Scan barcode
emkoshka's review
3.0
This was a lovely read about the friendship that develops between school rejects Jane, Jane, Jayne and Polly Jane (later joined by James) and Main Jane's quest to bring a little beauty into people's lives while also recovering from the trauma of being involved in a terrorist attack. Heartfelt and heartwarming. Jim Rugg's illustrations bring the characters to life with pathos and charm.
heypretty52's review
4.0
*3.5 Stars*
Four stars for the art and story, but only three for the ending. What happens to Damon? How fares the town? Do Jane's parents learn to cope??
Four stars for the art and story, but only three for the ending. What happens to Damon? How fares the town? Do Jane's parents learn to cope??
emilyarrrr's review
3.0
Outstanding. I should have read this much sooner, but it's still a revelation. Art Saves.
eve_polvay11's review
2.0
I thought this book was okay. The whole premise starts with a girl who on the first page of the book, is in a traumatic experience. She goes to a new school and feels like the odd one out. I feel like a lot of people can relate to this. Although I know it was intentional, I felt uncomfortable with the way the lbgtq community was portrayed. This book was also kind of a shocker because I hadn't realized it was a graphic novel until I opened it. Over all, in the end, I was never really engrossed in the story.
whitneyt's review
4.0
I'm really glad I was able to find this in the library. I've read the first book of the series, and now that all the volumes are in one book, I was able to finally read how the story of The Plain Janes finally ends. I wish there was an epilogue of some sort to see what the Janes and their friends will do after they graduate, but I'm happy that I was able to read this book. This was a good read!
destdest's review
3.0
I was so prepared to call this quirky and tryhard, but it’s actually charming. I love the conversations about being afraid of how the world is going (look, we’re in a worldwide pandemic right now) but fighting to see the beauty in it. Of course, I also enjoyed the conversations about the different methods of art, controlled and poised and explosive and combative, etc. Payne is really rough around the edges, but she added a fun layer to the plainness.
I’m glad Jane’s PTSD and anxiety after the incident are treated realistically, and I liked her mom’s development. The “evil adults” who wanna ruin all artistic expressions trope felt a bit cliché here, but it works, I guess. The Janes are all flat archetypes, but that also works I suppose. The book feels like a conversation-piece to me more so than a character or plot-driven story, but I liked it.
3.5
I’m glad Jane’s PTSD and anxiety after the incident are treated realistically, and I liked her mom’s development. The “evil adults” who wanna ruin all artistic expressions trope felt a bit cliché here, but it works, I guess. The Janes are all flat archetypes, but that also works I suppose. The book feels like a conversation-piece to me more so than a character or plot-driven story, but I liked it.
3.5
kaleskorner's review
4.0
What an interesting book about art and friendship. I really enjoyed this story. It was unique and cute. I thought it also had a great look on PTSD. The relationship with the mother was also complicated and I appreciated that element as well.
My only complaint is that it felt a little unrealistic. I don't know what it was about the whole thing but it just seemed like something that couldn't really happen. The teens were great and I loved the symbolism of the whole "Art Saves". But it just didn't seem like a realistic endeavor.
It was a great example of female friendships. I loved the Janes and how their own group of sisterhood were awesome. I'd highly recommend it to any young adults who are fans of graphic novels.
Conclusion: Keep the ARC
My only complaint is that it felt a little unrealistic. I don't know what it was about the whole thing but it just seemed like something that couldn't really happen. The teens were great and I loved the symbolism of the whole "Art Saves". But it just didn't seem like a realistic endeavor.
It was a great example of female friendships. I loved the Janes and how their own group of sisterhood were awesome. I'd highly recommend it to any young adults who are fans of graphic novels.
Conclusion: Keep the ARC
wcsheffer's review
4.0
Castellucci's graphic novel features a motley crew of young women all named Jane who use their individual strengths to come together and raise mayhem in their unsuspecting suburban town. I enjoyed the take on high school and a student re-inventing herself in a new place. I also enjoyed the underlying message of "Art Saves" and the ways that art brought people of different ages and backgrounds together. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quick graphic novel!