Sarah Winifred Searle

CA: illustrations of nudity and sex

This graphic novel is subtitled "An Edwardian Romance," and it does what it says on the tin. We follow Patience and Esther, two women in service, as they fall in love and navigate how to build a life together. There's a lot of realism on the page here about life in Edwardian England (suffragists and suffragettes, racism, colonialism), but while there are some references to the fact that Patience and Esther's relationship would not be accepted and the cannot show more get married legally, mostly the realism keeps its hands off their love. We don't have to see them deal with homophobia, for instance, and I am here for that. I always love a romance that is hopeful and aspirational when it gets the tone right, and this one absolutely does. Patience and Esther and both wonderful characters, and I loved following their story. It was also a delight to see a fat woman portrayed not only as lovable *as* she is but *for* exactly what she is. Recommended. Do mind my content advisory and be aware that this graphic novel is meant for adults only. show less

*reviewed through uncorrected eARC via netgalley

teen graphic novel (publisher suggested age range 14-18) - 11th graders Perley Culpepper (Jewish boy who knits and lives on a farm with a mini pony, newly diagnosed with diabetes) and Amandine "Mandy" Lavigne (a vegan newly converted to a vampire by her family after nearly dying from a car accident) return to school after a long absence and become close friends during their shared "catch up" period. Set in the fictional small progressive town show more of Wohoa, Maine; author is nonbinary (they/them).

This was fun--I loved seeing vampires, werewolves, nonbinary people, POCs, etc. all be accepted and welcomed by their peers without fuss (though vampire harassment, typically men approaching females on the street, is certainly an issue in this story). And I loved that Mandy's special vampire first aid training lets her be a reliable gauge for Perley's insulin when he worries about the costs of his dwindling supply of strips. Every turn of the page seemed to bring a fun new surprise--Perley wants to knit his own promwear! Mandy feels self-conscious in her sungear, but also completely rocks it! Being surrounded by a pile of fluffy angora bunnies is totally a thing, and that's how Perley likes to relax! Mandy's aunt is growing more bloodroot plants so her vegan niece doesn't have to drink donor blood!

Tons of positive vibes from this, I loved that the teens are able to find support groups with other young people to help them get through the challenges they struggle with, and Perley and Mandy make a cute (and yes, sweet) couple to ship. 🤩❤️❤️❤️

2024 october bingo challenge: published in October, takes place over Halloween (Sept-Dec) show less

If you see the word vampire and immediately think bloody horror, you are going to need to crank your expectations dial all the way back down to one for this exceedingly gentle young adult graphic novel. Think Casper the Friendly Vampire, and that'll put you in the ballpark.

It's all about friendship and support networks as a couple of high school juniors in Maine deal with some rough new life developments that have caused them to miss the start of the school year. Their bodies have changed, show more but not just in the usual adolescent ways. Amandine is a newly-turned vampire in a world where vampires are known and generally accepted in society. Perley has just been diagnosed with diabetes and is fresh out of the hospital after a dire ketoacidosis event. For a few weeks, they see a special tutor together to catch up on the schoolwork they've missed and during lulls they start to open up to each other about the problems their conditions are causing.

Slow-paced and low-key, this book took me twice as long to read as I expected, but I was never bored. Their world is small, but their many relationships are very full. show less

Harriet and her parents have moved from Indiana to Chicago, most likely to be closer to medical specialists for Harriet's multiple sclerosis (MS). Harriet writes postcards to camp friends Hannah and Ashley, but it's revealed partway through that they aren't really friends with her. She then switches to writing letters to Nicholas, her downstairs neighbor Pearl's son, who spent several months on the third floor of their building as a child recovering from polio. Nicholas is gone now, but show more Harriet feels they have something in common. Pearl, who is Black and a retired librarian, helps Harriet find books to escape into while her parents are at work. Ultimately, Harriet realizes that writing thoughts, feelings, and stories down isn't enough, and she talks to her parents. The story ends on a hopeful note when she attends a writing workshop for teens at the local library. Harriet's fear that she won't be able to make friends, or find her people, will resonate with readers, even those who haven't been homeschooled for two years due to a chronic medical condition or disability. The full-color art features lots of blue (the striped wallpaper), warm tan, some pink, and purple (the couch).

I think I lie to myself more than anyone else. (p. 111, Harriet to Nicholas) show less