The Animators in Bound Together

Jan 07, 2017 Diane S ☔ rated it it was amazing

I have never been a comic book lover, not in the past and not now. Graphic novels? Have only ever read one. Animation? Can take it or leave it. So why did I ever pick up, this book? Goodreads, a few strong reviews from friends I trust and it sounded different. Took a chance that turned out to be a big win, win.

Tow friends from art school, a unique partnership, Sharon Kisses and Mel Vaughn, Avant garde, B movies, a graphic animated story of Mel's life. These girls both have difficult back stories ...more

169 likes · Like · see review

Jan 17, 2017 Angela M rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley-reviews

There is so much contained in this story that I'm having a hard time knowing where to begin. It's the story of two young women who meet in college and form a partnership to make animated movies. Of course it's about so much more than their art and the artistic process , but their careers and calling in life , provide the backbone of their story. Yes, it's about art, the artist, how an artist's work may be shaped by her past. But for me the strength of the book was about trust, the depth of frien ...more

120 likes · Like · see review

Apr 04, 2017 Britany rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, 2017, people-mag-rec, bookriot, bookofthemonth

Mel Vaught & Sharon Kisses; Sharon Kisses & Mel Vaught

This book- and these women grasped me by the heartstrings and never quite loosened their grip before I was closing the back cover. Two women-- both from broken homes and low income families, both revolutions of the other. They meet in an animation class in college, and so begins the animation duo to last a fictional lifetime. They start with putting Mel's prickly past into storyboards and produce a smash indie hit Nashville Combat and so begi ...more

36 likes · Like · see review

Apr 06, 2017 Alena rated it it was amazing

"‪Toddling with pants down into our uncertain future."

I would recommend this outstanding debut based on the above quote alone, but there are even more reasons! Kayla Rae Whitaker has gotten this story of light and darkness, shame and redemption, art and white trash, perfectly right. I loved every second of it.

“Wanted things I couldn't have and I wanted things I couldn't even think up yet, but I could feel myself wanting. And that feeling, it's like itching. Like to drive you crazy."

I understand ...more

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Mar 05, 2017 ♥ Sandi ❣ rated it liked it

Shelves: 1-have, arc-giveaway, doni-has

When it's in your blood, it's hard not to do what you love.
This debut novel speaks to the partnership between Sharon and Mel. Two graphic artists that meet in college - instant friendship - but polar opposites. The story reflects their lives together, their jobs, their passion, their fame, their lives before college and the loves of their lives.
A story showing that sometimes we are too close to see what is truly right in front of us.
Basically well written - especially for a debut novel. Howev ...more

16 likes · Like · see review

Mar 29, 2017 Jenna Cross rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-o

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Much deeper than I expected. Beautiful unconditional love between friends.

10 likes · Like · see review

Jan 23, 2017 Amy Neftzger rated it it was amazing

Two women from troubled backgrounds meet in art school, becoming friends and collaborators in their work. That's the simple summary of what this book is about, but as with all really good books, it doesn't tell the full story. Whitaker writes engaging and lovable characters that kept me turning pages and rooting for them throughout the book. The writing is piquant and rich with just the right amount of metaphors without the prose becoming burdensome. It's everything that I look for in a good boo ...more

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Jun 09, 2025 Lynn H rated it liked it

Shelves: 2025, botm

2.5 rounded up

There were parts of this story I did enjoy but the majority of it wasn’t for me. The relationship between the two main characters was so unhealthy. There were many situations that I didn’t find very believable and/or would just make me angry. Plus, I was expecting strong female characters, overcoming challenges. These women weren’t just troubled, they were weak. I’m actually disappointed that a female author wrote it. I can’t recommend this one.

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