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bookishsapphicshay's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm
sprucewillow's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book and story was overall quite sweet. Had to take a moment once it finished to just sit and reflect and think about stuff. The fantasy element was one I did not expect but it added a mysterious and fun element which, by the end, was nice.
I love the art and the use of red/pink to highlight emotionally intense moments.
Spoilers below, tw for suicide and self harm mention
My only gripes about it (why it didn't get a higher rating):
- I felt that the idea that Pheobe attempted suicide by cutting was not clear enough. The only implication of such was the bandages on her arm in her first appearance, which I initially missed. This made the scene where Jade was triggered from the other artists' Persephone painting confusing and not as impactful as it intended. But, I understand why such explicit details about her attempt may have been excluded.
- I think Jade and Mary kissed too many times. The kisses felt a bit rushed and shallow. Maybe it's just me, because I wouldn't have just met someone and a week or so later kiss them. The purpose of such a budding romance in the story has its place and it definitely added to it, but it did not feel realistic given the timeline and how it played out exactly. Perhaps given greater character development it wouldn't have felt awkward for me.
I love the art and the use of red/pink to highlight emotionally intense moments.
Spoilers below, tw for suicide and self harm mention
- I felt that the idea that Pheobe attempted suicide by cutting was not clear enough. The only implication of such was the bandages on her arm in her first appearance, which I initially missed. This made the scene where Jade was triggered from the other artists' Persephone painting confusing and not as impactful as it intended. But, I understand why such explicit details about her attempt may have been excluded.
- I think Jade and Mary kissed too many times. The kisses felt a bit rushed and shallow. Maybe it's just me, because I wouldn't have just met someone and a week or so later kiss them. The purpose of such a budding romance in the story has its place and it definitely added to it, but it did not feel realistic given the timeline and how it played out exactly. Perhaps given greater character development it wouldn't have felt awkward for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness and Self harm
saratonin_stories's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
cw:self harms suicides panic attacks institutionalization
Jade, a talented young ceramicist, prepares for a prestiguous summer art program designed to help students
build portfolios and win scholarships. Then she finds out Pheobe, her best friend who reassured and encouraged her
durring the application process, is institutionalized for a suicide attempt. Jade, unable to contact her friend, is sent to
camp to “focus on herself” while Pheobe does the same. While Jade reflects upon her memories with Pheobe, the things
she could have missed or changed, she is also thrust into a new environment to navigate new relationships and
her own insecurities with her artistic talent. The artwork is a simple cute style that uses the color red ingeniously.
I love that red represents increased anxiety, but your never sure if its sadness and anger or excitement and nervousness. Jade is a very loveable character and watching her build new relationships and having crushes was so fun. Her dynamic with Mary is definitely a chaotic whirlwind, but definitely one I was cheering to succeed. I did think it was unhinged
that the parent just sent her to camp after her closest friend attempts suicide, very on brand for emotionally stunted adults (but still). Its understandable that it would impact her greatly and she would feel isolated in her feelings. I loved the artwork being a processing tool and the symbolism of burning for her friendship memories. The moving ceramic pieces didn't quite work for me, but it didn't take away from the story. It was well-done for
how short and simple it was, while still being a sensitive, deep impactful story. I would have liked to or would like to see Pheobe’s perspective for a little more well-roundedness. (But also understand it's meant to be Jade's experience).
Jade, a talented young ceramicist, prepares for a prestiguous summer art program designed to help students
build portfolios and win scholarships. Then she finds out Pheobe, her best friend who reassured and encouraged her
durring the application process, is institutionalized for a suicide attempt. Jade, unable to contact her friend, is sent to
camp to “focus on herself” while Pheobe does the same. While Jade reflects upon her memories with Pheobe, the things
she could have missed or changed, she is also thrust into a new environment to navigate new relationships and
her own insecurities with her artistic talent. The artwork is a simple cute style that uses the color red ingeniously.
that the parent just sent her to camp after her closest friend attempts suicide, very on brand for emotionally stunted adults (but still). Its understandable that it would impact her greatly and she would feel isolated in her feelings. I loved the artwork being a processing tool and the symbolism of burning for her friendship memories. The moving ceramic pieces didn't quite work for me, but it didn't take away from the story. It was well-done for
how short and simple it was, while still being a sensitive, deep impactful story. I would have liked to or would like to see Pheobe’s perspective for a little more well-roundedness. (But also understand it's meant to be Jade's experience).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Forced institutionalization, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying, Forced institutionalization, and Suicide attempt
jay_bubblez's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's a cute little book about mental health and confronting your problems like monsters. I loved the art setting. As an artist, seeing the technical terms and processes being used was super cool. The pictures are in shades of navy blue with red or pink in scenes with more intense emotions. This works great as a contrast. While I do wish the story was more colourful I understand the intention behind this choice, because mental health can sometimes feel like all the colour is drained out of the world.
The characters were cute, but at times felt a little flat or overreactive. Despite this I still enjoyed the reading experience. There were some moments where I felt more 3D elements and layers of meaning showing through, and those moments were very strong.
The characters were cute, but at times felt a little flat or overreactive. Despite this I still enjoyed the reading experience. There were some moments where I felt more 3D elements and layers of meaning showing through, and those moments were very strong.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Mental illness, Self harm, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying
nerdybookworm23's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
bookedandbusy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book! Such a great story and dealt with serious topics very well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Right before leaving for her summer art camp, Jade’s friend Phoebe attempts suicide. Despite not wanting to go, her mom insists it will be good for her to get away. Jade isn’t so sure. How can she focus on herself when her friend is going through such a rough time?
However, once she gets to the Art Farm, Jade realizes she has the opportunity to really focus on her art. As she gets to know her classmates, she also starts to fall for Mary, a fellow artistic. Working on her art for the summer, Jade channels her anger, frustration, and stress into her ceramic monsters. However, it’s her art that might force her to confront her real fear.
Thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for an advanced copy of this to review! If you follow me on Instagram, you know that graphic novels are my jam. I was excited to receive a copy of this, especially since it’s about art! Made me want to get out supplies and paint.
Right from the beginning, I was drawn in by the art style. It’s mostly in black and white, but there are pops of a reddish/pink color when emotions get high. It’s effective for the story that’s being told, and really helps to focus on the characters and the emotions in the story. It also helped in emphasize the sort of magical realism elements of the story.
While it doesn’t necessarily feel like a heavy book, McCoola deals with some heavy emotional things. Throughout the story, Jade is struggling with the fact that her best friend attempts suicide and she doesn’t know how to help. She’s conflicted about doing well at the art farm because it feels like she’s leaving Phoebe behind. All of these emotions felt realistic and I appreciated the way the art and the writing dealt with the topic of suicide.
The only thing that didn’t really work for me was the magical realism aspects. At times, it was a little unclear what exactly was happening. And if anyone else at the art farm noticed what was happening? I think just a little more clarification regarding that would have made this book even more stellar for me.
But, there’s queer rep and great discussions about art, so of course I’m going to love it. If you’re looking for a new graphic novel to pick up this summer, I’d recommend this one!
However, once she gets to the Art Farm, Jade realizes she has the opportunity to really focus on her art. As she gets to know her classmates, she also starts to fall for Mary, a fellow artistic. Working on her art for the summer, Jade channels her anger, frustration, and stress into her ceramic monsters. However, it’s her art that might force her to confront her real fear.
Thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for an advanced copy of this to review! If you follow me on Instagram, you know that graphic novels are my jam. I was excited to receive a copy of this, especially since it’s about art! Made me want to get out supplies and paint.
Right from the beginning, I was drawn in by the art style. It’s mostly in black and white, but there are pops of a reddish/pink color when emotions get high. It’s effective for the story that’s being told, and really helps to focus on the characters and the emotions in the story. It also helped in emphasize the sort of magical realism elements of the story.
While it doesn’t necessarily feel like a heavy book, McCoola deals with some heavy emotional things. Throughout the story, Jade is struggling with the fact that her best friend attempts suicide and she doesn’t know how to help. She’s conflicted about doing well at the art farm because it feels like she’s leaving Phoebe behind. All of these emotions felt realistic and I appreciated the way the art and the writing dealt with the topic of suicide.
The only thing that didn’t really work for me was the magical realism aspects. At times, it was a little unclear what exactly was happening. And if anyone else at the art farm noticed what was happening? I think just a little more clarification regarding that would have made this book even more stellar for me.
But, there’s queer rep and great discussions about art, so of course I’m going to love it. If you’re looking for a new graphic novel to pick up this summer, I’d recommend this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: Drug abuse and Grief
itsmeyseniab's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I was provided an ARC by Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for an honest review - all thoughts are my own.
I was really excited to get my hands on this one as it combines two of my favorite things (hard-hitting contemporary and graphic novels), but I'm sad to say that I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would.
I was so intrigued going into this novel because the plot sounded unique to anything I've read in the past, but ultimately it felt all over the place at times and I had to fill in a lot of blanks myself. Don't get me wrong, I completely understood the overall message and lesson, but I think it could've been fleshed out a little bit more (for example the friendship between Jade and Phoebe:we are led to believe that Jade's been "defining herself by their friendship" but those signs were never there prior to Phoebe's suicide attempts. I get that the attempts were the catalyst for the entire story/Jade's emotions she's working through, but to suggest that the entire friendship was rooted in a sort of off-balance power dynamic was jarring to me. The romance in this novel also felt very rushed - I just wish the lead up was a little more prominent!
That being said, I thought the depiction of Jade's inner turmoil was extremely realistic and well done (and I love how it was reflected in her artistry!) It was a great representation of how mental illness truly affects us all, even if an individual isn't necessarily battling with it themselves. I thought the art style was great as well, and really enjoyed the contrast between the gray and pink color palettes to denote a happy memory/moment from the more negative, mundane thoughts Jade was having. Although I was expecting to enjoy this a bit more than I did, I'm looking forward to seeing what else these two create in the future!
I was really excited to get my hands on this one as it combines two of my favorite things (hard-hitting contemporary and graphic novels), but I'm sad to say that I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would.
I was so intrigued going into this novel because the plot sounded unique to anything I've read in the past, but ultimately it felt all over the place at times and I had to fill in a lot of blanks myself. Don't get me wrong, I completely understood the overall message and lesson, but I think it could've been fleshed out a little bit more (for example the friendship between Jade and Phoebe:
That being said, I thought the depiction of Jade's inner turmoil was extremely realistic and well done (and I love how it was reflected in her artistry!) It was a great representation of how mental illness truly affects us all, even if an individual isn't necessarily battling with it themselves. I thought the art style was great as well, and really enjoyed the contrast between the gray and pink color palettes to denote a happy memory/moment from the more negative, mundane thoughts Jade was having. Although I was expecting to enjoy this a bit more than I did, I'm looking forward to seeing what else these two create in the future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Self harm, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Drug abuse
unheardmelokate's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Suicide attempt