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sappho's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is the first book I got to read for Netgalley and what a fun book to start out on! I've been following the Wash Day Diaries saga ever since the initial Kickstarter and what a treat it is to see how much it's grown!
This book is a set of five vignettes into the lives of four friends in the Bronx and all the stories are tied to black hair care in one way or another. The first story is a remastered version of the initial mini-comic, now in full color instead of gray-scale. Comparing the two comics, it looks like the panels have been at least partially redrawn (the way the flags hang on page 15 is the main tell) and it looks stunning. The soft blues and purples coloring the scenes are so pretty and peaceful; it's reminiscent of soap bubbles really. Perfect for the framing device. Plot-wise, it's just a slice of life look at Kim washing her hair. I really like it, I think it's simple but not basic, and I think it's a really great setup for the rest of the stories. The other four stories are just as sweet to read, and I hope you'll give this book a chance and experience them for yourself! Love it love it love it, what a great book!
This book is a set of five vignettes into the lives of four friends in the Bronx and all the stories are tied to black hair care in one way or another. The first story is a remastered version of the initial mini-comic, now in full color instead of gray-scale. Comparing the two comics, it looks like the panels have been at least partially redrawn (the way the flags hang on page 15 is the main tell) and it looks stunning. The soft blues and purples coloring the scenes are so pretty and peaceful; it's reminiscent of soap bubbles really. Perfect for the framing device. Plot-wise, it's just a slice of life look at Kim washing her hair. I really like it, I think it's simple but not basic, and I think it's a really great setup for the rest of the stories. The other four stories are just as sweet to read, and I hope you'll give this book a chance and experience them for yourself! Love it love it love it, what a great book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia and Stalking
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual content
mikaelaandherbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I adored this new adult graphic novel! The pacing of the story was great with the blending of multiple stories from each girl's perspective as they move through their day living in the Bronx. I loved the strong themes of sisterhood/friendship and support! There is also great representation in this novel, especially with mental health and having relatives with dementia. Not to mention, the art is so beautiful and vibrant with the colors used. This story felt very real and relatable - I would easily recommend this graphic novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking and Dementia
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, and Mental illness
notabookseller's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Major thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this advanced copy of Wash Day Diaries in exchange for an honest review. Wash Day Diaries is scheduled to hit shelves on June 14th, 2022 and is currently available for preorder.
I. Love. This. The characters are complex, the stories are relatable, and the art itself is so fun and beautiful and clever (there is one specific panel in “Group Chat” that I just adore you’ll know it when you see it)!
This story follows four twenty-something best friends living in New York City (a genre I will never get tired of), specifically they live in the Bronx. Kim is super excited for her upcoming show, except for the nagging feeling in her brain that the ex- she’s been dodging is going to show up. Nisha is embracing her hoe phase, but once her love life and her work life cross paths it sends her running for the hills. Davene is severely depressed and trying to call out for help, but her friends can’t see the signs. Last but not least, Cookie goes to visit her estranged abuela and they reconcile, even if abuela doesn’t remember it.
Wash Day Diaries is Sex & the City for the next generation and for all the non-white women in the audience. This graphic novel is a character-heavy, slice-of-life story which I absolutely love; it has so much room for growth and continuation with potential for a series and even for television adaptation and I hope that everyone who reads can understand that. The representation of depression is very well done and true to life and the artist’s ability to show us what Davene is going through with next to no words is just beautiful. The story has a great balance of light and heavy subject matter; it evokes all kinds of emotions in the audience in all the right ways; and the actual friendship between these four women is so heartfelt and it’s just so easy to fall in love with them all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking and Dementia
Moderate: Drug use and Toxic relationship
booktribe's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Wash Day Diaries is a short, beautifully illustrated graphic novel following four young, Black women and their lives, friendships, and gorgeous hair.
The illustration in this book is beautiful. I absolutely loved the depiction of our hair! Whether it’s the braids, the twist outs, or even just our bonnets, it was all magnificent to see depicted in such a celebratory way! I also loved that the artist showed real bodies! Not everyone had curves, not everyone was perfect, and I love that!
This book tackled a couple hard topics, such as depression, in a way that didn’t make you sad, but just made you see life as it is for different types of Black women. I also enjoyed seeing the casual sapphic representation.
My only problem with this book is that I wish it was longer. It could’ve went more in depth and answered some questions I had toward the end. If this ever becomes a series, I’ll be very happy!
This graphic novel shows the connection that Black women have with our hair and with each other in a way that celebrates us and shows us unconditional love! I’d recommend this graphic novel to every Black woman that is looking for a graphic novel that shows us in such a unapologetically Black light!
Thank you Chronicle Books and NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.
TW: nudity; sexual situations; depression; dementia; violent ex-boyfriend (all trigger warnings are very mild)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Sexual content
Minor: Dementia and Domestic abuse
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