Cover Image: Wash Day Diaries

Wash Day Diaries

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Member Reviews

Let me start this review by saying I am absolutely not the target audience of this graphic novel as I am a 40 year old white woman but I loved it! It is so refreshing seeing a graphic novel made by women that is for/about women, especially for women of color! The drawings are fresh with bright colors. I liked how each character has her own color that is used for her to help describe her unique personality.

This is a graphic novel about a group of 4 friends in NYC and their daily lives, each young women is given a short story in this graphic novel but each story involves friendship and love from her group of friends. If you or someone you know loves graphic novels about strong female friendships then be sure to grab this one.

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I loved this graphic novel! Simple plot but such a fun time to read. Highly recommend reading this book! Especially if you’re black and don’t see yourself in much media, books, graphic novels. This also shows a character with depression and i liked how the author and illustrator wrote/drew that part. Overall, great read and recommend to anyone seeking a fun, short read.

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What a fabulous graphic novel! I loved the art style and colors used in this. The stories were just a day in the life of each of these women. I felt the emotions so deeply and just really enjoyed this overall. This was funny, sad and dreamy at times. I love this ride-or-die friend group! Can't wait to read more from this author.

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This was PHENOMENAL!!
This represents queer, feminine, black joy in the most realistic way. The imagery was as stunning and powerful as the message, which is very important for a graphic novel for obvious reasons. It was gritty and real and centered around routine, but still very profound. We get a taste of each woman's life up close and personal. It handles reality in the same nonchalant way many of us do. And hair really ties the whole story together, how intimate the act of doing your own hair, or having a loved one do it. On top of that, one character alludes to hair being an issue in the work place... one of those pieces of reality that often get overshadowed when discussing microaggressions. ALSO the designs of each woman, so distinct, so natural. Everyone had a different body type and expression. I loved each woman individually, I got a strong sense of their style and personality. But I loved them most as a unit, their loyalty, and love for one another ran deep. So beautiful to see back and afrolatina women existing and supporting one another. truly stunning.

I will say, content warnings for
-stalking
-catcalling
-depression/mental illness
-talk of taking medication
- bits of toxic positivity
-dementia
-homophobia
-work place racism ?? idk how to categorize this one
NOTE I may have missed some

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The Wash Diaries is a graphic novel about four Black friends from the Bronx navigating through life and being there for each other for the tough stuff. It was really refreshing seeing myself or a representation of myself on a page. It touches on mentally health, relationships and familial relationships. I loved that even though each character had their ups and downs they were there for each other. This graphic novel explores female friendship and I loved the art style. I loved this book and I hope to see more from the authors.

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✨Wash Day Diaries ✨

I am ashamed to say I haven’t read an adult comic but if they drop another one like this I might have to pick it up!

First of all it’s set in NYC my city and every little thing in this book made me smile because it just reminded me of myself ! Not just because it’s set in NYC and the comic illustrated a girl getting a baconeggsandcheese ( yes it’s one word) but just the experiences of a natural hair girly.

Not going outside on wash day, sectioning your hair in four to make it more manageable, touches on mental health.

I loved this!

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I adored this so much. I hope this becomes a series. For the length, you still really get the chance to fall in love with all of them! My only disappointment was that I wish the mental health aspect was expanded on a bit. But I cannot wait to buy a physical copy. When I got to the end of the e-book, I immediately went back to reread. And the illustrations!!! BEAUTIFUL

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This graphic novel was great. The art style was intriguing and had a great use of color which distinguished between each of the women for different sections of the story. This book is a celebration of female friendships and hair care. It was beautiful to see these women band together and just simply exist together throughout this book.

I liked the depression representation and how you had that one well meaning friend who thought they could fix everything for you.

This graphic novel was simply amazing and made me smile, laugh, and want to cry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for and eARC in return for a honest review.

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So this book was not meant for me (a white girl) and I knew that when I requested it. A friend who I respect suggested it to me since it was in the read now section. I enjoyed this story so much. It is a wonderful representation of strong female friendship, of four women who are the epitome of ride or die. I didn't appreciate the discouragement of prescription help as sometimes that is what's needed but regardless, a wonderful read! We need more like it.

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Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review this graphic novel. Wash Day Diaries is a beautifully made graphic novel about four best friends and their lives in the Bronx. It talks about the beauty and endurance of black women, their hair, their lives, and their friendships. Such an inspiring and beautiful story. I loved each character, and learning about the struggles they go through. I hope there will be another graphic novel, diving deeper into their lives. The art style was absolutely stunning. 5 out of 5 stars.

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Cozy, gorgeous, intimate, casual. I wish I’d had this book as a young person but am grateful instead to be able to gift it to young people in my life. Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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As a black woman, I really enjoyed this book. Usually there is not a lot of black, specially black women, representation especially within comics/graphic novels. This is probably my first time seeing a graphic novel character that looks like me, doing their daily routines just like I would. The art style is beautiful, which is so refreshing to see as well. When black characters are featured in comics/graphic novels, there can be issues with caricatures and others things that are not present here. I really appreciate that! Also, I love that many different types of black women are being portrayed during the stories. This is important because black women are not a monolith and we all have different experiences, thoughts, personalities, and features (all of which deserves to be discussed and celebrated!) Also, I think its interesting that there are causal topics and more serious topics that are discussed in this book. It makes you feel like you are not alone in your day to day struggles whether it be big or small. I enjoyed the book and thought it was a very interesting read!

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This is a quick read, beautifully illustrated graphic novel. It follows four friends and gives each a glimpse of each in an overall connecting story. I love these are women of various sizes and shapes. I seldom read graphic novels not geared to teens or younger so it was interesting to have adults who drink, party and have relationships. I think I was only disappointed in a not very supportive mental health storyline. This is a story you can read in a few minutes but you need to slow down and appreciate the art work and the friendships being shared. Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for a temporary eARC in exchange for a review.

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Jamila Rowser created complex characters and weaved their stories together so efficiently, I nearly forgot that the plot was taking place over the course of a single day. In a single day, we learned about these women's careers, struggles, and relationships. Rowser did a lot of showing us how the characters felt, and trusted the readers to fill in the context, which I appreciated. Meanwhile Robyn Smith's line work and color schemes made me feel warm and comfortable, and her texture - especially the detailed hairstyles - captured the beauty and work that goes into Black hair styling.

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This was everything. The art? Gorgeous. The characters? Relatable. The friendship? Unbreakable. As an an avid manga reader, I loved reading this graphic novel and seeing the manga influence in the art and storytelling. The story felt super real and in the city scenes, you can feel the city vibes and honestly, it made me a little nostalgic for all the best reasons.
Each story followed one of the characters with the last chapter was a beautiful culmination of friendship and love and I’m obsessed with it all. The stories touch on self-intimacy, sex positivity, familial turbulence, mental health, relationship abuse, but over all the bond and healing between their friend group made my heart so happy.
Also??? The artistry in the actual hair processes was breathtaking??? Like please grab this comic because I’m legitimately obsessed.

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These vibes were SO GOOD, I really enjoyed the mellow pacing of this story. There's a lot happening and they didn't wrap up every plot point addressed in the story, kind of like Seinfeld in that way. Very slice of life story.

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I would like to thank Net galley and Edelweiss for this advance copy!

This graphic novel chronicles the lives of four friends who have textured and curly hair. The author incorporates the main characters everyday lives with features of their hair routines. I really enjoyed this graphic novel. These protagonists reminded me of a mix of the television shows Girlfriends and Sex and the city. I loved the illustrations and the text flowed well. Additionally, the storylines were interesting.

Although some reviewers may not have liked the mental health ideals of one of the main characters, it is very common to hear someone, especially in other cultures or socialites, shun away from seeking professional help and heal in alternative ways. It may not be sound advice but it was very believable. This topic could possibly be a great book discussion.

I will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment of the series. 5/5 stars from me!

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A lovely slice of life shown through the points of view of four friends across five intertwined short stories. I really enjoyed how the framing let you get to know each girl individually and the intimacy of following them through the minutiae of their day brings you into their world. Even as they are sharing their worries with each other, the strength of the girls' friendship gives the book a joyful ebullient tone. A perfect read for a sunny day.

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I enjoyed the muted colors. Each story stands alone. I wish there was more depth, like in the depression story.

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I had the opportunity to read 'Wash Day Diaries' by @jamilarowser (Jamila Rowser) & @RoBroSmo (Robyn Smith). I don't typically read reviews prior to reading a book so I had a completely different idea of how this story was going to unfold! I was pleasantly surprised! For me the main takeaway was the importance of friendship and how, as black women, our hair plays such a huge role in our lives! From the different styles that we choose to wear, to the different textures, relaxed or natural; our hair often reflects an aspect of our personality and/or our personal style.

There were so many relatable moments that LITERALLY made me laugh out loud!

We all need friends like these ladies! They love, respect, protect, and correct each other when needed! 

The camaraderie that takes place between friends when one is doing the other's hair is a special kind of bonding! This story portrays all of that and also the need to check on your friends. It really made me think about some of my closest friends and how they're often able to tell when something is wrong with me (no matter how slayed my hair might be! hahaha)

This was 'Girlfriends' meets graphic novel! I can't wait to have a physical copy on my shelf! This will definitely be a re-read!

Thanks Net Galley!

(Full review posted on my Good Reads-linked here!

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