A review by knkoch
Roaming by Jillian Tamaki, Mariko Tamaki

adventurous funny hopeful reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

I'm so happy I got to read this book this year! I saw notice of it coming out a few months ago, and had the foresight to jump in a holds queue quickly. I love the Tamakis and I'll read anything they make. They are lights that walk among us, haha. 

This didn't fuck me up as much as This One Summer did emotionally, but even though it worked at a lower key, it was still deep as a slice of life piece. Both novels are written about a single vacation, and I love that they examine both the mundane and heightened qualities of trips, which take us outside our normal routine. Trips work perfectly for making a story straightforward and succinct, giving you a great starting and endpoint to compare against. Where do the characters begin at, what baggage are they bringing to the trip, and what sort of growth do they leave with? The characters in Roaming were wonderfully captured, and I loved the sense of history between two old friends contrasted with the mystery of the new girl.
I love that shared history leaves deep roots able to withstand storms, and that difficult people are always more sensitive and complex than we imagine when we're frustrated with them.
The art was lovely, as always, and the surreal elements were very well done. I know I will be tempted to own this one someday so I can look back at it again and again. 
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