Publication Date: 14th Feb 2012 (1st published Aug 2010)
Pages: 264
Book Source: Random House Children's Books & NetGalley
Synopsis: "Let me make it in time. Let me
meet Shadow. The guy who paints in the dark. Paints birds trapped on brick
walls and people lost in ghost forests. Paints guys with grass growing from
their hearts and girls with buzzing lawn mowers."
It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for
Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about. His work is all over the city, but he is
nowhere.
Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment,
says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places
where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city
walls.
But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one
thing that’s right before her eyes.
My Thoughts:
Graffiti culture
(street art) is very much a part of Melbourne and graffiti is very much a
living, breathing character in Graffiti Moon. Add this to the familiar
Melbourne setting, believable teenage characters, lyrical writing and superb
dialogue and you get a book that feels as natural as breathing.
Arse grabbing, nose breaking, cubicle
of truth, friendship, change, realisation, a night of celebration, a journey of
discovery. Told over one night from the
alternating viewpoints of Ed & Lucy with smatterings of Leo's poetry this
little book is a treasure to savour, soak up the words like a sponge,
immerse yourself in the sheer beauty.
Lucy & best friend Jazz:
"Luce when we
were in the street talking, Leo's arm brushed my arm. I got static electricity
down there."
I can't help
laughing. "So go out with him. Tell me about it tomorrow."
"I want to tell you about it while it's happening."
"He'll probably
think that's weird," I say.
"I want you to
get static electricity too."
"I'll go rub my feet up and down on the carpet for a while when I get home. I promise."
Ed & best friend
Leo:
Would you say you're more of a poet
or a social commentator?" I ask, thinking about what Lucy said earlier.
"I don't
know." He chuckles. "Would you say you're more of an idiot or a
wanker?"
"Fair point."
I loved the characters, Lucy for her
ballsiness, sarcasm & naivety and Ed for his I paint so
it gets quiet under my skin vulnerability. Oh and did I mention the
classic references, without seeming try-hard, they just ... fit.
My one wish;
pictures, just a little artwork to accompany all those delicious words. So I
couldn't resist dishing up a little Melbourne graffiti art to get you in
the mood.
source: melbournegraffiti.com
Graffiti Moon is a veritable treat for the senses;
sweet, sad, whimsical, hopeful, funny ,beautiful. Read it!!
Visit Cath Crowley's website to
find out more about this Australian author & her work.
Aussie cover
Sounds fantastic! As a matter of fact, just the other day I walked the lane way across from the Melbourne Art Gallery. I loved it, the way it all meshed together as one alley way of art!
ReplyDeleteFunnily, it attracted a lot of wedding snaps, and come to think of it, I bet they turned out great. The crisp white dress against all that graffiti!
Seriously the best dialogue I've read in a YA book in years. How cool having graffiti art as a wedding backshot ... something different.
DeleteThis sounds good!! And loving the art you provided -- here graffiti is mostly gang related and so most states have taken precautions to stop the sale of spray paint....
ReplyDeleteSorry hint publish too soon... lol... "To stop the sale of spray paint to MINORS" I meant! LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteIt really is that good Julie. Yeah it's an offence in some states in Australia to sell spray paint to minors ... aid in the prevention of graffiti but also chroming.
DeleteCool grafitti. I sure wish they would stick to that, instead of ugly things you can't see or just bad words. That is not grafitti
ReplyDeleteI'm with you B :)
DeleteI love those graffiti pictures. I wish I was talented and can do that witha spray can!
ReplyDeleteme too Staci, like this it really is art! An awesome read, you should try this one ;)
DeleteI read this last year and loved it! Was thrilled when it was given an honourable mention in the Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards last year.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this book! Great review of this and I love the fact that you have included some Melbourne graffiti.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and pictures! really great.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I love Melbourne Street Art, especially in Fitzroy.
ReplyDeleteGraffiti Moon sounds marvelous! I've recently been to Australia (though sadly not Melbourne) and really enjoyed the trip. I want to get my hands on the Aussie version of the book so bad! I've heard that the US published version has quite a few changes.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, I LOVED this book (but you already know that!). I'm so glad you included pictures in your review - it really helps to bring the story to life. Crowley is definitely on my radar now and I can't wait to read her other work!!!
ReplyDelete