Title: The Isobel Journal
Author: Isobel Harrop
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Journal
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½
Source: NetGalley
Published: Aug 1st 2014 by Switch Press
Summery: THE ISOBEL JOURNAL is no ordinary snapshot of a contemporary teenage life. A charming and vivid narrative scrapbook of the eighteen-year-old author's sketches, mini-graphic novels, photographs and captions, it captures her wit, her observations and her creative talent as she takes us through the three central themes in her life: 'Love', 'Friends, Art and Otters' and 'Me'.
Resonant of Laura Dockrill's MISTAKES IN THE BACKGROUND and with the powerful naïve illustrative style of cult Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, this is a collector's gift for teenagers and all who have the teenage experience still in their hearts. Readers will emphasise with this witty and honest journal of a girl getting to grips with impending adulthood. A must-have for all hipster teenagers and anyone who appreciates the raw creativity of youth. Enchanting and poignant.
Resonant of Laura Dockrill's MISTAKES IN THE BACKGROUND and with the powerful naïve illustrative style of cult Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, this is a collector's gift for teenagers and all who have the teenage experience still in their hearts. Readers will emphasise with this witty and honest journal of a girl getting to grips with impending adulthood. A must-have for all hipster teenagers and anyone who appreciates the raw creativity of youth. Enchanting and poignant.
“I've tried to teach myself some new skills and get some new hobbies, but I always end up either back in bed or on the computer.”
Why I read this book
I was sent this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A few days before I was sent this, I'd seen a BookTuber raving about it on YouTube and hoped to pick a copy up as soon as it was released.
My thoughts
I have two words to describe this book RANDOM and BRILLIANT. In this book/graphic novel we see the inner musings of a relatable 18 year old girl named Isobel. We get to see fun snippets of her life set out in a scrapbook/ doodling type of style. We see insights into her family life and her thoughts on love and friends, with some fun little tips and facts thrown in , I have to admit, I did find myself giggling at times reading this quirky graphic novel.
As a teenager myself, I felt I could relate with Isobel so much. . . She seemed like she would be a real crazy fun person to be friends with, we would be like two peas in a pod. I really felt that she understood what us teenagers really think and feel, and managed to portray it in a relatable kooky style.
I don't really know how to explain this book, its mostly pictures with a little bit of text mixed in (it was a real mishmash of things) . She had parts dedicated to family, friends, love and breakups.
The illustrations were really unlike anything I had seen before, they were scratchy and rough, making them look like she really drew them herself. This book was really refreshing , it’s truly unlike anything I've ever read before. . .It was really really quick, it probably took me around 30 minuets to finish, I do wish it was a little longer. I defiantly recommend that you give this book a chance, I can see myself picking this book back up in the future to have a quick flick through.
I can really see my friends and even family enjoying this book, everyone can relate to being a confused teenager just getting to grips with adulthood.
Overall Impressions – Good
For a one sitting read unlike anything you have read before, pick this book up.
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