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The Nightingales
Based on a true story, a gorgeously illustrated, singular graphic novel about a life-changing friendship between a seventeen-year-old girl and the dying stranger who moves into her family’s home during the summer of 1985.
In 1985, Emil Wilson’s father invites his coworker, Jim, and his two Pomeranians, Henny and Penny, to move into his family’s small town Oregon home. What Donald doesn’t tell his wife, Annemarie, or his seventeen-year-old daughter, Lou, is that Jim has AIDS. Months before Rock Hudson’s diagnosis became public and ushered in a new era of public sympathy for the crisis, AIDS is still a news story that happens in faraway places to faraway people, and Jim’s presence in the house turns this small-town Oregon family upside down. As Annemarie’s fear and resentment grows, resulting in increasingly bitter fights with the gentle and stubborn Donald, so too does Lou’s unlikely and genuine friendship with Jim (and his dogs)—a friendship that not only buoys Jim’s final days, but is a catalyst for Lou to finally pursue her truest and bravest self in the bigger world.
Based on a true story, The Nightingales is a gorgeous and singular coming-of-age novel, a human portrait of an imperfect family grappling with extraordinary circumstances, and a moving example of how small acts of kindness can change us forever.
In 1985, Emil Wilson’s father invites his coworker, Jim, and his two Pomeranians, Henny and Penny, to move into his family’s small town Oregon home. What Donald doesn’t tell his wife, Annemarie, or his seventeen-year-old daughter, Lou, is that Jim has AIDS. Months before Rock Hudson’s diagnosis became public and ushered in a new era of public sympathy for the crisis, AIDS is still a news story that happens in faraway places to faraway people, and Jim’s presence in the house turns this small-town Oregon family upside down. As Annemarie’s fear and resentment grows, resulting in increasingly bitter fights with the gentle and stubborn Donald, so too does Lou’s unlikely and genuine friendship with Jim (and his dogs)—a friendship that not only buoys Jim’s final days, but is a catalyst for Lou to finally pursue her truest and bravest self in the bigger world.
Based on a true story, The Nightingales is a gorgeous and singular coming-of-age novel, a human portrait of an imperfect family grappling with extraordinary circumstances, and a moving example of how small acts of kindness can change us forever.
Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 28, 2026
4.5 stars
Really touching graphic novel about a high school senior living in a small town in Oregon, whose life is changed when a man with AIDS comes to stay with her family. I loved this story’s quiet yet moving portrayal of how an intergenerational friendship can alter the trajectory of someone’s life. Our protagonist Lou’s coming-of-age was masterfully rendered, as well as the outright discrimination and bigotry against queer people during the 1980’s. The illustrations were amazing and I appreciated how they so poignantly captured the characters’ feelings of connection, loss, and grief. I definitely got emotional reading this one and would recommend it to those interested in subtle yet powerful coming-of-age stories, with important sociohistorical themes embedded throughout.
Really touching graphic novel about a high school senior living in a small town in Oregon, whose life is changed when a man with AIDS comes to stay with her family. I loved this story’s quiet yet moving portrayal of how an intergenerational friendship can alter the trajectory of someone’s life. Our protagonist Lou’s coming-of-age was masterfully rendered, as well as the outright discrimination and bigotry against queer people during the 1980’s. The illustrations were amazing and I appreciated how they so poignantly captured the characters’ feelings of connection, loss, and grief. I definitely got emotional reading this one and would recommend it to those interested in subtle yet powerful coming-of-age stories, with important sociohistorical themes embedded throughout.
July 8, 2026
Recordad que yo lo he dicho antes que nadie: este es el cómic del año. Una historia hermosamente dibujada sobre vínculos familiares complejos y problemáticos, sobre la enfermedad que diezmó al colectivo, sobre la compasión y la solidaridad, sobre abrirse camino en la vida y abrazar el mundo. Simplemente perfecto. Un digno sucesor directo de obras maestras como FUN HOME. Se va a llevar todos los premios habidos y por haber.
August 21, 2026
Gorgeously illustrated and emotionally piercing, this coming of age story set at the height of the AIDs epidemic shows how impactful one friendship, and one loss, can be on the direction of a teen's life. Nuanced, empathetic, and impossible to set down. The art is so unusual, a mix of comics and illustrated text, with a hand drawn watercolor sketchbook style. Highly recommended!
September 4, 2026
Wow, thanks to Lisa (NY) who tipped me off to this gem I had not heard about, and read all of it in one sitting, all 385 pages of it. It''s based on the actual experience of Wilson, whose Dad invited a guy to live with their family in a small town in mid-Oregon in the mid-eighties because he ws sick and had nowhere else to go. And his two Pomeranians. The illness was vaguely. framed: Cancer, I dunno what cancer, ask him.
But Jim had AIDS, this was months before the Rock Hudson announcement, and the world would be rocked, everyone I knew had someone in their circle who had AIDS, many deaths, so much anguish. But his story Wilson reinvents as a coming-of-age story focused on a teen, Lou, who becomes close to Jim all the way to the end. We get to know Lou and her dysfunctional family in the midst of Lou's being stage director of The Glass Menagerie at her school, liking making out with a guy whom she is wrong for, everything precarious for the family but solid for Jim, this is what you do, you take care of people that need caring for.
The art is refreshingly memoirish, sort of as slice-of-life, set as a kind of a sketchbook (a bit like Emil Ferris's MYyFavorite Thing is Monsters, but lighter, less dense) from the time, with sticky notes taped in of dialogue and other things. Moving, completely engaging, relatable, beautiful, moving. One of my favorites of 2026, for sure. Feels unadorned, unpretentious, earnest, humane, important.
But Jim had AIDS, this was months before the Rock Hudson announcement, and the world would be rocked, everyone I knew had someone in their circle who had AIDS, many deaths, so much anguish. But his story Wilson reinvents as a coming-of-age story focused on a teen, Lou, who becomes close to Jim all the way to the end. We get to know Lou and her dysfunctional family in the midst of Lou's being stage director of The Glass Menagerie at her school, liking making out with a guy whom she is wrong for, everything precarious for the family but solid for Jim, this is what you do, you take care of people that need caring for.
The art is refreshingly memoirish, sort of as slice-of-life, set as a kind of a sketchbook (a bit like Emil Ferris's MYyFavorite Thing is Monsters, but lighter, less dense) from the time, with sticky notes taped in of dialogue and other things. Moving, completely engaging, relatable, beautiful, moving. One of my favorites of 2026, for sure. Feels unadorned, unpretentious, earnest, humane, important.
September 15, 2026
It's been ages since I've read a graphic novel and The Nightingales did not disappoint. It follows a traditional American family in the 1970's during the AIDS epidemic. The family dynamic is thrown into chaos when Don invites his friend from work, Jim, to live with them after Jim was thrown out of his apartment. Don's daughter Lou takes a liking to Jim and an unconventional (and wonderful) friendship is born.
I thought this was absolutely beautiful in every sense of the word. The color choices and subtle differences in an already unique art style do a wonderful job connecting the drawings to the emotions of the story. There are a few different creative narration styles as well. I thought the story was very impactful, moreso than many traditional novels. This is a bittersweet coming of age story about found family and living for the moment. I definitely recommend giving this a try, even if (or especially if) it's out of your comfort zone.
I thought this was absolutely beautiful in every sense of the word. The color choices and subtle differences in an already unique art style do a wonderful job connecting the drawings to the emotions of the story. There are a few different creative narration styles as well. I thought the story was very impactful, moreso than many traditional novels. This is a bittersweet coming of age story about found family and living for the moment. I definitely recommend giving this a try, even if (or especially if) it's out of your comfort zone.
August 29, 2026
4.25 stars my first real graphic novel and I truly enjoyed it. Full review to follow.
August 16, 2026
This had me crying on trains and shouting in parks. Stunning, devastating, life affirming. With pomeranians.
August 12, 2026
I don't read a lot of graphic novels, but this has been getting a lot of buzz recently, so wanted to check it out. It's more or less a true story about how the author's family took in a coworker of the dad, who was dying of AIDS back in 1985 - and the effect he had on the family dynamics, especially via his friendship with the teenage sister/daughter.
For anyone who lived through that era, as I did, this does not really open up any new ground - it's a fairly typical story that thousands experienced back then - but since not many new books are coming out reminding us of those decades - and since the drawings are quite good and distinctive - I'm glad this has made its way to publication.
My one qualm is that the mother - who has conversations with the Virgin Mar, no less - is pretty irredeemable, especially her hateful action towards the two adorable Pomeranians.
For anyone who lived through that era, as I did, this does not really open up any new ground - it's a fairly typical story that thousands experienced back then - but since not many new books are coming out reminding us of those decades - and since the drawings are quite good and distinctive - I'm glad this has made its way to publication.
My one qualm is that the mother - who has conversations with the Virgin Mar, no less - is pretty irredeemable, especially her hateful action towards the two adorable Pomeranians.
August 15, 2026
My first graphic novel.
August 16, 2026
🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
September 2, 2026
I went into this completely blind, and I was captivated.
A coming-of-age story that is set in 1985, follows Lou, a young woman right around her 18th birthday. When her father's friend moves in, suffering and dying from AIDS, they form a friendship that is pure and heartfelt. It is insightful to see how the views of many were during this time. Annemarie, Lou's mother, was an irredeemable character to me; she seems absolutely vile. The Pomeranians, Henny and Penny brought some fun humour to the story. It reads more like a journal, connecting different events rather than a story with dialogue.
The style of the artwork was unique and really well done, with a mix of comic style images and water colour paintings.
I did not know that this was based on the author's life experiences but found that to be a fascinating piece of information after the fact. Books like these are important; it is a glimpse into the AIDS pandemic that many people we know would have lived through.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this graphic novel.
A coming-of-age story that is set in 1985, follows Lou, a young woman right around her 18th birthday. When her father's friend moves in, suffering and dying from AIDS, they form a friendship that is pure and heartfelt. It is insightful to see how the views of many were during this time. Annemarie, Lou's mother, was an irredeemable character to me; she seems absolutely vile. The Pomeranians, Henny and Penny brought some fun humour to the story. It reads more like a journal, connecting different events rather than a story with dialogue.
The style of the artwork was unique and really well done, with a mix of comic style images and water colour paintings.
I did not know that this was based on the author's life experiences but found that to be a fascinating piece of information after the fact. Books like these are important; it is a glimpse into the AIDS pandemic that many people we know would have lived through.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this graphic novel.
August 24, 2026
I've done it. I've given five stars to a graphic novel. I don't know what I was expecting. I'd heard and read other reviews, all of them giving high praise.
I was stunned when I finished by the level of feelings I had. It would make sense since the subject matter is one I'm all too familiar with. It's also logical to think I lived through those early years of the AIDS crisis, the fear and hatred. It would make sense too, that I would find the two dogs, Henny & Penny, endearing, and that I would feel my heart sink when I learned (or didn't learn what became of them). What I didn't expect was to harbor such dislike for the mother in this story, nor feel sorry for her and her pent up anger caused by years of a loveless marriage and taken out on her children. She's controlling, bitter, spiteful. That her teenage daughter is more of an adult than she is.
This is not a happy book, but it is a hopeful book. The author is insightful, honest, and uses the format so well to tell a story of disease, death, a crumbling marriage, and ostracization.
I will be adding this one to my personal library. A graphic novel! For real!
I was stunned when I finished by the level of feelings I had. It would make sense since the subject matter is one I'm all too familiar with. It's also logical to think I lived through those early years of the AIDS crisis, the fear and hatred. It would make sense too, that I would find the two dogs, Henny & Penny, endearing, and that I would feel my heart sink when I learned (or didn't learn what became of them). What I didn't expect was to harbor such dislike for the mother in this story, nor feel sorry for her and her pent up anger caused by years of a loveless marriage and taken out on her children. She's controlling, bitter, spiteful. That her teenage daughter is more of an adult than she is.
This is not a happy book, but it is a hopeful book. The author is insightful, honest, and uses the format so well to tell a story of disease, death, a crumbling marriage, and ostracization.
I will be adding this one to my personal library. A graphic novel! For real!
August 5, 2026
I received an arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
3.5/5
This isn't a memoir, though it's very much inspired by experiences of the author. As such, I don't want to judge the story too much, but would like to base my review on the art style and narrative structure.
The art is beautiful! It's a bit of mixed media situation, and different topics have different rendering styles. I adored the parts with the dogs where the protagonist imagines them to have vivid conversations, all against a vivid pink background.
The story is more of a narration of events, rather than dialogue or exploration of feelings, and I think that's what ultimately stopped me from connecting to it. The author felt detached to the things happening and as such I became detached, even when the subject matter was important or emotionally charged.
However, I don't think being emotionally invested is necessary to appreciate how important and well-made this graphic novel is.
It's a quick introductory course to get through, especially for someone trying to get a glimpse of what the AIDS panic might've been back in the day.
3.5/5
This isn't a memoir, though it's very much inspired by experiences of the author. As such, I don't want to judge the story too much, but would like to base my review on the art style and narrative structure.
The art is beautiful! It's a bit of mixed media situation, and different topics have different rendering styles. I adored the parts with the dogs where the protagonist imagines them to have vivid conversations, all against a vivid pink background.
The story is more of a narration of events, rather than dialogue or exploration of feelings, and I think that's what ultimately stopped me from connecting to it. The author felt detached to the things happening and as such I became detached, even when the subject matter was important or emotionally charged.
However, I don't think being emotionally invested is necessary to appreciate how important and well-made this graphic novel is.
It's a quick introductory course to get through, especially for someone trying to get a glimpse of what the AIDS panic might've been back in the day.
August 26, 2026
At first, when I was recommended this book and saw that it was a graphic novel, I was reticent. However, I feel the art is sophisticated and intelligent, and conveys a range of emotions that traditional novels would not have been able to accomplish.
This is a fantastic, moving book, and the illustrations really go a long way in my enjoyment. I will most likely be getting everyone a copy for Christmas, haha
This is a fantastic, moving book, and the illustrations really go a long way in my enjoyment. I will most likely be getting everyone a copy for Christmas, haha
September 22, 2026
read it in an afternoon! very moving and i loved the art style here - i don't think i've ever encountered a graphic novel quite like this.
August 18, 2026
What a beautiful book. The art, the words, the message, Henny and Penny. I didn’t read the synopsis before reading so was unaware of the premise of why the dying stranger moved into the family’s home. I am glad I went in blind! Thank you to Avid Reader Press for the beautiful copy. It’s such a pretty book!
September 3, 2026
It’s 1985, a small town in Oregon. One day, Donald brings a friend and colleague, Jim, home and says they need to care for him as he is very sick. His wife, Annemarie, resents this extra responsibility thrust on her because it’s not just Jim but his 2 dogs as well that she has to take care of. Annemarie has no idea that Jim is dying of AIDS, and when the truth emerges, the family is forced to confront fear and prejudice.
Emil Wilson’s “The Nightingales” is based on a real incident that occurred in the author’s family. Wilson narrates the story largely through the perspective of Donald's teenage daughter Lou, whose growing friendship with Jim becomes central to her own passage into adulthood.
Wilson’s flamboyantly colourful illustrations fill the pages to the brim. Pencil sketches, washes of colour, scraps of handwritten notes, diagrams, taped-in pages and typed dialogue all coexist to tell the story. The narrative moves quite fast as it takes the shape of such different mediums to suit the moment. Wilson shows Jim this witty, generous, and occasionally exasperating person who refuses to let his illness define him. I felt like he was meant to be this soft-spoken person but with a loud personality, someone who feels vividly alive.
The character of Lou also stands out. She is the only one in the family who welcomes Jim with genuine curiosity and warmth. She shares conversations and bits of her life, and gradually a gentle friendship grows between them. Lou approaches Jim without the assumptions that dominate the adults around her, and through him she begins to understand both the world beyond her small town and the kind of person she wants to become.
Through the family’s situation, Wilson captures the atmosphere of the time - the misinformation, the moral fear and ostracisation that AIDS patients went through.
Happily recommend this graphic novel.
Thank you to Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for my copy.
Emil Wilson’s “The Nightingales” is based on a real incident that occurred in the author’s family. Wilson narrates the story largely through the perspective of Donald's teenage daughter Lou, whose growing friendship with Jim becomes central to her own passage into adulthood.
Wilson’s flamboyantly colourful illustrations fill the pages to the brim. Pencil sketches, washes of colour, scraps of handwritten notes, diagrams, taped-in pages and typed dialogue all coexist to tell the story. The narrative moves quite fast as it takes the shape of such different mediums to suit the moment. Wilson shows Jim this witty, generous, and occasionally exasperating person who refuses to let his illness define him. I felt like he was meant to be this soft-spoken person but with a loud personality, someone who feels vividly alive.
The character of Lou also stands out. She is the only one in the family who welcomes Jim with genuine curiosity and warmth. She shares conversations and bits of her life, and gradually a gentle friendship grows between them. Lou approaches Jim without the assumptions that dominate the adults around her, and through him she begins to understand both the world beyond her small town and the kind of person she wants to become.
Through the family’s situation, Wilson captures the atmosphere of the time - the misinformation, the moral fear and ostracisation that AIDS patients went through.
Happily recommend this graphic novel.
Thank you to Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for my copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Nightingales by Emil Wilson is an excellent read in every way. Based on a true story, Donald Miller invites his coworker Jim and his two small dogs to live with his family after Jim is evicted from his apartment. What Donald doesn't tell his wife, Annemarie and their 17 year-old daughter Lou, is that Jim has AIDS.
Set in 1985 in a small town in Oregon, the world is just becoming familiar with the growing AIDS epidemic and fear, prejudice, discrimination, and misinformation is running high. Jim's addition to the household intensifies the conflict present within the Miller's dysfunctional family. Lou and Jim develop a friendship which deepens as Jim gets sicker and Lou begins to help Jim his care.
This graphic novel is one of the best I've ever read. Both the drawings and the story are exceptionally well done. The drawings are from Lou's journal and represent her emotions and the household turmoil. The feeling is intimate and raw as we follow how her friendship with Jim changes her views and attitudes on a lot of things . The characters are complex and realistic, and the author does an admirable job of depicting society's feelings and reactions to people with AIDS.
This is a beautiful, compelling, powerful, and memorable story about friendship, grief and the long-lasting impact someone can have on your life. This story touches all the emotions. I recommend it highly. I rate it five out of five stars and wish I could give it more.
My thanks to the author, and to Avid Reader Press for allowing me to access a DRC of the graphic novel via NetGalley. Publication is 8/4/26. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
Set in 1985 in a small town in Oregon, the world is just becoming familiar with the growing AIDS epidemic and fear, prejudice, discrimination, and misinformation is running high. Jim's addition to the household intensifies the conflict present within the Miller's dysfunctional family. Lou and Jim develop a friendship which deepens as Jim gets sicker and Lou begins to help Jim his care.
This graphic novel is one of the best I've ever read. Both the drawings and the story are exceptionally well done. The drawings are from Lou's journal and represent her emotions and the household turmoil. The feeling is intimate and raw as we follow how her friendship with Jim changes her views and attitudes on a lot of things . The characters are complex and realistic, and the author does an admirable job of depicting society's feelings and reactions to people with AIDS.
This is a beautiful, compelling, powerful, and memorable story about friendship, grief and the long-lasting impact someone can have on your life. This story touches all the emotions. I recommend it highly. I rate it five out of five stars and wish I could give it more.
My thanks to the author, and to Avid Reader Press for allowing me to access a DRC of the graphic novel via NetGalley. Publication is 8/4/26. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
August 29, 2026
Lou Miller is growing up in a small town in Oregon in 1985 and about to graduate from high school when her father brings home a sick coworker named Jim who has “cancer”. Jim brings along his Pomeranians named Henny and Penny, and Lou’s mother Annemarie is quietly steaming about having to host this sick man and his dogs in their home. Lou soon befriends Jim, who speaks to her like the adult she is becoming. He gives her life advice about not waiting for life to happen, but making those decisions and living every day with presence, because it goes by so fast.
This graphic novel has such beautiful artwork that I look forward to buying the hardcover soon so I can enjoy rereading it and flipping through the gorgeous pages. The book is in a sketchbook style which I absolutely love. Colors are vibrant, with watercolor, color pencil, ink, and even crayon texture in places — utterly gorgeous. Emil’s images have emotion, feeling, and movement to them. I especially love his sketchy style of portraiture as well as the skilled crosshatching. It gives the novel an “urban sketch” style that uses a mixed media with vibrant and lively colors to draw you into this story. I read it through in an afternoon and loved it so much that I started back at the beginning and flipped through it all again just to appreciate the art it contains. This is the best graphic novel I’ve read this year.
Thanks to Emil Wilson and Avid Reader Press for this advanced reader copy.
This graphic novel has such beautiful artwork that I look forward to buying the hardcover soon so I can enjoy rereading it and flipping through the gorgeous pages. The book is in a sketchbook style which I absolutely love. Colors are vibrant, with watercolor, color pencil, ink, and even crayon texture in places — utterly gorgeous. Emil’s images have emotion, feeling, and movement to them. I especially love his sketchy style of portraiture as well as the skilled crosshatching. It gives the novel an “urban sketch” style that uses a mixed media with vibrant and lively colors to draw you into this story. I read it through in an afternoon and loved it so much that I started back at the beginning and flipped through it all again just to appreciate the art it contains. This is the best graphic novel I’ve read this year.
Thanks to Emil Wilson and Avid Reader Press for this advanced reader copy.
August 29, 2026
This book is beautiful. Beautifully written and beautifully drawn.
I’ve never read a graphic novel before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but at 389 pages, I read the entire book in about two hours. What surprised me most was how deeply connected I became to the characters in such a short amount of time.
The Nightingale gives an intimate and deeply moving look at the AIDS crisis in the 1980s through the eyes of Lou.
Jim, a friend of Lou’s father’s and living with AIDS comes to stay with her family. At a time when so much of the world was turning its back on people like Jim, Donald and his family chose to open their home to him.
And Lou… she chose to see Jim.
Not his diagnosis. Not the fear surrounding AIDS. Not the stigma.
The person.
Her compassion, empathy, and love made this story so much more than a story about AIDS. It became a story about what happens when we choose to look beyond what frightens us and truly see another human being.
There is so much tenderness here. So much humanity. And while the story takes place during an incredibly painful time in history, there is also something hopeful about watching people learn, grow, and have their understanding changed simply because they were willing to let someone in.
My first graphic novel—and definitely not one I’ll forget anytime soon. ❤️
I’ve never read a graphic novel before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but at 389 pages, I read the entire book in about two hours. What surprised me most was how deeply connected I became to the characters in such a short amount of time.
The Nightingale gives an intimate and deeply moving look at the AIDS crisis in the 1980s through the eyes of Lou.
Jim, a friend of Lou’s father’s and living with AIDS comes to stay with her family. At a time when so much of the world was turning its back on people like Jim, Donald and his family chose to open their home to him.
And Lou… she chose to see Jim.
Not his diagnosis. Not the fear surrounding AIDS. Not the stigma.
The person.
Her compassion, empathy, and love made this story so much more than a story about AIDS. It became a story about what happens when we choose to look beyond what frightens us and truly see another human being.
There is so much tenderness here. So much humanity. And while the story takes place during an incredibly painful time in history, there is also something hopeful about watching people learn, grow, and have their understanding changed simply because they were willing to let someone in.
My first graphic novel—and definitely not one I’ll forget anytime soon. ❤️
July 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a story with heavy subject matter told in a unique graphic novel format. The majority of the book’s artwork looked like a scrapbook with sketches throughout. There were also some breaks where backstories were told in a comic strip or user manual styles. My favorite drawings were of the dogs (of course) as well as the facial expressions of the characters. There was so much conveyed in those sketches that gave life to the words on the page.
I loved the friendship that developed between Lou and Jim. I enjoyed their conversations, the acts of kindness, and the sharing of insights. I appreciated that this story didn’t shy away from the realities faced by those with AIDS at that time and the lasting impact it had. I was pretty young in the 80s but I recall that period of time when AIDS was frequently in the news, and the big headlines like Magic Johnson’s diagnosis and Princess Diana shaking hands with AIDS patients to show that the disease didn’t spread through simple contact. The author’s note at the end added context about the real people and events that inspired the story.
Thank you to Avid Reader Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was a story with heavy subject matter told in a unique graphic novel format. The majority of the book’s artwork looked like a scrapbook with sketches throughout. There were also some breaks where backstories were told in a comic strip or user manual styles. My favorite drawings were of the dogs (of course) as well as the facial expressions of the characters. There was so much conveyed in those sketches that gave life to the words on the page.
I loved the friendship that developed between Lou and Jim. I enjoyed their conversations, the acts of kindness, and the sharing of insights. I appreciated that this story didn’t shy away from the realities faced by those with AIDS at that time and the lasting impact it had. I was pretty young in the 80s but I recall that period of time when AIDS was frequently in the news, and the big headlines like Magic Johnson’s diagnosis and Princess Diana shaking hands with AIDS patients to show that the disease didn’t spread through simple contact. The author’s note at the end added context about the real people and events that inspired the story.
Thank you to Avid Reader Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2026
This was an amazing graphic novel. Although this story is technically fictional, it was based on the author's family and their experience housing a man dying from AIDS in the 1980s.
What stood out to me the most about this graphic novel was the unique and beautiful mixed-media style. Unlike other graphic novels, there are no speech bubbles, and all speech is set out on the page like a script typed with a typewriter. Many of the drawings are done in the style of sketches in a sketchbook. Sometimes the author tells parts of the story in such creative ways, like the dogs having a talk show to give us some exposition, and showing some background on the father through an "instruction manual." Sounds weird, but it's done so well and beautifully.
Through Lou's narration, the art, and dialogue, the characters truly came alive on the page. I felt like I got to know Lou, Jim, and Lou's family. Even Annemarie, who was often difficult to understand, and especially to like. Justice for...well if you read it, you know.
This was a difficult, and as you can imagine, a depressing read, but also a very important one. It manages to be realistic while also being hopeful, which is not an easy feat when discussing something like AIDS. It's beautifully done, and I definitely recommend it.
What stood out to me the most about this graphic novel was the unique and beautiful mixed-media style. Unlike other graphic novels, there are no speech bubbles, and all speech is set out on the page like a script typed with a typewriter. Many of the drawings are done in the style of sketches in a sketchbook. Sometimes the author tells parts of the story in such creative ways, like the dogs having a talk show to give us some exposition, and showing some background on the father through an "instruction manual." Sounds weird, but it's done so well and beautifully.
Through Lou's narration, the art, and dialogue, the characters truly came alive on the page. I felt like I got to know Lou, Jim, and Lou's family. Even Annemarie, who was often difficult to understand, and especially to like. Justice for...well if you read it, you know.
This was a difficult, and as you can imagine, a depressing read, but also a very important one. It manages to be realistic while also being hopeful, which is not an easy feat when discussing something like AIDS. It's beautifully done, and I definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's hard to believe that this is a debut work, but perhaps the veneer of fiction allowed Wilson to be more confident?
While there are kernels of a true story at the heart of this novel, Wilson's choice to make himself a background character allows the fictional narrator more latitude in imagining the inner workings of the characters who inhabit this beautifully told story.
The format of this graphic novel is also unexpectedly bold for a debut. Working more with the concept of illustration than comic's boxes, Wilson's pages are divided by ideas rather than panels. Narrative text is free floating. Dialogue is in boxes thematically linked to the illustrations. Each character has a palate and a set of conceits that ground their bit of the story. Only the dogs communicate the way most of us are familiar with from other works.
This is a wholly realized vision that transports the reader back to the uncertainties of both the early AIDS epidemic and the cusp of young adulthood. I hope it is the start of a bountiful career.
Many thanks to NetGalley for this eARC. I look forward to shelving a physical copy in my library.
While there are kernels of a true story at the heart of this novel, Wilson's choice to make himself a background character allows the fictional narrator more latitude in imagining the inner workings of the characters who inhabit this beautifully told story.
The format of this graphic novel is also unexpectedly bold for a debut. Working more with the concept of illustration than comic's boxes, Wilson's pages are divided by ideas rather than panels. Narrative text is free floating. Dialogue is in boxes thematically linked to the illustrations. Each character has a palate and a set of conceits that ground their bit of the story. Only the dogs communicate the way most of us are familiar with from other works.
This is a wholly realized vision that transports the reader back to the uncertainties of both the early AIDS epidemic and the cusp of young adulthood. I hope it is the start of a bountiful career.
Many thanks to NetGalley for this eARC. I look forward to shelving a physical copy in my library.
August 2, 2026
I don’t read many graphic novels, so I wasn’t quite sure how effectively the author would be able to tell this type of story. Turns out I didn’t need to worry, because Wilson perfectly captures the complexity of each character in this heartbreaking and impactful story.
One thing that stuck out to me the most was the emotion that Wilson conveyed in his drawings, particularly Lou’s mother. AnneMarie is not the main character, and may be incredibly unlikeable for most of the story, but she adds an important layer of depth to the story.
Annemarie shows us that even people who believe they are good, moral people are not immune to prejudiced narratives. We see Annemarie struggling with her obligation to be a caring host and the fear that Jim will endanger her family. Hers was the most intriguing journey of the story for me.
I enjoyed reading this book and would gladly recommend it to pretty much anyone.
*Huge thanks to Emil Wilson, Avid Reader Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital e-book of The Nightingales in exchange for honest review*
One thing that stuck out to me the most was the emotion that Wilson conveyed in his drawings, particularly Lou’s mother. AnneMarie is not the main character, and may be incredibly unlikeable for most of the story, but she adds an important layer of depth to the story.
Annemarie shows us that even people who believe they are good, moral people are not immune to prejudiced narratives. We see Annemarie struggling with her obligation to be a caring host and the fear that Jim will endanger her family. Hers was the most intriguing journey of the story for me.
I enjoyed reading this book and would gladly recommend it to pretty much anyone.
*Huge thanks to Emil Wilson, Avid Reader Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital e-book of The Nightingales in exchange for honest review*
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August 4, 2026"Kindness isn't all it's cracked up to be. You do something nice and the next thing you know, we're all dead from disease."
In the 1980s, Lou's life is about to change when her dad invites his coworker, Jim, to move into their house with them after he's diagnosed with cancer and loses his home. Though the pictures and text, we learn of Jim's sickness and Lou's compassion.
This book is filled with unbelievable artwork which is initially what drew me into this book. Through the watercolor sketches is a story of tender compassion and friendship between and unlikely pair (and two little pups). It has tense family dynamics, parental guilt, and reconciliations that keep us whole. I don't want to give too much away because I think this story speaks for itself, but I highly recommend reading this. I love graphic novels because you can tell such a lengthy story without as many words. The pictures tell it.
Avid Reader Press, thank you so much for getting this story out into the world and sending me a gifted copy.
In the 1980s, Lou's life is about to change when her dad invites his coworker, Jim, to move into their house with them after he's diagnosed with cancer and loses his home. Though the pictures and text, we learn of Jim's sickness and Lou's compassion.
This book is filled with unbelievable artwork which is initially what drew me into this book. Through the watercolor sketches is a story of tender compassion and friendship between and unlikely pair (and two little pups). It has tense family dynamics, parental guilt, and reconciliations that keep us whole. I don't want to give too much away because I think this story speaks for itself, but I highly recommend reading this. I love graphic novels because you can tell such a lengthy story without as many words. The pictures tell it.
Avid Reader Press, thank you so much for getting this story out into the world and sending me a gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NG for an ARC!
I love when I go blindly into a book, not knowing a single thing, not knowing what to expect.
This book, however, was a brick to the face.
At first I thought maybe this would be a bit fun, given its quirky aesthetic, the sketches, the scrapbook assembly. But shortly thereafter the book tells you that this is not a happy story.
As a child of the late 80’s, all I know about the AIDs epidemic is factual, but this book gives a a tangible, as close to experiencing it yourself as possible. The fact that this book doesn’t adhere to any kind of traditional narrative style makes it easy for the reader to pop into another POV quite quickly. The visuals of the sketches really lends itself to the style and overall message in a way that a traditional novel wouldn’t be able to achieve.
It’ll be a long while before I find a book as beautifully constructed and delivered as this, and I cannot wait to own this physically when it comes out.
I love when I go blindly into a book, not knowing a single thing, not knowing what to expect.
This book, however, was a brick to the face.
At first I thought maybe this would be a bit fun, given its quirky aesthetic, the sketches, the scrapbook assembly. But shortly thereafter the book tells you that this is not a happy story.
As a child of the late 80’s, all I know about the AIDs epidemic is factual, but this book gives a a tangible, as close to experiencing it yourself as possible. The fact that this book doesn’t adhere to any kind of traditional narrative style makes it easy for the reader to pop into another POV quite quickly. The visuals of the sketches really lends itself to the style and overall message in a way that a traditional novel wouldn’t be able to achieve.
It’ll be a long while before I find a book as beautifully constructed and delivered as this, and I cannot wait to own this physically when it comes out.
September 14, 2026
This is beautiful and poignant story about family, relationships, illness and death. Set in 1985, in small town Oregon, this book is based on a true story - the experiences of the author and his family, helping a dying man suffering from AIDS.
My favourite characters were the two pomeranians Henny and Penny, who sometimes host their own talk show in the book. They're so adorable, and I did not at all like what happened to them in the ending. Spoiler alert - it's not happy. I really had to stop reading at that point, and I only just got around to finishing the last few pages.
The story is not told in a conventional way. We get to know Annemarie from her dialogues with the Virgin Mary, and her childhood is shown through cute paper dolls. There's an operating manual for Donald. And the book is filled with beautiful illustrations, that add so much to the story.
I highly recommend this book, so do check it out!
My favourite characters were the two pomeranians Henny and Penny, who sometimes host their own talk show in the book. They're so adorable, and I did not at all like what happened to them in the ending. Spoiler alert - it's not happy. I really had to stop reading at that point, and I only just got around to finishing the last few pages.
The story is not told in a conventional way. We get to know Annemarie from her dialogues with the Virgin Mary, and her childhood is shown through cute paper dolls. There's an operating manual for Donald. And the book is filled with beautiful illustrations, that add so much to the story.
I highly recommend this book, so do check it out!
August 4, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Avid Reader Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut graphic novel by Emil Wilson. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!
A gorgeously rendered story of the friendship between a man dying of AIDS in the 1980s and a teenage girl, based on real events. The beautiful illustrations and unique graphic concept allowed the reader to be transported back to this fraught time period to see the impact that this disease had on just one family, yet also see the far-reaching ripple effects it had on the characters. Some of my favorite spots were the mother talking to the Virgin Mary, and the dogs brought some comic relief into a heartbreaking yet hopeful story. Stunning debut.
A gorgeously rendered story of the friendship between a man dying of AIDS in the 1980s and a teenage girl, based on real events. The beautiful illustrations and unique graphic concept allowed the reader to be transported back to this fraught time period to see the impact that this disease had on just one family, yet also see the far-reaching ripple effects it had on the characters. Some of my favorite spots were the mother talking to the Virgin Mary, and the dogs brought some comic relief into a heartbreaking yet hopeful story. Stunning debut.
August 4, 2026
Thank you to Avid Reader Press & NetGalley for the ARC
The art is doing so much here, sketchbook-meets-journal-meets-scrapbook rather than traditional panels, swinging between loose rough pages and neat detailed ones exactly where the emotional weight calls for it. One favorite touch: Donald gets introduced through an actual drawn operating manual spread, laid out like instructions for handling him, such a clever bit of characterization in one page. At its heart this is a book about a friendship that rearranges the shape of someone's life, with grief, the anticipatory current, running underneath the whole thing. There's also a strained parent-child thread here, Lou and her mother pulling further apart the closer Lou gets to Jim, handled with real restraint. It's a historically sensitive subject handled with real care, and for such a short book, Wilson builds genuine depth around Lou and Jim.
My only complaint: I wanted more but, it's pulled from Wilson's own family history, and while he stays mostly out of frame as a character, his own experience volunteering with AIDS patients in NYC is clearly threaded under Lou's story. So the shortness isn't the book failing to go deep, it's just me not wanting to leave.
Full review on my blog ♡ https://blog.bronston.ca/reading-room...
The art is doing so much here, sketchbook-meets-journal-meets-scrapbook rather than traditional panels, swinging between loose rough pages and neat detailed ones exactly where the emotional weight calls for it. One favorite touch: Donald gets introduced through an actual drawn operating manual spread, laid out like instructions for handling him, such a clever bit of characterization in one page. At its heart this is a book about a friendship that rearranges the shape of someone's life, with grief, the anticipatory current, running underneath the whole thing. There's also a strained parent-child thread here, Lou and her mother pulling further apart the closer Lou gets to Jim, handled with real restraint. It's a historically sensitive subject handled with real care, and for such a short book, Wilson builds genuine depth around Lou and Jim.
My only complaint: I wanted more but, it's pulled from Wilson's own family history, and while he stays mostly out of frame as a character, his own experience volunteering with AIDS patients in NYC is clearly threaded under Lou's story. So the shortness isn't the book failing to go deep, it's just me not wanting to leave.
Full review on my blog ♡ https://blog.bronston.ca/reading-room...
August 8, 2026
The sketchbook format and composition were really original. The story is told in a creative way, mixing vignettes, colors, different art styles, and mixed-media. This type of narration was my favorite thing.
The story is about a teenage girl, Lou, and her family, who decide to house Jared and his dogs, a friend of Lou's father who gets evicted because he is HIV positive during the AIDS epidemic. Each family member deals with this situation in a different way. Lou decides to befriend Jared and ends up helping him as his illness gets worse and worse.
The message of this book is really important, and the ending is really hopeful. It made me tear up multiple times, I loved it.
Thank you Avid Reader Press and Netgalley for this ARC.
The story is about a teenage girl, Lou, and her family, who decide to house Jared and his dogs, a friend of Lou's father who gets evicted because he is HIV positive during the AIDS epidemic. Each family member deals with this situation in a different way. Lou decides to befriend Jared and ends up helping him as his illness gets worse and worse.
The message of this book is really important, and the ending is really hopeful. It made me tear up multiple times, I loved it.
Thank you Avid Reader Press and Netgalley for this ARC.
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