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destdest's reviews
2696 reviews
Something More by Jackie Khalilieh
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
5.0
Off the jump, I enjoyed Jessie’s narrative voice. I would buy a 6-pack of this. She’s funny! Jessie’s dealing with new changes, teenage woes, and coming to terms with her autism diagnosis.
Her overthinking about friends or daydreaming about boys (I’m talking we brushed hands and now I wonder what my wedding dress will look like) will be so nostalgic and relatable to some.
High school is a strange time in general and wish-washy friends and wishy-washy boys don’t make it any easier. But the characters aren’t just flat. For instance, Levi isn’t evil, but he’s spineless and playboy-ish. A total waste of time for someone looking for a committed boyfriend, but you see he’s also a goofy 10th-grader. Don’t pin your hopes and dreams on him, but he wasn't the worst. Maybe Griffin seemed a little too good to be true, but he was such a sweetie pie.
Jessie felt and sounded like a real teenager, and the cast of characters were so good. The bits of Canadian and Palestinian culture were weaved in seamlessly. Jessie’s whole family plays a part here, so it’s not like she’s just wandering out in the world alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. 5 stars!
Her overthinking about friends or daydreaming about boys (I’m talking we brushed hands and now I wonder what my wedding dress will look like) will be so nostalgic and relatable to some.
High school is a strange time in general and wish-washy friends and wishy-washy boys don’t make it any easier. But the characters aren’t just flat. For instance, Levi
Jessie felt and sounded like a real teenager, and the cast of characters were so good. The bits of Canadian and Palestinian culture were weaved in seamlessly. Jessie’s whole family plays a part here, so it’s not like she’s just wandering out in the world alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. 5 stars!
ODB: Oddities, Discord & B-Sides—Lyrical Ruckus in the City by Jason Pierre, Regine Sawyer, Chris Robinson, Ike Reed, Troy-Jeffrey Allen, David Gorden
Laguardia’s Steppers – 2 stars Kind of basic but I love the message that these computers and AI could never replace real creativity. And the less subtle how quickly corporations try to steal from Black cultures.
Demon flow – 3 stars Creepy! A rapper’s spin on “selling your soul” for fame or in this case rap ability + mini revenge tale. My favorite story of the bunch.
Love in the Mix – 2 stars For the length it had, it was cute and I liked the art style.
Sword of the Cypher – 1 star. All over the place. Not a fan.
Marcus and the Drunken Fist – 2 stars Fast-paced. Typical underdog story with a training montage.
Not my favorite anthology, but I like the messages.
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.0
“Hip-hop is past, present, and future, and now.”
Laguardia’s Steppers – 2 stars Kind of basic but I love the message that these computers and AI could never replace real creativity. And the less subtle how quickly corporations try to steal from Black cultures.
Demon flow – 3 stars Creepy! A rapper’s spin on “selling your soul” for fame or in this case rap ability + mini revenge tale. My favorite story of the bunch.
Love in the Mix – 2 stars For the length it had, it was cute and I liked the art style.
Sword of the Cypher – 1 star. All over the place. Not a fan.
Marcus and the Drunken Fist – 2 stars Fast-paced. Typical underdog story with a training montage.
Not my favorite anthology, but I like the messages.
Please Be My Star A Graphic Novel by Victoria Grace Elliott
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Total wish fulfillment! But it’s got such a gooey-good core like a warm chocolate cookie. I enjoyed the cast of characters; they acted like actual high schoolers. The artwork was beautiful, the lines looked romantic and dreamy.
It feels so impossible, sometimes, but eventually, you could meet someone that matches your freak. Maybe this story will give someone hope.
The grand declarations of love in high school are ridiculous, but they are to be expected lol.
4.5
It feels so impossible, sometimes, but eventually, you could meet someone that matches your freak. Maybe this story will give someone hope.
The grand declarations of love in high school are ridiculous, but they are to be expected lol.
4.5
Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr.
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
One of my favorite memoirs! Everything complimented this well, the art style, the writing, the humor, and the pop culture references.
I was somewhat aware of Weaver because of his webtoon and seeing a post or two of his on Instagram (back when I was more active). This story/his story digs deep with the emotions. Bullying and feeling like an outsider is shown here masterfully.
There’s a gardening theme about “guarding your garden,” the things you enjoy, your hobbies, what makes you, you.” Water it! Invest in yourself and your interests! I enjoyed this analogy very much!
The mental health discussions don't shy away either. Very relatable to many people. No one wants to be thought of as “crazy.” And everyone wants to be wanted by someone, platonically or romantically.
And how it did my heart so good when he changed to the Black academy and found his people. I'm glad his parents were proactive. So many people have a small sample size; a lot of people suck, but there’s someone out there for you!
Digs deep with emotional impact and uplifts at the end. Toward the end, things feel more "fictionalized" but it was still grounded in reality. I loved the cast of characters. If things go more fictional, I'd love this to become a series.
I was somewhat aware of Weaver because of his webtoon and seeing a post or two of his on Instagram (back when I was more active). This story/his story digs deep with the emotions. Bullying and feeling like an outsider is shown here masterfully.
There’s a gardening theme about “guarding your garden,” the things you enjoy, your hobbies, what makes you, you.” Water it! Invest in yourself and your interests! I enjoyed this analogy very much!
The mental health discussions don't shy away either. Very relatable to many people. No one wants to be thought of as “crazy.” And everyone wants to be wanted by someone, platonically or romantically.
And how it did my heart so good when
Digs deep with emotional impact and uplifts at the end. Toward the end, things feel more "fictionalized" but it was still grounded in reality. I loved the cast of characters. If things go more fictional, I'd love this to become a series.
Gogogogo-Go-Ghost!, Vol. 1 by Miyako Hiruzuka
Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.
just not keeping my interest
Ditching Saskia by John Moore
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Magical realism at its best. I like the hodgepodge of grief, living a lie for others’ expectations, and needing to put yourself out there. This story also stressed me a bit. There’s a section where second-hand embarrassment is palatable.
The plotline with the mom is only hinted at.We don't know if she was abusive or prone to depressive episodes where she took her frustrations out on her son. Another story would've resolved this, but Ditching Saskia takes a different route.
But good reading experience overall
The plotline with the mom is only hinted at.
But good reading experience overall
Sonic the Hedgehog: Seasons of Chaos by Griffin McElroy, Gale Galligan, Travis McElroy, Ian Flynn, Justin McElroy
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
As always, I love what IDW is doing with the Sonic series, and this is no exception. You can tell the writers are having some fun here, and it was so refreshing to see these underrated characters.
One thing I love is that these writers have managed to make Amy Rose more than a lovesick girl. She still has her crush on Sonic, but she's so much more. She wants to prove herself and help everyone.
One thing I love is that these writers have managed to make Amy Rose more than a lovesick girl. She still has her crush on Sonic, but she's so much more. She wants to prove herself and help everyone.
The Invisible Man and His Soon-To-Be Wife Vol. 2 by IWATOBINEKO
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom by Nao Iwamoto
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0