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A Good Read: Try some graphic novels

Graphic novels are a great resource for people, big and small, who can’t seem to find the time or energy to read text-heavy books
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Graphic novels are a great resource for people, big and small, who can’t seem to find the time or energy to read text-heavy books.

These novels typically offer a lot of information very fast, and in a way that’s easy to digest.

If you find yourself struggling to get through a typical novel, you may want to pick up one of these instead.

• Nimona by Noelle Stevenson: Nimona is a fun read for all ages and a great read for super-villain enthusiasts. This story is about the super-villain’s sidekick, Nimona, who enjoys wreaking havoc with Lord Ballister Black Heart. They have a mission but Nimona’s mischievous personality, combined with her shapeshifter abilities, land them both in trouble.

• Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen: Big Mushy Happy Lump is part of Andersen’s very popular Sarah’s Scribbles comics. These are hilarious and relatable, and the topics she covers are based on real life experiences, such as anxiety, relationships, change and other challenges that life brings. This graphic novel has an upbeat feel, even when dealing with some real, serious topics.

• Saga by Brian K. Vaughan: Saga is a great story about love, war and fighting to find a place in the world despite all odds. The story follows two soldiers from opposite sides of a galactic war who fall in love, which puts them in great danger. This dramatic story will have you nearly in tears one page, then laughing hysterically the next. This is a graphic novel best suited for adults.

• Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe: Rat Queens is about five battle maidens-for-hire set in a fantasy world. This graphic novel series is filled with sass, action and dark comedy. Each character has a unique and strong personality. The way the characters interact with one anther is hilarious and there is always something interesting going on. If you like fantasy, girl power and sass, this is the novel for you!

• Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu: Monstress tells the story of a teenage girl struggling to survive and dealing with the trauma of war. She is revealed to have a mysterious bond with a monster and there is a power inside her that is waiting to be awakened. This dark fantasy is a thrill to read and has beautiful illustrations.

Graphic novels are a great resource to introduce people to reading or reintroduce those who are reluctant readers. For these suggestions and more, visit your local library.

A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Julia Peck works at Port Coquitlam’s Terry Fox Library.