A review by helium
Koko Be Good by Jen Wang
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This graphic novel is a cute and wholesome coming-of-age story about redemption and figuring out one's place in the world. I think most of her work targets a younger audience and there lacks a certain level of depth for me to truly love this novel. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this, but, if I am being honest, the story failed to make me feel any emotions. It is an endearing story, but that is about it.
The art is whimsical and all the characters' facial expressions and body movements are drawn with incredible detail - I really adore her style. However, I did find some drawings at the beginning confusing, which also made me confused about what this story was going to be, but it starts picking up a bit later, so it was not too bad.
I also did find Koko's behaviour a bit annoying, and her sudden change of behaviour slightly unbelievable, but I guess this book is also about second chances and giving ourselves a chance to be who we want to be and to be proud of ourselves. I did find Jon's character and experience much more realistic and believable and I really appreciate the way Jen Wang portrayed his character.
This was still an entertaining and wholesome read about unexpected friendships and about figuring out what we truly want instead of doing what is considered "right", but there were a couple of flaws here and there that can be easily overlooked, but I just enjoyed her other works too much to love this one just as much.
The art is whimsical and all the characters' facial expressions and body movements are drawn with incredible detail - I really adore her style. However, I did find some drawings at the beginning confusing, which also made me confused about what this story was going to be, but it starts picking up a bit later, so it was not too bad.
I also did find Koko's behaviour a bit annoying, and her sudden change of behaviour slightly unbelievable, but I guess this book is also about second chances and giving ourselves a chance to be who we want to be and to be proud of ourselves. I did find Jon's character and experience much more realistic and believable and I really appreciate the way Jen Wang portrayed his character.
This was still an entertaining and wholesome read about unexpected friendships and about figuring out what we truly want instead of doing what is considered "right", but there were a couple of flaws here and there that can be easily overlooked, but I just enjoyed her other works too much to love this one just as much.