Gr 9 Up–Two unnamed protagonists wade through feelings of isolation in this nearly wordless graphic novel. The female lead drifts through her community, seeking connection in crowds. She sees love in the couples, families, and friendships around her, but she feels alienated. Readers sense her despair as she unsuccessfully slogs through dating app profiles by the dumpster at her unfulfilling job. Meanwhile, the male protagonist is seeing the negative in the world around him: stepping in a fresh vomit pile from a drunken bachelorette, losing the last package of toilet paper to a taller man who steps in and grabs it first, and temping in a marketing job where he’s forced to wear a humiliating avocado costume. Both characters exist in each other’s orbits, and readers will find themselves noticing all their missed connections and wishing for them to have the meet-cute they both deserve. Neither is ready for that until they hit their separate breaking points and start to see the good in the world again. The tonally gray palette includes bright pops of red that symbolize both positive and negative connections. Both protagonists are white.
VERDICT Though this one may find a better home in the adult graphic novel section, it’s nevertheless a lovely, elegant read. Artfully rendered and universal in its appeal, it’s ideal for introspective teens and new adults anxiously navigating the possibilities of love and forging a life alone, experiencing the special breed of loneliness that comes with being on your own for the first time.
Be the first reader to comment.
Comment Policy:
Comment should not be empty !!!