After a terrorist attack in Metro City, Jane’s family moves with her to a “safe” suburb. She starts a new school, makes friends with three girls who are also named Jane and inspires the kids at her school to celebrate art and creativity. The Plain Janes is a short graphic novel that is quick to read but also explores some weighty themes such as healing after trauma and the importance of civil liberties and freedom of expression.
Jane is very atypical in that she rejects the cool crowd and chooses to hang out with “misfits” because she doesn’t want to be sucked into living a cookie cutter existence. The Main Jane had personality to spare (especially considering the format) but the other Janes (Science Nerd Jane, Mono-brow Jock Jane, and Pudgy Drama Geek Jane) were very stereotypical and kind of got on my nerves. Still, I have high hopes that they’ll come into their own in the sequel, Janes in Love. It came out this week, and I’m looking forward to picking it up. 
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10 comments:
This is a genre I need to investigate. I've read one graphic memoir and loved it, so I think I would enjoy a graphic novel as well.
How funny! I bought Janes in Love yesterday! I love the whole idea about spreading art through their community!
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I bought both of these a few days ago! I can't wait to read them, since I adored Cecil Castellucci's Boy Proof.
I really want to read both of these as well. I think it sounds good, and i like the idea of being creative and doing your own thing.
-lauren
I've heard so much about this graphic novel. I'll have to check it out.
On a scale of 1-10, how necessary is it that I buy these? I keep seeing them around!
Steph
Steph- Do you like graphic novels? I'd say if you haven't read any this might be a fun place to start! I'd say 6 or 7.
Steph - well I can't speak for the second book since I don't yet have it, but I would say probably 7-8 on your scale.
It's not like "sell your lung to buy it" urgent (like Dust of 100 Dogs!), but it's a graphic novel with depth, charm and a unique main character.
Main Jane was a love of mine. I just scarfed down this book. The premise is great and I really enjoyed the format break from regular novels. Glad it worked on some level for you. :)
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