Member Reviews

Wash day diaries is such a cute and relatable comic. It was refreshing to see young women who deal with the very same experiences and emotions you did in that age group. From navigating family, friendships and romantic interests, even depression. Very quick read I need more about these characters.

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So glad I finally got to this one! Even though it’s a quick read, the story is relatable and the friendship between the characters is well-developed. The graphics were also really good and push the story forward. The way that hair care was woven into each of the stories was also well done. My major complaint is that this book was too short and I wanted more! I would love a Part 2 so we can keep the stories going and learn even more about the characters and their relationships.

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Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith is a refreshing and heartfelt graphic novel that explores the everyday lives of Black women through the lens of their hair care routines. The story follows four friends, Dani, Kim, Marlowe, and Shar—who each have their own unique hair journeys. From dealing with the complexities of natural hair to navigating life’s challenges, the book captures their moments of joy, frustration, and self-discovery.

What I loved most about this book is how real and relatable the characters are. Each of them feels like someone you could know in real life, and their stories are full of warmth and honesty. The art is gorgeous, with vibrant colors and details that really bring the characters and their experiences to life. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter focusing on a different character, giving you a deep look into their lives and friendships.

The themes of friendship, self-love, and embracing your identity are woven through the book in such a meaningful way. It’s also just really fun to read, with moments of humor, real talk, and relatable experiences that anyone who’s ever had to deal with hair care can appreciate.

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As a Black woman, this book was just the dose I needed. Wash day is somewhat ritualistic for women of color. I really enjoyed it

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An absolutely beautiful glimpse into the world of these women and the way their hair and caring for it culturally and emotionally plays into their lives. Great for those interested in character work and slice of life fiction. Also a great way for white folx to learn about Black hair without getting up in someone's personal space or interrogating people you barely know.

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This was so good! I loved the variety of body types and hairstyles featured and the interpersonal stories! It was like a warm hug in a graphic novel form!

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This was a stellar read! From the beautiful graphics, relatable characters, realistic conversations and situations, and the focus on vibrant Black women - this was a great read. It doesn't take too long to go through and will have you loving these characters. I really love how it's all about Black women loving their hair - something society often discourages. 'Wash Day' in itself if often a day filled with stress but seeing these women approach it as self-care and them loving their natural hair, was o heartwarming. 10/10!

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This was so cute and really highlighted mental health and depression. I really resonated with this story. I also really loved how the illustrator highlighted different types of body types and people.

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I liked this collection of stories surrounding Black women and their hair. The details in the illustrations for each of the characters and their surroundings were stunning. What I didn't love about this collection is it was hard to connect with the different characters because the perspective kept changing from one girl to the next. I didn't feel this book, as a whole, was long enough to get me to really connect with any of the characters. I wish this book could have been longer so I felt a little more connected with the different characters.

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Thank you to Netgalley for the ebook arc!

This book slapped. I LOVED Wash Day Diaries. Relatable, funny, emotional for sure. The story follows four best fiends attempting to figure out what they want in life. I felt connected to the characters and their story even though this was such a small snippet of their lives. My only complaint with this book was that I could have easily ready another 2oo pages of them. The art style was also very beautiful and enjoyable.

A five star read, excited to read more by this author!

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Absolutely loved this!! the art and the interconnected stories were very intriguing! I really hope that this can become a series and w can see more of where the characters different journey's take them.

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Any female student will be able to relate to wash day. Many students have sat around for most of the day preparing to get their hair done. The washing, conditioning, detangling, and braiding can be an all day event. This is what most of this book is about. Its also about friendship and bonding over wash day.

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This book is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the intricate relationship between culture, identity, and the ritualistic act of washing hair. Through a series of personal anecdotes and reflections, Rowser takes readers on a journey that delves deep into the significance of wash days in the lives of black women, offering insights not only into the physical process but also into the emotional and cultural implications.

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We have this at my library now and I loved it! I loved the honest depictions of young adults and the stories of black hair that bound them together. So sweet and real!

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I really loved reading this graphic novel. I never had the chance to read something like this growing up and it was so sweet and healing. It focuses on four black women who all go through their day to day lives and how they are all connected with their friendships and their blackness intertwined. For the most part they all like their hair and it feels so good to see how much love and support goes into the process of caring for black hair.

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Thank you NetGalley for this review copy.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, it felt very true to life as I knew it in my 20s and it makes me miss my girls all the more.

Definitely will be buying a copy for my shelves.

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This was a good slice of life story that felt painfully realistic. I really enjoyed the characters, but I would have loved to see even more of them. While it was a good story, it was hard to get attached to the characters because the stories felt like there could have been so much more. By the end of the book, it felt incomplete. However, if you are looking for a book with great characters, great representation, beautiful artwork, I recommend picking this up. Be aware, though, that you will most definitely want more from the story by the end!

3.5/5 stars

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I loved everything about this book. The graphics are amazing. I can relate to the stories. This was a quick and enjoyable read.

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It's been a while since I read this book and I regret not leaving feedback sooner. That said I enjoyed every page of wash day diaries. It was easy to see myself in the characters and their situations. I identified with each of the women and felt like these were people I knew. The art style was fantastic too.

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Thanks to the publisher for this arc. It had beautiful artwork. I love that the story conveys such an appreciation for black women and black hair. I love the positive representation that this book provided. The book included women with different skin colors, body types, and hair textures.

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