Self-Discovery: January 2022
A lot of people use January and the new year as a time for self-reflection and a starting point for a new journey. This month’s reading list focuses on individuals who are finding themselves while on their own journeys as well - physically, emotionally, or both.
I hope that whatever journey you are on, these stories can help give you some support as you make your own journey throughout the year.
Himawari House
Written and Illustrated by: Harmony Becker
Details: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Coming of Age, Slice of Life, 2021
ISBN-13: 978-1250235572
Synopsis: A young adult graphic novel about three foreign exchange students and the pleasures, and difficulties, of adjusting to living in Japan. Though each of them has her own motivations and challenges, all three women deal with language barriers, being a fish out of water, self-discovery, love, and family.
My Thoughts: To be honest, I picked this book up just because I needed something to read on my flights back home and I saw it was the same artist who illustrated They Called Us Enemy. That being said, I quickly fell in love with the endearing characters. While I’ve never been in the exact situations that these girls have been, it reminded me a lot of things some of my friends have told me about being in a country as a foreigner. A very heartwarming and moving read.
Stand Still, Stay Silent*
Written and Illustrated by: Minna Sundberg
Details: Webcomic, Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Series, Post Apocalyptic, Folklore, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1946698056
Synopsis: Stand Still, Stay Silent portrays a post-apocalyptic Scandinavia, set in the near future but echoing a mythical Nordic past populated by legendary monsters and human mages alike. The plot follows researchers venturing outside the heavily fortified settlements that make up what remains of the known world.
My Thoughts: This webcomic was recommended to me because of my love of dark fantasy and folklore and it did not disappoint! Definitely, a lot of content and beautiful illustrations if you are willing to read the original, online version, otherwise you will only have access to a bit under half of the full story (at this point). Definitely some stressful moments, but through the lenses of delightful, earnest characters.
*While this series is partially converted into graphic novels, the majority of it (at this point in time) still only exists as an online webcomic, which was started in 2013. For ease and to avoid any spoilers, I’ve only listed the information for the first book, Stand Still, Stay Silent: Book 1.
The Tea Dragon Society
Written and Illustrated by: Katie O’Neill
Details: Graphic Novel, Children, Series, Fantasy, Mythology, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1620104415
Synopsis: This book follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives - and eventually her own.
My Thoughts: I chose this book because the idea of tea dragons sounded very cute. A very sweet and wholesome story about change for any aged reader. This version of the story also came with a small section at the end that goes into detail about types of tea dragons and how to care for them, which I really enjoyed along with the story.
The Magic Fish
Written and Illustrated by: Trung Le Nguyen
Details: Graphic Novel, Children, Fantasy, Coming of Age, 2020
ISBN-13: 978-1984851598
Synopsis: Fairy tales are the only way one boy can communicate with his Vietnamese immigrant parents. But how will he find the words to tell them that he’s gay? A powerful read about family, identity, and the enduring magic of stories.
My Thoughts: I’ve been following Nguyen’s art for quite some time and have been anxiously waiting for a chance to read The Magic Fish. The intersections of fairy tale and real-life throughout the book are very charming, along with a lovely cast of characters. A quick, enchanting read that I highly recommend.
