Graphic novels are honestly the easiest for me to read during a reading slump. I feel like I’ve been in this for ages, because I haven’t read a book in full since The Shadows — so January. Most everything else has been graphic novels or Amazon Originals.

Even if I find what I think I want to read, I can’t get into it. The Girl from the Sea has been on my TBR since last year — and I only got into it three days before I had to return it to Libby because it was a graphic novel. (I didn’t know it was a graphic novel until I started to return it since I didn’t even download it after I borrowed it.)

The Girl from the Sea: A Graphic Novel by Molly Ostertag
Published by Graphix on 1 June, 2022
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic novels, Lesbian fiction, LGBTQ+, Romance, Young adult
# pages: 256
Source: Borrowed
Goodreads
Rating: ★★★★★

Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends...who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl.

Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore.

But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface...whether Morgan is ready or not.

My thoughts

I loved the wholesome undertones and how the story focused on the struggle to “come out” and be different from everyone else. Even in seemingly safe/inclusive environments, there is still pressure to be a certain way. I remember coming out as a lesbian and even people in the LGBTQ+ community noted that I had had boyfriends and asked how I could even know if I’ve never slept with a guy.

There was what felt like a hint that someone in Morgan’s life had feelings for her, but I’m glad that that wasn’t the case and that friendship was prioritized over petty tropes and drama.

This is a romance between two girls, but healthy relationships and being oneself are at the heart of the story.

I really wish/hope there’s a sequel!