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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting
I ended up loving this YA graphic novel — it’s a sweet coming of age story about figuring yourself out, standing up for yourself in toxic friendships, and loving your family (in all its complexity). The middle third was pretty rough, though — a lot of homophobia and transphobia, much of it coming from the main character, which wasn’t called out until later. It was really hard to read for a while there. I really like how it wrapped up, and I ended up loving the storyline with the main character’s grandparents, but definitely be prepared for that. The art was great — really fitting for the mix of drama and humor and emotional moments. Also, apparently it was a “period piece” set in 2004?? Which I...didn’t even notice at all, I guess because that’s just the setting my brain automatically picks for teenagerhood?
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was great. It took me a few weeks to get through because life got in the way but I finished that last half in a couple hours. I enjoyed how everything came together and the story had so much nuance to it.
This story hit some hard topics, such as sexuality, family acceptance, reckless behavior as a teen, etc., and most of this was handled extremely well. the characters all came to life with not only the amazing art style, but the witty/serious dialogue that molded perfectly to the tone of each scene in a realistic fashion.
Actions had consequences in this story, and betrayals of trust were not just swept under the rug as in a 'the ends justify the means' situation. Even though it was heart-breaking to see these characters (especially Amanda and her immediate family) struggle through rifts created not only by past occurrences, but by situations present in their everyday life, I appreciated that wrongdoings and missteps were not forgotten about. Amanda's family in general was very relatable for me (strict grandparents and religion, tv and video game marathoning, the mistake of favoring one parent over another, it's all there), and I was able to really connect with them for this reason.
Actions had consequences in this story, and betrayals of trust were not just swept under the rug as in a 'the ends justify the means' situation. Even though it was heart-breaking to see these characters (especially Amanda and her immediate family) struggle through rifts created not only by past occurrences, but by situations present in their everyday life, I appreciated that wrongdoings and missteps were not forgotten about. Amanda's family in general was very relatable for me (strict grandparents and religion, tv and video game marathoning, the mistake of favoring one parent over another, it's all there), and I was able to really connect with them for this reason.
Spoiler
I loved the last few pages: how Amanda's young love-life could basically be wrapped up in just a few photos is at once unsettling and heart-warming. You never know if relationships will last, but as long as you were led to the right person in the end, it was all worth it. (That's my take anyway)
emotional
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:
Complicated
There is a lot happening at one time in this book. We find a teenager struggling with religion, sexuality, and a family secret. Overall, I thought this was a heart wrenching story about what can happen to a family when deep seated beliefs are challenged by the people they love.
I didn't always like the characters in this book, but at least they were accessible and I understood where their actions were coming from. I found this story to be pretty emotional and I definitely teared up a few times. I thought the artwork was great; very clear and easy to follow. Lots of emotion is expressed through facial expressions and body language.
Hello hello, bookdragons! I received Kiss Number 8 in the mail a couple days ago. I was already reading a book so I couldn't pick it up immediately butttttt I did start reading it as soon as I finished what I reading.
In fact, I read it in one whole sitting. In the bath.
I want to give a massive thanks to First:Second for sending me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars.
Kiss Number 8 centers around a girl named Amanda and her family and friends. Cat is Amanda's best friend and she's known for kissing a million boys and she doesn't care who knows! Amanda doesn't get what kissing is all about, she doesn't think it's anything to get too worked up about. She's had 7 kisses in her 16 years but kiss number 8 seemed awful at first but it was a blessing in disguise. We realize she's harboring a massive secret and her family is keeping one as well. We watch it all unfold with heavy hearts and high hopes for our main character.
Amanda really is such an amazing character and I loved watching her grow into who she was meant to be the whole time. At times I wanted to grab some characters by the lapels and scream, "LEAVE MY AMANDA ALONE", but alas, I cannot scream at book characters even if I wanted to.
I'll continue to internalize it. But I'm not happy about it.
I really adore the illustrations by Crenshaw! If they were to re-make the book with a deluxe copy of color I wouldn't mind picking that one up as well. It already looks very well put together but a color graphic novel of this would blow me out of the water!
I loved every bit of this book. Even though it made me angry at times I ended it with happy tears.
In fact, I read it in one whole sitting. In the bath.
I want to give a massive thanks to First:Second for sending me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars.
Kiss Number 8 centers around a girl named Amanda and her family and friends. Cat is Amanda's best friend and she's known for kissing a million boys and she doesn't care who knows! Amanda doesn't get what kissing is all about, she doesn't think it's anything to get too worked up about. She's had 7 kisses in her 16 years but kiss number 8 seemed awful at first but it was a blessing in disguise. We realize she's harboring a massive secret and her family is keeping one as well. We watch it all unfold with heavy hearts and high hopes for our main character.
Amanda really is such an amazing character and I loved watching her grow into who she was meant to be the whole time. At times I wanted to grab some characters by the lapels and scream, "LEAVE MY AMANDA ALONE", but alas, I cannot scream at book characters even if I wanted to.
I'll continue to internalize it. But I'm not happy about it.
I really adore the illustrations by Crenshaw! If they were to re-make the book with a deluxe copy of color I wouldn't mind picking that one up as well. It already looks very well put together but a color graphic novel of this would blow me out of the water!
I loved every bit of this book. Even though it made me angry at times I ended it with happy tears.
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated