Monday, November 28, 2011

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol (review # 141)

Title: Anya's Ghost

Author: Vera Brosgol
Publisher: First Second Books
Genre: Graphic Novel
Format: Library Loan

This is a new one for me. I have absolutely not jumped on the Graphic Novel bandwagon, even after assisting hundreds of young folks (and some old) at the bookstore and library finding the titles they wanted.

I must say, though, after reading Anya's Ghost, I am indeed interested in reading more.

I discovered Anya's Ghost while processing the new books at my library job. I LOVE this project. Now that I don't work at the bookstore anymore, it is my one life line to holding and touching new books. (I suppose I could venture to a bookstore more often but I may need money for that).

It was a cold and dreary day that day at the library and this little nugget of a book really hit my mood right. I read it in less than an hour. Now THAT's my kind of read. It helped boost my confidence in the ol' reading slump area.

The style of graphics reminds me of Persepolis, which I read many years ago for a former bookclub. Black and white, stark, honest, moody.

Anya is a teen with Russian roots she is trying to hide. She doesn't see herself as pretty, smart or popular but would like it if the world would. She has one friend at school and she is kind of a bitch. This doesn't leave much for a social life. Little did she know when she took a tumble down an old well, that her next friend would be a ghost.

Not only does her new friend Emily, the ghost, help her get the guy, get good grades and get invited to parties, she also decides she wants to live vicariously through Anya. As Emily gets more aggressive, Anya digs deeper into her past and finds that she is not the innocent, sad little ghost stuck down in the well.

Rating: 6/6
I loved this! I ran through every page. I liked the edge to it and the unexpected darkness of Emily and her story. Anya was a hoot and her life in high school seemed to be waaaaay relatable (though it's been a few years....cough*) I can see why this genre gets devoured. This was fast, fun and a thrill. I am definitely checking out more.

Author Website:

Happy Reading and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

6 comments:

Tales of Whimsy said...

Book love is truly in the eye of the beholder 'cause I totally didn't dig this one. I am however glad you liked it so much :) Sounds like it hit the spot :)

Natalie~Coffee and a Book Chick said...

Ooh, this one sounds so cute! Love the picture!

Marce said...

To funny, I was going to say go to Juju for some graphic recommendations and the one you loved she didn't, lol

Being in the right place with the right book at the righ time is always a perfect combination.

christa @ mental foodie said...

I haven't caught on the graphic novel bandwagon either - I seem to be even more picky when I read them - there are some I like, but some I really don't like even though everyone raves about them. Will give this one a try! Too funny about you and Juju!

StephTheBookworm said...

I saw this one while working at the library today lol. Graphic novels are not for me, but I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!

Christine said...

This one is up for best graphic novel on the 2011 goodreads awards... I've been looking for it at my local libraries with no success. I'll keep looking...

I jumped on the graphic novel bandwagon this year. I caught up on some classics, read a couple of nonfiction ones and a few fantasy ones. There will definitely be graphic novels in my reading from now on.