Sunday, June 17, 2012

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley (Review)

Genre:Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance,
Publication.Date  February 14th 2012
Pages:260
Published By:  Random House Children's Books  | 
WebsiteCath Crowley | 

Graffiti Moon - Goodreads
My review copy:ARC received for review via netGalley
Where to get:



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.(Goodreads)



"I think of wall after wall after wall. Green mazes wandering and two people wandering through them. Doorways that lead somewhere good. Skies the exact kind of blue I've been looking for." 
“I liked that he had hair that was growing without a plan. A grin that came out of nowhere and left the same way.”  
“You were right. Real is better. The truth is better. It makes you feel kind of stupid, but it's better.” 




“I guess love's kind of like a marshmallow in a microwave on high. After it explodes it's still a marshmallow. but, you know, now it's a complicated marshmallow.”

     Graffiti Moon does not need introducing, nor does it really need another raving review. There are plenty of those already out there. Even if you're living under a rock, or on Mars, or you're completely against technology and Internet - I still think you must have at least heard about this book by now. It's been on everyone's lips ever since it first popped up on netGalley, readers were gushing about it, it's been hyped up to the Moon and back, and it literally took over the blogosphere for a while. I'm fairly certain most of us are still reeling from it. So, no, Graffiti Moon does not need introducing, but I simply can't host a Contemporary Fiction Month without featuring this brilliant, spellbinding and completely magical love story, in a similar way that I wouldn't be able to make a tuna sandwich without, well, tuna. This book is a fantastic addition to the genre, and if - for whatever reason - you haven't read it yet, you need to realize one thing: You're missing out on something extraordinary.

“Every time he looked at me I felt like I'd touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I'd watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while, the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn't think straight when she's that close to electrocution.”

     This is the kind of book that fills your heart with warm and fuzzy feelings and makes your head spin from its intensely moving, lyrical, exhilarating passages. It's a treat not only for you mind, but also for your soul. And it's achingly beautiful. Crownley's poetic prose is so extraordinary, it puts Shatter Me to shame, and it does not hit a single wrong note. It's intimate, gentle, evocative, emotional, seductive and just so amazing to read. The characters, too, are gorgeous and I really loved the unique chemistry between them. On top of all that, Graffiti Moon had a really great, captivating plot. It was simple, uncomplicated and well-paced, and it featured one night - just one warm, life-alternating, moon-illuminated night that would forever change the lives of two teenagers. Full of humour, sparkly dialogues and spine-tingling reflections, Grafiti Moon weaves a spell about love and fate, misunderstandings, searching for happiness, and pursuing your dreams. Lucy's search for Shadow, her fascination with his work, all the beautifully depicted night cityscapes and phenomenal graffities - all these things will melt your heart and make you wish this book was longer than it is. The way the story is told - alternating between Lucy's and Ed's POV - provides you with incredibly vivid insights into their minds and hearts, allowing you to really connect with them. It's a totally absorbing, very entertaining, and ultimately satisfying read

“If you treat glass right, it doesn't crack. If you know the properties, you can make things; the color of dusk and night and love. But you can't control people like that and I really, really wish you could. I want the world to be glass.”

     If you like books packed with emotions, meaningful thoughts, intelligent conversations and breathtaking visuals - this is the book for you. It's definitely one of the most beautiful, charming and enjoyable books I have ever read. I strongly recommend it.





This review is posted as part of the Contemporary Fiction Month feature!


Click on the picture for full schedule.

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About the Author
Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.
She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.
You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing

42 comments:

Rebecca said...

Beautiful, beautiful review! I'm Aussie and I have yet to read this one... But now I am totally convinced! Evie, you sure know how to write! :)

Belle said...

Glad you enjoyed this one, I've heard nothing but good things about it. I too am Aussie and am yet to read it - for shame! Hopefully I'll get to it soon.

Book Sake said...

Great review and I completely agree with you. Beautiful writing like this is too rare a thing!

- Jessica @ Book Sake

roro said...

i've yet to read it
i'm happy i atleast have hb copy
great review evie

Bonnie said...

It is no secret that I'm afriad of books with hype. They are up there with serial killers and snakes... just freak me out. I always get my expectations up and than like a balloon with a slow leak I'm slowly let down. But I digress....

Your review has convinced me that as soon as my reviews for June are taken care of I'm picking up this book - like on July 1. Outstanding review Evie, seriously beautiful! :)

Natalia Belikov said...

What a beautiful review my dear!
I recently purchased this book and Im SO reading it soon =DDDD
heard amazing things about this one and Im glad I finally got it ^_^

THanks so much for just making me move this book up on my pile ;)

muah!! XOXOXOXO

Obsession with Books said...

A wonderful review Evie!

I absolutely adored this book and the characters were written to perfection.

I'm really enjoying your contemporary month x

Lexie said...

Yeah, I think we've all heard of this one before. Honestly, what is in the water way out yonder? Because honestly, those Australian authors put the rest to shame. They're so talented it's insane. I really must get my hands on a copy of this, because it sounds both funny and crazy beautiful. Wonderful review!

Amy said...

Great review!! I have read so many awesome reviews for this book. I don't know why I haven't bought it yet!!

Randi M said...

I kind of stayed away from this book just because the synopsis didn't grab me at all, but I've been reading all your Contemporary Month reviews, and you've convinced me. :) It's going on my wishlist! Excellent review, Evie. I'm interested in the fact that the story takes place over one day as I don't think I've read any stories like that!

Unknown said...

Great review, Evie. This truly was an amazing book and am so glad that I took the leap and read it. I was originally on the fence based on the summary but I had read so many wonderful reviews and decided to take the chance. This is one book that I won't likely forget anytime soon. :)

precious said...

This has been in my TBR list ever since but I haven't got the chance to read it. Your review made me excite for it more!

Sarah (The Book Life) said...

I LOVE, Love, loved this book! And I love your reviews! I especially liked the marshmallow quote, so good :0)

I also really like how it alternates POV's, I really loved both Lucy and Ed!

T said...

I've heard so many fabulous things about this book, and it seems like you really enjoyed it too! Might well have to get my hands on a copy of this one!

Veronika said...

Of course I've heard about this book! It must be awesome, because I read only good reviews about it! I haven't read it yet, but I'm planning to for ages! I think it's really time to read it now! Thank you so much for the review.

Carl Scott said...

You're right of course. This book has been thoroughly reviewed many times by now. and if most of them are to be believed it's worth every rave it's gotten. I'm looking forward to getting my own copy soon. Thanks for the reminder.

Kristia said...

Great review! I've never heard of it before, but with all that praise I really want to read it.
Thank you Evie!
Kristia Miltiadou

Mary Preston said...

A most comprehensive review thank you. I am still chuckling at the thought of "a complicated marshmallow".

Mary P

Enbrethiliel said...

+JMJ+

I've long been fascinated by the idea that someone could be in love with a person and not recognise his "alter ego." Did you ever watch the cartoon Jem!? I was always a little stunned that Rio had no idea that Jem and Jerrica were the same person, even though he was supposedly in love with them both! =P

Lois Lane's passion for Superman and indifference toward Clark Kent make more sense. I remember being so impressed by Christopher Reeves in the dual role. He was totally dweeby as Clark, but effortlessly heroic as Superman. I could buy that he fooled Lois. LOL!

Come to think of it, this premise is more common in superhero stories, which I had a lot of as a kid. We don't get much of it in Contemporary novels because it's kind of "out there." People don't tend to have secret alter egos. On the other hand . . . I think it's going to be more and more common, as different kinds of media let us stay anonymous while forging real connections with others online. Graffiti Moon could just be one of the defining YA Romances of our time--especially since it seems to be much more than just a Romance!

Thanks for the chance to win it in your giveaway. =)

TayteH said...

Sounds cute. that warm and fuzzy feeling. :D I love those books. :D

Amy S. said...

Yes, I've heard of this book. But I haven't read it yet. Now after reading your review I think I should. I have really been enjoying contemps lately, and they are not my ususal choice.

Special Needs Mom said...

Awesome review. I have wanted to read this book for a while.

Tanja - Tanychy said...

Great review! I've also read this book and it's amazing!

nurmawati djuhawan said...

luv it... want to read this book....
but i love the other cover...with green background and a girl's face... :)

Christine said...

This sounds like such an interesting concept and a perfect summer read! Definitely adding it to my to-read list, thanks for the great review :)

Steph said...

Great review! I don't normally read contemporary YA, but this one has me interested. I'm adding it to my TBR now!

Alessandra said...

I've read so many good reviews for this book. It sound slike a great read. I love the quote you mentioned, "I loved that he had hair that was growing without a plan".

Gigi said...

I haven't read it yet! But I do remember the first time I saw a review of Graffiti Moon in other blog, and they were people complaining about the first cover, for me the old one and the new one were great. Don´t know how people judge a book by the cover when after reading your review Evie, I can't wait to have one copy of this book in my hands!

Anonymous said...

I haven't read it and hadn't even heard of it here in the US! Would love to read it, based on your review. Great review, by the way.

Crystal said...

I've heard so much about this book...it sounds awesome! Thanks for a great review :-D

Wolfswan1 said...

I have read a couple of good review for this book and have been wanting to read it myself. I somehow managed to lose it somewhere in my TBR pile. Thanks for the great review.

J Whitus said...

I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for you thoughts.
Jeannette
www.walkingonbookshelves.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Whoa...this is a great review. Just reading your review makes me really want to read this book myself. The story sounds very strong. Can't wait to read it.
Thank you for your review.

Denise Z said...

I have not really given much thought to this read before, although I have seen the title. I think perhaps that was a mistake and I am definitely adding Graffiti Moon to the wishlist. Thank you for sharing your review with us :)

Aleksandra said...

Yeah, I absolutely agree with you :) Graffiti Moon is amazing & I have to get a copy for myself (I read it from netgalley months ago) so I can read it again & again :) Another great review!

Madalina said...

Amazing review :). This book sounds awesome.
Thank you for this great review.

Suz said...

Great review! After reading how much you like this book, I have to add it to my TBR list! With a great plot, humor, and romance it seems to have it all! Thanks for the info!

Lis said...

So amazing review!!
I am dying to read this book since all my friends have read it and love it!
I can`believ what you say about this and Shater me. I`m evn more excited now!!

Debora B said...

I've been dying to read this book for a while now. And your review just piked my interest even more. I'm all for books with "meaningful thoughts, intelligent conversations" and I feel like I don't read enough of those. I was a little afraid about the alternating POV's, but you really calmed me down and now I'm even excited about it! :)
Great review! Thanks so much for sharing!

Astri Nasthasia Videlia said...

Nice Review!!! xD
I'll put this book on my read-list..

Thank's for sharring... ^^

Molly said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing your review....it most definitely sounds like a fantastic read and one that I will be putting on my to be read list! :)

Jaime Lester said...

Graffiti Moon is one of my most favorite reads of all time. It is an incredibly beautiful, heartwarming, heartfelt book. It is a work of art just as good as some of the beautiful pieces mentioned in the book. the writing was amazing. Some of my favorite quotes are from this book. Ed and Lucy were amazing characters. So full of life. ALL of the characters were very 3 dimensional. The setting was so well written I could close my eyes and feel like I was walking along the dark alleys and parks and abandoned train cars with them. Just amazing, this one. No doubt about it!

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