Review: Tina’s Mouth
As part of a project for her English Honors elective in existentialism, Tina is keeping a diary and addressing many of the entries to Jean Paul Sartre. The child of Indian immigrants, Tina attends a private school full of overachievers and all kinds of cliques. Through her diary, you learn what it’s like to wade through high school issues like being dumped by her best friend, having a crush, and longing for a first kiss. Those are all pretty typical for high school aged kids, but this book is told in a unique way because of Tina’s school project.
Tina’s Mouth, by Keshni Kashyap, isn’t earth shattering, but it’s format is unique – a diary in graphic novel format – and appealing. Drawings by Mari Araki add a fun element to the story. Although the material in this book isn’t all that new, I really enjoyed the way the story was told. Since Tina is taking a class in existentialism, she mentions philosophers and looks at life a little differently than most kids her age. I enjoyed following Tina on her journey and I loved that she found a place that she was comfortable with.
I appreciated the fact that Tina was first generation American – readers get a peek into her home life and also get to see how insensitive people can be to others who look just a little bit different. Overall, I thought this book was a pleasure to read and I think most teens will enjoy it. Told with a touch of humor and a dose of family drama, I think many will find something to relate to in its pages.
Sounds like a pretty unique plot!
I’m thinking of a teen reader who might enjoy it. Sounds perfect!
I love books like this..graphic novels when done well are excellent!!
This is something that I would love to investigate. It sounds like a really interestingly executed book, and I love the fact that it deals with issues that aren’t really common in YA literature. I will be looking for this one. Wonderful review today, Kathy!
The format of this book and the graphic novel aspect of it interests me. It also sounds well-done and tina is an interesting character. Although this is geared towards teens and the issues they confront in high school it sounds like a good book for adults, too, particularly as Tina finds a place where she feels comfortable as herself, something many grown women don’t have.
Thank you for a terrific review, Kathy!
This definitely sounds like an interesting read, and the title is grabbing. Great review!
Wow a YA book about existentialism and a first generation American….sounds quite intriguing. Wonderful review!
Thanks for your review.
I haven’t read any graphic novels, but they are all the rage with my students. Nice review.
Graphic novels…I never thought they would appeal to me but I am reading one now and it is really fun…I especially like comparing the author’s view and my view of what things look like.
This one sounds very interesting.
Hm, this one sounds interesting. It sounds like it’s formatted like Diary of a Wimpy kid, but has enough substance for the YA crowd. Thanks for the review.
I really like the title… as soon as I seen it I wanted to know more.
It sounds like an interesting YA book, thanks for the review.
It sounds like a very enjoyable graphic novel that touches on existentialism–great review, Kathy!
Aw, I think this sounds really good!
I like the first generation American aspect.
This does sound like a pretty unique premise. I’m finding that I enjoy graphic novels a lot more than I thought I would.
Sounds like it might be a good fit for a smart kid … and I happen to know one who needs a Christmas present from me!
I’m always looking for good graphic novels. This one might help me remember that class I took on existentialism way back when I was an undergrad.
I’m hoping to read this one soon – thanks for the review! I hope you don’t mind if I add a link to your review to the South Asian Review Database.