Awkward and Definition: The High School Comic Chronicles of Ariel Schrag – A Book Review
When I stumbled upon Awkward and Definition: The High School Comic Chronicles of Ariel Schrag, I was instantly intrigued by the duality of its title. The words “awkward” and “definition” encapsulate so much of the tumultuous high school experience we can all relate to. As I began flipping through the pages, I felt as though I were embarking on a nostalgic journey back to my own teenage years, a time filled with excitement, anxiety, and an endless quest for self-identity.
Ariel Schrag’s graphic novels, detailing her freshman and sophomore years at Berkeley High School, beautifully capture the essence of teenage life. In Awkward, we follow Ariel as she navigates the often-cringeworthy waters of adolescence: meeting new friends, discovering crushes, and exploring her passion for art within the classroom and beyond. Then, in Definition, that exploration deepens as she juggles academic pressure, burgeoning sexuality, and the insecurities that come with it all. Schrag’s storytelling is a raw and refreshing glimpse into the inner workings of a young mind grappling with self-doubt and discovery.
I was utterly captivated by Schrag’s candidness. It feels almost like reading someone’s diary—one that is unfiltered and bursting with quirky humor. She invites us to witness her anxieties over chemistry grades and her crush on the “cool” girl, leaving no stone unturned in her quest to document her experiences. It’s a striking reminder of the universal feelings of embarrassment and euphoria that define our high school years.
Her art style, though evolving, is uniquely charming. There’s something mesmerizing about the characters’ wide-eyed expressions, which resemble fawns stumbling through a forest of raging hormones and chaotic friendships. In the words of a reviewer, it’s as if Schrag and her peers are “small, wide-eyed beings, almost like fawns in a forest full of carnivores.” This imagery resonated with me and brought me back to my own moments of vulnerability.
What truly struck me was Schrag’s ability to blend humor with painful honesty. Many reviewers have commented on how her open approach breaks down barriers of shame typically associated with adolescence. One particularly poignant observation came from Eric C. Williams, who described feeling like a voyeur while reading, but also found a deep connection to her stories. I echo those sentiments—there’s a comforting familiarity in her experiences that reminds us we weren’t alone during those awkward years.
As I turned the last page, I found myself overwhelmed with a mix of nostalgia and hope. Schrag’s raw narrative is not just a recount of her high school years but a testament to the growth we all experience as we move from adolescence to adulthood. This graphic novel duo is a treasure trove for anyone who has ever felt lost in a sea of peers or struggled to find their identity.
I wholeheartedly recommend Awkward and Definition to anyone who appreciates authentic coming-of-age stories. It’s valuable not only for teenagers currently navigating their high school experiences but also for adults who wish to remember the beautiful mess that is adolescence. I left these pages feeling seen and understood, and I believe many will find solace and laughter within Ariel Schrag’s bold and honest chronicles. Whether you’re sharing it with a young reader or revisiting your own high school memories, this delightful graphic novel collection is sure to resonate.