This graphic novel is like an ode to those everlong summers of the past, where the holidays seemed to stretch on forever and the possibilities and promises of the future seemed endless. The power of nostalgia is strong in this comic as writing and art team Jillian and Mariko Tamaki create a believable scenario where
Rose and her family head to the beach for the summer, as they always do, but things are tense in the family as Rose's mum is suffering from deep depression whilst her father is feeling the strain of keeping the household positive. Meanwhile, Rose and her regular holiday friend Windy, get involved with a teen pregnancy drama whilst watching horror films.
The book is beautifully presented with a blue brush-stroke style.
The demographic for the book is hard to pinpoint as it uses words like slut, rape, abortion, blow job, porn, boobs etc so it's quite fruity with its language but I know, from working at a couple of youth centre for over 10 years, that actually many tweens do talk like this so it is lifelike.
The book captures the fleeting moments we have all had on our lives so well. The gorgeous blue brush-like art flows and stunningly capturing the spirit of the summer; it make you *feel* the place you've never been to. The Germans calls this fernweh which means far-sickness and it’s the concept of feeling homesick for a place you’ve never been or could never go. This book made me feel that as it captures the mood so well; it is a definite recommend.
LINK- Three Shadows- Graphic Novel Review
LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East
LINK- The Future Starts Here: An Optimistic Guide to What Comes Next- Book Review
LINK: Let’s All Create a ‘New Normal’.