What if you had the power to rewrite your life? Willow “Willy” Sparks gets that power and has finally a way to escape her nerdy high school existence and become one of the popular girls. But is it really worth it?
Tara O’Connor has cooked up a graphic novel for all the nerdy bookworms. Willy is a timid girl, working after school at the local library and spending more time with books than with people. She has a best friend, Georgia, to share the misery with, but when she is bullied by the popular click of her school and ends up finding the secret department of the library, there’s no stopping her. There is a book with her name on it in the shelf and it is begging her to rewrite her life on its pages. Willy turns a new page in her life and soon she discovers the perks of being in control.
But the more she writes in the book, the clearer it is that there’s a price to pay. Willy is quickly in trouble up to her eyebrows and there’s just one person who can help her – the librarian Mr. Ages. He’s not quite the ordinary librarian though, he has a very special responsibility in keeping the books in the secret department in order – the books on lives of all the people in the area.
The Altered History of Willow Sparks plays on the tempting theme of what if we could rewrite our lives – have them the way we want. Would it be the dream come true, or is it better to take the life as it comes – with its ups and downs?
Tara O’Connor has a very pleasant drawing style and the blueish grey-black-white colour scheme works perfectly with the story. O’Connor’s lines are fluid and alive and her characters’ expressions speak volumes.

I love a story that makes me think about what I’d do in a character’s position. In The Altered History of Willow Sparks Willow is essentially a book nerd. She is regularly tormented by the school’s resident ‘mean girl’, she loves to read, she works after school at the local library and her friends, Georgia and Gary, don’t appear to be winning any popularity contests either. Oh, she also has pimples, thinks her hair makes her look like a boy and sucks at dodgeball.

Willow accidentally comes across a hidden room filled with books, including one with her name on the spine. Naturally she takes ‘her’ book home and discovers that by writing in this book she can rewrite parts of her life. Of course nothing this magical comes without a price.

I flew through this one. Yes, it was predictable but it was also an entertaining read. Because it’s one of my all time favourite movies I did wonder if Twin Pines High School was a nod to Back to the Future.

I adored the use of blue tones in the illustrations and art critic that I am (ha!) I really liked the feel of the artwork. Perhaps it’s because the same person wrote and illustrated this graphic novel but there wasn’t the jarring I’ve felt recently with other graphic novels. I’m not quite sure how to explain this but it was as though there was a harmony between the words and pictures, so the story flowed seamlessly for me.

When you see Willow making changes to her life your mind naturally does a stocktake of your own life. Circumstances outside of our control aside, we basically do write our own lives anyway, but it is kind of intoxicating to think of the what ifs.

What would you write into your life if you had the power?

What would you write out of it?

Would the consequences outweigh the benefits of the changes?

Personally I can think of a number of things I may consider rewriting but I don’t think I actually would in most instances. While the sucky things in life obviously suck, good can come out of the suckiest of situations. It’s certainly an interesting concept to play around with at any rate.

It’s probably the caffeine flowing through my veins but I loved that there’s a tally in the ‘special features’ section at the end of how much caffeine was consumed by the creator of this graphic novel during the writing and illustrating process. In case you’re curious, she drank 1460 cups of coffee, 730 cups of tea and 12 espressos. There’s also a list of some of the music that she listened to. It’s the inclusion of this sort of unique quirkiness that makes me love a book even more and feel like I could sit down and have a chat to the author.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.

What if you could rewrite your life?
Willow Sparks wants nothing more than for her life to change. She is unpopular and often the target of many dodgeballs. Along with her best friend Georgia, Willow is one of the most unpopular girls at Pines High School and often a target for bullies. One day, she finds a book with her name on it and a pen that says “for emergencies only.” Willow attempts to rewrite her life. First, her face clears overnight. Second, she begins to wear the newest styles. Then, suddenly, the most popular boy takes an interest in her. As Willow begins to become more and more popular, she begins to ignore Georgia who hides a secret of her own. Little does Willow know, rewriting the history of your life has dire consequences.
This was a bittersweet graphic novel of a teenager who struggles with real problems. I was drawn to Willow’s story because her struggles at accepting her appearance was a really relatable subject for me. As Willow begins to rewrite the story of her life, she is truly no happier than before she changed her appearance. In this cautionary tale, sometimes it is better to accept who you are than to become someone you’re not. As much as this is a simple message, it is difficult to put in practice.
The drawing style is simple, but effective for the subject of this graphic novel. I wish that this wasn’t a stand-alone graphic novel. Although everything was wrapped up nicely and there were no loose ends, the story felt a little rushed. I really wanted to know more about the mysterious librarian Willow encounters. He seemed like too much of an interesting character for such a small role.
All in all I would recommend The Altered History of Willow Sparks to those who enjoy graphic novels (or manga) and are looking for a short and sweet read geared towards young adults.

Willow, who everyone calls Willy, is your average high school nerd girl. She’s picked on by the popular kids (including a dodgeball incident that I cannot believe anyone could get away with in today’s schools), has a part-time job at the library, and generally wishes things were easier. After an incident at the town library, she discovers a whole hidden library full of books with the town’s residents’ names on them. Opening her own, she discovers that whatever she writes in the book comes true. Willy starts with little things, like wishing away her acne, and then, drunk with possibilities, adds a bit more each day. While other people at school notice something different about her, it’s her best friend, Georgia, that finally confronts her about it, and reminds her that there’s likely to be consequences.

If anything, it felt particularly short. I had a hard time getting emotionally involved with the characters because all we really got to see of Willy, really, before she finds the book was her being bullied. I also would’ve preferred something longer that explored the gradual ramifications of each change she made, rather than, day 1: she wishes away pimples, day 2: nicer clothes, etc. Some of the changes – like the loss of her friendship with Georgia and being accepted into the “popular kids” clique – were explored, but it felt like it was just on the surface. At the end of the book, it feels like things have returned to “normal,” but I would’ve liked to have seen her square off with the popular kids now that her changes have been removed. Otherwise, it feels like she didn’t really learn anything from the experience.

The art, itself, fits the story well. The characters are expressive, and the dialogue is concise, so the panels are uncrowded enough to let the art stand on its own. There’s also a really interesting behind-the-scenes section at the back of the book, including parts detailing the evolution of the art over the course of several years.

Overall, while I enjoyed this, it definitely left me wanting more from the story. Besides that, it’s still pretty solid, and I’m sure the teens it’s intended for will enjoy it!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This was really good but didn’t leave me with something to hold on forever. The art, though, along with the color pallete is absolutely amazing.

The story revolves around Willow, a high school girl, whose life is the epitome of regularity and like any other school student, the popularity is the unreachable, shiny little thing she wants her hands on. Then, one day in a library, she stumbles upon rows of books that carry people’s names on their spines and Willow reaches out for the one with her name. Here’s when the magical aspect of the story takes a front seat and Willow finds out the little trick that makes everything she wants come true through this book. As a result of the most essential law of magic, the consequence to this surfaces. The effect that the altering in the book caused, takes a figurative meaning and heightens the tension of the story.

The characters were fine. Willow acts like the school protagonist and her unprepared decisions definitely pave way to a lot of conflicts that helps the story going so there’s not much I can complaint from her. Then there’s her best friend, Georgia, who reminded me a lot of my best friend. She’s certainly smarter than Willow and doesn’t stay silent while her bestie’s going around making irrational decisions. She advises her but best friends usually fight before protecting the other so that’s exactly what happens in here.

In addition to the plot and characters, there are little instances and scenes that makes the book more demographically correct because a young adult definitely goes through quite some of the feels that Willow experiences. That made me like the book all the more because the magical aspect acts like a mere tool to show Willow’s story and doesn’t steal the spotlight from the high school teengaer’s story that it actually is. Coming on to the art, it’s amazing. I loved the sketches and the color scheme that it followed with the blues and b&w. There isn’t something too over the top and I felt like the illustrations sat well with the story line’s mood. Overall, a pretty good comic, no doubt.

Review goes up on the blog on March 6th, 2018, followed by Goodreads and retail sites.

I've tried downloading the file numerous times and I even reinstalled the programme, but I'm still having technical problems. I've seen another person in the review section who has experienced the same thing - the art doesn't appear, the whole page is black except for the cover and a few other pages at the beginning and end. It's a pity because the story sounded interesting and had positive opinions, but there was nothing else I could do. I've already contacted the publisher to let them know, so I hope this is fixed soon.

A cute and well done coming of age story. I enjoyed the plot and the main character. The drawing style isn't my favorite, but it is cute.

*mini review goes live 3/5!*

Willow and her best friend aren't exactly the most popular girls in school. In fact, they're the total <i>opposite</i>. When Willow comes across a magical book that allows her to change anything she chooses, well...it's hard to pass that up. What initially starts out as small details (a new outfit here and there, something trendy and name-brand) quickly snowballs out of control. But is popularity and dating the coolest boy in school worth losing your best friend?

<i>The Altered History of Willow Sparks</i> was a fast read - and fun! Willow has an after school job at the library and it's in a backroom that she discovers the magical book. With each change she grows bolder and slowly loses control, not realizing the damage she's causing until it's too late. While I enjoyed this in a graphic novel form, I'd <i>really</i> like to read a full-length novel! There's so much depth to this story that would be fun to really dive into and explore!

3.5 stars.

I am so amazed with author’s drawing. She has been working on this book for 9 years, and with a lot of revision, she managed to create something beautiful :)

I think the story is pretty simple. It’s not those type of book that have sudden plot twists. But if you know me, sometimes I like books like that.
This is a book about friendship, about learning from our mistake, and about being responsible with our own choices.

It’s an enjoyable read!

As terrible as it sounds, I sometimes find myself judging a book by its cover and/or art and I'm afraid I did so with this title at first. I'm not a huge fan of the art, but I shouldn't have let that impact my decision about the book, because it is absolutely fantastic! I will absolutely be purchasing this title for our collection and I tihnk it will be a wonderful addition!

O'Connor's art in this graphic novel is the star of the show as she really uses the monotone blue and white to great effect. Her shading is awesome and the line work is crisp and fluid.
Unfortunately, the story (typical 'loner nerd' girl misusing the magical book of her life) is tired and predictable, and at several points nonsensical.

If you had the power to magically change things about yourself, what would you do? Pimples - gone. Injuries - healed. Sounds simple enough, except Willow Sparks discovers that forcing things into existence can mean the real things in life - true friendships for example - get lost along the way. This quick graphic novel is a nice story about friendship, contentment, and the danger of believing the grass is always greener on the other side.

What a wonderful book, a beautifully illustrated modern story of friendship with more than a hint of magic. Willy (Willow) Sparks is a typical teen, suffering from self confidence and body image issues. She and her friend Georgia are bottom of the social totem pole and targets for the more popular kids. Working late at the library one night , a terrible accident reveals a life changing secret, the people of the town each have a book that describes their life. Unable to resist temptation, Willow decides to make a few changes to her own story, and while her popularity increases, she drifts away from Georgia who is struggling with problems of her own. Magic has consequences however, and soon Willow finds herself in need of help from someone with more experience , will she be able to fix her book and rebuild her life?
A clever and relevant story, well told and beautifully brought to life by the wonderful illustrations, this was a pleasure to read. I also particularly liked the artist's notes showing the evolution of the art, and how the book came together.

*thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

4 stars. 

Such a great graphic novel! I really enjoyed this. The story is excellent. The artwork is excellent and I love that cover and how it shows the two different versions of Willow "Willy".

The story is about a girl, Willy, who isnt excatly loving her life. Shes got issues that alot of teens have, acne, feeling they are unpopular, low self-esteem etc. Then one day she discovers a magical book. Ohh I nearly forgot, she works in a library! (Best job ever.) So she accidently falls into a secret area of the library thats actually closed off to everybody except one person who is the caretaker of it and also Willy's boss/friend. So this book. You get to write in it what you want changed in your life and the next day, Walls, wish granted. Completely awsome! But.....yeah. like everything, nothing is THAT wonderful and it turns out this book has some side effects. There was one thing that I wasn't so ok with, but could dismiss it as the rest of it was so good. It was a bit violent. Not much but one particular scene where Willy punches a girl in the face. It seems to be a bit acceptable. Maybe it was just how I read it and saw it. Most people will prob be fine with it and just brush it off. I just felt it needed a mention.

So anyway, such a fun read. I really enjoyed it. The authors notes in the back were also interesting to read. I don't usually read them, but with this graphic novel I did. It's worth giving a go and really relatable if your a teen. Although I'm 32, so its enjoyable at almost any age.

The Altered History of Willow Sparks is a magnificent coming of age graphic novel. A lot of teens experiencing low self-esteem: whether they are pretty enough, funny, cool, amazing, brilliant or stylish. Whether a teen or not, sometimes we wish that we could be a much better version of our self, and that's what happened to Willow.

Because of an accident in the library that Willow works for, she discovered a secret part of the library where unusual books are stored. This is where she got her hands into a book that is named after her; she discovered that she can change her life by writing what she wish to happened in the said book. Willow's life improved, from her outer appearance up to being accepted by others. However, nothing comes for free so there was a price to pay for all of these changes.

Willow's story is undeniably a great and entertaining tale that a lot of people could relate to. Perusal of this graphic novel will enlighten readers about a lot of things especially about the value of friendship, loving oneself, being confident, honesty, and not trying to fit in just to be accepted.

This one unfortunately just didn't do it for me. A large part was the art, which was down completely in pencil. It may have been the review copy, but I had a hard time deciphering the frames sometimes. The details were too indistinct, and not dark enough.

The plot was okay, but wasn't anything terribly compelling. I'm also a bit confused to the ending, which never full spelled out the consequences of messing with your book. So the "so-what" was missing for me.

No review due to technical problems - sent this to publisher: I don't know where the problem resides - with my computer or with the file. I can't see the artwork. It looks like a television with static. I've updated all my graphics and still can't get the book to load. The last graphic novel I read worked fine. With this one, I get the cover and the title pages perfectly but nothing else.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel about a girl who discovers a magic book that will change her life! Willow is a nerd being bullied by the popular girls at school, but she has friends and a great job working in a library. The book gives her the power to rewrite her life, but of course, magic comes with a price. Willow uses the book to become one of the popular girls, and her life at school seems to be better, but at a cost. If only, Willow can realize the truth before it's too late, she might be able to salvage her friendships with the people who truly care about her.

I loved the struggle that Willow goes through! She has some really good character development, and I loved the complex relationships she has with her friends. It was really interesting to see Willow's perspective change throughout the book as she learns and grows.

I appreciated how the writing is concise but forceful, saying a lot in a few words, and delivering an emotional connection to each scene.

The artwork is wonderful, and really pulls you into the story. I like the muted colorscheme with gray and blue.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.

*A copy of this book was received for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel asks the question, “what happens when you finally get everything you wanted?”. It follows two friends Willow and Georgia who sit at the bottom of their high school social ladder. Willow discovers a book that enables her to make changes to her own life, yet this book has unique ways of protecting itself.
I enjoyed this graphic novel, it had a very powerful message and it portrayed it well. The illustrations were beautiful matching perfectly with the story. You can tell a lot of time and effort went into the development both story wise and illustration wise. It feels carefully thought out, the story flows from page to page. It definitely made want to read more, once I had started reading I just had to keep going and find out what happens next.
It is relatively short as I have found with many graphic novels, however the character development for the main character Willow and her friend Georgia was sound. My only critique is I would of liked to learn more about the other characters, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the graphic novel as a whole.
Overall, this was an amazing graphic novel. It was beautifully illustrated, interesting and explored parts of teenage life I’m sure many would be able to relate to. If you enjoy YA or fantasy graphic novels then I definitely recommend this one to you.

[Review will post on March 6, 2018]

Title: The Altered History of Willow Sparks
Author/Illustrator: Tara O'Connor
Publisher: Oni Press, March 6, 2018
ISBN: 9781620104507
$19.99
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Summary and Thoughts: What if you found out there was a way to alter your life? Willow Sparks, by accident, finds a book all about her and discovers she can alter her life to exactly what she wants and thinks she needs. As time goes on though, she finds there are consequences. Will Willow try to restore her life to the way it was or will the ability to change her life be better than the consequences?

Willow Sparks is just an average high school teen with a hair cut that makes her look boyish and pimples from here to tomorrow with a new one starting as the book opens Her best friend, Georgia Pratt, has the perfect hair, according to Willow, and not nearly as much to worry about as she does. Willow and Georgia are, of course, at the bottom of the social pool and targets of the super popular crowd. As the story opens, Willow is having one of THE WORST DAYS EVER. At least her job at the library is cool and hey, she gets to close the library the next day (I HAVE THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS). The next day, as Willow is closing up the library, she finds that the popular crowd is still in the library. Instead of leaving, they tease her which causes Willow to have an accident where she breaks a wall and discovers rows upon rows of books. Every person who lives in that town has their book of life in this library, including Willow. Thus begins Willow's amazing transformation to being the perfect teenager while also setting on the path to the consequences of messing with such a book.

HOLD UP. A teenager closing a public library? Is she 18? Why is she by herself? Honestly, this was the only real issue I had with the story. I really enjoyed the idea of everyone having a book of life that you could alter and that, of course, there was a special librarian who guarded these books and managed them. Guessing from the cover, I actually thought she would change her past, not the future and there would be these twin parallel story lines. I liked this better.

At one point I did find I did not like Willow, but when I reminded myself she was just a teenager who was unhappy with how things were, I actually wanted to see what she would do. She's surprisingly self-absorbed and doesn't immediately see how her changes are actually quite negative (and confusing when she was pimply only a day before). When the book basically starts to protect itself, Willow starts to realize what is going on. Her understanding of the situation is appropriate. Adding to the overall story was the side plot with Georgia's issues. Georgia is so much more grounded than Willow is and is really having a hard time compared to Willow.

The artwork (if this is colorized, I did not see it colorized) reminds me so much of a few other artists. I actually had to double check the author/illustrator a few times because I kept thinking it was Hope Larson. It's not and there is a style difference that Tara O'Connor has such as her use of panels and lines on faces. The only real issue I had with the art was a full page spread that was one side and went to panels on the next. On an eReader, it was a bit confusing.

Overall, it's a solid young adult title I think many would enjoy. I mean, who wouldn't like to discover a book about them and be able to edit it? The consequences of messing with her timeline are really interesting as well and Willow does wrestle, appropriately, with the consequences plus the changes. I can see this in a high school, high school classroom, or teen collection in a public library. If you're looking for titles, I'd recommend this.
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Recommended Audience: High School aged/ Teens
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Things to be aware of: Bullying
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Source: Netgalley