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thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
Wash Day Diaries is a fun, funny, realistic yet uplifting comic that celebrates female friendship and black womanhood through relatable, all-too-real stories and distinct, vibrant art.
I really like the NYC setting and all the stuff this dynamic urban city allows the characters to experience. The characters jump off the page, and while they're not perfect, they all try their best, supporting one another through life's adventures and struggles.
It's also very refreshing to see black hair and its upkeep--and all the subtle larger societal issues related to them because of microaggressions and racism--depicted here, and for a non-black person like me, it's also informational and illuminating.
And of course, this book wouldn't be what it is without the vibrant art. Although it can look stiff at times, overall it's creative, colorful, and I highly enjoy the color scheme; it also dynamically adds to the narrative and storytelling as well.
This is a comic with a lot of heart, and its representation of black women--and their joys and trials--makes it an important one too.
Wash Day Diaries is a fun, funny, realistic yet uplifting comic that celebrates female friendship and black womanhood through relatable, all-too-real stories and distinct, vibrant art.
I really like the NYC setting and all the stuff this dynamic urban city allows the characters to experience. The characters jump off the page, and while they're not perfect, they all try their best, supporting one another through life's adventures and struggles.
It's also very refreshing to see black hair and its upkeep--and all the subtle larger societal issues related to them because of microaggressions and racism--depicted here, and for a non-black person like me, it's also informational and illuminating.
And of course, this book wouldn't be what it is without the vibrant art. Although it can look stiff at times, overall it's creative, colorful, and I highly enjoy the color scheme; it also dynamically adds to the narrative and storytelling as well.
This is a comic with a lot of heart, and its representation of black women--and their joys and trials--makes it an important one too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual harassment, and Biphobia
Minor: Sexual content and Dementia
chlostersays's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic relationship
sappho's review against another edition
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
amivireads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Thank You Netgalley for an arc, here is my honest review.
I love this book so much! The illustrations in this graphic novel are stunning!! The details for everyone’s hair are amazing. I loved how everyone had their own hairstyle!
The best thing about this book is the friendships between all four girls; it’s heartwarming and reminded me of my friend group. There’s even talks about mental health that I think were done mostly great, though one characters reaction slightly annoyed me, everything else great.
I can’t wait for this to come out so I can have a physical copy!
I love this book so much! The illustrations in this graphic novel are stunning!! The details for everyone’s hair are amazing. I loved how everyone had their own hairstyle!
The best thing about this book is the friendships between all four girls; it’s heartwarming and reminded me of my friend group. There’s even talks about mental health that I think were done mostly great, though one characters reaction slightly annoyed me, everything else great.
I can’t wait for this to come out so I can have a physical copy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content
booktribe's review against another edition
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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