9781607061724 ; Illus. by JM Ken Niimura
Read for the Graphic Novels challenge
Barbara Thorson doesn’t need career day. She already has a career, that of giant-killer. She tells her teacher and class this fact, for some reason they don’t believe her. She’s regarded as a freak. And is friendless as school, until a new girl shows up while Barbara is out setting giant traps. They slowly become friends, but things don’t really improve for Barbara. Her father is absent. Her sister out at work all day, and then stressed, and a bad cook. And her mother…
Well, to say any more would be to spoil the plot, so I won’t.
This is just a wonderful read. The story is simply and effectively told. The art work is, likewise, simple and effective. Black and white with shades of grey is all that is needed here as Niimura brings Kelly’s words to life. His version of Barbara is brilliant, with her strange hats or animals ears. And while I normally like colour in my graphic novels, in this case it isn’t really needed. It’s just beautiful the way it is done.
The whole book is beautiful. And just heart-breaking. But I can’t say anything about that, because, you know spoilers! but seriously, go check this out. If you don’t love it, well, I don’t know what to say to you!
Other reviews: Things mean a lot ; Reading list of a book pusher ; the fiction house (slightly spoilerific) ; Boarding in my forties ; The Zen Leaf
This is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year so far. An amazing book.
Nymeth´s last blog post ..The Sunday Salon – The Ones I’m Leaving Behind
lol, I must have been commenting on your blog as you were here. But yes, an amazing book. Would recommend it to anyone & everyone.
I've seen a few reviews of this now and I definitely want to read it! I can't wait to find a copy… somewhere… :D
Amy´s last blog post ..Review- Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown Giveaway
Amy keep trying! The boyfriend tried to get it for my birthday a few months back, but it went out of stock. Eventually Amazon got it back in, so I got an addition to my birthday present :)
It is well worth the wait.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I couldn't believe what a powerful story it told. I was literally in tears as I finished reading it and I am not a crier! Thanks for the link to my blog too!
It is amazing how emotional they managed to make that story, because it really was so simplistic. But those are usually the ones that work so well I suppose.
Wow, your review made me want to read this but the comments are making me angry i haven't started already…!
anne´s last blog post ..I have excuses-
I look forward to hearing your thoughts about it at some stage then :)
For whatever reason, I didn't connect with it emotionally, but I think it was exceptionally well done and I actually recommend it to other people. Like, I can tell it's excellent even though I wouldn't read it again myself.
Different strokes I guess. For some reason this managed to get me, just enough to be effective, and it didn't go ott & sentimental