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chelseamartinez's review against another edition
2.0
Spoiler alert: You'll never get to Peru if that's what you keep reading for
livthebooknerd's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars
Once again, Jen Wang has fully impressed me with her beautiful art style and ability to create such intricate and complex story-lines.
I really enjoyed the overall moral of this story, however, I feel as if the synopsis does not really fully tell the reader what sort of story they are about to dive into.
I just want to say that I really enjoyed this surprise of a book. Maybe just go into it with the vague synopsis. It was just very nice to read. Very hopeful.
Once again, Jen Wang has fully impressed me with her beautiful art style and ability to create such intricate and complex story-lines.
I really enjoyed the overall moral of this story, however, I feel as if the synopsis does not really fully tell the reader what sort of story they are about to dive into.
I just want to say that I really enjoyed this surprise of a book. Maybe just go into it with the vague synopsis. It was just very nice to read. Very hopeful.
krissyronan's review against another edition
3.0
Good - confusing at first, but good
Loved Koko's facial expressions - really made me understand things
Tape recorder felt incongruous -date while the rest of the story seem modern
Loved Koko's facial expressions - really made me understand things
Tape recorder felt incongruous -date while the rest of the story seem modern
katrinkirjat's review against another edition
3.0
Kivan erikoinen, vähän erilainen sarjakuva, jonka keskiössä on itsensä ja oman juttunsa löytäminen, ehkä myös omien ihmisten löytäminen.
Wangin kuvituksista pidän paljon!
Wangin kuvituksista pidän paljon!
helium's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This graphic novel is a cute and wholesome coming-of-age story about redemption and figuring out one's place in the world. I think most of her work targets a younger audience and there lacks a certain level of depth for me to truly love this novel. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this, but, if I am being honest, the story failed to make me feel any emotions. It is an endearing story, but that is about it.
The art is whimsical and all the characters' facial expressions and body movements are drawn with incredible detail - I really adore her style. However, I did find some drawings at the beginning confusing, which also made me confused about what this story was going to be, but it starts picking up a bit later, so it was not too bad.
I also did find Koko's behaviour a bit annoying, and her sudden change of behaviour slightly unbelievable, but I guess this book is also about second chances and giving ourselves a chance to be who we want to be and to be proud of ourselves. I did find Jon's character and experience much more realistic and believable and I really appreciate the way Jen Wang portrayed his character.
This was still an entertaining and wholesome read about unexpected friendships and about figuring out what we truly want instead of doing what is considered "right", but there were a couple of flaws here and there that can be easily overlooked, but I just enjoyed her other works too much to love this one just as much.
The art is whimsical and all the characters' facial expressions and body movements are drawn with incredible detail - I really adore her style. However, I did find some drawings at the beginning confusing, which also made me confused about what this story was going to be, but it starts picking up a bit later, so it was not too bad.
I also did find Koko's behaviour a bit annoying, and her sudden change of behaviour slightly unbelievable, but I guess this book is also about second chances and giving ourselves a chance to be who we want to be and to be proud of ourselves. I did find Jon's character and experience much more realistic and believable and I really appreciate the way Jen Wang portrayed his character.
This was still an entertaining and wholesome read about unexpected friendships and about figuring out what we truly want instead of doing what is considered "right", but there were a couple of flaws here and there that can be easily overlooked, but I just enjoyed her other works too much to love this one just as much.
justinecw's review against another edition
4.0
This book has lovely drawings and is pretty much worth the read just for that. The story is a coming of age story based on people who are trying to do the right thing. The storyline isn't very strong.
aprivateislander's review against another edition
3.0
The main thing this book has going for it is the art, which is really outstanding.
Jen Wang comes from an animation background and you can definitely tell; the characters always look like they're about to burst into movement and every page is interesting and full of life. Her pages are laid out interestingly, and everything is dynamic and really fantastic.
That said, the story in this one is a little lacking -- a lot lacking. It's about a guy named Jon who is about to pack up and move to Peru with his older girlfriend to do good. He comes across a MPDG named Koko and her silent friend Faron, and you know, growing up and finding yourself ensues in a cliched, rushed manner. I couldn't begin to care about the characters and everyone felt like stock artistic quirky 20-somethings, with the most interesting character was the one that the story barely danced over. Everything goes as you might expect it to, but the story bounces around so much that it's difficult to really get attatched or invested in the characters.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read less with similar premises, but I've read a lot better in the genre.
But while that sounds harsh, I must admit that the art is well worth the book and I'm happy with my purchase and read. I hope Ms Wang will continue to write stories, because this is a fine debut and I would happily get the next.
Jen Wang comes from an animation background and you can definitely tell; the characters always look like they're about to burst into movement and every page is interesting and full of life. Her pages are laid out interestingly, and everything is dynamic and really fantastic.
That said, the story in this one is a little lacking -- a lot lacking. It's about a guy named Jon who is about to pack up and move to Peru with his older girlfriend to do good. He comes across a MPDG named Koko and her silent friend Faron, and you know, growing up and finding yourself ensues in a cliched, rushed manner. I couldn't begin to care about the characters and everyone felt like stock artistic quirky 20-somethings, with the most interesting character was the one that the story barely danced over. Everything goes as you might expect it to, but the story bounces around so much that it's difficult to really get attatched or invested in the characters.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read less with similar premises, but I've read a lot better in the genre.
But while that sounds harsh, I must admit that the art is well worth the book and I'm happy with my purchase and read. I hope Ms Wang will continue to write stories, because this is a fine debut and I would happily get the next.
royalmilktea's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75