review 1: I have to confess, straight away, that I'm not a graphic novel fan. I'm working on it, but I'm definitely not there yet. So far, while I have appreciated a couple, I haven't actively liked any of them that I've read. That said, this one came the closest of any I've read so far. I liked the characters; I liked the story; I even shed a tear at the end. I read the story in just over one sitting, because I was genuinely curious to see what happened. I certainly can't say that I disliked the art, because it was, as far as I can tell, quite well done. I simply didn't like the fact of the art. I couldn't help but feel like if I'd been allowed the story in my imagination instead of everything being drawn out for me, I'd have cared a great deal more about the storyline and probably... more would have cried more than a tear. It probably seems confusing that seeing something drawn out made it less real for me, but it did, which may just be my inexperience with the genre of graphic novels. I've been creating worlds in my head with normal novels for so long that it felt intrusive to have someone else doing that for me. I will keep trying to learn to appreciate the genre, however, and maybe revisit this book at some point when I understand it better. review 2: Light and fluffy, in spite of the shoplifting and the stroke and the hints of sex. By far the best characters are Shira’s Grandmother and her friend Minerva, two Miami Beach seniors. Their stereotypical Jewish penny-pinching and outspokenness might seem offensive, but they are defined clearly enough to enjoy, without worries of political correctness. It’s hard to stay pedantic, for example, as Minerva claws away to retrieve the popcorn she dropped down the front of her blouse. Another favorite moment, when one of Shira’s teachers says, “The Talmud is like the breading on a piece of chicken shnitzl. Its purpose is to enhance our appreciation of the meat.” Shira’s romance and father-daughter dynamic are easy to dismiss, even though they’re supposed to be the heart of the story. I like this book best when it’s not trying to be much of anything. less
