Let’s talk about graphic novels. What do you think of them? What’s the last graphic novel you read, if you enjoy them? Do you have a favorite? How about any advice for someone who hasn’t explored the genre?
I admire so much of what’s being produced right now. There are certainly many more literary-type graphic novels out there than there used to be. They’re not for kids any more!
That said, I personally have trouble with the format. I’ve never been a very “visual” person (probably the product of never having very good vision to begin with) and have always preferred things to be straightforward. As a result the graphic novels have never had any appeal for me. (Probably the same reason I don’t enjoy poetry.)
I’m curious about how others have experienced the genre. Anyone out there that’s read a good graphic novel?
I don’t know a whole lot about the politics of graphic novels, i.e., why they exist, etc. I think they have their place, and volunteering at my local library, I see the space they use is consistently expanding. One thing I have done is to read a graphic novel instead of the Cliff Notes as they do have some older novels converted.
Kim, our local library has a huge young adult section of Graphic novels which they have separated by Manga, Graphic novel, and non-fiction. I was told the Manga usually have a long name and are a series. I still don’t get the difference a lot of times.
We also have an Adult Graphic Novel section which is growing steadily. Some of them are also series and the non-fiction are separated out.
As far as reading a good one? I haven’t really embraced reading them as I would a novel. I am more visual, but when read the two literary ones, I hope they have only omitted the fluff and not something important.
I haven’t “read” any graphic novels but have been interested in venturing into them. I’ll have to explore the local library.
I have only read one graphic novel. It was for my Library banned bookclub. Flamer by Mike Curato, it was ok. I was surprised that I read it so quickly! But as a rule I will not often read graphic novels.
Have to confess that I had only given a cursory look at what graphic novels are until you posed this question. Though I can appreciate why some readers might prefer this genre, I’m sure I won’t be adding this genre to my reading list. I think I’d be distracted by the drawings and also lose interest in reading between the “gutters.”
I’ve only read one and wasn’t crazy about it. My sister, a retired 40+ years elementary and high school librarian, says any book that gets a child to read is a good book so I do see their place I guess. For me, the one I read was a quick way to meet my Goodreads annual books read goal.
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