Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
This was sweet and felt very “real”. Almost all the characters (maybe all of them!) had multiple sides and were flushed out really well.
I hardly ever read B&W comics, (or non-genre) but this one was worth it.
I hardly ever read B&W comics, (or non-genre) but this one was worth it.
Whilst I do agree with some poor reviews that the execution is not the best I do think some people need to learn the concept that characters are human. Not everything is sunshine’s and rainbows. I do not think we need to dumb down media so people learn “this is bad” some people criticize that this is set in 2004 which yes ages things happening in the book but I think teens have at least three brain cells and can acknowledge that 2004 is different from 2024. For a graphic novel this book is surprisingly well paced and you feel like you spend a lot of time with the characters. The art is good as well and there’s quite a few story beats. The description makes the book seem lighter than it is which I think generated a lot of dislike for the book. It’s definitely quite heavy.
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really really love the theme throughout this novel of misremembering formative events, such a real thing that can happen so often. I also love how imperfect Amanda is, a coming out story doesn't have to be innocent and the complexity of her relationships is so compelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, Outing
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual content, Death of parent
That was rough. Kiss Number 8 is a story about learning to accept self and people around you. It's not easy. It's complex. Parts of it totally surprised me, such as the way faith becomes an oasis, and I loved these parts. The rest was exhausting. I was kind of shocked at how long the transphobia lasted in such a capacity, but I suppose the point is, the characters had to learn acceptance.
This book was okay. The first half was a bit slow and frustrating, but I really liked the second half. There was one plotline towards the end that I would have liked to be resolved better, but other than that, I think everything wrapped up pretty nicely. Overall, it was a decent and quick read. I enjoyed it.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Outing, Toxic friendship
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
accurate messy queer teen high school drama (source: i also went to catholic school in morristown nj)
my only complaints are that the ending seemed to be concluding for forever, and a couple of jokes in places that didn’t seem fitting— but otherwise, good story!
my only complaints are that the ending seemed to be concluding for forever, and a couple of jokes in places that didn’t seem fitting— but otherwise, good story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Religious bigotry
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Outing, Toxic friendship
There are a lot of things happening at once in this book. This poor main character had maybe three major dilemmas happening at the same time, which means there was a lot more drama than I have a tolerance for.
I enjoyed reading it -- there were great moments and some really tough stuff happens that just hurts your heart as you read it. It explores identity, friendship, family, religion, but because of that it doesn't really get to do a deep dive into any of them.
I enjoyed reading it -- there were great moments and some really tough stuff happens that just hurts your heart as you read it. It explores identity, friendship, family, religion, but because of that it doesn't really get to do a deep dive into any of them.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes