Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley - Book Review

Title : Seconds : A Graphic Novel

Author : Bryan Lee O'Malley

Publisher : Ballantine Books

Original Publication Date : July 15th 2014

Length : 323 Pages

Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★

Shop : Book Depository | Amazon 

Synopsis : Katie’s got it pretty good. She’s a talented young chef, she runs a successful restaurant, and she has big plans to open an even better one. Then, all at once, progress on the new location bogs down, her charming ex-boyfriend pops up, her fling with another chef goes sour, and her best waitress gets badly hurt. And just like that, Katie’s life goes from pretty good to not so much. What she needs is a second chance. Everybody deserves one, after all—but they don’t come easy. Luckily for Katie, a mysterious girl appears in the middle of the night with simple instructions for a do-it-yourself do-over:

1. Write your mistake

2. Ingest one mushroom

3. Go to sleep

4. Wake anew

And just like that, all the bad stuff never happened, and Katie is given another chance to get things right. She’s also got a dresser drawer full of magical mushrooms—and an irresistible urge to make her life not just good, but perfect. Too bad it’s against the rules. But Katie doesn’t care about the rules—and she’s about to discover the unintended consequences of the best intentions.

From the mind and pen behind the acclaimed Scott Pilgrim series comes a madcap new tale of existential angst, everyday obstacles, young love, and ancient spirits that’s sharp-witted and tenderhearted, whimsical and wise.

My first impressions of this were 'interesting'. I didn't have a clue to say the least at what to expect from this book. I mean I've heard a lot of people talk but not about what it's about as such just that they've enjoyed it or that it's a well known book.

I must say I was surprised at what this book was about. I was not expecting it one bit. But... I loved it! It basically follows a girl named Katie who is a chef. She has many opportunities to make her life 'perfect' but things keep getting worse. Katie's character is almost greedy but I actually really enjoyed it. I thought the characters were great, however I would have liked a bit more on Max.

I don't know if it's just me but when I read graphic novels I find the characters really hard to connect with simply because there's not enough description as to their thoughts and feelings. I will say that one of the characters in this book, Hazel, I felt mostly connected to simply because she's a shy individual just like myself. So I can say I enjoyed that. I have to say I am also impressed how the author came up with a diverse of characters. They were all different and had their own personality which I really enjoyed.

Also... The art work guys!! That art work was the main thing of what drew me in from the beginning. It's absolutely gorgeous. Even the cover is amazing guys (mainly why I picked it up - guilty).