Graffiti Moon

This Christmas break I have been savoring the time, being able to do some of my favorite things. On Christmas I started a middle grades novel, but last night when I picked it up and continued reading and realized that my interest for the book was luke-warm, I abandoned it. Then I clicked open Cath Crowley's Graffiti Moon, thinking I would read the first couple of pages to see what I thought. Before, I used to rarely abandon books, but I realized that as my middle grades/YA reading for pleasure time decreases, I want to be more selective with what I do read.

Well, not only did Crowley's writing hook me from the start, I could not put it down until I finished it. Told from multiple perspectives, mainly from Lucy and Ed and quick glimpses from "Poet", I could never wait to see what would happen next. I noticed right away that both Lucy and Ed's narratives were very lyrical. They were also strong characters, as well as humorous.

Lucy has been gravitated toward a graffiti artists' paintings all over town. Even though she does not know who he is, she feels a connection to Shadow. When she comes face to face with Ed a couple years after an unforgettable date they had, they both have bitter feelings toward each other. However, when she realizes that he might be able to help her discover Shadow, she sticks by his side as they explore the town, seeing his art. However, as a reader, from Ed's first narrative we know something she does not - he is Shadow. I loved knowing before they met who Shadow really was. It made events along the way even more funny, being able to realize just how awkward it would have been for Shadow. The tension between the two characters elevates over time, knowing they both aren't fully sharing how they feel.

I always love books that grip at my emotions, blending a mixture of feelings throughout. The book will be released in February, and I highly recommend pre-ordering!

I noticed that Crowley has another novel that was released earlier this year and instantly thought that I would love to read A Little Wanting Song, knowing the voice would probably hook me just as this one did. Reading the start of the first sentence on the Amazon summary confirmed that, "Two voices alternate chapters in this aptly titled, lyrical Australian novel [...]" Cath Crowley will be an author to watch!

*Net Galley e-copy provided