Welcome to Cup of Tea’s 5 Mini Book Reviews, where I will give you 5 bite sized book reviews where I provide my quick thoughts on and give you book recommendations to be aware of.
Hope you enjoy!
The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography by Janine Barchas and illustrated by Isabel Greenberg
I’m always on when it comes to anything related to Jane Austen, but this was an exceptional collaboration between an acclaimed Austen expert and bestselling graphic novelist. This is a treat for fans of Austen and also for readers who are looking to know more about the beloved author. With such an intimate look into Jane’s life and including references to adaptations of her work, this was such a delightful treat to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth. A Janeite must read!
Brielle and Bear: Volume 1 by Salomey Doku
A sweet retelling of a classic fairy tale will be enjoyed by comic book fans and romance readers alike. Such a great meet-cute story combined with beautiful illustrations will just warm your hear!
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven
How do you fall in love with someone, knowing that you would have to kill each other? In this romantasy, Stevens takes on a new genre by writing a tale that is more than just an eternal love story that flows through many lifetimes but a deep and moving look into the power of this vital emotion.
The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All, Vol. 1 by Sumiko Arai
This title was getting much attention at Anime NYC and New York Comic Con by Yen Press, and rightly so! If you are looking for an uplifting LGBTQIA rom-com that is a mix of mistaken-identity and meet-cute tropes, then this is a manga you will want to pick up! It gives “Heartstopper” vibes but also shows the appreciation that it is ok to be different and like a variety of things. You just need to find someone who matches your rhythm (no music puns intended 😅).
Speak Up, Santiago! by Julio Anta and illustrated by Gabi Mendez
Such a fun and enjoyable graphic novel to read! I always like anything that Julio Anta puts out, and this latest series is entertaining, engaging, inspiring and hopeful that readers, both young and old, will identify with Santi’s story. My family is from Antigua on my mother’s side, and I always felt self-conscious because I didn’t know the dialect or other things, and I thought people judged me due to my being “too Americanized”. But like Santi discovered, learning about where you come from is always a process, and you’re always learning. “Speak Up Santiago” beautifully portrays accepting oneself, but appreciating and being willing to learn more about one’s heritage. And Gabi’s illustrations are delightful and make this story truly stand out. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply