Review Detail

"There's a fine line between a friend and an enemy" is the first line in this gripping graphic novel about romantic love and friendships, a collaboration between popular author Aimee Friedman ("South Beach", "Hollywood Hills" and more) and well-known graphic artist Christine Norrie ("Hopeless Savages").

Chloe Sacks is an artist and a student at Georgia O'Keeffe School for the Arts. She is one of a close-knit group of pals, including her BFF, Mackenzie. As the girls start their junior year, they are tight. But junior year changes everything, as Chloe falls for a guy Mackenzie scorns and Mackenzie's own actions are morally reprehensible to Chloe.

This was my first graphic novel, and now I'm hooked. In fact, I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down until I found out exactly how Chloe's tale ended (or, at least, this portion of her tale; I'm hoping sequels will follow pronto). The characters are believable, and the conflicts and pleasures of both friendship and romance are convincingly portrayed. Chloe is a character anyone can relate to. The brilliant illustrations include flashbacks and portrayals of all-encompassing feelings (my favorite is of the four girls in a life raft tossed by a stormy sea, with the words "acne", "sex", "grades", "boyfriends",
"popularity", and "pressure" as part of the crashing waves). Very highly recommended for mature teens.