Scan barcode
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: Forced institutionalization, Suicide attempt, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Bullying, Suicide attempt, and Forced institutionalization
krys_kilz's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
This graphic novel was okay. The premise was really intriguing, I just feel like the story wasn't quite pushed far enough. I understand what the magical realism elements were supposed to add, but they didn't fully mesh with the story and as a result fell a bit flat. They honestly muddled the story more than they enhanced it.
Jade's character read way younger than someone about to enter college. Her romance with Mary felt really rushed and haphazard. And the way she centered herself in her best friend's suicide attempt just felt really icky to me. It would have worked more for me if those complex emotions were really fleshed out like the book's description promised, but they weren't. Instead the ending was abrupt and too neatly wrapped up leaving the resolution feeling forced.
The art style also wasn't my favorite. The drawings and line work were nice, but the coloring just felt off. It really dulled the storytelling for me.
tw: suicide attempt
Jade's character read way younger than someone about to enter college. Her romance with Mary felt really rushed and haphazard. And the way she centered herself in her best friend's suicide attempt just felt really icky to me. It would have worked more for me if those complex emotions were really fleshed out like the book's description promised, but they weren't. Instead the ending was abrupt and too neatly wrapped up leaving the resolution feeling forced.
The art style also wasn't my favorite. The drawings and line work were nice, but the coloring just felt off. It really dulled the storytelling for me.
tw: suicide attempt
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Forced institutionalization
More...