kazalicious's review against another edition
4.0
took me back to being 16,17,18 and trying to figure out why I couldn't figure out life.
corbad's review against another edition
2.0
The art is good, the cats are cute, I like the subtle friendship development, but most of this is introspective journaling that just doesn’t make it out to sea - its approach is weirdly shallow. A quick but unrewarding read.
gabieowleyess's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 stars.
The moments with the stars really got to me. This was a really great short read :)
The moments with the stars really got to me. This was a really great short read :)
bluenicorn's review against another edition
2.0
*Edited*
This was not as bad as my first review led me to believe. I still felt like it was a bit meandering and did not do much for me, personally, but the art is sound and the story may be more appealing to a younger person.
This was not as bad as my first review led me to believe. I still felt like it was a bit meandering and did not do much for me, personally, but the art is sound and the story may be more appealing to a younger person.
caitey2003's review against another edition
3.0
Really enjoyed this - I’ve never read a graphic novel so I don’t have anything to compare it to, but ill definitely be reading more graphic novels!!
My main critique is that the pacing felt off, I feel like the story could have been further developed. But there were LOADS of quotes I loved in this book so id really recommend it.
~***~
When I got to the end of the book (don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler) the Wilco song ‘Ashes of american flags’ popped into my head (anyone else get this, where their mind will make a soundtrack for a book??) and as I started thinking of that song Raleigh said “...I love the sound of Jeff Tweedys voice...”
So thats a fun coincidence - and I also love Jeff Tweedys voice.
My main critique is that the pacing felt off, I feel like the story could have been further developed. But there were LOADS of quotes I loved in this book so id really recommend it.
~***~
When I got to the end of the book (don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler) the Wilco song ‘Ashes of american flags’ popped into my head (anyone else get this, where their mind will make a soundtrack for a book??) and as I started thinking of that song Raleigh said “...I love the sound of Jeff Tweedys voice...”
So thats a fun coincidence - and I also love Jeff Tweedys voice.
mooyeda's review against another edition
4.0
Spoiler
This is a gorgeous graphic novel (I was gifted the tenth anniversary version and the colors and art are AMAZING) with narration that really captures the inner workings of a mind feeling big feelings, but not quite having the words for it, or not quite having pinned down what the feeling itself is. It’s lovely being inside of Raleigh’s brain for this road trip.I love the moment when Raleigh opens up to the others (re: cat soul), and instead of challenging it, they go on a cat(ch)-and-release spree to help her track down her soul. I’m very much one of those people who needs to stew over their feelings, and it takes a while to open up about them, especially if they are negative or hard to describe. During these times, there’s such warmth in having people who just take it all in and roll with it. O’Malley perfectly illustrates this feeling.
Also, love the cats!
little_hapa_librarian's review against another edition
2.0
Bryan Lee O'Malley you know I love you and your work, but this.... I just couldn't love this.
I liked some of it. The thoughtful language that was even poetic at times. The quirkiness that only comes from a Bryan Lee O'Malley graphic novel. But ultimately none of that could save this because the protagonist was so one dimensional. It doesn't matter how fancy and thought-provoking your protagonists words might be, or how quirky some of the story and sidekicks are, if your protagonist sucks, she sucks, and she sort of sucks down the rest of the book. Unfortunately Raleigh just sucked. Also the lack of explanation surrounding certain events and her feelings bothered me. How am I supposed to sympathize with a character when it's not even really explained why she's upset? I just can't.
I did like Steph though. Steph was fucking awesome.
I liked some of it. The thoughtful language that was even poetic at times. The quirkiness that only comes from a Bryan Lee O'Malley graphic novel. But ultimately none of that could save this because the protagonist was so one dimensional. It doesn't matter how fancy and thought-provoking your protagonists words might be, or how quirky some of the story and sidekicks are, if your protagonist sucks, she sucks, and she sort of sucks down the rest of the book. Unfortunately Raleigh just sucked. Also the lack of explanation surrounding certain events and her feelings bothered me. How am I supposed to sympathize with a character when it's not even really explained why she's upset? I just can't.
I did like Steph though. Steph was fucking awesome.
lesliethewanderlust's review against another edition
4.0
I really wasn't expecting this graphic novel from the creator of the Pilgrim series. It was very angsty book. It made a point and also no point at all. Pretty much the life of a teenager. I enjoyed it, hopefully the author has some more novels up his sleeve.
sarahthesock's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 because of the meaning behind it and so relatable with my life right now