Non Pratt

I have read a number of graphic adaptations of novels, but this is the first novel adaptation of a graphic that I have read. Giant Days has been a fave for a while, so I decided to pick this up. I love the graphic, but this expands and explores the story of Susan, Esther, and Daisy so much more completely than a graphic really could. The three girls (for that is what they are—teenagers exploring adult life for the first time) contend with big stuff here: shaking the ghosts of the past, show more self-doubt, and the ins and outs of adult friendship. In doubting themselves and their friends, they plunge and are almost lost in anger, vengeance, worship, adoration, and cults. It is irresistibly readable and satisfying. show less

The way that friendship is explored in this book is quiet but ultimately very touching. I liked that the characters in this book felt very real. Although the book has at the center of its conflict a teen pregnancy, it really is more about how all the people around Hannah (and Hannah herself) respond to the change in circumstances.

It's a real testament to Non Pratt's writing that by the end of this very short book the reader cares so deeply about the characters involved.
It's also a deeply affecting reflection of how much we grow up during our teenage years. Alex, Ben, Dean and Zara have come together after years apart to open the box they filled with their memories when they were 13. Now 18 they are all on the cusp of adulthood apart from Millie who, in the ensuing years, lost her fight with cancer.
This book was show more intended for reluctant readers and it works. It's beautifully presented, easy to read and has enough young adult content to appeal to older teens. I loved it and the students I have recommended it to have loved it as well. Mission accomplished. show less

I thought it was weird that the Fence comic book series from Boom! had a novel version this year, but it turns out Boom! had done the media-tie-in thing already with Giant Days in 2018. Non Pratt was hired to read the comic series and plop out a YA novel inspired by it.

Set in the early weeks of freshman year, we find that Esther, Susan and Daisy are already friends, but not best friends. They are still insecure in their friendship trio since it based mostly on sharing the same hallway of a show more dorm, and, in case it doesn't work out, they spend this novel individually pursuing better friends, lining up back-up friends, or debating whether friends are even necessary. Inevitably, the more they let themselves drift apart, the worse things get. One gets into quite a bit of trouble -- getting lured into a cult-- and that situation is frankly treated too lightly and resolved too easily.

The story is super-predictable and drawn out, but the characters voices sound right enough. With the comic series coming to an end, this will at least give you one more taste of the Giant Days when you find yourself jonesing hard. show less