’re in high school. I got excited when the three characters started creating a zine and the way it was woven through the story. Something I liked about the “my zines” section at the end of the book was that the author mentioned using a printing press to create offset lithography works in high school. I thought this was incredibly cool as a fellow lover of printing presses and working with them. Thanks for a great read!
Other than that, I appreciated the many examples of explorations of sexuality and gender when you’re in high school. I got excited when the three characters started creating a zine and the way it was woven through the story. Something I liked about the “my zines” section at the end of the book was that the author mentioned using a printing press to create offset lithography works in high school. I thought this was incredibly cool as a fellow lover of printing presses and working with them. Thanks for a great read!
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
The Greatest Thing by Sarah Winifred Searle isn’t a memoir but according to the author notes closely resembles Sarah’s own memories of high school and the desire to just be done, and get out. Winifred’s close friends have left, and now she’s essentially friendless, enter the issues of depression, self hatred, body dysmorphia, weight, crushes on a former friend and potential new friend, sexual identity crisis, and not knowing what to do. The one thing Winifred has going for her is her ability to tell stories.
This is a fascinating story that dives into the ideas that pass through the brains of teens.
Highly recommend.
This is a fascinating story that dives into the ideas that pass through the brains of teens.
Highly recommend.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
I was originally going to write a short, simple review for this book but it's been 3 days and I'm still thinking about it constantly so it's getting a thorough review!
This book captures the feeling of making new friends and just instantly clicking so well. Making art together, having sleepovers and just talking. Each character is written with a lot of love and care and you can tell the author is passionate about them. At first I wasn't a big fan of Winifred and found that April and Oscar were a lot more interesting and empathetic. Turns out I was just not liking Winifred because a lot of the traits I disliked about her were traits I didn't like about me and that's actually the point! She's a very realistic character who's sometimes uncomfortably relatable. And the others make mistakes too that feel very real. April shouldn't have pressured Winifred into telling her about her ED but Winifred should've been more attentive and communicative. But they're both still lovely people and the author understands that. And obviously there's Oscar, who is my favorite and who I wish to be. And although he had feelings for Winifred, no romance was forced and I really like that! Not all mutual feelings turn into romances and that's ok
This book captures the feeling of making new friends and just instantly clicking so well. Making art together, having sleepovers and just talking. Each character is written with a lot of love and care and you can tell the author is passionate about them. At first I wasn't a big fan of Winifred and found that April and Oscar were a lot more interesting and empathetic. Turns out I was just not liking Winifred because a lot of the traits I disliked about her were traits I didn't like about me and that's actually the point! She's a very realistic character who's sometimes uncomfortably relatable. And the others make mistakes too that feel very real. April shouldn't have pressured Winifred into telling her about her ED but Winifred should've been more attentive and communicative. But they're both still lovely people and the author understands that. And obviously there's Oscar, who is my favorite and who I wish to be. And although he had feelings for Winifred, no romance was forced and I really like that! Not all mutual feelings turn into romances and that's ok
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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:
Yes
These types of books are important. They also give us a reminder of the importance of having safe people to figure things out with.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a sweet story about finding yourself, developing your talent, and healing your hurt. The art is well-done, too.