Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Book: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley, Knopf Books for Young Readers, February 14, 2012

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format/pages:  eARC provided by NetGalley, Hardcover 272 pages

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

More Info: LibraryThing | Goodreads | Amazon

Lucy has fallen for Shadow, the gifted graffiti artist whose paintings touch her soul, but who she has never met. On the last night of senior year, Lucy goes out with two friends to celebrate. But what she really wants to do is find Shadow, and Ed has promised to lead her to him. Ed and Lucy once had feelings for each other that ended on one disastrous date. Anything can happen on their all-night adventure, and their lives will never be the same.

Graffiti Moon has a lot of elements in it that I enjoy in contemporary books. I love books that take place over 24-hours, and this adventurous tale takes place over the course of an evening. The city hums with energy and there is a sense that anything can happen. The characters are all a little older, just facing adulthood and ready to conquer the world. Art is in the backdrop of the story, with Lucy’s glassblowing, Shadow’s graffiti art, and Poet’s poetry adding a creative vibe.

Lucy is smart and artistic and has a great sidekick, the psychic Jazz. She feels she and Shadow may be soul mates, but she keeps just missing him whenever she tries to find him. Ed has had a tough time of things, after dropping out of school, losing his girlfriend, and losing his mentor. He is feeling lost and directionless, though is passionate about art. He thought Lucy was someone who understood him, but their comically bad date seems to have shut the door to their relationship. They seem to barely tolerate each other at first, and it is fun to see them get reacquainted.

The story is told through Ed and Lucy’s alternating POV, so we can get a sense of who they are and their feelings toward each other. Over the course of the night, Lucy and Ed’s quirky friends, and the colorful strangers they encounter make for a fun and eventful evening.  There is so much going on with them as they run around town on their quest, and even have to dodge a bad guy who is hot on their trail.

Reading this book is such an exhilarating experience. The chemistry and passion of the characters and energetic nature of the story makes it easy to fall for. The writing is vivid and gorgeous with sharp and witty dialogue. I could just picture Shadow’s paintings that covered the city. This exciting, hope filled time in their lives is expressed brilliantly and honestly. I didn’t want their night together to end.

This artistic and expressive story is easily one of my favorite reads of 2011 and one of the books that has me wanting to seek out more contemporary books. The friendships, passion, beauty, and adventure all added up to a breathtaking read that is reminiscent to Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. If you are looking for an absorbing and heartfelt coming of age with romance and excitement, give this one a try. I can’t wait to read more from Cath Crowley.

Other Reviews:

Makeshift Bookmark

Anna Reads

Lisa is Busy Nerding

Turn the Page

Ornament

8 thoughts on “Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

  1. bookchilla says:

    Yey! Graffiti Moon is really something 🙂 i loved it as well. Nice rev, Lucy!

    1. Lucy says:

      Thanks 🙂 Glad you loved the book too. Wish there were more books like it.

  2. bookchelle says:

    5 stars? Hmm, I’m going to have to buy this, aren’t I?

    1. Lucy says:

      I think you’d like it, Michelle. It really is something special.

  3. I totally agree, I absolutely adored this book! The writing is absolutely GORGEOUS. I’ve read her other book, A Little Wanting Song, and it was pretty good as well, though I didn’t love it as much as this one.

    1. Lucy says:

      Yes, gorgeous is a good word for it! I definitely want to read A Little Wanting Song sometime.

  4. […] Cath Crowley – Book: Graffiti Moon. (Review) A post-high school /graduation night coming of age. This book is a coming of age that incorporates […]

  5. […] my favorite settings – road trip (airplane), foreign travel, and it’s set in 24 hours. Graffiti Moon is another book that takes place in one […]

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