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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.
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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.
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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