redchaosvoid's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
This was a book I found while scrolling through several LGB book lists. After reading the description, I added it to my to-read folder and eventually found myself at the public library (I can't believe it's finally open again, either) and couldn't seem to really find many books that I'm actually in the mood to read. (Sorry if you read this in my last review) Last year, I pushed myself to read more pages than I ever have within one calendar year. The good news: I succeeded. The bad news: I succumbed to reader's fatigue and it's taken till June, really, to even feel the urge to continuously read. As a result, I'm very picky at the moment. More good news: since it is Pride month (which I have contradictory opinions about despite being gay), I finally spotted this graphic novel and snagged it (special display).
I, admittedly, am probably not the best person to be reviewing a book partly about hockey seeing as I don't live anywhere near a hockey rink. I'm from the Midwest. Wisconsin to be precise. Not to be stereotypical, but I have never been too thrilled with most of the sports that my state offers (aside from perhaps basketball... maybe). Living in 'Packerland,' I have disappointed several potential friends by revealing I don't even really know the rules or how to even play football aside from what I could pick up from the couple times I managed to sit through a game on TV. If we had Hockey games here, I would be interested. Especially in the summer with this outrageous heat!
To be honest, it is not bad. I am relatively new to graphic novels. I've only read 17. That's not a very high number with most graphic-novel-lovers; so again, I may not be the best person to be reviewing this. The storyline was interesting. Though I admit I was not personally thrilled with the alcohol, the sexual party, or the cursing (I still cannot believe that a character in this book was actually named Sh**ty; we never find out his real name). For the most part, the characters were mostly likeable, but I admit that I did not discern enough character development to really be sure about my opinion. For most of this, the story flowed well, but I did notice some parts where it seemed to either go all over the place or felt like pages were missing (I checked the page numbers. No pages missing). The tweets from the main character did provide some insight where the two parts of this story didn't seem to. The bonus sketches were somewhat interesting and one was even informative. The only thing I would've suggested to the author was that they not separate the tweets and the bonus sketches from the two main parts, but rather mix them in where the tweets would've been tweeted or when the sketches would've taken place. It would've flowed better. Just a thought.
My concern about the main character Eric "Bitty" Bittle was that he was somewhat stereotypical (Not for his love of cooking. There are plenty of straight men who love to cook. They typically end up on Food Network; if that's even still a channel anymore), but more for some of his mannerisms and the way he says certain things. Not his obvious southern accent, but more with some of the things he said or how he seemed to say them (though it's sometimes impossible to fully discern how a character says anything in graphic novels).
The final thing I will say about this book is that I think it is great that Bitty became friends with his teammates... I just... Living in Wisconsin where a lot of people can be abrasive, rude, and sometimes, sadly, selfish, I couldn't fully connect with Bitty on how he (as I would say it) inexplicably found straight men that were fine with his sexuality. If that truly happens in other states in the union, great! It doesn't seem to happen often in my area of this state.
So, for the most part, I did enjoy this. In my opinion, it is a 3 star quality. I will seek out the next installment at some point after I get through my mountain of a to-read list. Hopefully, I don't succumb to reader's fatigue again too quickly.
EDIT 4-10-2022: Upon reflection, I feel like the sex parties make the LGB look bad, so I am therefore reducing my rating to 1 star.
I, admittedly, am probably not the best person to be reviewing a book partly about hockey seeing as I don't live anywhere near a hockey rink. I'm from the Midwest. Wisconsin to be precise. Not to be stereotypical, but I have never been too thrilled with most of the sports that my state offers (aside from perhaps basketball... maybe). Living in 'Packerland,' I have disappointed several potential friends by revealing I don't even really know the rules or how to even play football aside from what I could pick up from the couple times I managed to sit through a game on TV. If we had Hockey games here, I would be interested. Especially in the summer with this outrageous heat!
To be honest, it is not bad. I am relatively new to graphic novels. I've only read 17. That's not a very high number with most graphic-novel-lovers; so again, I may not be the best person to be reviewing this. The storyline was interesting. Though I admit I was not personally thrilled with the alcohol, the sexual party, or the cursing (I still cannot believe that a character in this book was actually named Sh**ty; we never find out his real name). For the most part, the characters were mostly likeable, but I admit that I did not discern enough character development to really be sure about my opinion. For most of this, the story flowed well, but I did notice some parts where it seemed to either go all over the place or felt like pages were missing (I checked the page numbers. No pages missing). The tweets from the main character did provide some insight where the two parts of this story didn't seem to. The bonus sketches were somewhat interesting and one was even informative. The only thing I would've suggested to the author was that they not separate the tweets and the bonus sketches from the two main parts, but rather mix them in where the tweets would've been tweeted or when the sketches would've taken place. It would've flowed better. Just a thought.
My concern about the main character Eric "Bitty" Bittle was that he was somewhat stereotypical (Not for his love of cooking. There are plenty of straight men who love to cook. They typically end up on Food Network; if that's even still a channel anymore), but more for some of his mannerisms and the way he says certain things. Not his obvious southern accent, but more with some of the things he said or how he seemed to say them (though it's sometimes impossible to fully discern how a character says anything in graphic novels).
The final thing I will say about this book is that I think it is great that Bitty became friends with his teammates... I just... Living in Wisconsin where a lot of people can be abrasive, rude, and sometimes, sadly, selfish, I couldn't fully connect with Bitty on how he (as I would say it) inexplicably found straight men that were fine with his sexuality. If that truly happens in other states in the union, great! It doesn't seem to happen often in my area of this state.
So, for the most part, I did enjoy this. In my opinion, it is a 3 star quality. I will seek out the next installment at some point after I get through my mountain of a to-read list. Hopefully, I don't succumb to reader's fatigue again too quickly.
EDIT 4-10-2022: Upon reflection, I feel like the sex parties make the LGB look bad, so I am therefore reducing my rating to 1 star.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Cursing
evelynyle_88's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Alcohol
Moderate: Homophobia and Bullying
Minor: Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, and Drug abuse
btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Cursing
Minor: Drug abuse
calbykoop's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A great read for hockey fans! Really cute queer read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit and Outing
anniereads221's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit and Cursing
kylasmv15's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Vomit
jonezzzing's review
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Addiction
sfbookgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While working on my master’s project (I am happy to say it’s almost done!), I read my way through a few graphic novels as my mind was incapable of focusing on just text on a page. I started with Check, Please after seeing so many lovely reviews. I enjoyed reading about main character Bitty and his baking habits, starting freshman year of college on a hockey team, and making a few friends along the way.
I found Check, Please to be an absolute delight and was the perfect story to immerse myself in while I was drowning in deadlines. I know little to none about hockey but that did not deter me from reading this fantastic graphic novel - I even learned a thing or two about the sport! I also really enjoyed the illustrations - Ngozi Ukazu is a talented writer and artist!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Bullying, and Homophobia
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
lilybearillini3's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This book made me feel fuzzy inside, I really enjoyed it! Characters were really cute and I definitely feel like it reflected average college life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Cursing
Moderate: Bullying and Homophobia
Minor: Addiction
snuggly_feminist's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Should you read Check Please? Yes.
Should everyone on the planet read Check Please? Probably.
This sweet, heartfelt book is based on a very popular (for good reason!) webcomic. It centers around a college ice hockey player, baker and vlogger, Eric Bittle, who is unsure about where and if he belongs there. The supporting cast of his friends and hockey teammates are equally lovable, if sometimes one-dimensional, and the plot is sure to give you grade-A feels.
Should everyone on the planet read Check Please? Probably.
This sweet, heartfelt book is based on a very popular (for good reason!) webcomic. It centers around a college ice hockey player, baker and vlogger, Eric Bittle, who is unsure about where and if he belongs there. The supporting cast of his friends and hockey teammates are equally lovable, if sometimes one-dimensional, and the plot is sure to give you grade-A feels.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Homophobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use