Scan barcode
A review by bookishlybecca
In Real Life by Jen Wang, Cory Doctorow
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
Second Read-through: February 2021
A re-read of this lovely graphic novel has been long overdue for a while now, particularly as I (finally) bought my own copy of it last year.
Jen Wang's art style and colour usage really are top-notch. I love the slight watercolour effect her illustrations have. I really enjoyed Anda and Raymond's relationship and Anda's overall character development during this read-through as well.
I don't remember reading the formal introduction by Cory before, so I'm not sure if it wasn't included in the copy of the graphic novel I read last time (which I borrowed from the library) or if I really just have zero recollection of it... Either way, it was a nice, little surprise and a very thought-provoking and eloquent read.
First Read-through: April 2015
This was SO good, and right up my alley! I really love the art style. It's super fun and nice to look at. The story is quite lovely too, and I can sorta relate to it - in the sense that gaming is something I love to do and MMOs, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. I like how this graphic novel goes deeper than that though and sheds light on something that many teens/young adults may not know about. It's a real-world problem set in a made-up world. I definitely like and approve of the message behind the interesting and fun story. Two thumbs up! ;) Like some reviewers, I wish this graphic novel was a little longer, but it's still definitely reaffirmed my love of graphic novels. :)
A re-read of this lovely graphic novel has been long overdue for a while now, particularly as I (finally) bought my own copy of it last year.
Jen Wang's art style and colour usage really are top-notch. I love the slight watercolour effect her illustrations have. I really enjoyed Anda and Raymond's relationship and Anda's overall character development during this read-through as well.
I don't remember reading the formal introduction by Cory before, so I'm not sure if it wasn't included in the copy of the graphic novel I read last time (which I borrowed from the library) or if I really just have zero recollection of it... Either way, it was a nice, little surprise and a very thought-provoking and eloquent read.
First Read-through: April 2015
This was SO good, and right up my alley! I really love the art style. It's super fun and nice to look at. The story is quite lovely too, and I can sorta relate to it - in the sense that gaming is something I love to do and MMOs, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. I like how this graphic novel goes deeper than that though and sheds light on something that many teens/young adults may not know about. It's a real-world problem set in a made-up world. I definitely like and approve of the message behind the interesting and fun story. Two thumbs up! ;) Like some reviewers, I wish this graphic novel was a little longer, but it's still definitely reaffirmed my love of graphic novels. :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racism