A book without words that says so much

     In a simple and touching graphic novel, Crushing by Sophie Burrows highlights love and connection and how we can find it in the weirdest of places. Set to be released on January 11th in the United States, this textless YA book is resonant in this day and age.
     She’s lonely and searching for connection. He’s lonely and afraid to reach out. 

Life in the big city means being surrounded by connections—making them, missing them, and longing for them. But is finding someone else really the answer to their problems? Crushing, the stunning debut graphic novel from Sophie Burrows, is a story told in silence; a story without words but bursting with meaning; a story about loneliness and love. Achingly beautiful, quietly defiant, and full of subtle wit and wisdom,  Crushing is a unique meditation on the human condition in the twenty-first century, and a timely examination of young adult life in an age of isolation.
     This book highlights loneliness in a beautiful and unique way while really not using words to convey the feelings of the two characters. Additionally, the charcoal-esque/ sketch-like artwork only adds to the theme of life flying past and trying to quickly tune everything else out and focus on what is important or right in front of you.
      For a book with no words, this story was wonderful, touching, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the world!

*I received an ARC from Algonquin Young Reader in exchange for my honest opinion.

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