Admittedly, I've been late to the graphic novel game. As a person who was never a big fan of comics, the idea of reading pictures in a book just didn't appeal to me.
Boy, was I wrong.
If you, like me, have been reluctant to dig into this world of graphic novels, I encourage--nay, insist!--you jump in right now. And for a great start, you can check out the five books I recommend below. Each one of them is a must-read and will enthrall your minds and hearts.
Honestly, you won't regret it. And if you've been way cooler than me and jumped on this awesome bandwagon earlier, I'd love to hear what other books I've been missing (see my email below). After reading the five below, I think I just may be a new convert.
1. THE ARRIVAL by Shaun Tan
There just aren't words to describe the beauty of this book. In fact, this book needs no words and has no words. Tan creates a story with moving, breathtaking illustrations and a made-up alphabet that mimics the feeling someone moving to a different country feels everyday. This book has won numerous awards and for good reason--this one is a must read immediately.More »
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2. BOXERS (and SAINTS) by Gene Luen Yang
Yet again, I have no words to describe the brilliance of these books. This diptych of books explores the Boxer Rebellion in China and two separate teens on either side of the fight working through the devastating themes of loss, love, religion, and politics. These are epic books and heart-wrenching. Seriously. Read them now.More »
3. CHASING SHADOWS by Swati Avasthi
So, I think I may have showcased this book before, but I must again. Because it's simply amazing. Avasthi merges two points of view and two stories seamlessly, weaving in graphic elements that are beautiful and moving. This book explores friendship and madness, trauma and heartache. And does so with brilliant text and beautiful illustrations.More »
4. THROUGH THE WOODS by Emily Carroll
So, as I've said before here, I'm a huge fan of spooky. In this haunting work, Carroll collates five terrifying stories in a beautiful and creepy collection. Carroll is well known for her web comics and her illustrations are striking and compelling. This work speaks to that quiet, thrill-seeking part of you that is yearning to get out.More »
5. ANYA'S GHOST by Vera Brosgol
This is a debut that's gotten a lot of attention--and rightly so. Again with the spooky, this book follows Anya as she tries to figure out the complications of a friendship that is, well, complicated. Touching and salient. this book shows the ups and downs of being a teenager and the tragedy of not feeling comfortable in your own skin. Entertaining and witty, this book should be on your list.More »