I did it – I finished a challenge! Last weekend I finish reading Skim by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jilliam Tamaki which counts as my 6th choice for the Graphics Novel Challenge hosted by Dewey.
I had a lot of fun with this challenge because although I had read a few graphic novels before, this challenge served to open my eyes to just how varied the genre is. I read books about Paris, Mexico, Victorian Scotland, slave owners, teenagers and even demons. These books all had their unique artistic styles and captivated me in their own way. I learned that just like any other fiction novel, if the story is strong I’m going to read it. The art is just an added bonus.
Here are the list of the books I read. Not all of these were on my original list but I’m glad they made their way to me. You can click on each title for my review of the books. Unfortunately, I forgot to add some of these to the Graphic Novel Challenge blog but hopefully you will also check that out if you are looking for more recommendations.
- One Hundred Demons by Lynda Barry
- The Case of Madeleine Smith by Rick Geary
- French Milk by Lucy Knisley
- La Perdida by Jessica Abel
- Nightmares & Fairy Tales by Serena Valentino & Illustrated by Crab Scrambly
- Skim by Mariko Tamaki & Illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
I was curious about the books that were not written and illustrated by the same person. I wonder how those collaborations came about… Did someone have the story first and seek out an illustrator?
Anyway, I enjoyed all of these but I have to tell you my favorite was One Hundred Demons by Lynda Barry. I would recommend all of these books but that one in particular really got to me. I have since been on the look out for more of her books and have a couple waiting in my stacks.
So this was a very fun challenge and I thank Dew and everyone for participating and sending me suggestions. I really relied on those when I made my list. The best part aside from meeting other fellow readers of graphic novels, is that now I do wander the aisles in the library or bookstore in search for new graphic novel titles.
Congratulations on completing the challenge!
So how was Skim?
Congratulations on finishing the challenge! Graphic novels was a new genre for me this year and I’m so appreciative of the challenge. I don’t think I would have ventured that route without it. I’m glad you enjoyed your choices, too!
I have been thinking about picking up some graphic novels. There is such a huge collection of them out there. I might have to choose something off of your list above!
Congrats for finishing the challenge!
Congratulations! I have been thinking about going out to grab some graphic novels. I have a sneaking suspicion that this might be the trick to getting my husband to read something.
Congratulations, Iliana! Many of the books you read were added to my wishlist.
I’m very happy to hear you’ll read more graphic novels in the future. You’re right, there are graphic novels in every genre imaginable. They’re as varied as “regular” books, and the art is a very nice bonus.
tanabata – Thanks! I did like Skim a lot… the drawings are very nice and the main character seemed very “real”…. lots of angst and that kind of stuff but the writer also manages to introduce a lot of hard topics in the story.
Joy – I know, without the challenge I may not have picked up some of these books. Now I feel like I have a bunch of new titles to choose from. Glad you enjoyed it as well!
Christine – If you do check out some of the graphic novels I would recommend any of the ones I highlighted. Really good stories and fabulous artwork.
Jessica – Thanks! And, yes you should try to see if your husband would like one of these. Let us know if he falls for it 🙂
Nymeth – I still remember you review of Maus and I definitely plan to read that one this year too but you know how that goes 🙂 Thank you and hope you will check out some of the books. I’d love to hear your thoughts on them.
Yey, Congratulations! By the way you just cost me a lot of money… I have ordered 4 books since I have read your last entry. Thank you for opening my horizon. I do like Graphic Novels. Being French I am looking forward to read “French Milk”. Have you come across any of Graham Rawle’s Graphic Novel. He hads a little twist using collage/ cut and paste type graphics. Thanks again Iliana
I mean he adds a little twist… Oops! Sorry about that!
Nice job with the challenge! It sounds like a great one to do, and that you found cool new books through it.
Congrats on finishing a challenge. Isn’t it a nice feeling?! I really liked the one graphic novel I read earlier this year and would like to read more. I need to investigate your list more.
Congrats on completing the challenge, Iliana! Glad to hear you had fun reading the graphic novels. 🙂
roxanestoner – ha,ha.. That always happens to me too when I hear of books people are reading. When I was working I might as well as had my paycheck forwarded to the bookstores! I’m definitely going to check out Graham Rawle’s books…. I love collage elements too so I’ve got to see what he does.
Dorothy W. – It was a lot of fun and now I don’t feel so out of the loop when it comes to graphic novels 🙂
Danielle – It is — and finally! ha,ha… I can sure sign up for challenges but completing them is something I don’t typically do.
Melody – I had tons of fun although I still haven’t yet tried out any magna — that’s my next goal 🙂
Congratulations on finishing a challenge! It feels good to complete something that you plan to do. I’ve been on track with most of my challenges until just the last week or so. I still have time to get back on track if I can get out of my funk.
Lisa – Thank you! I’m really excited to finally have finished one! I have no trouble signing up for challenges but completing them is another story. haha. Hope your reading funk is over soon 🙂
You made some great choices for your reads for this challenge. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I just did a big round up post of my graphic novel reads for this challenge as well…got in a real graphic novel and comic strip collection reading phase for awhile!
Congratulations on completing the challenge, Iliana! I do enjoy reading graphic novels, but I so rarely make time for them. I hope to get caught up with this challenge one of these days.