Synopsis
Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she’s going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He’s out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy’s stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she’s managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they’re suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.
My Thoughts
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley is making its American debut this month followed by its popular 2010 Australian publication. Graffiti Moon is set in Australia, so there are some subtle differences in slang terms that are in no way distracting, but rather humorous.
The story is told in alternating chapters from three different points of view. The two main characters, Ed and Lucy, describe many of the same events, but one reads very differently from the other because of their different outlooks and because of the author’s ability to make the characters stand out as their own person. Leo narration is done in poetry, which is done well. The story is not dependent on the reader getting into the poetry, so don’t let that scare you away, although I think that most readers will end up really enjoying the pieces.
Everything moves surprisingly fast for a novel that takes place in only a twenty-four hour period. With the story centering around the activity of only six character the story is easy to fall into. I felt like I knew every one of them and their unique qualities in no time at all.
It is a rare treat to find so many interesting angles work so well together. It is lyrical, dramatic, serious, humorous, artistic and romantic all at the same time. Ed, Lucy and Leo are all artist types in one way or the other, and it is a pleasure to see the story through there beautiful artistic eyes. The romance is sweet and the reader is left in suspense until the last few pages.
I recommend Graffiti Moon if you are open to reading YA contemporary at all.
Graffiti Moon is a stand alone novel. Cath Crowley has written the Gracie Faltrain Trilogy, a couple of other stand alone novels and her latest work, The Howling Boy, is expected to be released later this year. Now that I know the writing that Crowley is capable of, I will be reading more.
ISBN-13: 9780375969539
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
Publication Date: 2/14/2012
Release Format: Hardcover, 272 pp.
My Source: Publisher in Exchange for a Review
- 11.55
Great review! I finished this one recently too and really enjoyed it. I agree, I love the way it was written! I especially liked Poets chapters. I also agree that even though it only took place over the span of one day, you really did get to know each character really well. I will definitely be picking up more books by Cath Crowley now.
I like the cover of this book better than the Australian cover.
I like your review, I haven´t read it, but I have it in my TBR list. I need to read it soon.
I've seen this book before and the cover always seem to catch my eye. I think I'll try finding it because that summary made it sound good.
this cover catches my eye everytime I see it. Its beautiful and the alternate pov intrigues me. I might have to give this one a try. ;-) Great review!
You know I loved this one. The poetry was wondeful and the writing was amazing. Such a fun find.
Oh heck yeah I'm open to contemporary YA.
Thanks for the rec.
Might give this one a shot. :-) The one thing I'm not sure abt is the points of view describing the same experience. Could be awesome, could be...not so much. We'll see. *to-read* on Goodreads
_yay_
BookthatThing!
The two are spending time together and telling the story as it unfolds. It is interesting to hear one character perceive something one way and then hear the other describe it with another take. It is not repetitive.
I hope that you like it.
I may need to see the book and decide if I would like to read it. :) This sounds interesting with chapters devoted to six characters. I like the idea that the characters have their distinct voices which I think is always helpful to reader. :D
I LOVED this one! Great realistic and humorous romance. I also love books that take place in one night. So much fun! Shadow was also really cute.
Man, I LOOOVE this book! you're absolutely right!even if someone doesn't love poetry (me) I adored poet's chapters. this I would recommend to everyone<3
Racquel @ The Book Barbies♥
-thank you&come again.
Hi, there, Steph!
I've been wanting to get this one ever since I read the synopsis on Goodreads!! It sounds totally amazing! I love anything related to art, and this novel has romance as well, so I'm definitely sold on it. Besides, I love that cover! I'v'e seen the Australian one, and don't like it at all, in spite of the fact that it won an award. (I don't know if you've seen it; there's a can of spray paint on it, with the title of the book painted on the can. Ugh.)
I can't wait to buy this book and get into it! Thanks for the great review!! : )
Maria @ http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com/
Yes, I have seen the original cover and have to agree, it is not too impressive. I do really like this one thought.
I hope that you like it as much as I did when you get a chance to read it.
It takes a lot of skill to change narrators without confusing the plot. I'm glad to hear that the author handled the transitions smoothly.
Ive heard this book is good :)
I tagged you!
rad review steph
can't wait 4 my copy
Looks so good. I've had my eye on this one for a while. I love novels that move quickly. Great review!
I think that you will like it Victoria.