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Tell Me It's Real
A GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATIONBlack & white interior illustrations with a color paperback cover.Do you believe in love at first sight?Paul Auster doesn't. Paul doesn't believe in much at all. He’s thirty, slightly overweight, and his best features are his acerbic wit and the color commentary he provides as life passes him by. He works a dead-end job in a soul-sucking cubicle, and his closest friends are a quasibipolar drag queen named Helena Handbasket and a two-legged dog named Wheels. Enter Vince Taylor.Vince is everything Paul isn’ hot, sexy, and confident. And for some reason, Vince pursues Paul relentlessly. Vince must be messing with him, because there is no way Vince could want someone like Paul.But when Paul hits Vince with his car―in a completely unintentional if-he-died-it'd-only-be-manslaughter kind of way―he's forced to see Vince in a whole new light. The only thing stopping Paul from believing in Vince is himself―and that is one obstacle Paul can’t quite seem to overcome. But when tragedy strikes Vince's family, Paul must put aside any notions he has about himself and stand next to the man who thinks he's perfect the way he is.
494 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2019
About the author
T.J. Klune
77 books66.9k followersTJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 28, 2019
This is a great addition to any TJ Klune collection. I had my doubts since manwha tend to suck for me, but this was great. I had a blast watching TJK's character's come to life in Jakky's art. That being said there was a fair amount of plot condensing in order to squeeze the novel into comic form. They cut out some of the more awkward jokes like the spinach-rape joke and the sassy black nurse bit. But they also cut out some of the better things like the Jack It! date. Toward the end I felt like they were cutting out a little too much and I don't feel like all of the jokes and dialogue would make sense unless you have already read the novel. So in conclusion this comic adaptation is a great supplement but a poor stand alone.
November 17, 2022
3.5 stars
July 26, 2019
Brilliant illustrated version of one of my favourite books.
The facial expressions made my day - like seeing the adoration Vince has for Paul was just a joy - all of it was fantastic.
It captured the heart of this story perfectly. Parts of the original version have been trimmed out but nothing that takes away from Paul and Vince and their journey.
Wonderful story (still!) with beautiful and hilarious illustrations.
The facial expressions made my day - like seeing the adoration Vince has for Paul was just a joy - all of it was fantastic.
It captured the heart of this story perfectly. Parts of the original version have been trimmed out but nothing that takes away from Paul and Vince and their journey.
Wonderful story (still!) with beautiful and hilarious illustrations.
July 14, 2019
I thought this was a fun adaptation to the book. I have read the e-book and I do own the audiobook, but this might be my favorite version of this story?
So, I wasn’t a fan of the characters for the longest time when I first read the e-book. It wasn’t until Until You that I really loved Paul and Vince? TMIR was problematic to me, but surprisingly, most of the problematic stuff has been cut out of the graphic novel - namely, the Taiwanese restaurant ~joke that made me want to throw the whole book out the first time I read it.
ANYWAYS.
So, we don’t have Johnny Depp (the parrot) in this version of the book. Just as well, since he doesn’t really add anything and is only offensive with everything he says. But that’s probably the biggest cut from this book.
We have Paul, Sandy, Helena, Charlie, Vince, Darren, Wheels, Santiago, and both of the families. I will say that it doesn’t seem like we have any of Nana’s more outrageous stories in this version? And I was totally expecting Darren to show up earlier in the book, but he doesn’t show up until later. So, there’s really no setup for Sandy’s book with Darren. Whether or not we’ll wind up with their book is certainly an unknown at this point.
Wheels is simplest the cutest, but I think the last we see of Wheels is when Paul trips over him so that seemed weird to leave off. I did like the depictions of most of the characters? They’re not quite how I pictured them in my head (would have imagined Pail to be slightly bigger for instance) but overall, I did like how the characters were portrayed.
We do see Jack It, but the scenes at the beginning aren’t quite the same order as the original text, and we only see the scenes with Helena and Charlie the once even though I did hope for just a little more. The lines the characters say are pretty much word for word from the novel.
I think something weird is that a LOT of Hangul was left in? For scanlations, I’m used to the original Japanese getting left in for manga, but this manhwa translation BACK to English (idk why it was translated to Korean only to be translated back to English) still had a lot of Hangul left in which was unexpected.
This reals like a BL novel, but it never gets TOO explicit, which is nice. Sometimes BL novels get wrapped around the characters having sex, so it was nice to read a book that isn’t quite as graphic.
I think this is a great adaptation of the original novel and it can be read as a standalone without having to have read the original novel beforehand.
So, I wasn’t a fan of the characters for the longest time when I first read the e-book. It wasn’t until Until You that I really loved Paul and Vince? TMIR was problematic to me, but surprisingly, most of the problematic stuff has been cut out of the graphic novel - namely, the Taiwanese restaurant ~joke that made me want to throw the whole book out the first time I read it.
ANYWAYS.
So, we don’t have Johnny Depp (the parrot) in this version of the book. Just as well, since he doesn’t really add anything and is only offensive with everything he says. But that’s probably the biggest cut from this book.
We have Paul, Sandy, Helena, Charlie, Vince, Darren, Wheels, Santiago, and both of the families. I will say that it doesn’t seem like we have any of Nana’s more outrageous stories in this version? And I was totally expecting Darren to show up earlier in the book, but he doesn’t show up until later. So, there’s really no setup for Sandy’s book with Darren. Whether or not we’ll wind up with their book is certainly an unknown at this point.
Wheels is simplest the cutest, but I think the last we see of Wheels is when Paul trips over him so that seemed weird to leave off. I did like the depictions of most of the characters? They’re not quite how I pictured them in my head (would have imagined Pail to be slightly bigger for instance) but overall, I did like how the characters were portrayed.
We do see Jack It, but the scenes at the beginning aren’t quite the same order as the original text, and we only see the scenes with Helena and Charlie the once even though I did hope for just a little more. The lines the characters say are pretty much word for word from the novel.
I think something weird is that a LOT of Hangul was left in? For scanlations, I’m used to the original Japanese getting left in for manga, but this manhwa translation BACK to English (idk why it was translated to Korean only to be translated back to English) still had a lot of Hangul left in which was unexpected.
This reals like a BL novel, but it never gets TOO explicit, which is nice. Sometimes BL novels get wrapped around the characters having sex, so it was nice to read a book that isn’t quite as graphic.
I think this is a great adaptation of the original novel and it can be read as a standalone without having to have read the original novel beforehand.
March 5, 2023
Oh boy. I am not a big fan of the 'I can tell you're attracted to me, so I am going ignore your no and wear you down til you say yes' trope at the best of times, but literally NO ONE in this book has ANY qualms about stomping all over personal boundaries.
So...if consent and personal autonomy is your thing, maybe give this one a miss.
The artwork was great though <3
So...if consent and personal autonomy is your thing, maybe give this one a miss.
The artwork was great though <3
July 22, 2019
I haven't read the original ebook, so this was my first experience with this story. Overall, this was completely charming and sweet. The art is incredible, and for that reason alone, Tell Me It's Real was well worth my money and time.
I'm not sure if it's because I haven't read the original story, but I think the pacing near the end of the book was so fast that the emotional beats didn't quite stick the way they were supposed to. It was already such a long graphic novel that maybe this happened when the story got condensed into a graphic novel format.
I'm not sure if it's because I haven't read the original story, but I think the pacing near the end of the book was so fast that the emotional beats didn't quite stick the way they were supposed to. It was already such a long graphic novel that maybe this happened when the story got condensed into a graphic novel format.
September 24, 2019
it’s very grey tone, and sometimes to busy. It turned it into a mess in places that had me not quite sure what was what or I could hardly read the writing as it spiked pain behind my eyes.
It’s funny, it’s cute, but honestly it didn’t really do much for me. Which sucked cause I really wanted to love it but I also didn’t feel like I wasted my time.
It’s funny, it’s cute, but honestly it didn’t really do much for me. Which sucked cause I really wanted to love it but I also didn’t feel like I wasted my time.
November 20, 2024
This felt like a manga (despite it not being one), but had all the whimsy, fun, attitude, sass, and heart of a TJ Klune novel. I laughed out loud several times and even got teary, which is why it gets the extra star!
May 7, 2021
I am obsessed! Still love Paul & Vince in every way and to see their story in graphic novel from was beautiful. Its been years since i read the novel and its a favourite of mine, so i was curious to read again with the art and it was just as wonderful.
Paul Auster is an all time favourite character for me, i relate to him in a lot of ways with all of his fears and struggles. The way his thought patterns run, the embaressment and singing his feelings out - the self worth and all his emotions i just connect to him so much.
Vince is still adorable and silly, yet full of mischief and charm. How can you not fall in love with him? His such a sweetheart, i feel for him so much and his relationship with Paul is lovely.
Their relationship is full of chemistry, humor and passion. With plenty of soft moments, their interactions are stunning and to see their growth as they show how much they love one another is perfect. Fitting together, as they support and balance each other out - constantly comforting and reassuring, i adore them.
The side cast are wonderful too! Sandy and Pauls parents often providing words of wisdom, hilarious quotes and support to Paul & Vince. I especially have a soft spot for Charlie and Nana though, they both make me smile and all their lines are amazing. Also was fun to see Danny towards the end.
Overall another favourite for me! I love the ending and their relationship so much, this story has lots of humor but plenty of heartfelt and serious moments too. Theres lots of life lessons could take from it and shall always be a comfort read for me.
And a happy ending 💕
Paul Auster is an all time favourite character for me, i relate to him in a lot of ways with all of his fears and struggles. The way his thought patterns run, the embaressment and singing his feelings out - the self worth and all his emotions i just connect to him so much.
Vince is still adorable and silly, yet full of mischief and charm. How can you not fall in love with him? His such a sweetheart, i feel for him so much and his relationship with Paul is lovely.
Their relationship is full of chemistry, humor and passion. With plenty of soft moments, their interactions are stunning and to see their growth as they show how much they love one another is perfect. Fitting together, as they support and balance each other out - constantly comforting and reassuring, i adore them.
The side cast are wonderful too! Sandy and Pauls parents often providing words of wisdom, hilarious quotes and support to Paul & Vince. I especially have a soft spot for Charlie and Nana though, they both make me smile and all their lines are amazing. Also was fun to see Danny towards the end.
Overall another favourite for me! I love the ending and their relationship so much, this story has lots of humor but plenty of heartfelt and serious moments too. Theres lots of life lessons could take from it and shall always be a comfort read for me.
And a happy ending 💕
May 11, 2020
This is the worst book I’ve read in a long time. I could barely get through it. It was so painful to read and ridiculous.
Let’s start with Vince who thinks Paul belongs to him. He keeps kissing Paul against his will and without asking. There’s even a rape joke in this book about drugs and sex. Not sure if that’s supposed to be funny.
Then there’s Paul’s best friend who keeps forcing him into a relationship with Vince. Vince is a complete stranger. He could be a psychopath. But the best friend threatens Paul and says he’ll give Vince his home address and phone number if Paul doesn’t go out with Vince.
The parents also guilt-trip Paul into dating Vince. It's incredibly cringeworthy and unhealthy. And it goes on and on with the rapish plot, the misogynistic jokes...
The paperback is so expensive for such a horrible book. I’m really disappointed.
Let’s start with Vince who thinks Paul belongs to him. He keeps kissing Paul against his will and without asking. There’s even a rape joke in this book about drugs and sex. Not sure if that’s supposed to be funny.
Then there’s Paul’s best friend who keeps forcing him into a relationship with Vince. Vince is a complete stranger. He could be a psychopath. But the best friend threatens Paul and says he’ll give Vince his home address and phone number if Paul doesn’t go out with Vince.
The parents also guilt-trip Paul into dating Vince. It's incredibly cringeworthy and unhealthy. And it goes on and on with the rapish plot, the misogynistic jokes...
The paperback is so expensive for such a horrible book. I’m really disappointed.
Read
July 21, 2019Rating to come ... I don't know what I expected when I started this.. I think deep down I hoped to love it as much as Wolf Song but sadly no..This was so far from what I expected but the characters grew on me by the end...I'll get back to you on a rating 😂
March 27, 2021
Argh, I wonder who in the right mind let one of my most favourite MM books be butchered like this?!
I must have re-read the original book at least 10 times, and nary a single time have I ever pictured or envisioned my favourite characters looking like this tragic mess. The art style is totally unsuited to this story, and alot of times, the panels and drawings just blurred into an ugly mess. Contrary to popular belief, it is a train wreck THAT I DO WANT TO TAKE MY EYES OFF OF.
The hot-mess Korean Manhwa style is so totally off-putting that I had to stop midway. If it were to be done in a Japanese Manga style, I can very much say that it wouldn't be half as bad as this tragedy. Why??? Why couldn't they have gotten a better artist?! AND HOW THE HELL WAS THIS EVEN APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION???!!!
Don't know why I even bothered, when the cover was such an obvious, freaking blinking neon warning sign.
Seriously.
Please.
STOP.
Do not murder anymore books from the original AMAZING series.
Gonna need to sanitize my eyes now. And probably re-read the original novel so I can flush this stench off my brain.
I must have re-read the original book at least 10 times, and nary a single time have I ever pictured or envisioned my favourite characters looking like this tragic mess. The art style is totally unsuited to this story, and alot of times, the panels and drawings just blurred into an ugly mess. Contrary to popular belief, it is a train wreck THAT I DO WANT TO TAKE MY EYES OFF OF.
The hot-mess Korean Manhwa style is so totally off-putting that I had to stop midway. If it were to be done in a Japanese Manga style, I can very much say that it wouldn't be half as bad as this tragedy. Why??? Why couldn't they have gotten a better artist?! AND HOW THE HELL WAS THIS EVEN APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION???!!!
Don't know why I even bothered, when the cover was such an obvious, freaking blinking neon warning sign.
Seriously.
Please.
STOP.
Do not murder anymore books from the original AMAZING series.
Gonna need to sanitize my eyes now. And probably re-read the original novel so I can flush this stench off my brain.
November 30, 2021
Veel goeds gehoord over de roman dus ik was enthousiast — maar heb per ongeluk de manga-versie gekocht.
Ik ben helaas geen fan en ik denk dat dat grotendeels door de bewerking tot stripboek komt: ik vond de stijl niet prettig lezen, de grapjes niet landen en de 'pacing' is heel erg raar (want nadat 80% van het boek de setting schetst wordt het 'conflict' / het interessante deel van de handling er nog even snel doorheen gejakkerd).
Ik vond ook eigenlijk de karakters in het verhaal helemaal niet prettig in de omgang — is de moraal van het verhaal nou Ik heb als ik de andere reviews lees de indruk dat dit ook meevalt in de originele roman. Jammer, maar misschien is de échte moraal wel dat ik minder enthousiast impulsaankopen moet doen in de boekhandel.
Ik ben helaas geen fan en ik denk dat dat grotendeels door de bewerking tot stripboek komt: ik vond de stijl niet prettig lezen, de grapjes niet landen en de 'pacing' is heel erg raar (want nadat 80% van het boek de setting schetst wordt het 'conflict' / het interessante deel van de handling er nog even snel doorheen gejakkerd).
Ik vond ook eigenlijk de karakters in het verhaal helemaal niet prettig in de omgang — is de moraal van het verhaal nou Ik heb als ik de andere reviews lees de indruk dat dit ook meevalt in de originele roman. Jammer, maar misschien is de échte moraal wel dat ik minder enthousiast impulsaankopen moet doen in de boekhandel.
September 15, 2019
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG, estoy muy in love con esta novela gráfica. El dibujo es realmente precioso, y las expresiones faciales son tan sumamente divertidad y tiernas que da gusto leerlo. Esta novela gráfica tiene una novela propiamente escrita, que se puede leer en kindle.
No quiero contar mucho del argumento porque seguro que solo me saldrían spoilers. Pero quiero avisar de que es una novela con personajes gays, y que sin ninguna duda te hace pasar unos momentos increíbles y que tiene una luz que me ha dejado maravillada.
No quiero contar mucho del argumento porque seguro que solo me saldrían spoilers. Pero quiero avisar de que es una novela con personajes gays, y que sin ninguna duda te hace pasar unos momentos increíbles y que tiene una luz que me ha dejado maravillada.
November 8, 2019
★★★★★ = *Fan girl squeal* I loved it! Straight to the favourites list!
I love graphic novels and i almost lost my mind when i saw this adaptation. One of my favourite Rom Coms novels in graphic novel form...how could I not LOVE THIS! Sure, there are some scenes missing and it's hard to capture Paul's inner thoughts in a comic strip but this was so well done. Vince was so funny and Paul's facial expressions was captured wonderfully.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and re-read this all the time.
I love graphic novels and i almost lost my mind when i saw this adaptation. One of my favourite Rom Coms novels in graphic novel form...how could I not LOVE THIS! Sure, there are some scenes missing and it's hard to capture Paul's inner thoughts in a comic strip but this was so well done. Vince was so funny and Paul's facial expressions was captured wonderfully.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and re-read this all the time.
January 24, 2020
Los amo para siempre. De las mejores parejas de tishei y necesitan leer este manga (y el libro) para poder seguir fangirleando.
Muy leal al libro (cosa que me encanta) me faltó Johnny Deep pero weno (? Todo no se puede.
Muy leal al libro (cosa que me encanta) me faltó Johnny Deep pero weno (? Todo no se puede.
August 27, 2021
I didn't like the insinuation that if you're chubby, only stupid guys will find you attractive. Maybe that wasn't the intention, but that's my take-away. And the chubby guy was very superficial.
But it has its funny moments, and I cried at the end, so there's that.
But it has its funny moments, and I cried at the end, so there's that.
August 1, 2019
I loved this so much! Perfect adaptation!
September 15, 2020
That was insane! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I was laughing and snorting the whole time, great distraction from my current RL stress.-
I was laughing and snorting the whole time, great distraction from my current RL stress.-
October 16, 2021
I enjoyed this manga-style comic!
Though now I definitely need to read the actual book! 😁
Though now I definitely need to read the actual book! 😁
November 14, 2021
Found this hidden in my library, didn’t remember it, re read it, 4 stars were definitely too generous. Still entertaining tho, back on track with queer books for pride month (n°4)
April 28, 2022
Fun manga version
August 24, 2022
5******** ✓
August 24, 2024
Cute but the plot or conflict was pretty weak. Maybe it was fleshed out more in the novel. I just couldn’t with the novel cover…
September 7, 2026
A little more explicit (ok a lot more) than I wanted. And Paul’s lack of confidence grew to be a tad annoying. But overall, sweet story with some laugh out loud parts (like tripping down the stairs in front of his date 🫣)
August 30, 2020
* Review of graphic novel.
DNF'd at 76 pages.
First off, I have to say I'm disappointed. I FLOVED T.J's Immemorial Year duology, and that made me want to read everything else he'd ever written. This is my first, for various reasons. Sadly, it's nothing like what I'd hoped for.
1) DSP have a horrible habit of labelling things "hilarious" that I find grossly inappropriate, rude, insulting, juvenile and/or just not funny. This one falls into that category, to my shock.
2) Paul is super needy, bitchy, a diva, rude, and he hates himself while also bigging himself up. It's been a while since I've seen a more confused, arrogant, unlikeable character.
3) Vince is all "I'm everyone's type" - which is a sure fire way to get me to stop liking a character, except that I didn't like him anyway. Who sends a guy a drink and doesn't even ask the regular bartender what his preference is?
4) Vince tries to FORCE Paul to date him. That's just in the few pages I read, because I literally couldn't stand any more of this cringe-fest. Paul was, yes, resisting even though he wanted to date Vince, but Vince didn't know that. For all he knew, Paul legit didn't like him, wasn't attracted to him, or just wasn't interested in dating at all. Vince's excuse was "you are gay, right?" and "you're not dating anyone?" as if those are the only choices. How about you're an arrogant sod, and he said no? If he can't take no for an answer about going on a date, you have no hope for ever saying no again, in the future.
5) Paul's constant drifting into obscure conversations (Freddie Prinze Junioring) and such, as well as Vince's misinterpreting of the conversations got old even at 76 pages. I couldn't endure another 400 pages of that.
*sigh*
Anyway...
...the execution of the graphic novel wasn't to my taste either. The constant use of tags and noises - screaming, movement, whispering, sullen - was irritating AF, and unnecessary in most cases. And, as someone who hasn't read the novels yet, I was confused by the characters. When it began, I legit thought Paul was only about 19/20 college-age. To see he was actually 30 years old was a shock, because he (and about 90% of the cast) are drawn like teenagers, yet Charlie was the only one (I saw) who was drawn like an adult of his actual age. What's that about?
DNF'd at 76 pages.
First off, I have to say I'm disappointed. I FLOVED T.J's Immemorial Year duology, and that made me want to read everything else he'd ever written. This is my first, for various reasons. Sadly, it's nothing like what I'd hoped for.
1) DSP have a horrible habit of labelling things "hilarious" that I find grossly inappropriate, rude, insulting, juvenile and/or just not funny. This one falls into that category, to my shock.
2) Paul is super needy, bitchy, a diva, rude, and he hates himself while also bigging himself up. It's been a while since I've seen a more confused, arrogant, unlikeable character.
3) Vince is all "I'm everyone's type" - which is a sure fire way to get me to stop liking a character, except that I didn't like him anyway. Who sends a guy a drink and doesn't even ask the regular bartender what his preference is?
4) Vince tries to FORCE Paul to date him. That's just in the few pages I read, because I literally couldn't stand any more of this cringe-fest. Paul was, yes, resisting even though he wanted to date Vince, but Vince didn't know that. For all he knew, Paul legit didn't like him, wasn't attracted to him, or just wasn't interested in dating at all. Vince's excuse was "you are gay, right?" and "you're not dating anyone?" as if those are the only choices. How about you're an arrogant sod, and he said no? If he can't take no for an answer about going on a date, you have no hope for ever saying no again, in the future.
5) Paul's constant drifting into obscure conversations (Freddie Prinze Junioring) and such, as well as Vince's misinterpreting of the conversations got old even at 76 pages. I couldn't endure another 400 pages of that.
*sigh*
Anyway...
...the execution of the graphic novel wasn't to my taste either. The constant use of tags and noises - screaming, movement, whispering, sullen - was irritating AF, and unnecessary in most cases. And, as someone who hasn't read the novels yet, I was confused by the characters. When it began, I legit thought Paul was only about 19/20 college-age. To see he was actually 30 years old was a shock, because he (and about 90% of the cast) are drawn like teenagers, yet Charlie was the only one (I saw) who was drawn like an adult of his actual age. What's that about?
March 9, 2021
This was a very enjoyable, easy read. The story was pretty straightforward, but I didn't mind that, in fact it's what I was looking for. Also, just for people who missed the memo, there is explicit content in here, people having sex on the page (there's nudity, but you can't see private parts, for those who want to know! Now that's a content warning I've never given before...).
Now, I haven't read the novel, so I really can't say if it does it justice or not, or if it's better or not even. What I can say is that the story I read, worked really well as a manga. The intense feelings, the (sometimes over the top) enthusiasm, the internal monologues, the freak out faces, the cute faces... it all fit together.
The characters were nice. I liked Paul a lot and Vince was really sweet, he really carried his heart on his sleeve, so when we found out more about his life I was really surprised. Sandy was really fun (and funny), but sometimes I felt like he was pushing Paul a little bit too much. Same thing with his family, they were really nice, but the way they barged in made me a little uncomfortable. They acted like Paul wasn't a grown-up who could take care of himself sometimes, and while it's true that he's very socially awkward, that's just pushing it.
I liked the ending a lot (I mean the ending before the time jump), but I do wish a bit more time would have passed. Not necessarily on the page, as in seeing them apart for a while, just a box saying like a week or two had passed would have made it feel less rushed. The part after the time jump was super sweet, I liked how much more comfortable the main characters were with each other, instead of the newness that seemed to stay with them in the rest of the story. Admittedly, they only knew each other a week, so I can't really blame them for that.
Finally, the drawings were really nice, if sometimes a little too busy to properly see what was going on in grey. In colour, this issue probably wouldn't be there, but now it was just a lot of grey lines crossing each other on occasion. Also, the book is relatively small, so the drawings are pretty small as well, that probably didn't help with that issue either.
Overall I really enjoyed this story, but I'm not surprised by that, I love T.J. Klune. And in comparison to his other books, this one didn't break my heart for once, which was refreshing 😂
Now, I haven't read the novel, so I really can't say if it does it justice or not, or if it's better or not even. What I can say is that the story I read, worked really well as a manga. The intense feelings, the (sometimes over the top) enthusiasm, the internal monologues, the freak out faces, the cute faces... it all fit together.
The characters were nice. I liked Paul a lot and Vince was really sweet, he really carried his heart on his sleeve, so when we found out more about his life I was really surprised. Sandy was really fun (and funny), but sometimes I felt like he was pushing Paul a little bit too much. Same thing with his family, they were really nice, but the way they barged in made me a little uncomfortable. They acted like Paul wasn't a grown-up who could take care of himself sometimes, and while it's true that he's very socially awkward, that's just pushing it.
I liked the ending a lot (I mean the ending before the time jump), but I do wish a bit more time would have passed. Not necessarily on the page, as in seeing them apart for a while, just a box saying like a week or two had passed would have made it feel less rushed. The part after the time jump was super sweet, I liked how much more comfortable the main characters were with each other, instead of the newness that seemed to stay with them in the rest of the story. Admittedly, they only knew each other a week, so I can't really blame them for that.
Finally, the drawings were really nice, if sometimes a little too busy to properly see what was going on in grey. In colour, this issue probably wouldn't be there, but now it was just a lot of grey lines crossing each other on occasion. Also, the book is relatively small, so the drawings are pretty small as well, that probably didn't help with that issue either.
Overall I really enjoyed this story, but I'm not surprised by that, I love T.J. Klune. And in comparison to his other books, this one didn't break my heart for once, which was refreshing 😂
May 12, 2023
4.25 stars (8.5/10), 💥💥
This was an adorable story, and I not only loved the graphic novel aspect, but I loved that they left some of the Korean bits in so I could read it. I didn't realise this was an adaption of a book by Klune, just thought he wrote it for this graphic novel, so I'm looking forward to not only checking that out, but seeing some of the other charatcers' stories too. I enjoyed that we got to show characters with different body shapes, and see how their just as beautiful and deserving of love and adoration for their bodies too. These two were very adorable, and I loved seeing Paul so confused by the instant attraction that Vince has for him. I liked seeing Paul not realise that he's a good person, and how his image of his body affects his entire image of himself, and I also loved seeing Vince being so openly interested and loving to him. I also love how forward he is with his intentions and kindness to Paul. I kind of wished we got to see more of the issues surrounding Vince and his parents, and I feel like maybe it is discussed a little more in-depth in the book, and maybe also in following books, but it was still interesting to see how Paul was there for not only Vince, especially when Vince did not appreciate the way he did it, but also to make sure Vince's mum knew that Paul was going to take care of Vince once she passed away. It was a very sweet and kind gesture, even if it did hurt Vince the way it was done.
This was an adorable story, and I not only loved the graphic novel aspect, but I loved that they left some of the Korean bits in so I could read it. I didn't realise this was an adaption of a book by Klune, just thought he wrote it for this graphic novel, so I'm looking forward to not only checking that out, but seeing some of the other charatcers' stories too. I enjoyed that we got to show characters with different body shapes, and see how their just as beautiful and deserving of love and adoration for their bodies too. These two were very adorable, and I loved seeing Paul so confused by the instant attraction that Vince has for him. I liked seeing Paul not realise that he's a good person, and how his image of his body affects his entire image of himself, and I also loved seeing Vince being so openly interested and loving to him. I also love how forward he is with his intentions and kindness to Paul. I kind of wished we got to see more of the issues surrounding Vince and his parents, and I feel like maybe it is discussed a little more in-depth in the book, and maybe also in following books, but it was still interesting to see how Paul was there for not only Vince, especially when Vince did not appreciate the way he did it, but also to make sure Vince's mum knew that Paul was going to take care of Vince once she passed away. It was a very sweet and kind gesture, even if it did hurt Vince the way it was done.
August 16, 2022
So this was a new one for me.
My first book that had an actual warning label about explicit content.
First let me qualify that I am prudish enough that I had to look up on google several things referenced in this book. So there is that. But I am a huge T.J. Klune fan and am determined to read everything.
So I took the plunge.
This hit one of my favorite things to find in a story which is an insecure, non-perfect, very - to me - relatable hero. No matter what else, I love a story where the lead character is screwing things up mostly because of what is happening in their head than anything going on around them.
The second bit I always love is a romance, and the more complicated the better. So this ticked that box.
What I had trouble with, and this may be my age (deeply a gen-X’er) more than anything was following the dialogue. I kept reading it out of order by accident because I could not tell which way to go.
The illustrations were amazing.
Overall, I really loved the book. I mean, T.J. Klune, how could it not be awesome.
My first book that had an actual warning label about explicit content.
First let me qualify that I am prudish enough that I had to look up on google several things referenced in this book. So there is that. But I am a huge T.J. Klune fan and am determined to read everything.
So I took the plunge.
This hit one of my favorite things to find in a story which is an insecure, non-perfect, very - to me - relatable hero. No matter what else, I love a story where the lead character is screwing things up mostly because of what is happening in their head than anything going on around them.
The second bit I always love is a romance, and the more complicated the better. So this ticked that box.
What I had trouble with, and this may be my age (deeply a gen-X’er) more than anything was following the dialogue. I kept reading it out of order by accident because I could not tell which way to go.
The illustrations were amazing.
Overall, I really loved the book. I mean, T.J. Klune, how could it not be awesome.
August 29, 2019
So I haven't actually read the novel that this is adapted from but even so the story in this manga is complete and 100% entertaining.
There's an amazing balance of comedy and drama in this story that very few authors can pull off (TJ Klune obviously being one of them), and that's part of what makes this such a great book to adapt into this medium of graphic novel.
I'm so impressed by the art style and am so glad that it enhances this story instead of distracts from it. Some of the recent m/m manga adaptations that have come out just haven't had a good art style, but I'm so glad that that wasn't the case for Tell Me It's Real.
People who have read this novel will love this adaptation, and the people who haven't read it (like me) will fall in love with the characters and story too!
5 Stars
There's an amazing balance of comedy and drama in this story that very few authors can pull off (TJ Klune obviously being one of them), and that's part of what makes this such a great book to adapt into this medium of graphic novel.
I'm so impressed by the art style and am so glad that it enhances this story instead of distracts from it. Some of the recent m/m manga adaptations that have come out just haven't had a good art style, but I'm so glad that that wasn't the case for Tell Me It's Real.
People who have read this novel will love this adaptation, and the people who haven't read it (like me) will fall in love with the characters and story too!
5 Stars
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