Wash Day Diaries sums up what I and I would say most black women with natural hair go through. I love the highlights on the struggle it is to take care of our natural hair yet, the time and care we also put into it.

I loved the characters they to represented what real sisterhood is. They stuck together, loved and supported each other. I loved that this story showed that we as black women need to start lifting each other up and not keep tearing us down over crazy insignificant things that don't matter.

I feel this story showed respect and power something that has always been taking away from black women. Absolutely loved this!

5 ⭐
***Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for allowing to read and review this**

I love the different depictions of wash day as it varies from person to person. I also loved the ride or die sisterhood that is shown between the girls. It was so much more than a book about wash day, it was about being there for your girls when they need you. Will definitely be purchasing this when it comes out.

Such an easy 5 stars! I haven't read a lot of graphic novels but I absolutely adored this one! From the art to the story, everything was perfect!

I loved this one! The art is so beautiful and vibrant. I really liked how the book interwove the story of the friendship of these young women along with their hair care routines. There was so much packed into this little book. One of my favorite scenes was in "Group Chat" when Nisha was relaying the events of her day. There was a really cool effect with the art that was so clever! I look forward to reading more from this author and graphic artist!

This was a very fun, quick read. I was surprised by the amount of depth that was in here, considering the graphic novel consists of 5 slice-of-life short comics. The art work was absolutely beautiful, and I loved that the comics didn't shy away from harder topics, even though they were so short, while also just being a lot of fun and showing a wonderful friendship.

WOW WOW WOW.

Embarrassed to say this was the first graphic novel/comic I’ve ever read. BUT absolutely devoured this novel and was captivated by the absolutely beautiful and vibrant artwork that filled the pages.

This story follows four best friends as they begin their days with washing / doing their hair and then goes deeper into their personal lives. I was honestly amazed by how impactful each short story was—my favorite was centered around mental health. I loved the last portion of the novel when all the women come together and their stories intertwine. The last illustrations made my heart melt and reminded me how strong female friendship is 💖☺️

Highly recommend—5 ⭐️

This is a five star read! As a Black woman this felt very validating in numerous ways from hair, to interpersonal relationships, and mental health. Gorgeous art with great attention to detail.

This was perfect. Such a cute read that had real life problems. And a black woman I felt so at home reading this and found myself smiling often!!

Wash Day Diaries - just wow! This story was phenomenal and powerful. Wash Day Diaries tells the stories of four best friends, the stories are woven together, so you really get a feel for how meaningful and powerful their friendship is. Ranging from romance struggles to mental health this charming and important story is easy to pick up and is important - so many people need to read this!

WASH DAY DIARIES is a fun, funny, realistic yet uplifting comic that celebrates female friendship and black womanhood through relatable, all-too-real stories and distinct, vibrant art.

I really like the NYC setting and all the stuff this dynamic urban city allows the characters to experience. The characters jump off the page, and while they're not perfect, they all try their best, supporting one another through life's adventures and struggles.

It's also very refreshing to see black hair and its upkeep--and all the subtle larger societal issues related to them because of microaggressions and racism--depicted here, and for a non-black person like me, it's also informational and illuminating.

And of course, this book wouldn't be what it is without the vibrant art. Although it can look stiff at times, overall it's creative, colorful, and I highly enjoy the color scheme; it also dynamically adds to the narrative and storytelling as well.

This is a comic with a lot of heart, and its representation of black women--and their joys and trials--makes it an important one too.

Full review closer to publication date!

I'd like to thank the publisher, Chronicle Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The way I saw myself as well as the women in my life throughout this entire graphic novel both in words and images was magical! The stories covered topics such as dating, depression, dementia and of course friendship. It beautiful showcases the intimate ways black women love on and relate to one another. The author and illustrator respectfully pay homage to our rituals like the Wash Day process, hair braiding, surrounding the loser boyfriend like a pride of lionesses and a good old fashion sleepover. The characters both main and secondary are so beautifully drawn. The different shapes, sizes, hair textures and skin complexions made my mouth water. Simply put, beautiful black and brown people. I smiled the entire time I read this and I can't wait to gift this to the women in my tribe.

This graphic novel was such a quick and fun read! It felt so relatable in many respects. I was smiling while flipping through the pages and on the verge of tears at the same struggles I faced that the girls encounter. I love that it follows 4 black women who all have to navigate doing their hair on “Wash Day” and how it really is a rollercoaster, just like the relationships they have with others. I love seeing that they enjoy life. I appreciate the variety of representation that is within blackness. I would love to see a continuation with more tales from the girls.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy.

4.5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

This graphic novel is short sweet and too the point. The book covers several different styles and care of black hair. But there’s so much more that than. Strong friendships, family reconnections, and mental health.

I only took off the .5 because one character is talking about taking anti depressants and the other girl tells her just to carry a crystal with her instead. I would have loved to see her corrected to destigmatize medication.

I’m seriously obsessed with everything else about this book. The art style was fantastic and each girl was so different.

I can’t wait to see Wash Day Diaries on shelves on June 14th!!

First off, I LOVE the cover of this book and the illustration style. The colors were perfect. Hair is such an important part of Black culture and the way they framed an entire graphic novel around it is awesome! Seeing all the different textures and styles was amazing.

The characters and subjects inside are super relatable, and it really targeted so many details about being a young, Black woman. You have the infamous wash day (of course), group chats, the guy problems, mental health issues...it really hits a lot of aspects that are present in our day to day lives. I think the authors did a great job creating content and characters that readers can relate to. It's always nice to feel "seen," and I think this book will give that feeling to a lot of its readers. The way everything came together at the end was a nice touch, and it just really shows how important it is to have that support system in place when life throws different issues your way.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a lovely step into the lives of four Bronx women. I know next to nothing about the upkeep of black hair, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning while immersed in this story. I also didn't know much about the book itself before I started, and was pleasantly surprised by the formatting with each girl getting their own chapter. I especially liked Tanisha's chapter with the flashback art style.

I'd also like to shout out how Davene's depression was handled. It felt a little frustrating and shaky in her own chapter, but true to life, with Cookie trying to solve her problems instead of listening. But Cookie redeemed herself in the end. I loved that she pulled Davene aside and asked if she wanted an out. It was so thoughtful and sweet. They were all such lovely friends. More than anything, I love stories about friendship and the love between friends. It can be so touching. Even as some chapters, like Cookie's and Davene's, were particularly heavy. They always had one another's' backs even if no one else did.

The art was excellent. So colorful and lifelike; the tones well-matched each friend and their moods. And there was a wealth of diversity within their lives and stories. I hope to see more from this team!

Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle books for the ARC!

A beautiful graphic novel from beginning to end. From the illustration to the storyline, Wash Day Diaries was a tender insight into four Black women's lives and their relationships with one another and their haircare routine. Their friendship was so delightful to read about and I wish I could have read more about them and their day-to-day. Seeing this take place in the Bronx added a layer of familiarity and realness to the lives of these four women. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this eARC of Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith. This was such a fun read and the end had me smiling from ear to ear! This is a fantastic story of female friendship and solidarity. Wash Day Diaries follows four close friends as they navigate romantic relationships, mental health struggles, careers, and family reconciliation. This graphic novel was touching, encouraging, and absolutely beautiful. The graphics and coloring were absolutely gorgeous. 10/10 recommend if you're looking for the perfect pick-me-up read.

This was such a cute graphic novel!! I loved getting to know each of the girls and seeing them all come together in the end. Each chapter was focused on one of the main girls and how their friendship all tie together in the end showing their love and support for each other no matter the situation.

The illustrations are extremely well done and it was super enjoyable to read this slice of life. I think the author did a wonderful job writing each character and did a great job making each one super unique. The author also included many different topics and situations that people can relate to; we saw mental health topics be discussed, family struggles, toxic ex's, lgbt representation, and much more. I loved how quickly I was able to binge this graphic novel and how each character while all are different have some sort of relatable aspect.

I was able to pick this up as an ARC from Netgalley and I am so glad that I did.

The joy of this book is in the details. There is so much being said without being said. Jamila and Robyn utilize this form of literature to the fullest. You really have to slow down and look, and I mean look, at every page. Scour every panel or you will miss it. I know that this book is directed towards young black women but this is a story for all women. I found that I laughed, nodded, and commiserated with many of the situations of these four lovely women.

A huge thank you for my e-ARC, which was provided by the publisher, author, and illustrator via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Would I read it again?
Unlikely

Would I recommend it?
It depends on my audience. This book is most likely for a mature audience. There is some language, drug use, and sexual situations.

Is it a permanent addition to my library?
No

Content Warnings?
There is a chapter dedicated to Depression and I would avoid it if this is a difficult topic for you.