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Pashmina
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Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most important, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri's mom avoids these questions - the topic of India is permanently closed.
For Pri, her mother's homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she finds ...more
For Pri, her mother's homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she finds ...more
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Evo
I read this book with my eight year brother and he enjoyed it
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Author Nidhi Chanani, was born in India, and raised in Southern California. This
gorgeously Illustrated graphic novel had to be - must have been - somewhat inspired by her own memories ( at least at one point in her developmental growing years), a search for her own cultural identity.
Her artwork is so stunning ( first black and white - then moves into incredible colorful colors) - that I actually just flipped through this lovely 5 by 7 size silky paper book looking at the drawings - before settl ...more
gorgeously Illustrated graphic novel had to be - must have been - somewhat inspired by her own memories ( at least at one point in her developmental growing years), a search for her own cultural identity.
Her artwork is so stunning ( first black and white - then moves into incredible colorful colors) - that I actually just flipped through this lovely 5 by 7 size silky paper book looking at the drawings - before settl ...more
This was a beautifully illustrated middle grade graphic novel! I loved learning about Indian culture, new words in Hindi, and the magical realism. That being said, I felt like the actual story was a bit weak and disjointed. Wasn't a waste of time, but felt like the plot could have been better executed, as well as the characters. ...more
Pashmina is a strong girl character comics volume featuring an Indian-American family that reminds (because of the strong ethnic girl aspect) of the Pakistani-Muslim Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel. I wish the artwork of this debut graphic novel weren’t quite so cartoony and the story had more to offer than culture clashes, (and a young aspiring to be a comics star as main character), but I am glad to see more diversity in comics for girls. Glad to see Indian-American culture represented in comics.
This was a sweet contemporary graphic novel about an Indian-American teen learning more about her heritage. The cartoonish art style worked really well to convey the coming-of-age themes and make it appeal to both middle grade and older readers. There was some great commentary on identity and self-discovery but, ultimately, it failed to really delve into these topics.
My biggest problem was the weak plotline. Chanani’s attempt to touch upon several different issues - from bullying to family to f ...more
My biggest problem was the weak plotline. Chanani’s attempt to touch upon several different issues - from bullying to family to f ...more
A story about identity and knowing where you came from. A teenager whose mom came from India wonders about her dad and her past. She and her mom are not having the best relationship right now. The girl wants to go to India and the mother will never step foot there again.
The girl does go on a trip to see her aunt. We see India through the eyes of how it use to be and how it is now. It is an interesting story. There is plenty of angst here. Even once she knows more of her history, it doesn’t fix ...more
The girl does go on a trip to see her aunt. We see India through the eyes of how it use to be and how it is now. It is an interesting story. There is plenty of angst here. Even once she knows more of her history, it doesn’t fix ...more
Pashmina is heartfelt young adult graphic novel about an Indian-American teen's attempt to reconnect with her mother’s homeland through a magical pashmina shawl. Follow Pri as she realizes that the India of her imagination is not like the real india, and as she learns the truth to he magical pashmina's origin.
...more
I think this is made for children more than teenagers or young adults. I really wanted to like the book but I found the art kind of weak, the story disassembled and prosaic. It needed more work and more details, to build the characters, fantasy, issues from family to jealousy and bullying, traditions and origins and so on, it's all mentioned but it felt empty somehow.
The story is about teenage Priyanka, who lives with her single mom in California. She wants to know who her father is, she wants t ...more
The story is about teenage Priyanka, who lives with her single mom in California. She wants to know who her father is, she wants t ...more
Priyanka is learning to drive, likes to create comics, has a cool best friend, has a mean blonde enemy, and lives with her mother in California. Her life is fairly standard until two things happen: 1) her beloved uncle and aunt are going to have a baby and she won't see them as often so she 2) asks Shakti to please get rid of the baby because they don't need it, they have her. Soon after, she finds a magical pashmina that transports her to romantic India, making her want to find out about her he
...more
A really sweet, cute middle grade/YA coming of age comic. I would have loved this to be longer to flesh out some of the details of Priyanka's life. But this was a sweet, heartwarming read of a young girl figuring out who she is and details about her family and heritage
Watch me discuss this more in my December wrap up: https://youtu.be/xQg8xt0Or3Q ...more
Watch me discuss this more in my December wrap up: https://youtu.be/xQg8xt0Or3Q ...more
I LOVED the juxtaposition of the B&W vs colour panels to clearly show the magic of the pashmina.
I disliked the choppy transitions of time and place.
It was very difficult to know how much time had passed.
With no clear time-line the story felt rushed and unconnected.
I disliked the choppy transitions of time and place.
It was very difficult to know how much time had passed.
With no clear time-line the story felt rushed and unconnected.
Loved the art, loved the storyline, loved the honest depictions of India, loved Priyanka. A short and sweet graphic novel that more people should read.
Jun 27, 2018
La Coccinelle
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
graphic-novel
This is a weird little book. I don't mind elements of magic in contemporary stories, but this book has a few problems that prevented me from enjoying it more.
The main issue I had was that I'm not sure who the audience is. The main character is probably around 16 (she's learning to drive, and it's mentioned that her mother was her age when she got pregnant), and there are some definite heavier issues dealt with in the story (family drama, a sick baby, abandonment, poverty). However, the pashmina ...more
The main issue I had was that I'm not sure who the audience is. The main character is probably around 16 (she's learning to drive, and it's mentioned that her mother was her age when she got pregnant), and there are some definite heavier issues dealt with in the story (family drama, a sick baby, abandonment, poverty). However, the pashmina ...more
There are so many things to love about this book. It's sweet, whimsical, beautiful, instructive. There are courageous, mutually supportive, spiritually connected, defiant women in here. And the protagonist, Priyanka, goes on a journey of self-discovery. Her mother is from India, and Priyanka grows up in the U.S. and Priyanka decides she wants to go visit her aunt in India.
Actually, Priyanka goes on a few different journeys of self-discovery. She tries to sort through the question of father figur ...more
Actually, Priyanka goes on a few different journeys of self-discovery. She tries to sort through the question of father figur ...more
This is a cute coming of age story. Priyanka Das has questions. Why did her Mom leave India? What happened, and where/who is her father? Why is the topic of India closed? One day she discovers a mysterious pashmina in her mother's closet, and when she wraps the shawl around herself something magical happens. But things are not quite what they seem.
I love that there is another comic book (nod to Ms. Marvel) that has Indian Americans as the main characters, and that some cultural themes show up on ...more
I love that there is another comic book (nod to Ms. Marvel) that has Indian Americans as the main characters, and that some cultural themes show up on ...more
This graphic novel completely drew me in, and I read it in one go. The very first page sets up the mother-daughter relationship beautifully, establishing tension, humor, and the desire these two characters have to connect.
At its heart, it's a story about choices. The choices the main character, Priyanka makes, some of which she regrets, but all of which are fuel for self-discovery. The choices the women in her family, and other women in India, have made, or felt compelled to make. The choices, ...more
At its heart, it's a story about choices. The choices the main character, Priyanka makes, some of which she regrets, but all of which are fuel for self-discovery. The choices the women in her family, and other women in India, have made, or felt compelled to make. The choices, ...more
This was WAY too short. I completed it in about 25 minutes.
All the "Indian terms" used were correct! Loved that part of it. But the pacing was way too fast. I really wanted to see more of the story and the characters but I couldn't get that. Nonetheless, it was a great read. ...more
All the "Indian terms" used were correct! Loved that part of it. But the pacing was way too fast. I really wanted to see more of the story and the characters but I couldn't get that. Nonetheless, it was a great read. ...more
➵ this was cute. and i say that with my fondness for the endearing art style, along with my slight disappointment in terms of the story depth. a young indian-american girl discovering family secrets while navigating an adventure upon finding a fascinating pashmina definitely set up a plot line that adorably hooks, and to most part, it does deliver the resonating themes of reconnecting with one's culture, discovering the beauty of one's homeland, and recognising the privilege of freedom. maybe i
...more
Priyanka discovers a magical Pashmina that allows her to see things others can't. When a letter from her aunt arrives from India, she is convinced that is where her destiny lies. This book takes us along as Priyanka is forced both to mature and to come to terms with her culture and heritage. A must for middle-school students who enjoy graphic novels.
...more
Jun 07, 2017
Julie
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
graphic-novels,
on-my-shelf,
signed,
pub-macmillan,
religious-diversity,
arc,
favorites,
2017-debuts,
racial-diversity,
bea17
This was beautiful drawn and the coloring was brilliant. I also loved how it didn't shy away from using Indian terms and short hand, not taking the time to explain or simplify it for white audiences. As well as being a fascinating, feminist story about women's choice, I learned a lot and I cannot wait to shove this at everyone.
...more
An enchanting graphic novel with so many important life lessons for middle schoolers! Loved the scenes in color where Priyanka is magically transported to India when she wraps the pashmina around herself. A beautiful story of empowerment and choosing your own destiny.
The illustration is okay. The story has not much to tell. The characters are sweet yet so many questions are left unanswered.
More focus was given to the illustration rather than the proper story or the plot.
The story tried to say some things about the lives in India and the US but it failed to do so.
*A good one time read for kids.
More focus was given to the illustration rather than the proper story or the plot.
The story tried to say some things about the lives in India and the US but it failed to do so.
*A good one time read for kids.
Meh. Got this for a cousin who is a reluctant reader because this is in comic book form, which she enjoys. The artwork was good, but the story didn't really resonate with me. I was pissed with the mom not telling her daughter sooner about the father. Like, it wasn't a huge deal, but she was making it out like it was some tragic secret. It could have been used as a good learning experience for the daughter, instead of hidden.
I hope my cousin likes it. We'll see. Three, I wasn't moved, but it's m ...more
I hope my cousin likes it. We'll see. Three, I wasn't moved, but it's m ...more
Cute, but the characters lacked depth and a lot of "but what about ...?" questions were unanswered. Not the most sophisticated graphic novel.
...more
I had the chance to see Nidhi speak at SDCC and have been anxiously awaiting Pashmina's release since! I absolutely loved this sweet story and recommend it to anyone looking to learn a little more about Indian culture.
Pashmina is the story of Priyanka, an Indian-American girl who is like most teens - troubling to communicate with her mother and trying to figure out who she is. She's curious about India and her father. Whenever she asks about them, her mom changes the subject. Nidhi uses facial e ...more
Pashmina is the story of Priyanka, an Indian-American girl who is like most teens - troubling to communicate with her mother and trying to figure out who she is. She's curious about India and her father. Whenever she asks about them, her mom changes the subject. Nidhi uses facial e ...more
Pro-voiced Review:
Priyanka feels out of place. She lives with her mother in the United States, and has never been to India, where her mother lived before Priya’s birth. Her uncle has been an important figure in her life, but when he announces that he and his wife are about to have a baby, Priya is forced to confront her heritage and insecurities in a new way. Then, she discovers a pashmina which seems to have magical properties. Chanani’s debut graphic novel is accessibly illustrated in muted to ...more
Priyanka feels out of place. She lives with her mother in the United States, and has never been to India, where her mother lived before Priya’s birth. Her uncle has been an important figure in her life, but when he announces that he and his wife are about to have a baby, Priya is forced to confront her heritage and insecurities in a new way. Then, she discovers a pashmina which seems to have magical properties. Chanani’s debut graphic novel is accessibly illustrated in muted to ...more
This was absolutely lovely!!
• Pashmina tells the story of a girl called Priyanka who stays in the US with her mother. She has never been to India and has always been fascinated by its culture.
• Her mother left the home country just before Priyanka was born and whenever she asks why they never visit India, her mother dismisses her.
• But Priyanka is adamant about going to India and so she tries to convince her mother but no luck.
• In the midst of this, she finds a very beautiful pashmina and she b ...more
• Pashmina tells the story of a girl called Priyanka who stays in the US with her mother. She has never been to India and has always been fascinated by its culture.
• Her mother left the home country just before Priyanka was born and whenever she asks why they never visit India, her mother dismisses her.
• But Priyanka is adamant about going to India and so she tries to convince her mother but no luck.
• In the midst of this, she finds a very beautiful pashmina and she b ...more
This book did nothing for me. I did not care about the bratty teen protagonist, and I would much rather have seen either the mother's or aunt's story brought to the center of the book. I intensely dislike dream sequences, and most of the color fantasy sequences smacked of useless dream sequences to me. The tiny little glossary in the back barely scratched the surface of the questions I had about the terminology, concepts and cultural points of view presented in the book. Perhaps I didn't fully u
...more
3.5 stars
This was a beautiful graphic novel that talks about family and feeling connected to your culture and the different forms resistance can take. It's about women making their own path in life. It's also about a girl's relationship with her family and especially her mother. This graphic novel said a lot of really good things and I really enjoyed following the main character on her journey. I also really loved all the familial relationships that were explored in this story, particularly the ...more
This was a beautiful graphic novel that talks about family and feeling connected to your culture and the different forms resistance can take. It's about women making their own path in life. It's also about a girl's relationship with her family and especially her mother. This graphic novel said a lot of really good things and I really enjoyed following the main character on her journey. I also really loved all the familial relationships that were explored in this story, particularly the ...more
Priyanka Das lives in two worlds, the modern and open in the U.S. where she lives and attends high school and the traditions and customs of her mother’s (Nimisha’s) India. Family friends, Uncle Jatin and Aunt Deepa, are having a baby and Pri is concerned that Uncle Jatin’s weekly visits and driving lessons will stop. Pri draws comics and is teased by students for her wardrobe choices. Nimisha refuses to talk about why she left India and who is Pri’s father. One day Pri discovers a magical shawl
...more
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Nidhi Chanani is a freelance illustrator, cartoonist and writer. After completing her undergrad literature degree at the University of California at Santa Cruz, Nidhi pursued a career in nonprofits. The desire to draw kept pulling her away and in 2008 she enrolled in art school (only to drop out a year later). In 2009 she began completing one illustration every day of the week. She called this Eve
...more
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