Slip by Marika McCoola and llustrated by Aatmaja Pandya

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

From Eisner-Award nominated writer Marika McCoola and debut artist Aatmaja Pandya, an emotional coming-of-age graphic novel for fans of Bloom and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me.

Right before Jade is about to leave for a summer art intensive, her best friend, Phoebe, attempts suicide. How is Jade supposed to focus on herself right now?

But at the Art Farm, Jade has artistic opportunities she’s been waiting for her whole life. And as she gets to know her classmates, she begins to fall for whimsical, upbeat, comfortable-in-her-own-skin Mary. Jade pours herself into making ceramic monsters that vent her stress and insecurities, but when she puts her creatures in the kiln, something unreal happens: they come to life. And they’re taking a stand: if Jade won’t confront her problems, her problems are going to confront her, including the scariest of them all—if Jade grows, prospers, and even falls in love this summer, is she leaving Phoebe behind?

my thoughts:

Slip is a terrific graphic novel by Marika McCoola. Created for the YA crowd, this book definitely shines with its amazing illustrations (by Aatmaja Pandya) and unputdownable storytelling. This is one book you won't want to miss out on. 

Jade's best friend Phoebe attempts suicide.  Struggling to come to grips with what happened, Jade heads off to the Art Farm, for her summer art intensive. At the farm, Jade meets new people and begins to create art in the form of ceramic monsters. She's trying to deal with her feelings about Phoebe's suicide attempt, except, she's not really dealing with it.  So, her art comes to life and demands she confront her feelings, her problems, everything.  The only problem is that dealing with it all is scary and Jade isn't sure she's ready to handle any of it. Then again, maybe she is.  Perhaps, the Art Farm is where Jade will finally learn to stand strong.

Marika McCoola has written a fantastic story about friendship, mental health, love, and art.  The illustrations are in black and white - they are awesome! Overall, Slip, is a must-read for anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - check it out! I loved it!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!