Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Genre: YA Contemporary
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


15 comments:

  1. 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!
    Funnily, 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seriously the best dialogue I've read in a YA book in years. How cool having graffiti art as a wedding backshot ... something different.

      Delete
  2. This 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....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sorry hint publish too soon... lol... "To stop the sale of spray paint to MINORS" I meant! LOL!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It 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.

      Delete
  4. Cool 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

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love those graffiti pictures. I wish I was talented and can do that witha spray can!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. me too Staci, like this it really is art! An awesome read, you should try this one ;)

      Delete
  6. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I LOVED this book! Great review of this and I love the fact that you have included some Melbourne graffiti.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great review and pictures! really great.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sounds interesting. I love Melbourne Street Art, especially in Fitzroy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Graffiti 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.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Awesome 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

Thanks for taking the time to leave some comment love, I'm a 'comment back' kinda girl. Don't forget to check the 'Notify me' box