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seawarrior's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
3.0
While this graphic novel was beautifully illustrated and enlightening about the minds of artists, I was disappointed with how it handled the topic of Jade moving forward in her life without feeling like a traitor to Phoebe. It was difficult to grasp how exactly Jade managed to alter her outlook in order to quit feeling guilty and scared. The introduction to Phoebe's suicide attempt was also extremely abrupt, especially since she attempts a second time after being released from the hospital. As someone who has both been the hospitalized friend and the person who stays behind, terrified their friend will die alone for reasons I would never understand, I had hoped for more from this story. It's less about suicide and the anxiety surrounding it than it is about relearning how to express your emotions through the creative process. I wish the story had been less abstract in its handling of Jade's problems, as I wasn't entirely sure what wisdom I was supposed to have gained after I was done reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
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: Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Suicide
rhiannonafternoon's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
Slip is the perfect book for a transition. Two inseparable friends addressing the subject of suicide, finding your own identity, and all of the feelings of fear, guilt, and the growth that comes at the other end. Sometimes you need to break apart to build something better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
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: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Self harm
Minor: Drug abuse and Grief
alyssaarch's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
localnikita's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt
swellshark's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Grief
ivylee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I read the galley, so it’s possible there’ll be changes before the final version comes out. A very sweet exploration of how art can help us process emotion and trauma. The art, by Aatmaja Pandya, is my favorite part, it’s beautiful. My biggest complaint is that the end feels rushed, especially after how lovely the rest of the book flowed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Self harm
lesbrarycard's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
this is a tender portrayal of platonic friendship, healing through art, and queer identity. i loved the exploration of vulnerability between friends and how to trust other people as much as you trust yourself. the art residency itself felt very true to life and encouraging. i could have done with some more wrapping up at the end, as i felt like the story was leading up to a bigger conclusion, but i still enjoyed the sweet sapphic love story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
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