This is a 3.5 star review really. I'm still thinking about this one and trying to decide what to say. Graphic novels are frequently like short stories, with about the same amount of narrative content. FWB is successful as a taste, content to not do too much or pull together too tightly woven of a story.

Queer subtext abounds, but there's no text. Love Hicks' artwork as always. ( )

*Art style reminded me of Brian Lee O'Malley meets Jillian Tamaki, who are two of my favorite graphic novelists! Visually this was superrrr pleasing to me because I loved the art style. It had sort of this fluid, urban, inky feel to it that was enjoyable to see. The character designs and silhouettes are so well drawn! Alistair and Lucy look really cool here!

*This is a somewhat mild storyline. Simply put, it's a high school coming-of-age story. Less simply put, it follows Maggie as she attends public high school for the first time after being homeschooled by her mother. She has three brothers who also attend, and they each kinda sorta have their own tiny plots. It's mainly about Maggie finding her place in school and coming to terms with the fact that her mom is no longer a part of her life.

*Honestly, this isn't a super phenomenal or dramatic graphic novel. It's pretty subtle, and something about that hooked me. I liked this! Again, it's simple, but Faith Erin Hicks has captured a lovely picture of the melancholy feel that comes with growing up and the hope that comes with new friends and family. Plus, there's a cool little ghost element to it! ( )

Excellent story, characters and art work. A must read if you like Blankets. ( )

I love books that explore complicated sibling relationships. Admittedly I'm the younger of two sisters so I don't have the girl among the boys or sister-brother relationship but it's nice to see, anyway. The art is gorgeous and the story is cute and relateable in a lot of ways. I often felt like the random, unlikeable younger sibling and I relate a lot to Lucy, although she has a lot more snuff than I do. And I wish my sister tried as much as Lucy's brother did, in the end, even if the reasoning was problematic.

I initially felt like the ghost was one of the weaker parts of the narrative until I realized that it's likely purposeful: the story isn't about the ghosts. It's about the personalities and relationships of the people who get involved with the ghost.

It's a fun, quick, well-drawn and written read about friendship, sibling relationships, fitting in, doing what you love, passion, empathy, ghosts and the awkwardness of school. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes "Lumberjanes" or "Avalon: Web of Magic". ( )

It's fine. ( )