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Sabrina
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
Conspiracy theories, breakdown, murder: Everythings gonna be all rightuntil it isnt How many hours of sleep did you get last night? Rate your overall mood from 1 to 5, 1 being poor. Rate your stress level from 1 to 5, 5 being severe. Are you experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide? Is there anything in your personal life that is affecting your duty? When Sabrina disappears, an airman in the U.S. Air Force is drawn into a web of suppositions, wild theories, and outright lies. He reports to work every night in a bare, sterile fortress that serves as no protection from a situation that threatens the sanity of Teddy, his childhood friend and the boyfriend of the missing woman. Sabrinas grieving sister, Sandra, struggles to fill her days as she waits in purgatory. After a videotape surfaces, we see devastation through a cinematic lens, as true tragedy is distorted when fringe thinkers and conspiracy theorists begin to interpret events to fit their own narratives. The follow-up to Nick Drnasos Beverly, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Sabrina depicts a modern world devoid of personal interaction and responsibility, where relationships are stripped of intimacy through glowing computer screens. Presenting an indictment of our modern state, Drnaso contemplates the dangers of a fake-news climate. Timely and articulate, Sabrina leaves you gutted, searching for meaning in the aftermath of disaster.
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review
Bookwomble
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Reading about how the tragic events which haunt USA society become entangled in the dark web of conspiracy theories was both sad & an emotional black hole.
Sabrina disappears & her fate happens off page, so the reader can only deduced the truth of what happened to her based on probability, however, we do see what happens to those most closely affected by her disappearance, & the disturbing fantasies weaved about them informs our opinion of the ⬇️

Bookwomble ... (un)likelihood of the conspiracy theories about Sabrina.
Clear parallels to bullshit peddlers such as Alex Jones and their lies about national traumas such as 9-11 and Sandy Hook. It's informative about how and why these "theories" arise, but it's also a fairly bleak look into the heart of a dysfunctional society. There is a vague sense of positivity towards the end, but you need a microscope to find it. Worthwhile low pick.
5mo
31 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Bookwomble
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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It's a late afternoon, autumnal, mushroom soup and a glass of wine #LibraryHaul kinda day.
I don't think either of these graphic novels, Sabrina and Palestine, are going to be cheerful.
The Terraformers is for the November #LSFBC read, but I don't want to start that until I've finished Bester's Tiger! Tiger! for the November #ClassicLSFBC read.

quietlycuriouskate That looks like a lovely day! Some tough books there, though. 5mo
36 likes1 comment
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vivastory
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Drnaso's graphic novel made headlines several years ago for the distinction of being the first work of graphic fiction to make the Man Booker list. If I'm not mistaken this hasn't happened again. Sabrina tells of Teddy who is staying with his hs friend Calvin following the disappearance of the titular character. Published in 2018, Sabrina deals with among other topics the rise of domestic terrorists & their ties to conspiracy groups. 👇

vivastory This is ground that has been covered in multiple formats since the publication of Sabrina, but I don't think that the book feels dated & there are other concerns addressed. Drnaso's use of panels emphasizes the loneliness & emotional claustrophobia of the characters. Although I suspect I might not vividly remember this story or the art a few months from now, I am glad that I read it. 1y
BarbaraBB I enjoyed this one too - but don‘t remember it 😝 1y
vivastory @BarbaraBB Lol. I heard that Drnaso has a new one out. I've heard it's good, but maybe not as good as Sabrina. 1y
jlhammar I really enjoyed this one. I thought his newest, Acting Class, was strange and unsettling, but also really good. Not for everyone, but I think you might appreciate it. 1y
vivastory @jlhammar Thanks for the feedback! Strange & unsettling is definitely one of my wheelhouses. Adding to my gn TBR 1y
60 likes1 stack add5 comments
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ARTDJG
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

😻

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RaeLovesToRead
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

This was ok. Both bland and harrowing. The style reminded me very much of Chris Ware - whose work I admire, but is rather depressing.

This book was about conspiracy theories in modern America and, although in many ways an effective read, I wanted more emotional depth.

I really, really, really need to read something cheerful now. I feel drained.

emtobiasz Yeah, I really didn‘t enjoy this one, but I think it wasn‘t meant to be enjoyed. 3y
RaeLovesToRead @emtobiasz when I read Chris Ware's work I feel drained, but impressed. With this one, I wasn't impressed enough for the energy I invested in it, if that makes sense? There was a lot that I did respect about it, but I expected more, given other serious graphic novels I've read. 3y
24 likes2 comments
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Parvez
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Oh boy, was this intense. Drnaso‘s characters are minimally sketched, emotionally sparse and non-manipulative. The characters do not give into sensationalism, and primal emotions of grief and outrage are understood through deafening silences and pauses in the panels. Five 🌟

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ephemeralwaltz
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

If I didn't finish this in one sitting it's because I forced myself to put it aside because I wanted it to last me more than one night. My knowledge about graphic novels is almost none but I was intrigued about how this was longlisted for the Booker prize and I'm glad I invested in a copy of my own. The artwork is dull, yes, but the minimal detail is exactly what completes this reflection on our times, flooded with violence and paranoia.

Tanisha_A Looking forward to read this. Nice review! ❤️ 4y
52 likes1 comment
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Adventures-of-a-French-Reader
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

What an interesting graphic novel!
The most interesting subject in this book for me was the conspiracy theorists, and how they harass people who are experiencing a tragedy. How they use social media, and how they work to find "their truths".
I liked the flow of the storytelling, the illustrations, pretty much everything.

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Go_Brina
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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“Nothing just happens. Every news story is as strategically manufactured as the ads wedged between them. There‘s a story about housing prices. There‘s a commercial offering cash for gold. There‘s a story about a mass shooting. There‘s a commercial for antidepressants. When you‘re willing to acknowledge these patterns, you might never sleep soundly again.”

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Go_Brina
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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As Calvin becomes more stressed, so do I reading this book 😓😭

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Go_Brina
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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“We can‘t get lost in the meaningless metaphors of octopus tentacles and pyramids and secret symbols on the dollar bill. The villains don‘t hide behind cloaks, they grace magazine covers.”

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Go_Brina
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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This frame pretty much sums up the mood of this book so far. My sister and her husband got a copy to give me during a trip to London because of the name, but I never expected it to be so intense!

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TheRegular_coffeeandbooks
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
Pickpick

I was surprised how much I liked this. I‘m new to adult graphic novels and tried this based on reviews. It was fantastic, really engaging. It had so much to say and such a unique way of saying it. I‘ll definitely be checking out the adult graphic novels section of the library more frequently.

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StellaDz
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

The story is one that captivated me: a young woman is brutally murdered, but amongst a media frenzy, conspiracy theories and the video being posted online, those left living are tortured with the insensitivities of the modern world.

The art? Absolutely horrible. All men looked the same, and there were pages where I had to turn the book right into light to see the images and wording.

Good story. Bad presentation. ⭐️⭐️

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Michael_Gee
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Oof. This is an intense story. The art and dialogue is stark, and it emphasizes the isolation and loneliness of the characters‘ lives. Conspiracy theories and suspicion abound, but there are also choices of tenderness. Nothing is stable, and anything you love can disappear in a moment for reasons you will never fully understand. Oof.

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emtobiasz
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

Hmm, ok. I think this book makes interesting points about how our culture processes tragedies and conspiracy theories and viral sensations, but this isn‘t a book I enjoyed reading at all. I felt anxious the whole time.

It‘s the first #graphicnovel ever nominated for the Booker prize, which doesn‘t surprise me. It feels like a literary fiction story told with pictures. The art & design of it match the tone of the story, but aren‘t very compelling.

52 likes1 stack add
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mldkennedy
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

(March 2019) I read this is one sitting...it's the sort of book that I had to find someone to discuss it with

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AlizaApp
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

One of the best graphic novels I have read in a while. A woman goes missing and is suspected to be dead, and her ex-boyfriend goes to live with a childhood friend in Colorado to process his grief and despair. But it‘s also really about how a conspiracy theory forms, how an online mob can turn on you, how easy it is to troll someone you don‘t believe to be a real person.

Theaelizabet This was a gut-wrenching read. 5y
AlizaApp @Theaelizabet it really was, in ways that I was not expecting 5y
8little_paws This book gave me the CREEPS. So well done . 5y
41 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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WhatWouldJaneDo
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Sabrina is a quietly moving story about the aftermath of a woman's disappearance, particularly for her sister Sandra, her boyfriend Teddy, and the friend who takes Teddy in as he struggles to cope. The story is a specific example that illustrates the way our society has come to treat the continuous onslaught of tragedy we're bombarded with in the news. Drnaso's art work is simple yet effective; I look forward to more from him.

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WhatWouldJaneDo
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Polly plopped directly on my lap before I had a chance to reblanket myself.
On book #2, had a diversion for a while when a package from my mom arrived and I called her to chat. Now back to reading #deweysreadathon #catsoflitsy

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scowler1
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Bleak but brilliant graphic novel. A sad story about the sad state of the nation, the harm social media platforms can do. Little human touches throughout give the book it's warmth and hope, if we could only learn to care about each other. Facebook is overrun with salacious gossip, conspiracy theory and targeted advertising. What a mess Zuckerberg. He should check out Litsy, this is social media as it should be.

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WhatWouldJaneDo
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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1.) Dallas, TX
2.) Sabrina (tagged book) my husband surprised me with this for Christmas and I've been saving it for the #readathon
3.) Didn't plan any
4.) My favorite bookstore is the Big Chicken Barn in Maine
5.) I am a pretty relaxed readathoner but I do have two books I'm hoping to complete today, we'll see how that works out!
#deweys24hourreadathon @DeweysReadathon

21 likes1 stack add
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AMVP
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Finally found this much hyped title on store shelves. First heard about it last year when there was some Man Booker buzz around it. Recommend Just Write's video about it on YouTube.

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Jeg
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Panpan

Wish I could have bailed but needed to read for book club. I didn‘t enjoy the art work, the print was way to small and I don‘t understand the end. Not my thing I guess. I sort of got some of the content , the curse of the internet, live content, trolls, death threats, conspiracy theories. I‘m not a graphic novel fan and this did not change my mind.

MrsMalaprop Oh no! Will hear more tonight. You are very welcome to borrow one of my three #graphicnovel reads that I will bring along tonight. I am not a fan of the format either, but have to say I enjoyed all three I read! 5y
Jeg @MrsMalaprop I too have read others and I‘ve not been put off. Kathy is big fan and we have shelves full of graphic novels and comics. Even she could not read this one. 5y
13 likes2 comments
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Nitpickyabouttrains
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Beautiful and stark graphic novel.

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Nitpickyabouttrains
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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@BookishMarginalia thank you thank you for so his extremely generous and thoughtful #cupidgoespostal gift. I am so excited for these books!

BookishMarginalia 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I am so glad you liked it! 5y
34 likes1 comment
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reelsndreads
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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So excited to have found this platform!! This #littenintro seems like a perfect first post @tessavi

1. Long Island, NY 🗽
2. Sayaka Murata who wrote Convenience Store Woman, which was a perfect introduction to her refreshing and quirky style 🍦
3. I recently deleted all of my want to reads on Goodreads, as it was way out of control! I think I‘m at a manageable 15 📚
4. My sitting room couch, or a coffee shop ☕️
5. Sabrina by Nick Drnaso 📻

tessavi Welcome to Litsy and thanks for posting! 🦔 5y
RaimeyGallant A belated welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon Some of us put together Litsy tips to help new Littens navigate the site. It's the link in my bio on my page in case you need it. Or if you prefer how-to videos, @chelleo put some together at the link in her bio. @LitsyWelcomeWagon 5y
Chelleo Welcome! 5y
reelsndreads @RaimeyGallant @Chelleo thank you both!!!! So excited to get more involved in this bookish community ☺️ 5y
5 likes4 comments
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CuriousG
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Although I don't necessarily disagree with this, it is exhausting in the middle of a crisis to try and keep up this Pollyanna-ish attitude. Sometimes crisis brings more crisis with no opportunity for personal growth until much much later.

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Bookboss
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

I was intrigued by this graphic novel that was long-listed for the Booker Prize. The Literary Disco podcast discussed it on an episode, which nudged me to pick it up. This is an incredible story of modern-day paranoia, violence, grief, and conspiracy theorists. I expect that this will be one of those books that stays with me for a long time.

43 likes2 stack adds
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Zoe_reads_books
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Pretty strong start to the year. This graphic novel exploration of conspiracy theories is timely and made me feel uncomfortable (but in a good way). 4/5 🌟

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NotCool
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
Bailedbailed

I‘ve tried to get through this book several times. The art is blocky and off putting. But Maybe that is a stylistic choice? Maybe Sabrina is drawn and colored the way it is to distance the reader from the characters? The reason I don‘t think I‘ll finish it is that this award winning work of literature falls right into the women in refrigerators trope. Awesome. I didn‘t finish it. Maybe it gets better.

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SkeletonKey
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

What a lonely book.

26 likes1 stack add
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Becker
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

Undecided about this. The art work was not to my taste at all but I did find it to be a thoughtful look at the current state of our culture. It was compelling in its own way. I was often more interested in what wasn‘t said than what was, e.g. the silent relationship of the two male friends.

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Kalalalatja
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

Often, when I read a graphic novel, I‘m more impressed by the artwork than the story. This wasn‘t the case with Sabrina. I actually quite liked the story, which dealt with conspiracy theories, trauma and relationships. But the artwork was too simplistic for my taste, and the text was so small, that I had to have to book up close to my eyes (and yes, I do already wear glasses).

All in all, this wasn‘t bad, but it wasn‘t a fave either.

charl08 Yes, I was underwhelmed also. I did really like the tagged graphic (although memoir) from recent GN reading though. 5y
ephemeralwaltz Interesting! I've been eyeing this one. 5y
Kalalalatja @charl08 it sounds really good, I just stacked it 👍 @ephemeralwaltz I got it from the library, and I might recommend doing that. Or at least try a browse through to see if the style is for you. Otherwise it might be a bit expensive 🤷‍♀️ 5y
ephemeralwaltz That's definitely what keeps me from purchasing graphic novels and comics 😂💸 5y
84 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Kalalalatja
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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I thought, I would come home with the tagged book only, but when I got to the library I couldn‘t help browsing the graphic novel/comics section, and ended up with quite the #libraryhaul 📚

75 likes1 stack add
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Lindy
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Subdued colours match the bleak tone of this #graphicnovel about how we process trauma in the aftermath of tragedy. Two of the main characters are inarticulate men, detached from their emotions, yet the author allows room for empathy. Online conspiracy theorists & paranoid radio talk show hosts contribute to the climate of uncertainty & fear.
Unsentimental psychological realism that kept me engrossed. Understandable why it made the Booker list.

42 likes2 stack adds
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Lindy
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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More book synchronicity: The Mere Wife and Sabrina both have pivotal moments that centre on deeply disturbing videos that have gone viral. #contemporaryissues

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Redheadrambles
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️

To engage with any graphic novel then I need to be 100% hooked with the visuals. In this case my eye would rather be anywhere else but scanning these panels of flat, grey monotony ( every possible drab tone is here - putty, puce, khaki, a grey raspberry I don't have a name for)
There are interesting points here on social isolation and media-fueled conspiracy theories, but in general this book did not resonate with me.
#manbooker2018

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Lindy
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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2nd printing: October 2018.
3rd printing: September 2018.
4th printing: September 2018.
…I don‘t understand this chronology.

CouronneDhiver Ha! 🤦🏽‍♀️ 5y
Eyelit Lol 😆 5y
SandyW Oops! 5y
38 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Lauren.Archer
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
Pickpick

Wow...what a book. I absolutely could not put this down. Totally deserves all the kudos it is getting.

76 likes2 stack adds
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Lauren.Archer
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Finally was able to get my hands on a copy. Let‘s see how it goes.

78 likes1 stack add
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reneelyons
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

A grim take on the ways in which we process violent crime, this story truly surprised me. 4/5 stars!

Full review: https://reneereadsbooks.wordpress.com/2018/10/14/book-review-sabrina-by-nick-drn...

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ErikasMindfulShelf
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

I waited for months to get this from the library. It‘s due in two days so I had to hurry up and read it. I‘m not sure what to make of it. It was sad, scary and confusing. I‘m not sure what to make of the end.

BarbaraBB I‘m happy to hear that, neither did I! (edited) 5y
BarbaraBB I liked @Booksnchill ‘s interpretation though; she read it as the need for real face-to-face interaction. (edited) 5y
See All 6 Comments
Suet624 Two days!? 5y
ErikasMindfulShelf @Suet624 Well, I think I had it for a month, but couldn‘t renew so had to read it fast before it was due. 5y
Suet624 Oh, that‘s better. 😀 5y
43 likes6 comments
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WolfReader
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

Different and refreshing take on the disappearance storyline. I liked how social media played both a good and scary part in this work.

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Alicia
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Pickpick

I‘ve seen some so-so reviews for this book but I did enjoy it. It was very reminiscent of other Drawn + Quarterly publications. Not a lot of action, deep introspection with the characters. The plot was very interesting to me, what would the fallout be in such a situation? It felt real and honest and sort of sad and drawn out- much like life can be. Glad I picked it up.

63 likes1 stack add
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DreesReads
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

The first graphic novel to make the Man Booker Longlist. And I‘m really not sure why. I am not a fan of graphic novels, and this is no exception. I also did not much like the illustration style and dull colors. I felt like I was reading a storyboard for an adaptation of a 20-page short story. The ideas are interesting, but they don‘t really go anywhere. I want a prose novel! #bookerlonglist #manbooker #graphicnovel

Samplergal Not for me either. I just don‘t get it. 6y
Reviewsbylola Yeah, sorry, it would have to be an absolutely amazing graphic novel for me to consider it for the booker. I just can‘t imagine that scenario. 6y
Eyelit I‘ve seen more opinions that are similar to yours than not - which makes me wonder why it‘s up for the booker. Huh. I have it on my list but based on so many people not loving it I haven‘t made it any kind of priority 6y
DreesReads @Reviewsbylola exactly! Maybe I was expecting too much, but with Booker nominees I usually love them or at least understand why they were nominated. My library system also shelves this as YA?! (And not all graphic novels are shelved as YA.) 6y
DreesReads @Eyelit I started it yesterday and finished it today, and also read other things. This could easily be read in half a day. 6y
28 likes5 comments
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ReadingEnvy
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Panpan

I'm not connecting well to this year's Man Booker Prize long list. This is the first graphic novel ever selected for inclusion and the story is drab drab drab - the characters are not really dealing with significant life crises and all illustrations feature small headed large bodied people in subdued hues. An undercurrent of conspiracy theory that becomes quite a threatening presence and is unresolved.

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Emilymdxn
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Today I came back to oxford for a visit to a friend and even though I only moved away 2 months ago it‘s made me feel so strange and idk if I like it. It feels so far away and empty compared to when I lived and worked here. Even if I am living with my parents I‘m so grateful I left to get another job and live somewhere else.

Comforted myself the only way I know how, of course... #bookhaul

zsuzsanna_reads That book of myths looks awesome 😍 6y
Mdargusch Cool book! I‘m glad you are happy with your new move. 6y
Emilymdxn @zsuzsanna_reads yes!! I was only gonna get Sabrina but when I saw this one I knew straight away that I had to have it 6y
See All 7 Comments
Emilymdxn @Mdargusch thank you!! I‘ll be even happier when I‘ve got my own actual place but I‘m very sure now that leaving oxford was the right thing 6y
BarbaraBB Did you leave Oxford after graduating? 6y
Emilymdxn @BarbaraBB I worked in oxford for a year after graduation and I just finished at that job, so I was there four years in total and just left 6y
BarbaraBB @Emilymdxn Ah, just curious. Oxford seems so cool to me but after four years I can imagine you‘ve seen it all! 6y
38 likes7 comments
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Clare_Riley
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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I‘m a sucker for a Man Booker prize nominee - and for a graphic novel. So when I was given a book voucher, it had to be bought!!

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Redwritinghood
Sabrina | Nick Drnaso
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Mehso-so

This graphic novel looks at the effect of a woman‘s murder (filmed and provided to the media and then the internet) on her friends and family in the modern age. Online media and talk radio play a big part in the story - how it allows the widespread dissemination of conspiracy theories, false stories and innuendo, and leads ultimately to fear and isolation. I did not, however, care for the art and felt the storyline was a bit uneven. 2.5⭐️