Belle of the Ball

It's so refreshing to have a book sneak up on me! Especially from a publisher I adore (First Second, which has a large number of fantastic graphic novels). There I was, just minding my own business in the bookstore, when I saw a particularly pink graphic novel sitting amongst the pride display. I grabbed it, looked at the back, and was instantly drawn in!

Critiquing graphic work in general is difficult for me, because I feel I lack both the knowledge and the terminology to do so intelligently. So take it on faith that my thoughts on this book are how it fares to a general reader, not an expert of the form.

I loved the art in Belle of the Ball. For me, graphic novel art works best when it's interesting enough to catch my eye but not so detailed or thorough to pull me too far from the plot. The nontraditional body builds and styles complement each character perfectly, enhancing our insight into them without resorting to relying on stereotypes. The dialog felt realistic and, at times, hilarious (I actually laughed at loud a couple times, a rare feat when reading). And I appreciated the narrowness of the story, keeping to the plot without wandering off on tangents or getting too far afield at any point, while still keeping the flow interesting.

I know there are people who aren't particularly into YA, which is the only reason I'm leaving this as Highly Recommended instead of a Must Read. Some believe that YA is lesser than adult literature, and I simply don't have time or energy for that argument. But I do recognize that books aimed at YA audiences tend to be more streamlined, glossing over or omitting complications for the sake of providing a cleaner narrative or moral. 

This book does take some plot shortcuts, especially at the end, in how things resolve. But the journey to get there is so good (and the ending so wonderful) that I'm more than OK with overlooking some rough bits. Belle of the Ball had me rooting for the princess the whole way through, and cheering when she finally got her storybook ending.