Ah the impulse buy...I actually do not do it nearly as often as people may think. Due to how I work on the blog, my book purchases are pretty planned out, and it is rare that I will see a book at a book store and just buy it on a whim, though it is fun. However, the rules kinda get thrown out of the window when I am at an event or book festival. And it was at this year's LibraryPalooza that I picked up A First Time for Everything, having met author and illustrator Dan Santat the evening before. The summer after middle school, Santat was able to spend some time in Europe, and he talks about the experience in his book.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a graphic memoir set in 1989, and mostly takes place in Europe. In a town outside of Los Angeles, only child Dan Santat stays out of trouble, does his best in school, and helps out his mom at home, as she has lupus which often leaves her tired. When he takes the trip to Europe for the summer, he is convinced it will be a miserable experience, mostly because the same girls that made fun of him at school will also be there. But the trip is full of firsts: first sip of Fanta; first experience with fondue; first time listening to French rap; as well as his first sip of beer; first cigarette; and first time being chased in Germany by a group of thugs. At some point in the middle of it all, Santat starts to like himself a little more, and realizes that maybe high school, along with the rest of his life, does not have to be the same as middle school.
My Verdict: This is one of those books that not only would benefit every young adult to read, but maybe every adult as well. Even for those that enjoyed middle and/or high school, there is most likely some event from that time period, or group of people, that left behind some bad memory or trauma that is carried into adulthood. Santat addresses those people and memories from his life, giving readers full-colored illustrations of the humiliating events that left him dreading a summer-long trip to Europe. And while the trip itself is amazing, it is not without its own issues and embarrassing moments. But the message remains clear, while also being delivered with the perfect balance of sincerity and humor: it is important to not let others decide how we feel about ourselves, and it is often worth taking chances, even if they are scary.
Favorite Moment: At one moment while riding on the bus to Germany, Santat has an entire conversation with two other girls, but it is all through intense eye contact and facial expressions. Fortunately, he gets the message, and everything works out.
Favorite Character: I do not always choose a favorite character for nonfiction, but this time I choose Helga, the woman Santat stayed with in Germany, who loved to use entirely too much starch when washing people's clothes.
Recommended Reading: I recommend Almost American Girl by Robin Ha.
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