Sigh. This book was exactly what I needed: a tale of hopefulness & redemption. Cath Crowley has written one of the ultimate feel good books while still been realistic. This book will not fail to put a smile on your face.

ALL THE FEELS. Will write a review of it once I got emotionally stable.

This is a hard one to review. I loved it. The writing moved and danced, showing you the story. The characters and setting were vivid and alive, and while I understand the use of innuendo to make the teenagers realistic, the random f-bombs neither furthered the story nor added to the characters. It was a failed attempt to make Ed and the others hardcore. I also greatly appreciated how you know the entire way who is who. It's not a mystery, but a journey.

I don't normally write reviews for books but Graffiti Moon has won me over with so much emotions and magic that I felt the overwhelming need to. When I first started, I thought Cath Crowley's writing reminded me of Tahereh Mafi's in Shatter Me. It was the way the words and thoughts of the characters seemed tangled together, like something for you to slowly unfold. Strangely enough, it worked for me here, unlike in Shatter Me. And then as I read on, I realized that she was more Laini Taylor than Mafi. The way she was able to infuse day-to-day words with magic was what made this book so delicious to read. This book was written in the perspective of Lucy and Ed, our two protagonists. In the beginning of the book, we see Lucy chasing and searching for a graffiti artist called 'Shadow'. She is in love with his works and thinks that a guy like him, who produces such art, is someone she can truly fall for. She ended up going in search of Shadow with Ed, who, if you can't tell from the book description, (view spoiler)[ is Shadow (hide spoiler)]. Amidst all that, there were sub-plots too, like the twist and turns of her parent's marriage and how Lucy is coming in terms with the changes, the revival of her friend's failing relationship, Ed's father/son-esque relationship with his previous boss, etc. Instead of distracting us from the main plot, however, these sub-plots contribute to the realistic, 3D-ness of the story and the depth and complexity of the characters. It also tells us that these people have lives beyond their purposes in the main plot. I loved how all the little details, like how Lucy always tries to detach herself from an embarrassing situation, really adds to the story. I loved that when something is awkward for Lucy or Ed, I was able to feel the awkwardness radiating off the pages. I loved the way I can see Ed's pieces so vividly in my mind. I loved Leo's poetry. I loved all the hilarious exchange between Lucy and Ed. I loved the occasional sadness. Well, it's safe to say I loved everything.

Ok. Another YA book - but this one was definitely worth it. I wish wish wish I had this book to read in high school. This book is about being a very young adult. Lucy has only just finished high school the day prior, and Ed is on the cusp of figuring out where his options lie. They're both obsessed with art (and yes I did lots of fangirl reactions to all the referenced works and galleries). It definitely has that YA feel, where you can tell that it is written to appeal to young adults, rather than being 100% the voice of a young adult - but that isn't so obvious when you're a young reader so I don't think that matters. And besides which, the story is exhilerating, the messages are solid, and the language is believable. Also quite funny in parts. I 100% recommend it to past Amanda if time-traveling reviews become a possibility, and otherwise recommend it to any high school aged person, especially if they are interested in art ... but also if they are interested in figuring out how to find a path that works for them beyond what seems immediately apparent.

True rating: 3 1/2 stars.

Graffiti has always entranced me. There's something about the sweeping murals, painted in secrecy, that hold a certain power over me. After reading Graffiti Moon, I think my love is even stronger. Before I delve into anything else about this book I need to share how much I loved that Cath Crowley made graffiti into art. Shadow doesn't paint on anything that belongs to anyone, he doesn't tag for a gang, instead he paints the beauty, pain and sorrow that are inside of his soul onto the walls of broken down areas. Unloved areas that crave color. In this book, graffiti is turned into an expression of feeling. Crowley allows her characters to use art in general as an outlet for their emotions. It's a beautiful thing. This is a story about feeling lost and alone, and searching out the one thing that will bring you back. For Lucy, her parents are the source of her confusion. I love how Crowley portrays them in this book, because it is so realistic. They love one another, they love her, they just can't always be around one another. On the other hand, Shadow's nemesis is a matter of self doubt. How can he move forward if the one holding him back is...him? These two characters are the main focus of the story, and they are beautifully portrayed. To say I fell in love with them is a given. I wish I could more aptly express how sweeping this story is. Crowley has a way with words that just allows you to get lost in the story. Lucy is looking for a mysterious artist, one who will take her breath away. What she doesn't see is that the boy right in front of her is just as wonderful. In this story Lucy and Ed navigate the land of second chances. They discover that sometimes first impressions aren't always what they seem to be. Shrouded in the protective cloak of night, these two learn a lot about themselves and one another. Their dialogue is true to life and unabashedly honest. I can't express enough how amazing these two really are. Beautiful. That's my review in one word. What Cath Crowley has written in Graffiti Moon is a look deep into the inner thoughts of lost teens. A nighttime adventure that takes them through their deepest secrets. This book captivated me, and I guarantee that it will do the same for you.

So I love art. I love looking at it, I love reading about artists, and I like it as a relaxation technique. I especially like the pop artists, the realists, the surrealists, and the impressionists, as well as some art deco and art nouveau painters. Yet despite my love for art, I don't particularly like reading books about it- except in the form of biographies or histories. I think it was Jandy Nelson's I'll Give You the Sun that really turned me off of YA art books. That one was so purple and dense with the deep healing powers of art the whole thing put a taste in my mouth akin to rancid syrup. I wanted to tell her to cut the cloying bullshit. And yet, I picked up Graffiti Moon, and, because of my shit luck with YA contemporaries lately, I expected a lot of rolling my eyes and sighing. Instead, I fell headfirst in love with this book, with its gorgeous prose and wonderful characters and witty dialogue that actually got a few laughs out of me. I thought the descriptions of Shadow's street art would be so convoluted and Ed and Lucy's love story would be chemistry less and boring. Instead, I found myself wishing Shadow actually existed so I could see his art, and really rooting for them to make it together. I loved Lucy's hobby of glass blowing and both of their relationships with their mentors. In fact, I loved all the characters- Jazz the psychic and Leo the poet and Daisy and Dylan who stayed together despite everything. Continue reading this review on my blog here: https://bookwormbasics.blogspot.com/2...