Take a photo of a barcode or cover
This story has gotten repetitive at this point, but I'm happy that the ending is wrapping up nicely.
Well, the wedding was cute, but this series got way too repetitive. You could cut two of the later volumes out and not miss anything in the story.
Zen was my favorite character, but, throughout the series, he really needed to take a hint and keep his feelings to himself. I like how mangaka showed his feelings didn't change overnight. If it is that easy to love someone that quickly, did you really love the other person?
Married Taiga and Shimana seems way too awkward, but Taiga's dream was super cute.
Zen was my favorite character, but, throughout the series, he really needed to take a hint and keep his feelings to himself. I like how mangaka showed his feelings didn't change overnight. If it is that easy to love someone that quickly, did you really love the other person?
%20Vol.%201.jpg)
%20Vol.%202.jpg)
,%20Volume%201.jpg)
Re-read 4/1/2020:
Since re-reading this, I still enjoy this silly story. I ended up buying this book last year, but I hadn’t read it again until now. Dany’s naivety and utter ignorance is more glaring now. Who would really listen to Prince Neptune’s advice? Like really, y’all? I also notice a few more references that I may have overlooked. The art style is super cartoony, but there are a few exceptional moments.
That fight (if you can even call it that) between Tom and Nick started so randomly. I guess Tom wanted to look good in Dany’s eyes by protecting her. He started off greeting Nick, then, after Dany's disappointment that they know each other, he just pushes Nick down.
also, I don’t remember, but I think the second book forgot Dany had a sister
STORY:
In Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuk (272 pages), Dany is bummed to find herself split up from her usual friend group. Now in the 7th grade, she finds herself lonely and unable to befriend anyone. Through luck, she discovers her aunt's old sketchbook has some serious magical capabilities. She brings to life Prince Neptune (from a Tokyo Mew Mew/Sailor Moon/magical girl mash-up of an anime) and her ideal best friend, Madison from New York. Only thing is when imaginary beings become sentient, free-thinking beings, everything doesn't go as planned.
Existential crisis in juvenile fiction? The best friend is the ultra special, pink-haired character from anime(s) with actual depth? Magical girl shoujo references!?! Let's go!
I honestly enjoyed the entire cast of characters, relatability, and artwork. Yes, to that cute, expressive artwork. The light humor is great too, not cringy just right.
This story is great for younger kids to acknowledge how all your actions have a consequence; On the other hand, older kids/teens will love that it explores the be-careful-what-you-wish-for trope in a fresh way.
And that plot twist tho? Laughs for days!
"You're a minor character! Boom!" No context needed! xD
CHARACTERS:
I loved the cast of characters and a few of them came from diverse backgrounds (black, Guatemalan, Asian, etc).
Dany is pretty normal. Usually, in these type of stories, the main character is whiny, annoying, or special-snowflakey. Dany might be a touch of that, but she's still likable to me.
Prince Neptune is fun! Yeah, Dany I liked him too.
Also, go Aleesha! She's adorable and brainy and comically serious and has a cute bun of natural hair.
Tom is also equally fun. He's an adorable character obsessed with conspiracy theories and can think for himself. Gasp. A middle-school character not consumed with popularity? Yep, that's him.
ART:
A wonderful display of colors, not too bold but not too soft. It reminds me of the palette of a 90's pop culture ad, green, blue, purple, pink, etc.
Like I said before, I enjoyed the anime-inspired expressions and whatnot. I think the paneling was fine as well.
OVERALL:
Making Friends is beautiful and wonderfully dumb.
READ IT!
If you're like me and love shoujo/general anime references, light-hearted stories, and a good laugh, then I definitely recommend it. I couldn't stop smiling while reading this.
5 out of 5
Since re-reading this, I still enjoy this silly story. I ended up buying this book last year, but I hadn’t read it again until now. Dany’s naivety and utter ignorance is more glaring now. Who would really listen to Prince Neptune’s advice? Like really, y’all? I also notice a few more references that I may have overlooked. The art style is super cartoony, but there are a few exceptional moments.
also, I don’t remember, but I think the second book forgot Dany had a sister
STORY:
"How do you weaponize friendship?" (pg 234)
In Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuk (272 pages), Dany is bummed to find herself split up from her usual friend group. Now in the 7th grade, she finds herself lonely and unable to befriend anyone. Through luck, she discovers her aunt's old sketchbook has some serious magical capabilities. She brings to life Prince Neptune (from a Tokyo Mew Mew/Sailor Moon/magical girl mash-up of an anime) and her ideal best friend, Madison from New York. Only thing is when imaginary beings become sentient, free-thinking beings, everything doesn't go as planned.
Existential crisis in juvenile fiction? The best friend is the ultra special, pink-haired character from anime(s) with actual depth? Magical girl shoujo references!?! Let's go!
I honestly enjoyed the entire cast of characters, relatability, and artwork. Yes, to that cute, expressive artwork. The light humor is great too, not cringy just right.
This story is great for younger kids to acknowledge how all your actions have a consequence; On the other hand, older kids/teens will love that it explores the be-careful-what-you-wish-for trope in a fresh way.
And that plot twist tho? Laughs for days!
"You're a minor character! Boom!" No context needed! xD
CHARACTERS:
I loved the cast of characters and a few of them came from diverse backgrounds (black, Guatemalan, Asian, etc).
Dany is pretty normal. Usually, in these type of stories, the main character is whiny, annoying, or special-snowflakey. Dany might be a touch of that, but she's still likable to me.
Prince Neptune is fun! Yeah, Dany I liked him too.
Also, go Aleesha! She's adorable and brainy and comically serious and has a cute bun of natural hair.
Tom is also equally fun. He's an adorable character obsessed with conspiracy theories and can think for himself. Gasp. A middle-school character not consumed with popularity? Yep, that's him.
ART:
A wonderful display of colors, not too bold but not too soft. It reminds me of the palette of a 90's pop culture ad, green, blue, purple, pink, etc.
Like I said before, I enjoyed the anime-inspired expressions and whatnot. I think the paneling was fine as well.
OVERALL:
Making Friends is beautiful and wonderfully dumb.
READ IT!
If you're like me and love shoujo/general anime references, light-hearted stories, and a good laugh, then I definitely recommend it. I couldn't stop smiling while reading this.
5 out of 5
I can't help but wonder how it feels to be so bound up that you can't be or do what you want" (pg 72).
Despite the gorgeous cover, I was a bit wary about reading this because I didn’t know if this was just going to be a depressing-beat-you-down story. That type of stuff can drag your esteem down if you’re not already in a place of self-love. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. I think this is a great book for young black girls. It tackles the effects of colorism in a relatable way, even for those who colorism effects in a more positive light. hopefully, this models why all the derogatory, color-based names are wrong (I’m looking at you, my old Sunday School class. first time, I had heard of kids referring to themselves as burnt shea butter, burnt chocolate, and anything else burnt).
Dang, this is realistic fiction! Poor Genesis’ mom is with a dusty, colorist, and drunkard broke-a-joke. Count the struggles, y’all. Even though Genesis’ dad is trifling (no buts about it), the story doesn’t neglect his own struggles with colorism. No one likes being on the receiving end of you-so-black/dark jokes. Even, Genesis’ grandma on some paper bag test junk! I really like Genesis’ narrative because you understand exactly why she thinks and acts like she does.
This might be lost on those who don’t recognize all the lesser effects of colorism. But, yes, Genesis’ father berating her skin despite being dark-skinned himself is very realistic. I have seen it many times when men marry their opposite and are surprised when their daughters come out looking like themselves and not the mothers.
I won’t lie. My eyes started watering at certain parts. It acknowledges that you can bring up “Black is beautiful (and yes, it is! No negation there)”, but it doesn’t magically erase everything. Sometimes, you can’t put a band-aid over the names, the way society or even loved ones can view your skin. This is why colorism can be such a tough topic to talk about because sometimes people don’t want to talk about the nitty-gritty. Still, I think this book was great. It's tough seeing Genesis' various methods to try and lighten her skin but the conclusion at the end is worth it. Genesis Begins Again manages to tackle heavy issues in a simple and relatable way and sneak in some Harlem Renaissance singers/Black History facts.
4 stars only for...
Anyway, I recommend it!
Ch 1 - 14;
Charming. I'm really tired of dudes with sister complexes , but I don't think even that will deter me from this series. I like seeing the Folger family unit get a little stronger each mission. Anya's adorable and loves her Pa and Ma very much. I'm excited to read more.
3.5
Charming. I'm really tired of dudes with
3.5
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thought the romance was really cute. I would love for a guy to write me sweet poetry too.
"Our knees kissed under the dining room table (pg 176)."
Come on, that would make my day. I enjoyed Alex and Isa together. I also liked the way Spanish is weaved into the story. I didn't know all the modismos used (like pérate is short for espérate = (you) wait), but it's super easy to figure them out with context. In addition, I liked the story with Merrit, Isa's brother, and how her family was managing with his mental health and relapses. I also really liked that the story showed this took a toll on Isa's mental health too.
A positive point is that therapy and psychiatrists are lovingly accepted and acknowledged throughout the story. Usually, with these stories, it is a struggle to get the characters to seek help, but, here, it is already happening. Awesome. This story was more than just Isa's first love. It's also about life and how real stuff happens.
Everything beyond that is kind of typical. A rich (white) girl defies the odds and falls in love with a poor or at least not rich (insert ethnicity) boy. "I don't care what you say, Mom/Dad I love him!" *plays "Nobody Want to See Us Together" by Akon* In all seriousness, I was surprised that the whole ordeal wasn't the constant focus.
Anyway, I thought the writing and Alex’s narrative was good. Isabelle by herself was a little too much at times. Like, girl burst into dance one more time, I dare you. However, her impromptu bachata routine was fun and unexpected. She's not irritating, so that's good. Well, at least until she starts running away from her problems. That was realistic though still annoying. She put that boy on ice, didn’t she? First, Alex reacted normally, then like a total loser.He says he told Kiara straight-up he wasn’t looking for something serious. Okay. Well, you have to be firm. Alex knew that girl was in love with him from day one. She’s not going to take a friend with benefits relationship well. Honestly, he was just using her, and she knew it.
Also, Chrissy's predicament about not being a virgin went on way too long. That did not need to be a side-plot. Idk why Chrissy thought she needed to go on a whole apology-tour that she wasn't a virgin and was sexually-experienced. In her eyes, she thought she was some huge ho. Well, what about Kevin? What was he doing? Did he say "I only date virgins or something?"
Another thing, Isa acted so basic when Alex was facing police brutality. Did she really think the cops were going to just believe her? She didn’t try to film the cops, go down to the police station and argue on his behalf, or any of the stuff her bro Merrit did. One thing with these types of stories the white counterpart never seems to care or realize stuff like racism and prejudice exists until it affects him or her directly, i.e he or she falls in love with someone of a different race and sees their lover being mistreated. She said she should have asked Alex why he got so scared/felt about cops. Really, girl? You’ve never heard of police brutality like ever? And you live in New York?
The common theme of familial relationships and trying to live up to your dreams vs parent’s expectations were grrrreat *Tony the Tiger voice*. Alex's parents are divorced but cordial, and Alex has a good relationship with his half-brother and his dad's girlfriend, Yaritza. I wasn't expecting that. Alex's love for his little bro Robi is so heartwarming. The family relationships, romance, and the mental health conversation were the strong points for me.
Overall, it wasn't the normal, run-of-the-mill love story. The climax is exciting in a horrifying way. It’s like a car crash you see coming but you can’t look away. Maybe I’m easy to please, but I liked reading this for the most part. Also, this story gets a gold star for referencing my favorite Romeo Santos song, "Bella y Sensual."
[Rating from personal enjoyment: 3.5 stars ]
A positive point is that therapy and psychiatrists are lovingly accepted and acknowledged throughout the story. Usually, with these stories, it is a struggle to get the characters to seek help, but, here, it is already happening. Awesome. This story was more than just Isa's first love. It's also about life and how real stuff happens.
Everything beyond that is kind of typical. A rich (white) girl defies the odds and falls in love with a poor or at least not rich (insert ethnicity) boy. "I don't care what you say, Mom/Dad I love him!" *plays "Nobody Want to See Us Together" by Akon* In all seriousness, I was surprised that the whole ordeal wasn't the constant focus.
Anyway, I thought the writing and Alex’s narrative was good. Isabelle by herself was a little too much at times. Like, girl burst into dance one more time, I dare you. However, her impromptu bachata routine was fun and unexpected. She's not irritating, so that's good. Well, at least until she starts running away from her problems. That was realistic though still annoying. She put that boy on ice, didn’t she? First, Alex reacted normally, then like a total loser.
Also, Chrissy's predicament about not being a virgin went on way too long. That did not need to be a side-plot. Idk why Chrissy thought she needed to go on a whole apology-tour that she wasn't a virgin and was sexually-experienced. In her eyes, she thought she was some huge ho. Well, what about Kevin? What was he doing? Did he say "I only date virgins or something?"
Another thing, Isa acted so basic when Alex was facing police brutality. Did she really think the cops were going to just believe her?
The common theme of familial relationships and trying to live up to your dreams vs parent’s expectations were grrrreat *Tony the Tiger voice*. Alex's parents are divorced but cordial, and Alex has a good relationship with his half-brother and his dad's girlfriend, Yaritza. I wasn't expecting that. Alex's love for his little bro Robi is so heartwarming. The family relationships, romance, and the mental health conversation were the strong points for me.
Overall, it wasn't the normal, run-of-the-mill love story. The climax is exciting in a horrifying way. It’s like a car crash you see coming but you can’t look away. Maybe I’m easy to please, but I liked reading this for the most part. Also, this story gets a gold star for referencing my favorite Romeo Santos song, "Bella y Sensual."
[Rating from personal enjoyment: 3.5 stars ]