Skim

This graphic novel was praised almost universally in reviews, and but has still remained somewhat under the radar of the public.Both the story and the drawing style are unusual and lovely. It's a story is set in the emotional world of a young schoolgirl. Like many bildungsromans, it is full of yearning and searching, but instead of being angsty or funny, it is poetic and kaleidoscopic, a snowglobe-like window into her changing world. I haven't seen anything else quite like it, and I've read a lot of graphic novels and comics.Fans of Persepolis, Fun Home, or Maus would particularly appreciate it.

This is worth a read, quite sophisticated for a book with a primarily teen audience. Adults who appreciate a good story, good graphics, and teenage angst (non-melodramatic) can appreciate this graphic novel. It will also appeal to many kinds of teens - those struggling with conformity, nonconformity, identity, traditional religion vs nontraditional, body image, sexual identity - well, ok, to all teens, if they have a contemplative side. The author is sympathetic to the needs of teens to rebel and yet doesn't glorify it.

Fantastic art.... So many full page drawings that took my breath away. It's been a long time since I was a teenager, but this story seems current and also classic. teenage angst, well written

Skim isn't completely was I expected but it kinda was.The book follows an Asian teen as she comes to terms with her understanding of love and sexuality. Nothing is explicit but all feelings expressed are quiet yet raw which I liked a lot. The lead is a witch but the practice is not the plot's main focus. So if that's the kind of representation you're seeking, I doubt you'll be satisfied. Especially since the lead doesn't take it too seriously (she's 16, give her a break lol). I digress. The book did a great job capturing the process of heartbreak when you barely understand. It also did a great job showing various friendships between girls and the process of growing apart (and closer) at a young age. Also did a good job highlighting the various ways people deal with grief. On the other hand, it did a horrible job pointing out explicitly that (spoiler alert) adults shouldn't go after children romantically. Considering the climate this book was made it, I'm not particularly happy about that so I took off a star. I also took off another star because I wish the story was longer. Granted the book has a complete story, I liked the lead enough to crave more of her narrative. Especially in relation to her budding relationship with someone unexpected.Not my favorite but recommend to queer Asian teen femmes seeking representation. There's one scene I'm sure many youth of color growing up in white spaces can relate to. I digress. TW for suicide and predatory adults (read: inappropriate behavior with children).

This graphic novel is a gorgeous, moving, and engaging story about Kim, a teenage outcast, weirdo, witch, queer, Asian girl in a world of white, straight, Christian girls. Her alienation and journey to find herself on a number of fronts is moving and important. Buy this.

I just started reading graphic novels and Mariko and Jillian Tamaki have quickly become my favorites! I first read "This One Summer" and now "Skim". LOVE, LOVE the illustration style in both books and the story lines (both coming of age stories) are so real and thoughtfully written. I know I will return to these 2 books over and over again.

Skim is a wonderful, quick read. If you're at all familliar with graphic novels, it's easy and fun to read. The story is captivating. As literature, it has a depth to it that could easily inspire many long conversations.

Wonderful graphic novel. Beautiful imagery, pace, and characters. It's like what a good high school movie wants to be but never is. Ideal to read in late summer/autumn if you read by the season like I do.

The art is very unique to graphic novels which is refreshing. The story is about finding yourself, being true to who you are and evolving.

Needed for school, but was a good read.

The book shows an interesting perspective in the reaction of the ending of a relationship/ suicide. It's funny how people group together despite not knowing who they were. Being outside of that circle makes you think if you should be obligated to contribute forced emotions.

Great price, thank you.

Lovely and a bit eccentric. Doesn't have a well-rounded plot, but that's just the Tamaki style. Not as refined as "This One Summer," but still interesting.