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embot77's reviews
150 reviews
Himawari House by Harmony Becker
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Read this book slowly. Take in each panel, each word, each moment. The story is good, but it's great when you, the reader, live it with them. I made the mistake of reading everything too quickly, and I missed out on feeling half of the emotion. Himwari House is about the bonds forged on words, despite how "broken" they may seem and the cultural cues that hold them back. It is only fitting to carefully and thoughtfully listen like the characters in the book as they speak through their five languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Singlish, and body.
Something I admire about this book is the design. I like how it's drawn like a Japanese manga but the book still reads left to right like an American book. This reflects the Japanese-American heritage of the main character and demonstrates that both identities can exist in one entity.
I also appreciate the combination of languages used within each conversation. When Japanese is spoken, most of the time the English is written directly below it so readers can understand what is being said. It also visualized what bilingual think when translating their second language into their first language mentally. Plus, whenever a language was spoken/written without the English was spoken, the reader got to experience what it was like to be in that moment with the character who couldn't understand that language. While it holds the downside of enticing readers to disengage from the book and translate it (either mentally or with a translator app), the conversational design creates an authentic moment and learning experience.
Something I admire about this book is the design. I like how it's drawn like a Japanese manga but the book still reads left to right like an American book. This reflects the Japanese-American heritage of the main character and demonstrates that both identities can exist in one entity.
I also appreciate the combination of languages used within each conversation. When Japanese is spoken, most of the time the English is written directly below it so readers can understand what is being said. It also visualized what bilingual think when translating their second language into their first language mentally. Plus, whenever a language was spoken/written without the English was spoken, the reader got to experience what it was like to be in that moment with the character who couldn't understand that language. While it holds the downside of enticing readers to disengage from the book and translate it (either mentally or with a translator app), the conversational design creates an authentic moment and learning experience.
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Basic love story structure of a girl who struggles to believe in love until she finds the right guy. The unique aspects include an all Asian-American cast (ex. Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean), lion dancing (Chinese and Korean), and the ghost of Saint Valentine haunting the protagonist in three in different forms. Did I mention one of the love interests see his dead, cancer-withered dad's ghost?
Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam by Thien Pham
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A reminder for those who want to build a wall around the U.S., or believe that immigrants are taking their jobs: unless your ancestors were purely Native American, you are part immigrant. Someone in your family went through something like Thien Pham did, and the jobs they acquired were likely ones that either people didn't want or didn't pay well. Making a living is hard, and starting over in a new country is even harder. This story reminds you to be empathetic because, like with the food that is shared in the book, almost all of us crave safety, connection, and satisfaction.
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
As an illustrated memoir, I felt as though I better understand Korean societal norms, the struggles of moving from one country to another, and isolationism.
The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor by Shaenon K. Garrity
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book is a fun introduction into gothic romances. Silly, humorous, and accessible, the graphic novel utilizes informal diction (with the rare use of big words) to reach audiences in a way that traditional gothic romance novels don't. Plus, the fighting between universes and the theme of breaking stereotypes, as well as using them to your advantage, offers a refreshing appeal to young and familar readers.
For a 20-something MFA student, this was an entertaining read and would recommend it as a book one could read if they want to take a break from in-depth reading or studies.
For a 20-something MFA student, this was an entertaining read and would recommend it as a book one could read if they want to take a break from in-depth reading or studies.
Taproot by Keezy Young
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This love story between a ghost and a gardner has potential, but it feels like the author used the exposition of the story as the story itself, slapping in the aftermath of the climax and passing it off as a semi-story. In otherwords, this story wasn't fully developed in plot or art style. I felt no connection with the characters and kept looking for why I was suppose to care by the end.
Also, the reaper came across as too informal to me, specifically with diction aappearance. (ex. "This is why I hate necromancers" speech). They didn't match her appearence, causing me to feel annoyed by the character's presentation and involvement. Plus, I'm not sure if this is a newer reaper or one that has supposedly existed since the dawn of time.
This story has an interesting concept but a poor execution and predictable story line.
Also, the reaper came across as too informal to me, specifically with diction aappearance. (ex. "This is why I hate necromancers" speech). They didn't match her appearence, causing me to feel annoyed by the character's presentation and involvement. Plus, I'm not sure if this is a newer reaper or one that has supposedly existed since the dawn of time.
This story has an interesting concept but a poor execution and predictable story line.
I Feel Awful, Thanks by Lara Pickle
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As young adult who goes through the exact same external and emotional issues as Joana, I needed to read this. I need my partner to read this. Heck, I want this book for my personal library so I can loan it to my niece when she gets older.
I love how the book gives readers practical techniques to implement and practice on managing (or having a good relationship with) their emotions. Identifying the issue and having the support to resolve it is crucial. I'm so glad that so much of what the protagonist was going through was clearly depicted.
I also appreciate that the romantic relationship was recognizing the growth of individuals as well as the couple. People need to see you don't have to break up when developing yourself as an individual, but space and boundaries is necessary, as well as understanding.
I love how the book gives readers practical techniques to implement and practice on managing (or having a good relationship with) their emotions. Identifying the issue and having the support to resolve it is crucial. I'm so glad that so much of what the protagonist was going through was clearly depicted.
I also appreciate that the romantic relationship was recognizing the growth of individuals as well as the couple. People need to see you don't have to break up when developing yourself as an individual, but space and boundaries is necessary, as well as understanding.
Passport by Sophia Glock
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
In this young adult graphic novel, don't expect a happy ending, expect a realistic ending that could be viewed as happy. Told in shades of purple, orange, and white (and a red dress), the story told did not feel comfortable, but the visual aspect felt normalized to a degree. This is how the protagonist feels throughout her exploration of identity and secrecy. We are simply immersed into the story as her.
I would read this story again, and even use it for a class analysis project for studying graphic novels. There is so much to cover in the characters' complex lives and behaviors that this book could be it's own teaching unit. I loved it, and I hope more people appreciate the value it has for young adults. As for the young adults, it may take more than face-value to fully understand the self-sustaining mentality Sophia develops throughout the book.
I would read this story again, and even use it for a class analysis project for studying graphic novels. There is so much to cover in the characters' complex lives and behaviors that this book could be it's own teaching unit. I loved it, and I hope more people appreciate the value it has for young adults. As for the young adults, it may take more than face-value to fully understand the self-sustaining mentality Sophia develops throughout the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Abandonment
While kidnapping is mentioned in this book, the crime itself is not committed. A new form of kidnapping is enacted through Sophia's new friends taking her out and peer pressuring her to act like an adult. In this way, her good girl attitudes and preferences are taken and suppressed while she's shown how to take a shot and make out with boys. She may be a minor, but her peers influence makes her act like a young adult.
Embrace Your Size by Hara
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Despite the redundant writing and the excess repetition of stories from the author's life, the graphic novel reminded me about the kindness I must give others when looking at them. My mother suffered from an illness that, due to medication, caused her to gain 60 pounds. Her negative perspective on the matter was contagious and lead me to binge eat to gain muscle instead of fat. Like the author, my weight fluctuated but with 16 lbs more or less. Her journey to focus on letting herself be happy in her body, and changing her size mindset, was inspiring.
I also enjoyed her retelling of "I Feel Pretty" and "Hairspray." I feel as though the purpose of the reviews was to suggest media that promotes body positivity for the readers. I've already seen both, so I followed along quite nicely. However, the "I Feel Pretty" review wasn't polished enough to deliver the message with a full impact. Along a similar vein, having those two movie reviews felt like a little distraction from our protagonists story. It was pleasant to have a break from the repetitiveness, but a little more integration could have improved the cohesion of the story.
I'm happy her YA graphic novel exists. A lot more young people (and definately older audiences) need to read this, or at least be aware of what is mentioned in this book.
I also enjoyed her retelling of "I Feel Pretty" and "Hairspray." I feel as though the purpose of the reviews was to suggest media that promotes body positivity for the readers. I've already seen both, so I followed along quite nicely. However, the "I Feel Pretty" review wasn't polished enough to deliver the message with a full impact. Along a similar vein, having those two movie reviews felt like a little distraction from our protagonists story. It was pleasant to have a break from the repetitiveness, but a little more integration could have improved the cohesion of the story.
I'm happy her YA graphic novel exists. A lot more young people (and definately older audiences) need to read this, or at least be aware of what is mentioned in this book.
Super Trash Clash by Edgar Camacho
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
For a graphic novel aimed at elementary readers, the art and design beautifully complemented the endearing story of a young girl's love for her mom, friend, and video games. The use of panels and gutters effectively control the pacing of the story and creatively move the story between vast distances. Plus, the easter eggs for older readers are a delight, like "El Barto," "Street Fighters" and the Nintendo quality seal . Not to mention the art style and color scheme's allure! I love how clean the characters look and the emotion the dream sequence and apartment evoked. One day, I hope to draw like the illustrator does, with love and relaxed precision.
As a young adult with a somewhat similar experience in terms of sexism and struggles with money, I enjoyed reading this graphic novel. In fact, when I picked it up to check out the first few pages, I ended up reading it in one sitting. It's nice to feel recognized in books like these. I feel seen and heard. You know, not alone.
As a young adult with a somewhat similar experience in terms of sexism and struggles with money, I enjoyed reading this graphic novel. In fact, when I picked it up to check out the first few pages, I ended up reading it in one sitting. It's nice to feel recognized in books like these. I feel seen and heard. You know, not alone.