ericawrites's review against another edition
5.0
So relatable. I know I went to Christian summer camp, but I've blocked it from my memory.
thegayngelgabriel's review against another edition
3.0
It's frustrating that this only has part of the story, but it's beautifully drawn, and the interactions between Charlie and Sydney in particular are both very grounded and totally delightful.
missmeganmann's review
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I had no idea what this was about when I went into it, so color me surprised. The nature drawings were SPECTACULAR, but the story was a bit off putting. It really did a good job of pointing out how exclusionary Christianity can be, though. I will say that. I’ll be interested to see another installment to see how it ends since there was a lot to unpack there.
liralen's review
3.0
Charlie is thirteen and black and maybe queer and at an almost all-white Christian summer camp. As the book opens, she's in a sort of teenaged limbo, not sure she wants to be there. And as the book closes, she's still in a sort of teenaged limbo, because the story is unfinished. There's no real satisfaction to be had here.
As the Crow Flies started as a webcomic. The entire text to date is still available online (there's a note here that says the whole story is eventually meant to be published in two volumes; the first volume, this book, covers the story the author had put online up to that point). But whether the story will ever be finished is unclear: the webcomic version hasn't been updated since June of 2017, and there's no obvious way to tell whether it's been back-burnered or whether Gillman is storing the material up for print publication. Not a big deal if the latter, but frustrating to go into a book that you think is one-off and find that the story is incomplete.
The story itself...it's okay. The art is lovely. It's not clear where on the sexuality spectrum Charlie identifies; the back of the book tells us that she's queer, but as far as the actual content she could easily just be socially aware and prone to platonic crushes. I'm not quite sure if she wanted to be at this camp (until she realised just how white it was) or if it was all her parents' doing; I'm also struggling to understand why Sydney chose to be there.
I hope, if the story continues, there will be some insight into Bee, the trip leader. So far she seems to be a strange, contradictory combination of militant feminist and conservative Christian. I also have serious concerns about her preparedness as a trip leader, although those concerns come most from the part of the comic online that goes beyond the end of this book.
As the Crow Flies started as a webcomic. The entire text to date is still available online (there's a note here that says the whole story is eventually meant to be published in two volumes; the first volume, this book, covers the story the author had put online up to that point). But whether the story will ever be finished is unclear: the webcomic version hasn't been updated since June of 2017, and there's no obvious way to tell whether it's been back-burnered or whether Gillman is storing the material up for print publication. Not a big deal if the latter, but frustrating to go into a book that you think is one-off and find that the story is incomplete.
The story itself...it's okay. The art is lovely. It's not clear where on the sexuality spectrum Charlie identifies; the back of the book tells us that she's queer, but as far as the actual content she could easily just be socially aware and prone to platonic crushes. I'm not quite sure if she wanted to be at this camp (until she realised just how white it was) or if it was all her parents' doing; I'm also struggling to understand why Sydney chose to be there.
Spoiler
The camp is all-female with a sort of anti-male slant, and it's clear that Sydney, who is trans, might not be accepted. (Nobody, including the adults, knows.) And guys—it's not that I have a problem with Sydney being there. I would argue strenuously for her inclusion. It's that I don't understand how her parents think it's a better plan to send their daughter off with mace in her bag than to check ahead of time whether the camp will be inclusive/supportive.I hope, if the story continues, there will be some insight into Bee, the trip leader. So far she seems to be a strange, contradictory combination of militant feminist and conservative Christian. I also have serious concerns about her preparedness as a trip leader, although those concerns come most from the part of the comic online that goes beyond the end of this book.
Spoiler
Sydney is hiking in skirts and flats rather than shorts and hiking boots. I can get behind the skirts—I've done plenty of hiking in skirts myself—but flats? Really? She twists her ankle, and Bee blames her for the flats. No question that she should have been wearing boots instead, but what the hell kind of semi-competent adult leader lets a twelve-year-old go on a fairly challenging multi-day hike through the wilderness in flats? Bee is also reluctant to dole out ibuprofen or ace bandages (for serious cramps, twisted ankles, etc.), because what if someone else really needs them later? I have concerns.priya_haha's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
1librarianspath's review
4.0
Only 4* because this ends abruptly (it’s a series, but still no second part three years after the first one was published), and I would really like to read the ending! Otherwise it’s a solid 4.5* from me. Just for clarity.
I loved the illustrations. The style was different with the colouring pencil drawings, but I liked it straight away. It was fantastic to see female characters who don’t look like they need more clothes on. Sweaty, different shapes and sizes, asymmetrical features etc. The diversity in it was also really nice, as well as mentioning how language can be damaging without realising. I wasn’t sure about the religious part, but it fits well with the book and with the characters and issues. I’m really sad that the second part hasn’t come out!
I loved the illustrations. The style was different with the colouring pencil drawings, but I liked it straight away. It was fantastic to see female characters who don’t look like they need more clothes on. Sweaty, different shapes and sizes, asymmetrical features etc. The diversity in it was also really nice, as well as mentioning how language can be damaging without realising. I wasn’t sure about the religious part, but it fits well with the book and with the characters and issues. I’m really sad that the second part hasn’t come out!
jbojkov's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one, but was frustrated that the book finished before the girls reached their intended destination and some kind of secret ritual. Will have to check the webcomic to see if I can find resolution there.
melodierhae's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeous art work. Beautiful, honest story of what it's like to be a queer Christian trying desperately to figure out who they are and how faith fits that. I received this book as a gift and my heart sings that someone thought I would appreciate this story. I saw Melanie is from Tulsa. I hope I run into them so I can thank them for this gorgeous comic.