• Title: Crushing
• Author: Sophie Burrows
• Genre: Romance
• Medium: Graphic Novel
• Page Count: 160
• Release Date: January 11, 2022

I’m a big fan of graphic novels, but graphic novels without words? This was a whole new experience for me! Crushing by Sophie Burrows a story told in silence: it’s a beautiful book, that utilizes its illustrations and color palette to tell an emotional story.

I knew it was a story about loneliness and finding love, but I didn’t expect it to be so moving. Especially considering the characters never actually have dialogue, and there’s no supporting text to give context or any sort of explanation. Instead, the reader is swept away in the artwork. While people often interpret art in different ways, there’s no question what the drawings in this book are illustrating.

It’s evident that our two main characters feel lonely, stressed out, and anxious. They’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, working jobs, trying their best to live, and doing what they can to try and find solace in their community. We see glances of dreaded dating apps, freelance work, the stress of trying to fit in—all things people tend to shy away from or dread.

However, we also see them embracing and living in the moment, eating late night snacks, and finding meaningful connections in unlikely places. Life is hectic, no doubt, but if you stop for even a moment, there are slivers of genuine happiness and joy.

The artwork here was simple yet powerful. The drawings utilize cool pastel tones and single, bold colors to emphasize emotions, and for me, it was incredibly effective. I could have flipped through this book quickly, but I stopped at every page to pause and feel what was happening, and what the characters were experiencing.

Thank you so much to Algonquin Young Readers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review. Crushing by Sophie Burrows came out on January 11, 2022. It’s a unique book, full of emotion, and one that everyone will be able to connect with in their own way.