The latest from Mariko Tamaki, a writer of prose and comics whose work I have enjoyed for a long time. This one is a graphic novel – teen heartbreak in slow motion, and a young woman’s move from bad decisions and the drama of her dysfunctional on-again-off-again first queer love to a friend- and community-rich new phase that is presented sufficiently briefly and open-endedly to sparkle with possibility without having to promise happily-ever-after. A perceptive and well-crafted story and a main character you want to just give a good shake (and who clearly wants to give herself one as well). I liked the artwork too – sometimes even with graphic novels that I enjoy, I’m pretty indifferent to the art, but Rosemary Valero-O’Connell’s black/white/grey drawings accented with strategic use of pink are visually appealing and interesting without being distracting and do a good job of augmenting the storytelling. If you enjoy graphically told queer YA angst, pick this one up.
Originally posted by Scott on Goodreads.