coming of age

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Lenni Reviews: “Supper Club” by Jackie Morrow

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Nora, Lili, and Iris are seniors in high school and their busy schedules leave them little time to hang out. To make sure they make the most of the time they have left, they decide to start a supper club where they take turns making various dishes.

This is a fairly lighthearted coming of age story that while its super cute and comfortable to read, there is this feeling of wanting more in the end; just like a delicious meal that isn’t quite filling. I do recommend it as its a cute story and they did include the recipes. Books like this that center around food should always include recipes. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Golden Sparkle” by Minta Suzumaru

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Himaru is just starting high school and is pretty naïve about how his own body works. So when he starts having a problem with wet dreams, he askes his friend, Gaku, what the heck is going on. Gaku offers to teach Himaru about these things and their experimentation begins to turn into something more.

Again, I HAD to reimagine these characters as adults because they are 15 and it makes me so uncomfortable to see the explicit scenes, of which there are plenty. I get it’s a different country and I won’t even pretend at 15 I didn’t know damn well my peers were sexually active and managing to get their hands on smut if they wanted but still.

Himaru is funny and his interactions with Gaku are great; only surpassed by his mother and sister. I like the general vibe of this comic. Himaru is the type to just say whatever he wants, since he doesn’t know how to be discreet because nobody ever taught him and it plays off well with Gaku as he becomes more honest with himself. They have a great dynamic and are sweet together. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Blue Period” Vol. 1, by Tsubasa Yamaguchi

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Yatora is a slacker with little interest in school but manages to get good grades; good enough to keep his parents happy. Other than that, he’s aimless and lacks ambition. Until he meets Yuka, a member of the art club who reinvigorates Yatora’s interest in painting and he contemplates becoming a full time artist in the future.

It’s always a cook thing to watch someone find the activity that sparks their inspiration and just makes them feel alive. What I like about this manga in particular is it’s skips the “my friends mock/ditch me” part. Instead, the conflict comes from when your passion meets competition. Yatora is loving art and wants to find a future in it but there are so many others who are far ahead. I know from experience how discouraging that can be so I’m invested in this. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Fangirl” Vol 2, by Sam Maggs, Rainbow Rowell & Gabi Nam

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Despite her best efforts, Cath is forced to realize she can’t keep her twin sister, Wren, so close to her as she’s allowed to have her own life. Not only that, Cath can’t help but develop feelings for her roommate’s boyfriend, Levi.

For awhile I’m reading this and thinking things were soo clean and convenient but I’m glad to say without spoilers that thankfully changes. I want to see Cath growing and exploring college life in her own way with some actual issues; not going full on party girl or heading into after school special territory but just enjoying herself. I look forward to the next one. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Chef’s Kiss” by Jarrett Melendez, Danica Brine, Hank Jones & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

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Ben cook is on the hunt for a job to put his English degree and love of writing to good use. Facing multiple rejections, he applies for a job at a restaurant to make money while he’s still writing. However, he not only has a talent for cooking and enjoys it, he develops a crush on Liam, chef at his new job. Now, he starts to question what he wants for his future.

This is a classic story of a young adult finding their way but told with some wacky characters and beautiful, vibrant colors. All the personalities here are so unique without coming off as having one quirk and no substance. This had the right mix of fun and drama but I would have liked some closure concerning Ben’s parents. But Watson is a fun twist here. You’ll see when you read it. 4.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Last Summer with Cass” by Mark Crilley

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Megan and Cass’s parents are friends so they spend their childhood summers together for years until Cass’ parents divorce and she moves to New York City. Now reunited, they rekindle not only their friendship and love of working on art together. However, Megan has trouble handling such a different place after being sheltered by her strict parents for so long; clashing with Cass’s free spirit.

The art is soft and beautiful (almost reminding me of another lifetime when I used to draw) but the story is almost too clean, if that makes any sense. Based on the conflict and actions taken in the book, I expected a LOT more drama. I won’t spoil it but if someone did to me what Megan did to Cass, I think the minimum would be never speaking to them again. But it as compelling and pretty. If you like coming of age graphic novels, this is worth checking out. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Honor Girl: A Graphic Memoir” by Maggie Thrash

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In this memoir, fifteen year old Maggie recounts a summer at Camp Bellflower for Girls where she develops feelings for Erin; who is not only older than her, but a counselor.

While touching, this book really shines because it has so many more likable characters than what I normally see in a graphic memoir. Maggie has decent friends despite being in a pretty religious camp. Sure, there is still some homophobia but on the whole, she manages to have a good summer without getting picked on for being a lesbian.

If you can tell from the cover, the art is VERY simple. Everything is soft and simple to contrast the pretty complicated feelings going on. If I had a complaint, it would be it seems almost TOO soft. The book flutters by without much lasting impact.

Or maybe I’m just reading too many of these things, I dunno. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Generations” by Flavia Biondi

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Matteo returns home after spending three years milling about with his boyfriend in Milan. With no job, no money, and little prospects, Matteo has no choice but to live in the same house as his grandmother, three aunts, and his very pregnant cousin. After fleeing this town feeling it was too small, especially after coming out, Matteo slowly rebuilds his connections to his family and discovers there is so much more to be appreciated about where he came from and where he could go in the future.

Watching Matteo reconnect with his family – for good or ill – is a bittersweet and beautifully drawn and written story. The strong lines of the art style make every page pop and the range of characters gives a wide breadth of experience; from the aimless wanderer to the estranged father trying to reconnect. You really get a sense of Matteo coming to terms not only with his family but with growing up in general. This book is a good tug at the heartstrings and I give this book a 4 out of 5.

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