Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Roaming by Jillian Tamaki, Mariko Tamaki

5 reviews

avisreadsandreads's review

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Not nearly as good as Skim (one of my favourite graphic novels of all times), but definitely worth the read, especially if you've ever been to New York City (or had mean friends as a teen/young adult).
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emjay2021's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The plot is slight in this graphic novel, but the artwork is absolutely gorgeous. I found myself examining so many of the pages carefully, because the two-page spreads of snapshots of New York landmarks (Central Park, Times Square, Grand Central Station) are so detailed and beautiful. The story itself is familiar and portrayed empathetically; probably everyone has met a Fiona or two. I liked the relationship between the two old friends, Dani and Zoe, and the way the introduction of a new, alien seductive element—Fiona—throws a monkey wrench into the dynamic. Despite being so irritating I wanted to shake her at times, Fiona is a more nuanced character than she might be in lesser hands. I wondered at times if Dani’s jealousy over Zoe and Fiona’s obvious flirtations was because she had romantic interest in Zoe, or if it was just being hurt that her old friend wasn’t spending as much time with her. I’m not even sure if Dani knows herself. Overall, beautiful artwork, a sweet love letter to 2009 New York City, and a nice portrayal of a longstanding and evolving friendship.
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betweentheshelves's review

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emotional 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

4.5

I love Jillian Tamaki's art, honestly. It really stands out in this book, with the color scheme and the characters and the setting. There are just some really gorgeous panels in here, drawing you into the New York scene.

But that doesn't take away from the writing! This is about how friendships might change after high school, about reconnecting and figuring out that maybe you're not sure what the future holds. The characters are all well developed, each of them growing in different ways by the end of the story. The story itself is a bit quiet, focusing more on the characters than the overall plot. But that's my favorite kind of story, honestly, and both Mariko and Jillian Tamaki excel at that.
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bi_n_large's review

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emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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whatisjordyreading's review

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adventurous emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

a beautifully drawn graphic novel by my fave comic duos, Jillian & Mariko Tamaki! sooo many beautiful pages (literally the whole book)! the lines are sooo clean-- sheesh! and the crowds and museums look so real/similar to our 3D world (if that makes sense lool)

the story is unlike anything i've read, but also so similar to what i've experienced in real life. i know i'm gonna re-read this in years to come :)

something about the scene where
Zee & Dee went out on the fire escape, and they were transformed into their younger selves made me cryyy. i think it was the sentiment of it, the emotion of literally not looking like your younger self but also feeling very much like your younger self, and also having so many memories with someone special (not necessarily a crush or lover, but also your best friend or sibling). that scene that tugged at my heart. things change, people change, but also people will surprise you and stick by your side
 

also,
fiona was written so well, so snake and so insidious, but also very human. i knew from timeee she was gonna sour the trip, and it was the clever writing that did it. but her comment about canada getting their first Uniqlo in 7 years was funny!
also also, i love that we see how soft & sensitive Dani is, but it's not a weakness. she's tender & kind, even to strangers at the hostel, which we see especially at the end, in contrast to how Fiona and then also Zoe treat their hostel-mates.


thank you, Jillian and Mariko <3
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