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This is the discussion thread for Crushing by Sophie Burrows.

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I haven't read a ton of graphic novels that have little words but I actually quite enjoy them. This one was nice to look at but the story wasn't very engaging, at least not for me.

I think my favourite bits of the book was how the author used her illustrations to convey the loneliness that the characters are feeling. There were a bunch that had things like tinder and finding meetups to try to connect but I really preferred the art of the day to day of being this single person in a large crowd or all alone on a bench in the park. The use of red to highlight the main characters against the more muted grey backdrop worked well for me.

SuperKimbit wrote: "I think my favourite bits of the book was how the author used her illustrations to convey the loneliness that the characters are feeling."

I find graphic novels to be particularly good at putting the reader into the mind/shoes of the character so that you really understand/feel what the character is experiencing.

I love wordless books which allows my imagination to interpret the story. I understand the gist of the story - the loneliness, the need to find a connection (romantic or otherwise) with others. However, I did not feel satisfied after finishing the book. I did not really feel or empathize the characters' loneliness. I viewed them as "oh well, I didn't connect with him/her, so I'll just move on". That is not a bad thing, but I think it would have been more reaching and grab the audience's sympathy if the characters displayed more sadness or tears.

I was not a fan of the artwork. The pencil-like sketches lacked clearly-defined lines. It was difficult to see a lot of the detail. This is just my preference - very clear and distinct drawings. Also the two-toned colors of grey and red I didn't quite understand. I imagine how for those who may be color blind would not be able to read this book.

Unfortunately, I just rushed through the book because I wanted to be done with it. I'm glad I read it as it helps to expand my reading horizon. Just didn't care for it. Wavering between a 2 or 3 star rating.

Based on the way you described your experience, that sounds like a 2 star at best. You know yourself best though!

I agree that the author did not really do a good job generating a connection to the characters.

I liked the red and grey combo but I hadn't considered colour blindness. I think depending on the type of colour blindness they might just lose some of the emphasis created by the red but the book would remain readable.

I also still prefer a more clean art style but I've been surprised more and more by liking some "sketchy" art styles. I've learned that I should always give it a chance anyway.

SuperKimbit wrote: "Based on the way you described your experience, that sounds like a 2 star at best. You know yourself best though."

You are correct and decided on the 2-star rating. 👍🏼 I usually wait if I am on fence but as you said, I know myself best!

In retrospect, I would have been fine with the sketchy art style OR just the grey & red colors. But having both, it just didn't sit well with me. That is totally on me. I understand in the GR reviews where reviewers said they enjoyed the art style or colors and it coincided with the mood of the book.

I read it this morning. I could empathize with the loneliness. I thought the wordlessness would make me focus more on the art, but I didn't. I'm glad I read this one.

I love seeing the variety of opinions about the books!