I loved this book. It’s a perfect easy read especially for graphic novel lovers like myself! I found myself really relating to the some of the characters. This book touched base on things like culture, mental health, new careers, and family issues. 4.75/5 stars for me and a great first read for 2022!!
Thank you to Chronicle Books and Netgalley for sending this ARC!!

This was an absolute delight in every possible way. I loved the interwoven stories and depiction of friendship. The portrayal of mental health struggle from one character was so relatable and honestly portrayed. I deeply appreciated that. The art was a GIFT. This was one of the best graphic novels I’ve read from an artistic standpoint.

I also laughed out loud in several places. I loved this book and will reread it.

Wash Day Diaries was a brilliant read. I love the way it tells an each character story with different ways of getting their hair done. I'm hoping there is more to tell, and I'll be waiting for it to come out.

Wash Day Diaries is a short, beautifully illustrated graphic novel following four young, Black women and their lives, friendships, and gorgeous hair.
The illustration in this book is beautiful. I absolutely loved the depiction of our hair! Whether it’s the braids, the twist outs, or even just our bonnets, it was all magnificent to see depicted in such a celebratory way! I also loved that the artist showed real bodies! Not everyone had curves, not everyone was perfect, and I love that!
This book tackled a couple hard topics, such as depression, in a way that didn’t make you sad, but just made you see life as it is for different types of Black women. I also enjoyed seeing the casual sapphic representation.
My only problem with this book is that I wish it was longer. It could’ve went more in depth and answered some questions I had toward the end. If this ever becomes a series, I’ll be very happy!
This graphic novel shows the connection that Black women have with our hair and with each other in a way that celebrates us and shows us unconditional love! I’d recommend this graphic novel to every Black woman that is looking for a graphic novel that shows us in such a unapologetically Black light!

Thank you Chronicle Books and NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

TW: nudity; sexual situations; depression; dementia; violent ex-boyfriend (all trigger warnings are very mild)

A great story that reflects the everyday life of black women in America. I felt that each character was unique and gave a lot to the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for this book!

3.5!

This was a sweet, quick read that highlighted female friendship in a lovely way. You meet each of the girls as they navigate their lives, starting with their hair appointments. Though this isn't something I have any experience with, it's that sense of identity that each girl portrays that I can relate to. The art style was nicely done. I enjoyed this!

I absolutely loved reading this graphic novel. Black joy is something we don't see very often and I was really excited to get a peek into what that looks like for a group of best friends.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wash Day Diaries follows a group of four friends and has 5 short stories. There's one for each girl, and one for the group. I really enjoyed how realistic it was in portraying their lies both in and out of the friendship because each character was going though something different like struggles with mental health or dealing with a family issues. At the end, the notes on character and chapter design made me appreciate the comic even more as it really showed the attention and detail that went in and I always appreciate some behind the scenes details. Everyone should go check this book out when it comes out on June 14, 2022!

I don’t think I’ve ever liked a book as much as I love this book. This is the first time and I see myself in a graphic novel. This was so relatable down to the group chat and the drama. It shows the character and differences of every friend while knowing at the end of the day I’ve got your back. You also can’t forget the importance of hair and diversity! This is a must buy.

Beautiful artwork, a cute set of interweaving storylines, and characters with distinct, familiar personalities. This is such a pleasurable read and makes you feel like you're part of their friend group and their group chat. I really appreciate the care that went into highlighting how each woman has a different approach to their relationship with their hair and that each one is valid.

I'll have to keep an eye out for more from this writing duo!

This was so beautiful! A slice of life story about 4 black women, their hair, and their friendship. In a short book it discusses mental health, careers, dating and familial relationships, and more.

A wonderfully written and illustrated collaboration, and a beautiful book. I will gladly share this title with young readers and friends who enjoy graphic novels.

I read Wash Day years ago and wished that it was longer. Now that this is here I am so happy to see it! Reading this story of friendship and the positive interactions with other black women was so so well done! Wash Day diaries in compulsively readable. I hope the series continues for many more volumes!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Wash Day Diaries! I thought this was a great graphic novel and I flew through it! I enjoyed the friendship of all the characters and the real life issues they were each facing. I’d recommend this graphic novel to everyone!

This story was an ode to Black women and sisterhood. I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. If you read this and like it, I highly recommend watching Harlem on Amazon Prime! It has very similar vibes and is a great way to follow the lives of a different group of four Black women navigating life and love in New York.

This is such a great book. It's got gorgeous, joyous art, a lovely focus on Black friendship and Black hair, astoundingly well-developed characters for a series of connected vignettes, and some effective but brief things to say about mental health, toxic positivity and depression, and stalkers. I cannot wait for this to come out in hard copy, and I hope we'll get to see more of these awesome characters in other forms one day, too.

This is my very first adult graphic novel and it did not disappoint. This story is one of friendship, womanhood, and Blackness. I loved everything about it. Even in this short tale, I learned so much about the characters and really cared about their stories. The structure, the color scheme, the drawings, everything was perfect. 5 stars!

I NEED MORE!! I finally understand the fascination with comics. I not into this thinking I’ll relate to the characters because I, too, have an extended Was Day Routine on Sundays. What I got was a telling of my life, my family’s and friends’ experiences. I would purchase multiple of this book and the rest of the series. Everything in this, I ADORED!! The side stories, the moment with Granny, and the mental health awareness all poke to my soul, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have read this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends—Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie—through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx.

The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters' everyday lives and how they care for each other.

Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith originally kickstarted their critically acclaimed, award-winning slice of life mini comic, Wash Day, inspired by Rowser's own wash day ritual and their shared desire to see more comics featuring the daily lived experiences of young Black women. Wash Day Diaries includes an updated, full color version of this original comic—which follows Kim, a 26-year-old woman living in the Bronx—as the book's first chapter and expands into a graphic novel with short stories about these vibrant and relatable new characters.

In expanding the story of Kim and her friends, the authors pay tribute to Black sisterhood through portraits of shared, yet deeply personal experiences of Black hair care. From self-care to spilling the tea at an hours-long salon appointment to healing family rifts, the stories are brought to life through beautifully drawn characters and different color palettes reflecting the mood in each story.- Goodreads

As a 30 something-year-old Black woman, I wish I had a close-knit of Black women friends. This book hit close to home. Not just because of that need but because of Davene. Her story is me. In every sense of the story that was told is me.

But beyond this, I loved everything about this book. I loved every woman, all their stories, how wash day shapes their day, their week. This book is genuine, heartwarming, funny, emotional and just damn good.

It should have been longer and no it should not be a 35 chapters book but a graphic novel series for sure.

5 Pickles

With stunning illustrations, a wonderfully empowering message that encourages readers to embrace who they are, this is a charming and joyful story for everyone to read.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.