Graffiti Moon

Jan 17, 2013 Janina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-fiction, contemporary, from-down-under, titles-i-love, alternating-pov, on-my-kindle, art, best-of-2011, beautiful-writing, favourite-characters, favourites, just-hilarious, read-in-2011, bittersweet, one-night-only, books-to-hug, on-my-shelf

(I read the "original" Aussie edition, but now own this US hardcover edition.)

Oh book, I love you so ...

It is really hard for me to put into words how I feel about this story. I am sure I won't be able to do it justice.

It is amazing how many things can happen in just one night. And it is even more amazing how Cath Crowley manages to capture them all – in a way that is both funny and heartbreakingly sad, full of fear of an unknown future, bright with colours and brimming with feelings. Crowley br...more (I read the "original" Aussie edition, but now own this US hardcover edition.)

Oh book, I love you so ...

It is really hard for me to put into words how I feel about this story. I am sure I won't be able to do it justice.

It is amazing how many things can happen in just one night. And it is even more amazing how Cath Crowley manages to capture them all – in a way that is both funny and heartbreakingly sad, full of fear of an unknown future, bright with colours and brimming with feelings. Crowley brings Melbourne's night to you – the velvety black, the blinking stars, the heat, the factory smoke, and then the beginning of dawn – and it felt just like I was there with them, riding a bike through the empty streets.

We only get to spend one night with Lucy and Ed. Yet, they are complex characters, well-drawn with their hopes and fears, their strengths and weaknesses, their talents. I loved their love for art, the way they talked about it. It was in no way pretentious, it was just who they were. Ed's graffiti really came to life through Crowley's writing, and I wish it was real. I wish it was something I could look at. This way, I can only imagine his oceans, the bright birds, the ghost in the jar …
Then, their friends. Fun people to be with (I would do everything to spend a night with this gang), but not only sidekicks just there for the sake of throwing in some good lines.

Last night, after finishing this book, I was sitting in front of my laptop, trying to put my feelings into words. It was not possible. This is when I wish I were a writer, someone who could capture this achy, bittersweet feeling that lingers even today. I can only describe it as indescribable. The writing is so beautiful it almost hurts. I could put this whole book in my favourite quotes.

Hands down, probably the best book I have read so far this year.

All (okay, some of) the things I loved: undercover good guys, psychic (not psycho) Jazz, the arse-grabbing episode (I laughed so hard), Al's chiming glass flowers, Ed's bright birds, René Magritte's "The Lovers", the pink love van, Bert, Lucy punching Malcolm in the face, The Daytime Things, talking with your eyes covered, Lucy’s blue lightning helmet …

#6 Aussie YA Challenge 2011
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Apr 30, 2013 Ariana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sounds-like-fun, alternating-pov, must-read, aussie, arc-galley, favorites, laugh-aloud, great-books, sweet-romance, beloved, best-of

"I was nothing inside but light and color"

Can you be in love with a book? I know that I can fall in love with a character, I had a few crushes here and there, but if I were to want to get married with a book, I would propose to this one in a heartbeat.

Dear Graffiti Moon, will you please marry me?.. For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live, until my kindle do us part..

*waiting for the answer*

You want to know more about our story?
It was love at first sig...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Maja rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Maja by: Lisa O.

Shelves: wonders-from-down-under, amazing-writing, contemporary-fiction, favorites, made-me-cry, role-models, male-pov, ya, reviewed-in-2011, own-a-dtb

4.5 stars.

< i>Every time he looked at me I felt like I’d touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I’d watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn’t think straight when she’s that close to electrocution.

Wow. My GoodReads friends are all peop...more 4.5 stars.

< i>Every time he looked at me I felt like I’d touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I’d watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn’t think straight when she’s that close to electrocution.

Wow. My GoodReads friends are all people with excellent taste. I thought so before, but I’m sure of it now. A few of you took the time to notice what I like and recommend this book to me. Thank you! And a special thanks to Lisa O. and her lovely review for making me read this when I did. Anyway, where was I?

The strength of Crowley's novel isn’t so much in the story itself as it is in the poetic writing that left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Don’t get me wrong: her writing isn’t overly descriptive. She doesn’t go on and on about places, events or works of art. Somehow she says more in one sentence than most people are able to say in twenty. She also has an excellent sense of humor and I found myself crying with laughter over some of her passages.

I know they still love each other, but I guess love is kind of like a marshmallow in a microwave on high. After it explodes, it’s still a marshmallow. But, you know, now it’s a complicated marshmallow.

Lucy doesn’t date regular guys. She went out on one date in her life and ended up breaking the guy’s nose. The fact that her parents spent two straight months screaming at each other isn’t helping her at all. Instead, she dreams about meeting a graffiti artist called Shadow, convinced that he is the guy who could never disappoint her.

Ed left school when it became obvious that he won’t be able to hide his dyslexia much longer. It also happened to be right around the time when Lucy broke his nose on their first date. Words don’t mean anything to him, but he draws the most amazing graffiti all over town. He is Shadow and his best friend Leo is Poet. And he wishes Shadow was as amazing as Lucy seems to believe he is.

Jazz and Leo are both weird in their own way but they might be compatible. He only needs to find the courage to tell her that he’s actually Poet, the guy whose works she’s been admiring all over town. It may sound easy, but once you get tangled in your own lies, it’s very hard to tell the truth.

All of them end up together in a pink van where the truth must come out - whether they like it or not.

There’s something in this book for everyone: amazing writing, poetry, flawless characters, a funny story, love, glass, art, pink van and criminals. Highly recommended.
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Jun 24, 2011 Vinaya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Vinaya by: Flannery

I love graffiti. I've been a huge fan of Banksy from the day I first saw a mural on Brick Lane, and I find every one of his pieces stimulating, entertaining and empathetic. (Although the one above is my FAVOURITE!!) There's not too many artists who can manage that. And the point of street art, the reason for its existence, is to connect. Screw the million-dollar canvases in the galleries, street art is a montage of images designed to appeal to every man. So pretty.

So anyway, Graffiti Moon. It's...more Banksy

I love graffiti. I've been a huge fan of Banksy from the day I first saw a mural on Brick Lane, and I find every one of his pieces stimulating, entertaining and empathetic. (Although the one above is my FAVOURITE!!) There's not too many artists who can manage that. And the point of street art, the reason for its existence, is to connect. Screw the million-dollar canvases in the galleries, street art is a montage of images designed to appeal to every man. So pretty.

So anyway, Graffiti Moon. It's a pretty standard contemporary romance, about a girl and a boy and one special night where they discover each other. Graffiti Moon's appeal lies not in its innovation, but in its ability to evoke the same emotions graffiti does- a dash of nostalgia, a splash of colour, the thrill of the illicit and a stimulation of the senses. Cath Crowley's words are vivid, painting a pretty picture of all those pictures her characters are seeing. I love the idea of Shadow and Poet, of two lost boys painting out their insecurities and their secret selves, putting it out there on a wall- showing themselves without ever really showing themselves.

The book was cute, and funny and satisfying. It was about losing illusions, exploring reality and the tender yet painful journey towards growing up. It was about friendship, and pink vans, and doing the wrong thing, but still finding redemption in the end.

I loved the dynamics between all the characters. Daisy and Dylan were outright adorable, Leo and Jazz provided just the right amount of conflict, and Lucy and Ed were the heart. I also loved the interaction between the three girls, and the boys. The strength of the bond between these very likeable set of friends came across warm and clear.

The writing, the relationships, the chemistry, the conflict- these are the things that Australian YA authors seem to excel at, and Cath Crowley upholds those standards. Whether it's the occassionally-mentioned but very real parents in the story, or the scary-funny bad guy or the slowly-developing romance between two people who had always known each other without ever really seeing the other person, this book takes you on a picturesque, evocative, funny journey into the lives of a bunch of very likeable teenagers. If only more YA was written with the same heart and skill!(less)

51 likes · like · see review

May 05, 2013 Kristalia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Kristalia by: Ariana

Shelves: wishlist_standalone, reviewed, favorites, lol-lol-lol-make-me-stop-loling, best-couple-award, be-my-hero-plz, mature-young-adult, young-adult, recommended-to-me, they-are-so-cute-its-unbearable, they-are-so-awesome-hot-and-stuff, standalone-story

Final rating: ★★★★★/★★★★★

“I guess love's kind of like a marshmallow in a microwave on high. After it explodes it's still a marshmallow. but, you know, now it's a complicated marshmallow.”

This was such such such sweet romance!! I loved everything about it,especially the writing. Writing is done in two styles, the normal style and poetry style. Every poetry part is from Leo's point of view and i loved it very very much. The couples were sweet and loveable, the pacing was fast, there were man...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-or-galley, other-favourites, realistic-or-contemporary

4.5 stars

Mum says when wanting collides with getting, that’s the moment of truth.
I want to collide.

A part of me knew I would love this book. The other part approached Graffiti Moon with a certain amount of trepidation. After all the gushing reviews and countless recommendations, I felt my expectations were perhaps too high – high enough to result in disappointment.

I’m pleased to say it didn’t come to that. I wasn’t left disappointed at all.

There is just something so mesmerizing about Cath C...more

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May 16, 2013 Isamlq rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone!

Shelves: aaw-yeah, favorites, arc-galley

I swear I'm trying not to gush but you don't know how happy I am to have read this. It's a little after dawn... (and having started this at one in the morning,) that's maybe four or five hours of me sitting here unable to pull my eyes from this one. I'd been waiting for this for so long and now that I've ~~read~~ sped through it, I'm pumped and happy. Graffiti Moon is why I read YA. Once in a while I come across a story that stands out against others. Crappy past reads aren't so lackluster, don't se...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Cara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, realistic-fiction, male-protagonist, awesome-covers

Ah I loved it. What a beautiful atmosphere and eclectic characters that I couldn't help but like. I know this may seem odd but I thought I wasn't going to love it as much as other people did. I was completely wrong.

Ed is Shadow, the local graffiti artist. His best friend Leo is Poet and does the writing. Lucy is a glassblower. Her best friend Jazz is psychic. Then there is the odd, complicated, adorable couple of Daisy and Dylan. One night these people meet up to celebrate the end of year twelve...more Ah I loved it. What a beautiful atmosphere and eclectic characters that I couldn't help but like. I know this may seem odd but I thought I wasn't going to love it as much as other people did. I was completely wrong.

Ed is Shadow, the local graffiti artist. His best friend Leo is Poet and does the writing. Lucy is a glassblower. Her best friend Jazz is psychic. Then there is the odd, complicated, adorable couple of Daisy and Dylan. One night these people meet up to celebrate the end of year twelve. What ensues is the hunt for Shadow, a pink get away van, threats of nipple piercings, and copious amounts of near embarrassing/interesting incidents.

The book shows teenagers in a realistic way. Flawed but hopeful. Animated but at the same time philosophical. Melodramatic but idealistic. It's complicated being a teenager but with the right group of people it can be great. I knew when I was reading it that it was set for only one night but it certainly feels longer than that. I felt like I knew the characters enough to understand why they did things, and was crossing my fingers for them. The “specialness” of the night can be felt, and it's filled with a buzzing anticipation. A climatic event is bound to happen.

The author is almost pitch perfect with her word choices. The dialogue has the right amount of bite but realism to it. I caught myself visualizing all of Shadow's art, and then found myself wishing it existed in real life. I loved how the story was not only narrated between Lucy and Ed, but also with Leo's poems. Actually out of the bunch he was my favorite character. Then there is that cover! What a unique and eye-catching mix of colors contrasting with the black and white. Perfect for this story.

I wish I had a nice way to end the review but I really don't. I loved it and I think that's gonna have to be enough.

Extra side story: I have a story of why I was so impressed with this novel. First off (please don't hate me after I write this) I am not an art person. I took an Art History course a couple of semesters back and I hated it. It was probably the most boring class I have taken in college. As a class we had to take a trip to an art museum. I had no fun and to be honest I was kind of miserable for the whole trip. I saw the other students who were taking the class as part of their major and they were just enthralled and excited. I didn't get it, especially for the abstract pieces. But I'm betting if I were with Ed or Lucy I would have. The art popped out to me and I caught the bug. I got what the big deal was.(less)

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Sep 02, 2011 Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: boy-crush, down-under, gorgeous-prose, my-favourites, of-epic-proportions, oh-how-we-laugh, soul-sister-heroine, when-can-i-move-in, ya, you-got-a-friend-in-me, heart-skipped-a-beat, e

“It’s the time wasting that gets you somewhere.”

Initial Final Page Thoughts.
I have five fingers pressed on my desk in reaction to this book right now. I can’t get much more love for this book.

High Points.
Shadow. Lucy. Best friends. Poetry. Melbourne. A night that lasts forever. Mistaken identities. Missed connections. Graffiti. Eggs. Secrets. Arse-grabbers. Lyrical. Adventure. Insecurities. Mesmerizing. Art. Train carriages. Undercover good guys. Letting go of the breaks. Visibility. Twirls in...more

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Jul 24, 2011 Alexa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie, tour, 2011-reads, favorites, to-buy, young-adult

My review can also be found on my blog Collections.

"...we watch the dirty silk of the factory smoke float across the sky."

I loved that there was a lot of graffiti and mentions of glassblowing in Graffiti Moon. Photographs of urban decay featuring old, abandoned buildings and factories are my favorite form of art to look at, but graffiti is a close second. Whenever I see graffiti sprayed on the wall of a building or painted on the side of a boxcar moving along the railroad tracks, I always wonde...more
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.

"...we watch the dirty silk of the factory smoke float across the sky."

I loved that there was a lot of graffiti and mentions of glassblowing in Graffiti Moon. Photographs of urban decay featuring old, abandoned buildings and factories are my favorite form of art to look at, but graffiti is a close second. Whenever I see graffiti sprayed on the wall of a building or painted on the side of a boxcar moving along the railroad tracks, I always wonder, 'Who made that? When did they do it? Why did they do it? And where are they now?' It just blows my mind, and it's one of the reasons why I loved this book.

Lucy wonders about the graffiti made by the artist who calls himself Shadow. She finds Shadow's work to be extremely inspiring, and she is determined to figure out his identity so that she can meet him in person. She wants to tell him everything she feels whenever she sees his work...and what she feels for him because of it. But she's been searching for Shadow for awhile now and it seems she misses him by mere minutes every single time. Then one night, Lucy and her friends meet a few guys from school who claim to know Shadow. One of the guys is Ed, someone she has a history with and doesn't want to be around. But she's willing to endure Ed's company for the night if hanging out with him means finally meeting Shadow.

I have read one other book by Cath Crowley ( A Little Wanting Song , which I loved!), and she has already made my favorite authors list. I absolutely love her writing. Her characters are extremely likable and funny, and they have such great relationships. I could easily relate to Lucy, and she was spunky and just completely awesome. Ed... I adored him. I want my own Ed. Lucy seems to have gotten the wrong impression of him because I think he's actually the kind of guy you want to be around. In the book, Ed takes Lucy on an adventure through the city to see more of Shadow's graffiti. I thought the atmosphere and the setting were perfect. It made me want to be there with them, hanging out and exploring the city at night in search of amazing graffiti.

Like I mentioned, I always have questions whenever I see graffiti, and I felt Lucy and I shared the same curiosity. Who is this mysterious guy who fills her with so much inspiration? And where is he? Since Graffiti Moon is told in alternating point of views between Lucy and Ed, Shadow's real identity is quite obvious to the readers. However, I didn't feel it lessened the mystery or allure of Shadow, especially since Lucy truly has no idea. I always wonder if someone will live up to my expectations when I meet them, and for Lucy it's even more crucial because she's falling for Shadow. I was holding my breath for the moment when Lucy finally figures out who he is. Will he be like the Shadow she's imagined? Or will she end up being disappointed? I think moments like that are pretty priceless.

I cannot wait to read more novels by Cath Crowley because this was another book that I didn't want to end. I highly recommend Graffiti Moon to YA contemporary and Aussie fans. If you can't get a hold of this book and you desperately want to read it, don't worry. It will be published in the US on February 14, 2012 from Knopf Books for Young Readers. The cover is amazing, by the way. Be sure to check it out!

(Note: The factory picture is by PET.)(less)

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Aug 14, 2011 ~Tina~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-e-galley, aussie-read-2011, young-adult, contemporary, arc, read-2011

Aussie Book challenge 2011 #9

Okay! I definitely hate myself since I really had no intention of reading this book (insert gasp here). I don't favor contemporary much, but being that a lot of my friends have read and raved about this and it being an Aussie book (nuff said) I decided to just give it a shot, and boy was I thrilled and surprised how much I truly loved this.

I absolutely fell in love with every single one of these characters!
Ed and Lucy, Leo and Jazz and even Dylan and Daisy. Each are...more Aussie Book challenge 2011 #9

Okay! I definitely hate myself since I really had no intention of reading this book (insert gasp here). I don't favor contemporary much, but being that a lot of my friends have read and raved about this and it being an Aussie book (nuff said) I decided to just give it a shot, and boy was I thrilled and surprised how much I truly loved this.

I absolutely fell in love with every single one of these characters!
Ed and Lucy, Leo and Jazz and even Dylan and Daisy. Each are extremely well written, complex and a total blast to read. But my favorite characters would have to go out to Ed and Leo. I love there tight 'you go I go' friendship and how they have each others backs and how they each have unique gifts that they share in common ways.
How freaken cute are Ed and Lucy? I loved how he ended up being the guy Lucy went out with a couple years back. I loved that they got their second chance, even if they didn't know it at the time. I adore how Ed feels so much and love the way he expresses it. Lucy is just to adorable for words. She's sweet and feisty and feels just as much as Ed, but doesn't hold back. Also, you got to love a protag that can break a boys nose. You just do.
Ed and Lucy's night searching for Shadow was like reading in 3D. I could vividly picture ever wall and every feeling that went into that piece. I simply adore how each one is explained by a memory or conversation. It really gave me a wonderful connection with who Ed really was and how Lucy saw each impression. Same goes for Leo's words and I love the reason behind why he needed the money and the fact that he's a bit scared of his Gran. Respect;)

As for the writing? It really is it's own brilliant piece of art. I've read Cath Crowley A Little Wanting Song and I had to admit I was shocked that this was the same author. I liked that book just fine, but this book is a masterpiece. From the moment I read the very first line, I was totally invested in these characters. I loved loved the humor, the flirtatious banter and easy fit wit. I love that there are intense moments but it didn't overwhelm me, just made me want to read this as fast as I could and savor it at the same time.

All in all, I absolutely adored this book, in fact, it's going down as one of the best reads in 2011 and an instant favorite. I can't wait till this book hits the shelves!
I am not an artist in any shape or form. I can't draw, I can't play music, sing or dance and I am no writer. But...I am a huge art lover. Graffiti Moon is art my friends, in the best, surprising way possible!

Smart, infectious and completely absorbing. Everyone needs to read this Outstanding gem!

(Arc provided by Netgalley and Random House Children's Books)
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Aug 06, 2011 Lisa O. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-lit, australian, ebook, favorites

4.5 stars.

Last week, as I was strolling with my two little ones around town for our morning promenade, I happened to pass in front of our neighborhood's church. In its front yard there was quite a congregation of young kids, their instruments and a lot of out of tune music, as they were preparing to rehearse for some parochial event. Of course my daughter, who's 4 and knows the whole Aladdin soundtrack by heart, begged me to stop and listen to whatever they were going to play.
When I said "youn...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Noelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: forever-and-ever-amen, reviewed

I just loved this book. Loooooved it. I've already re-read it several times and as I mentioned in another review, it's pretty much spray painted on my heart. (See what I did there???? BUT IT'S TRUE!) Obviously, this deserved a more in-depth review.

I loved the protagonists. Lucy is naive but no pushover. I cracked up when it was revealed that her list of people she’d like to “do it” with was entirely comprised of fictional characters. Remember that age of having a crush on someone that you hardly...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Wendy F rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, contemporary, young-adult, gritty

Graffiti Moon is literary art.

The words wove images in my head. Odd, because don't all books paint pictures in your head? Yes, but this was different. Normally I read a book and the words come to life inside me, almost like a movie. My imagination makes up the characters and the words become the scenes. However, in Graffiti Moon the pattern of the words came together in a wonderfully unique way. They became art inside my head. It still had characters, but everything was very swirly and beautiful...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Arlene rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Australian Brilliance

Recommended to Arlene by: Street Corner Bookers

Shelves: aussie-books, favorites, ya-contemporary, read-2011, young-adult

Love.love.loved it!!

What a great story! I enjoyed it from cover to cover with not a moment of downtime.

This is exactly what I needed to get me out of my book slump… an Aussie wonder that’s filled with moments of laughter and nothing but love for the characters of Graffiti Moon. I was an instant fan of Cath Crowley when I came across her beautiful story A Little Wanting Song, but now with Graffiti Moon I know for a definite fact that I can’t pass up anything by this great Australian writer.

Lucy...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, aussie, netgalley, arc, humor

I absolutely Loved this book! It has all the right elements of a 5 star to me. The writing was unique but so fun. I haven’t laughed so hard reading a book in quite some time. Seriously, this is a MUST READ in my opinion. I’m not one to write or highlight my favorite parts, but I so would make the exception in this case because there are SO many funny parts! This was so original and smart. Unlike anything I have read before. Those Aussie authors sure know how to do it right!
Blurb:
It’s the end of...more I absolutely Loved this book! It has all the right elements of a 5 star to me. The writing was unique but so fun. I haven’t laughed so hard reading a book in quite some time. Seriously, this is a MUST READ in my opinion. I’m not one to write or highlight my favorite parts, but I so would make the exception in this case because there are SO many funny parts! This was so original and smart. Unlike anything I have read before. Those Aussie authors sure know how to do it right!
Blurb:
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.

Quotes:
~”I’m so close to meeting him, and I want it so bad. Mum says when wanting collides with getting, that’s the moment of truth. I want to collide. I want to run right into Shadow and let the force spill our thoughts so we can pick each other up and pass each other back like piles of shiny stones.”
~“Jazz looks at her chest. I pat her shoulder. Guys care about personality too.” “Girls like me started that rumor.”
~”Don’t get too excited, but I think that might be the guy of your toilet-wall dreams knocking at the door.” (The girls are in the bathroom which is referred to as “the cubicle of truth)
~”Wait, I know, it’s because you’re scared of him, you cockroach-eating-coward motherfucker.” (This scene had me rolling on the floor laughing!)
~"It's eighty-six degrees, and the city's going crazy. Would you help two guys push a pink van?"
~”The guy was a sheddy, one of the kids who spent a lot of time leaning against the back sheds skipping classes.”
~”That’s the way it is. Most people don’t know what they want till it’s right in front of their face.”

The characters in this book are nothing but AMAZING! The friendship between Lucy and Jazz, so fun and cute. The meetings in the bathrooms and the crazy conversations just had me rolling! I loved the fact that Lucy had this image of Shadow in her mind but finally came to realize that the person she was searching for was right there in front of her the whole time. She’s fun and feisty and can pack a mean punch…literally. Ed and Leo, just a perfect combination. Ed was so intriguing and the way he expresses his feelings and unwritten words through his graffiti art was beautiful by description. I couldn’t get enough of the descriptions and the memories associated with each piece. You truly could visualize the work of art he had created. Ed and Leo were like yin and yang. They complimented each other and were best of friends. It was such a cute friendship and a respectful one as well.

The secondary characters were so well written as well. It wouldn't have been the same without good'ol Malcomlm. Even though he's a bad guy, he sure did make me laugh. Oh my, is all I can say about that. Daisy and Dylan, well, they will crack you up. Those boys do some dumb stuff but really they have good hearts.

The girls wanted to celebrate by a late night out. It became that and so much more. They encountered an adventure like no other, I assure you. Have you been peirced with a compass? Didn't think so..
At first when I started this book I wasn’t so sure about it. But it didn’t take but a few pages in to figure out that I was going to love it. Overall this was a big hit in my eyes. I definitely would recommend this book!

A special Thank You to Netgalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for allowing the opportunity to read this gem of a book.
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Feb 27, 2012 Giselle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, ebook, contemporary

I know nothing about graffiti, I know even less about art - why the heck did I read this book? Well, for the same reason you should! It's an incredibly sweet, delightfully romantic story that can not be on your unread shelf. Why?
-True to life, complex romance
-Artistic imagery that will enthrall any reader- art fanatic or not
-Characters that make you fall in love
-A story that is simply too gorgeous to be left unexplored

If this isn't enough to convince you, maybe you should go back to playing with...more I know nothing about graffiti, I know even less about art - why the heck did I read this book? Well, for the same reason you should! It's an incredibly sweet, delightfully romantic story that can not be on your unread shelf. Why?
    -True to life, complex romance
    -Artistic imagery that will enthrall any reader- art fanatic or not
    -Characters that make you fall in love
    -A story that is simply too gorgeous to be left unexplored

If this isn't enough to convince you, maybe you should go back to playing with Legos.

I must admit, I did not get into the story right away. I don't know if it was the unique lyrical writing, or the artsy details, but I kept getting distracted. The writing, although beautiful, is much more elaborate than what I was expecting from a young-adult novel so it threw me off at first. However, once I got into it, I couldn't stop staring at these beautiful sentences that simply blew me away. Or these outstanding characters that do nothing less than take your heart, and pull you inside the pages.

Lucy is desperate to find this graffiti artist who calls himself Shadow. Ed is a lost soul who paints to find himself. We're taken into this story with a dual perspective that lets us see into each of these characters hearts; these characters who are notably profound, yet believable. I loved how they aren't stylized to fit the unconvincing image of prim and proper teenagers we often get in YA novels. These are real, raw personalities who express themselves with art, while trying to find their place in this big, unforgiving world. Cath does not soften the edges to make a cute, romantic story, she gives us a story so pure, so deep, that it bleeds out the truest of love stories.

There is a lot more in here than a love story, however. We see these kids struggle through real life problems - financial dilemmas, marital issues and death are all a part of this well rounded tale. It's undoubtedly a one of a kind novel that is bound to impress a wide range of readers, from young to adult. I'm glad that, despite my lack of artistic knowledge, I decided to give this one a try- and you should too!

--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads (less)

19 likes · like · see review

Jan 26, 2012 Rane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, keeper, contemporary-romance

I was very lucky to have been able to grab the early copy of this beautiful book. The authors paints a story that may expand only one night, but with splash of words, she writes what could happen in a short amount of time but can change your life forever after.

Lucy is looking for a Graffiti artist by the name of Shadow. A man she feels could really know her, understand her in a why no one else could. Now if only she could find him! The last day of the school year is upon them, and she and her...more

15 likes · like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 Cinnamon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, netgalley, 2011, 5-incomprehensibly-awesome, realistic-fiction, young-adult, reviewed, own, re-read, 2012

This review may also be found on A Thousand Little Pages.

This is what I hoped Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist could have been.
This is the type of contemporary YA that I wouldn’t mind reading every day. Kind of like how the Asian-ness in me wouldn’t mind eating rice for every single meal until old age renders me toothless and unable to chew. (Hopefully that sad, sad day will never come.)

Now, I don’t think an extended and super girly squeal would qualify as a review, so let me attempt to explai...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jan 17, 2013 Zemira Warner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of artistic books

Shelves: contemporary, romance, realistic, aussie, i-own, all-time-favorites, favorite, feel-good-read, flipping-pages, humor, something-else, surprised-me, i-want-to-write-like-this, best-of-2013

Oh, my freaking God! People! People! This book! Oh, this book. I have no words. How can I persuade you to read this book? How? How, when I have no words. It’s going to be on my 2013 top 10 reads for sure. And let’s not forget about all-time favorite list. After finish Graffiti Moon I threw my hands in the air like I climbed M. Everest. I love it! I love it so, so much! I want to live with Lucy, Shadow and Poet in their sunny town. I want to stalk Shadow and Poet with Lucy!

Thank you, Fassie. It m

...more

Oh, my freaking God! People! People! This book! Oh, this book. I have no words. How can I persuade you to read this book? How? How, when I have no words. It’s going to be on my 2013 top 10 reads for sure. And let’s not forget about all-time favorite list. After finish Graffiti Moon I threw my hands in the air like I climbed M. Everest. I love it! I love it so, so much! I want to live with Lucy, Shadow and Poet in their sunny town. I want to stalk Shadow and Poet with Lucy!

Thank you, Fassie. It means a lot.

Crowley’s writing style is smart and humorous at the same time. I swear, I laughed out loud so many times in the first 40 pages I started crying. I’ve said it a thousand times, there is just something special about Aussie authors. They must know more about life, people and healthy relationships, something the rest of the world doesn’t even see. How else would I explain their pure awesomeness?

I’m rambling just to fool you into thinking I actually wrote a review for Graffiti Moon. Two paragraphs already written. I am on a roll.

Believe me when I say GM was a hard book to put down without finishing it first. The only reason I didn’t finish it right away is that I had to sleep because I get up really early. But after I finished with my chores I couldn’t stay way from it.

OK, I know I’m being childish with this poor excuse of a review. I should probably start talking about the characters, plot and what it thought me but I won’t because I would just spoil it for everyone else. I have only one regret- I didn’t read it the first moment I got it.

Beware! Print and ebook aren’t the same versions of the book! Since I have both I spotted a couple of chapters in the middle are missing or totally different so I would suggest that everyone reads it in paperback or hardback. That way you also support author to write even more brilliant books.

You can find this review and much more over at YA Fanatic. (less)

8 likes · like · see review

Jul 13, 2011 Lamia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: stand-alone, realistic-fiction, kindle, aussie, favorites, 2011, want-to-hump-the-writing, own-hardcopy, couldn-t-put-it-down

This review can also be found at The Book Eater

ATTN READING MANIACS AND BOOK LOVERS: To all of you who have regular reading slumps, READ THIS. I can guarantee this book will get you out of it.

So, I finished this book 4 days ago and I'm still trying to gather my thoughts into coherent sentences.
The writing was so beautiful that I kept stopping to stare at the words. I wanted to crawl across the page and come up to the words and snuggle them. And also hug the characters.
This is the kind of book t...more

17 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2011 Catie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, ya, for-review

This is the kind of book that I wish today’s teens would read. I don’t know how many times I’ve passive aggressively ranted in goodreads groups about the ridiculously unrealistic romances in the majority of young adult novels. I’m sure most of you know what I am referring to – instant, uncontrollable passion between two people who couldn’t be more one dimensional, combined with some manufactured reason that they can’t be together, and pages and pages of endless whinging about it. So this book, w...more

24 likes · like · see review

Feb 11, 2012 Sonia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, arc, favorites, couldn-t-put-it-down, make-me-smile, aussie

I love this book! Reading the numerous 5 stars reviews below, I have been longing to read this book! It did measure up to my expectations, and even more than I expect! After reading this book, I love Aussie YA even more. I’m now waiting for it to hit the shelf and get myself a copy! :-D

I could hardly put them into words. The theme is awesome, the use of alternating point of view fits, every character is lovely. Under Crowley’s writing, Ed’s graffiti comes to life. It’s amazing. Even though I kno...more

10 likes · like · see review

Sep 18, 2011 Sashana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone who wants to have an out of body experience :D

Recommended to Sashana by: Cinnamon

Shelves: ebooks-library-borrowed, realistic-fiction, contemporary-romance-ya

Marchetta fans, eat your heart out! Every now and then I question whether or not I truly love reading. I see people handing out five stars and glowing reviews to many books while I stew in my pile of 3 star reads. But then I read something amazing and I get goosebumps, and my heart goes pitter-patter, and I think, "This, this is the reason why I love reading." I go through almost 100 books to find a diamond in the rough and it was totally worth it. This book was worth it.

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 10, 2012 Aly (Fantasy4eva) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: crushing-on-the-cover, boys-that-make-me-swoon

There’s a guy down at the servo
With lions in his hair
Matted tails of roaring kings
A dirty song caught on his skin
He can’t remember when he lost them
But he lost the daytime things
Daytime shirts and daytime ties
And shiny daytime shoes
Daytime cloudy thoughts that drift
In cloudy daytime blues
Daytime smiles from people travelling
While they ride the sunshine home
Daytime TV on the weekend
Daytime talking on the phone
Now he’s crying at the servo
Midnight stumbling in his mouth
Hope slowly sliding south
A di...more

13 likes · like · see review

Nov 15, 2011 Hira rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, contemporary, aussie-nz, high-expectations, favorites-2011

“Mum says when wanting collides with getting, that's the moment of truth. I want to collide. I want to run right into Shadow and let the force spill our thoughts so we can pick each other up and pass each other back like piles of shiny stones.”

This is a book that shows what teenagers are really like. Searching, exploring, always trying to find some meaning in life.

It's the end of Year 12, and Lucy is out searching for Shadow, a graffiti artist whose work is all over the city, but no one knows w...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 01, 2012 April rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, ereader, ya, highly-recommended

On the last night of year 12, Lucy decides to do something a little crazy. Flush with the freedom of being finished with high school, she decides to search for the elusive Shadow, a graffiti artist whose work speaks to her. She’s pretty sure she could fall for shadow. Accompanying Lucy on her search is Ed, a boy without a job who dropped out in year 10 who had his nose broken on a horrible date by Lucy two years ago. He’s got a few secrets of his own. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley nails that fee...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 23, 2010 Nic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-ya, young-adult, realistic-fiction, favourites, 2010, swoon-worthy-read

"For a while, for as long as you're looking at it, that painting is the world and you get to be in it."

I decided to give Graffiti Moon a try after reading my Goodreads friend Nomes' review. And I am so glad I did because it was brilliant!

The story is written in both Lucy’s and Ed’s point of view. You have got to love dual narration where you get into both character's minds. There is also some poetry from Poet (Shadow‘s friend) thrown in as well just to mix it up a bit more. And despite all thes...more

22 likes · like · see review

Jul 12, 2011 Margot rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, summer-2011, own, perfect-aussie-ya

I honestly don't even want to talk about what happens in the book, because the summary is pretty much, well, what happens in the book, so I'm just going to go with this:

The characters were lovely, the words were perfect, the prose was beautiful, the book was brilliant; my heart is content.

Also, this quote really got to me. I just loved it and I find myself thinking about it constantly.

"Open skies painted above painted doorways and painted birds skimming across bricks trying to fly away. Little...more

5 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2011 Trinity rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourite, poetic-prose, young-adult, sawoon, covers-i-love, e-book, heart-warmer, swim-fan, awesome-sauce, lets-hear-it-for-the-boys, home-grown-aussie, contempo-casual, up-all-night

This book grabbed a hold of my insides and threw them across the sky...in a really really good way.
I love you Cath Crowley.

9 likes · like · see review

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YA Buddy Readers'...: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley / Start Date: May 14th	4	12	May 16, 2013 06:45am
Book freaks: Graffiti Moon	17	48	Aug 29, 2012 07:13pm

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