Book Review - Graffiti Moon

Graffiti Moon

by Cath Crowley

(Goodreads summary)

Hardcover, 272 pages

Expected publication: February 14th 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers (first published August 1st 2010) 

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

Graffiti Moon is awesome. That seems about the only word I can think of to properly say how I feel about this book. The characters, the story, the graffiti—all of it—awesome.

Why you ask?

For starters, the characters are all incredibly clever. I love characters that say things well. Lucy, Ed and the whole crew say things well. They are quick, witty and endearing. An incredible combination that had me hooked from page one. The whole book I could not stop thinking—man do I wish I were clever like that. And then, ugh, I wish I could mimic an Australian accent in my head. And, can these people please be my friends!?

“So it’s the cat’s fault,” I said. “If only we had a cat.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s no one’s fault. There’s no fault. We’re staying married. Not everyone lives like the dream you have in your head.” That did not comfort me. (Lucy -- Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley)

I like characters worth liking, characters that draw you into their story in one paragraph. I found myself immediately drawn to both Lucy and Ed. They are of the odd sort and I LOVE them. Written in multiple perspectives, we are given insights that help heighten the story and drive the tension between the characters. The book only takes place over one night, but shows a backward glance at who these people are. Their stories are full of depth and heart, turning them from book characters to real images of people. Turning them from what we hope them to be into who they really are. 

Graffiti Moon is not packed with action, but it never lags and never leaves you bored. What this story gives the reader is a unique portrayal of art, recognition of the impact that people can have in a life, and the importance of seeing the truth instead of a façade.

(Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for providing me with Graffiti Moon for review)