I was so excited for this book partly because of the author's person, and partly because of Emily Henry's enthusiasm for this novel. The premise sounded intriguing, and I was really happy to be approved for an ARC.

The writing style is incredibly moving, the atmosphere Skogman creates is so transportive that you feel like you know this small town and its inhabitants, you feel the sun beating down on you, and even hear the sounds of a calm starry night. There is so much love and attention written into every line, and each character is so real and human that they feel like your own friends. Slowly, you learn about their past traumas and present struggles, and Cash's romanticism is contagious enough for you to love everyone and wish the best for them.

Sadly, the beautiful writing and transportive atmosphere could only hold my attention for so long, and without any real action, I got bored and felt reluctant to continue reading. If you're looking for a no-plot-just-vibes book, this is perfect for you, and maybe some other time I would have loved it as well, but right now I'm putting it down nearly halfway through.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me the ARC.

This book is filled with hesitation, longing, desperation, but mostly with love. Love to this little town in the American Midwest, to its residents, to the landscape, and wider - to America. It's a tribute.
Cash, the protagonist, has been living and working in Johnston his whole life. This is where he was born, went to school, where he loved and was looking for someone who would love him back. He loves this town. "Every hidden corner of Johnston I knew and loved so well." The fragment, where he talks about the Princes' parents' country house and the fields around is truly touching. It's too long to quote it all, but this one sentence should give you a hint: "Prince and I would sit on his porch for hours and watch over his kingdom, sometimes saying nothing at all."
He loved his mother, whom he lost at the age of 22, more than any other person. The way he talks about her is heartbreaking. This is the prose from a higher shelf. So touching, so emotional, so beautiful. His mother loved him like only a mother does. His father was cold and distanced. He made Cash feel unloved by him, which pained the mother. "No woman like my mother should have eyes so sad, but in that moment, she did."
Cash seems to be lost, he is looking for something and doesn't know what it is exactly, but he keeps looking. Alcohol and drugs are meant to fill the void. The void that only love can fill.

Stunning prose. Highly recommended.

While I found the prose to be dreamy, the novel itself felt like I was wandering aimlessly in a Midwestern cornfield: continuous rambling, but no defined direction. In other words, I was reading pretty sentences, but a lackluster story with bland characters. I wouldn't categorize the romance subplot as "romance," rather it felt more like a one-sided lusty infatuation on his part. The premise had potential, but ultimately struck out with me because of the weak storytelling and completely forgettable characters.

I don't want to give a very low rating because I feel like this type of book is for a very specific type of reader.
If you're looking for a more reflective view of life and those who stay in it, this is your type of book. However, I do think the writing style is beautiful, even though I was a little bored sometimes.

I really, really, really, really, wanted to like this more than I did. I am a HUGE Calahan Skogman fan, and I wanted to support and love his debut into the publishing world, but something about this just didn't work for me. It is 100% a me thing, because I struggle with literary fiction leaning books. I thought this might have a smidge more romance (which is fine that it didn't), but unless there is something more compelling that's getting me to read the novel, I struggle to get through a work of literary fiction. Which seems to be the case here for me personally, I found it more literary fiction leaning and there just wasn't enough happening to compel me to enjoy it more.

Thank you Unnamed Press, Skogman's team and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blue Graffiti by Calahan Skogman is a blend of nostalgia and longing, punctuated by the seemingly unremarkable moments that give meaning to life. The novel follows Cash, a young man tethered to his roots by love and loss, and inextricably connected to his hometown, Johnston, Wisconsin. When a mysterious stranger named Rose enters his life, Cash grapples with the familiar comforts of home and the intoxicating allure of something new. In this stunning debut, Skogman masterfully captures the beauty of the mundane, inviting readers to explore the depths of small-town life and the intricate emotions that bind us to the places we call home.

Cash is a relatable and deeply empathetic protagonist; his introspective nature and love for his hometown make him endearing. His relationships with his friends, Prince and Leon, form the core of his world. They share a bond reminiscent of the found family trope seen in classics like The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Their adventures—ordinary moments like rescuing an abandoned coffee table off someone’s lawn and lugging it home three miles with your friend—are imbued with a sense of significance, illustrating how even the simplest acts can become monumental in the context of deep, abiding friendships. These relationships are the backbone of the story, offering Cash a sense of belonging and purpose amidst his existential musings.

Rose, while central to the plot, remains somewhat enigmatic. She embodies the “manic pixie dream girl” archetype, captivating Cash but not fully fleshed out as a character. Her presence is sporadic, and while she catalyzes Cash’s internal transformation, her influence on the story is more symbolic than substantial. In contrast, Prince and Leon are fully realized, their camaraderie with Cash providing some of the novel’s most memorable moments.

The novel’s meditation on the nature of small-town life is both a love letter and a lament. Skogman captures the beauty and melancholy of a place where time seems to stand still. The quiet moments—like sitting by the lake, the hum of a bar, or the simple act of watching the stars—are imbued with a sense of timelessness and nostalgia.

At the heart of Blue Graffiti is an exploration of grief and the healing power of faith. Cash is a character marked by loss—his mother’s death, his father’s abandonment, and the fading vibrancy of his once-familiar world. These experiences weigh heavily on him, shaping his worldview and his interactions with others. Through Cash, Skogman delves into the complexities of mourning, portraying it not just as an emotional state but as a continual process of reckoning with the past. The novel suggests that faith—whether in oneself, in others, or in the unseen forces that guide us—can be a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.

In many ways, Blue Graffiti feels like a modern-day On the Road by Jack Kerouac, with the key difference being that the characters never really leave their small town. It’s a reflection on the idea that adventure and self-discovery don’t always require a physical journey. Sometimes, the most significant journeys are the internal ones—the ones where we confront our demons, embrace our flaws, and come to terms with our place in the world.

Skogman, best known for his role as Matthias Helvar in Netflix’s Shadow and Bone, regularly posts his poetry on social media. As such, fans will instantly recognize his background as a poet in the novel’s lyrical prose and rich symbolism. His keen insights into the human experience will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of home, the weight of loss, and the desire for something more. Blue Graffiti illuminates the profound connections we share with the people and places that shape us. It reflects the beauty in our everyday lives and reminds us that even in the quietest corners of the world, there is a universe waiting to be discovered.

Thank you NetGalley and Unnamed Press for the eARC of Blue Graffiti!

Blue Graffiti is Calahan Skogman’s love letter to the Midwest. Centered in a small town in Wisconsin, this debut novel is authentic and soulful. Calahan utilizes a stream of consciousness style of writing that bleeds lyrical prose.

Blue Graffiti is all about finding the beauty in the mundane and viewing the world through a truly romantic lens. It is beautiful and poetic, vivid and intimate.

From one Midwesterner to another, bravo and congratulations. Just wait until you hear him narrating the audiobook!

If you’re wanting more, Calahan Skogman talks about his writing inspirations and journey on Must Love Books Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts (episode releases August 13).

A meandering, lyrical, nostalgic story that romanticizes life in the American Midwest. The novel did a good job of conveying the protagonist's emotional struggles and ambitions. It depicts childhood friendships that turn into adulthood companionship, has a sweet love story intertwined with parental issues, and an exploration of grief. The prose was beautiful in some places, but it was a bore to get through in some. It was a tender, slow, reflective read. By the end of this novel, I did feel an emotional attachment to the characters, but I don't think they were particularly memorable. A 3.5-star book, pretty good for a debut.

Thank you Netgalley and Unnamed Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

if the actor who plays Matthias Helvar writes a book, I read it.
@calahan.skogman

Blue Graffiti is special, it's a book that hits close to home. It's a journey in & of itself. Written with so much heart, it reads like a well crafted indie film.

Cinematic in its writing, it's also very real - " head turned to her, transfixed, I follow Prince through the door even though everything tells me to stay." The author established so much authenticity with the reader, it becomes impossible to keep down Cash's story. A man who sees more than others, observes more than others & is the deepest silent sea was a surprise I didn't expect.

Immaculate small town vibes and Cash's love for his habitat is adorable & heartwarming. His devotion to the good in people, his friends, his mum jumps off the page instilling you with hope.
The friendship in this book is a force in itself. I wanted to know more about these normal yet unique characters - a testament to the beautiful writing & descriptions. The book is able to build a distinct personality of its own.

"when was it exactly that we grew up & became men in the world?"

I loved how Cash and his gang represent the struggles, trials and tribulations of most of us & yet they're not bitter. Cash's daddy issues this become a very good hook to the story.

The book understood my need to be "dramatically alone" & I understood Cash's need to be understood.

I'm so glad I got to read this one, it's subtle & very well executed. I have so much more respect for Calahan, his ideas run deep.

I know this one's gonna stay with me for a long long time, might even become a refuge for me when I'm away from home.

This book took me a second to get used to. The writing is whimsical and deep and the sentences are a different style than I'm used to. I'm also always scared when an actor writes a book because there's always the fear that it's not going to be good. HOWEVER, once I really started focusing on this book, I couldn't stop reading. This book made me feel nostalgic and think about the people in my life and the relationships I have with my parents. I fell in love with Cash, and the grief he feels inside and how he's almost stuck in the past sometimes with his dad and mom. This novel touches on a man's relationship with his father. How no matter how shitty he can be, a little boy will mostly always look up to his dad and always want his father's love. It touches on a man's relationship with his mom, and just parents in general. How you get older and don't reach out to your parents as much. You grow up. It touches on friendship and the small town aspect. I loved the romance between Rose and Cash. It felt natural and both of them are dealing with a lot. More than anything, this book felt real. It felt like I was reading about actual characters and I find that hard to find with novels. I struggle with cliches, and this one didn't have any. I cried and laughed and smiled and felt this novel was real and could picture it so clearly in my mind. All in all, I cannot wait for this to be out and it was definitely a surprise.

Calahan Skogman does a wonderful job of capturing the feeling of small town life and nostalgia. I enjoyed the beautiful prose and the feeling of being able to slow down. It is clear that Skogman is a poet and there are so many beautiful lines throughout the book.

I was very excited for this! I’ve loved Calahan Skogman as an actor and I’ve read some of his poetry. And I cannot appreciate more how this is a love letter to his home state. It’s beautifully written, it’s so easy to read and intriguing. I will have to read a finished copy, the arc formatting was a little difficult to read and figure out the pacing. But I have no problem rereading.

And if Emily Henry is a fan, I’m a fan.

Thanks to Unnamed Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for this arc.

I was interested in the premise of the book but I could not get into the writing style. Although some of it was beautiful, other parts felt forced.

The writing style and voice felt unique and I have an appreciation for that; however, I DNF'd this book about 50% through. Unfortunately, I did not find the story interesting enough to keep my attention and I found myself rereading the same paragraphs too many times to keep going.

This book is a must read for those feeling lost particularly in their 20s. A beautiful exploration of life and loss that was raw, open and vulnerable. I think this might be the most honest book I’ve ever read. The short chapters kept the pace moving as this was an intensive character driven story.

The book follows Cash, a man still grieving the loss of his mother and the departure of his father. He struggles with knowing he is looking for something and is unable to find it. We travel with him over a period of time meeting people old and new and falling in love with them all the same.

This book took time to read and digest and where I initially thought I could read in a sitting I ended up having to take a number of breaks to really sit with what I had read. I honestly cannot think of a book I can compare this to.

This also was a story of forgiveness, acknowledging everyone makes mistakes and whilst some may not be able to dismiss the anger and hurt there are always people full of forgiveness out there. I am known as someone who can really hold a grudge and yet the second half of the book had me embracing the forgiveness.

You can definitely feel Skogman’s background in poetry throughout this book and it made for such a gorgeous read. He really drives home the beauty of the mundane. This truly is a love story to small towns.

Thank you to netgalley and Unnamed Press for the ARC.

I want to start this review by thanking Netgalley and The Unnamed Press for giving me the opportunity to have an E-ARC of Blue Graffiti, but I also want to say that I DNF this novel and stopped reading around the half-way point. It was a really hard decision for me to give up on this book because it has so many redeemable and beautiful qualities but I just don't think it was for me. Blue Graffiti is a triumphant work when looking singularly at Skogman's writing style and ability to create breathtaking, nostalgic and classy prose. By no means is this book poorly written, if anything it is clearly the work of a poet which is why I ultimately decided to rate it 3 stars. At the end of the day this book really didn't work for me because I felt no true emotional connection to any of the characters or the setting, which feels like the whole point of the book--to long for Johnston's and a close, homey friendship with Cash, Prince, Leon and even Rose. I found myself reading this book as if it were a chore because I was truly not invested at all, every other chapter would make me bored and leave me craving so much more story wise. With that being said I do think that there are so many people out there who would love Blue Graffiti and by no means does it feel like a lost cause kind of book, I know in my heart that it will be truly loved by so many and that kind of love is why Skogman published in the first place. Blue Graffiti feels like the perfect book for people who want something with no true plot and just straight up chill, comforting vibes. Right now, that isn't the book for me which is why I stopped reading, but as a whole I still believe that this novel is a strong work.

I so badly wanted to love this more than I did, unfortunately. I think Calahan's writing is lyrically stunning and I like his approach to prose, it's unique and shines with his love for poetry. However, it also lent itself to being a little confusing in the first portion of the book, and it made following the story difficult at times. I also agree with several other reviewers that this does not fit the typical romance mold and would probably be better categorized as literary fiction. There is a sweetness to the relationship that blooms between Cash and Rose, yet the majority of the story feels like one-sided pining on behalf of our friend Cash.

Those things said, it is a beautiful description and ode to Midwestern life. As someone who has grown up and lived in Wisconsin her whole life, it feels just like reading about home. It is a book about the working middle class, blue collar American growing up in the Midwest. It is a love story to those who make their way through life by their faith and their family, and enduring the struggles that many of us face in our day-to-day. The plot is there, but in my opinion the book could have been a bit more polished.

I saw a Tumblr post that said “hometowns have a thousand little ghosts pushing up through the pavement that trip you up wherever you go” and I thought yes, this is what Calahan Skogman captures so beautifully in his debut novel Blue Graffiti.

Blue Graffiti is the story of Cash, a young man living in the small town of Johnston, Wisconsin. Cash has lived all his life in this small town where nothing ever seems to change. And this seemingly unremarkable place is witness to all the highs and lows he had ever experienced. Carrying grief and nostalgia with him, Cash is a lonely soul with a lot of love in his heart–love for his friends, for the Midwest, and for the only place he has ever called home. When a beautiful stranger rolls up, he is automatically smitten. It’s as if he has been searching for her without even realizing it. But Cash has to grapple with the ghosts of his past before he can have an honest answer to her question: “What do you want?”

Steeped in quiet moments and the romanticizing of small-town life, I couldn’t help but feel time slow down as I was reading. This book is beautifully written, so vivid, so poetic. The imagery Skogman conjures with his words paints such a beautiful picture of a quiet life in small-town America. I just know that if I had a physical copy of this book, it would be highlighted and annotated to death.

This book is labeled as romance, but I disagree because the romance isn’t the main thing in this book. It’s more about Cash’s journey. So much of what happens is interior: his thoughts and feelings, his changing perspectives, his relationships with his friends, his relationship with his past. So if you read this don’t expect a sweeping or dramatic love story. Skogman’s take on romance is a lot more subtle, but I find there’s something so sweet in the gentle assurance that develops between Cash and Rose.

The way the book is structured can also be a bit of a challenge. It took me a while to get used to the sometimes choppy transition from one chapter to the next. There is also the shift between the meandering pace when Cash is deep in his reflections versus the quick conversations he has with his friends. But I grew to appreciate these contrasts, especially in moments where Cash shares stories from his childhood which neatly flow back to the present.

Cash reminded me of Dostoyevsky’s narrator in White Nights (another book I loved) because of how they feel so deeply and how they both appreciate the connection they have with the place where they live. And if you were moved by Dostoyevsky’s little dreamer, then you will also fall i love with how Cash–and by extension Skogman–describes the world.

As a “slow/quiet/pensive book” enthusiast, I loved reading Blue Graffiti. Many thanks to Net Galley and Unnamed Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Blue Graffiti hits the shelves on August 13.

With ‘Blue Graffiti’ Calahan Skogman paints a rhythmic portrait of the past, present and future–and all the threads that tie them together.

In Johnston, Wisconsin, Cash lives in what once was his parents’ house. The people are great and few, work takes up most of the time and the rest is spent at the pub.

Cash is in his late twenties and treading a path that many have walked before him. He always imagined he'd leave, but straying from the familiar is difficult when a pain passed down through generations is weighing on your soul.

Skogman is a storyteller who takes his time, and the reader is asked to do the same. ‘Blue Graffiti’ feels steady and warm, and with prose steeped in detail and lyricism, a nostalgia that’s sure to reach far beyond Johnston is unearthed.


Thank you to Unnamed Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

A couple of days ago I finished this novel and I must admit that I had to give myself these days to assimilate it. And curiously, despite not having 5 stars, it became one of my readings of the year, it is a super personal novel.

One of the highlights of this novel is its incredible prose. Cal makes clear his taste for poetry in it. At times he uses an exquisite paraphrase to feed the character's philosophy, using analogies during key moments that help us better understand the relationship and impact that each of the characters has with the protagonist.

I must admit that during the first third of the story, it was a bit confusing, I couldn't place the events well in the timeline, I even had a hard time identifying the age of the protagonist, until at one point he explains that he is approaching 30 and then he tells us that he is 29, and personally I feel that here age is relevant to empathize with certain thoughts of the protagonist. Another point that did not help to facilitate the reading of the first part was the length of the chapters, these were not very long, and there were some that I felt left me with the idea half-finished, I was even in the mode of "Hey, but what happened with that situation", something that does not last in the 2nd or 3rd part, I suppose that as Calahan progressed in the writing of his novel, his confidence in it also progressed.

Moving on to the characters, Cash, the great protagonist. The novel is narrated 100% from his perspective, so we always know his feelings. Cash is simply a 29-year-old boy, with friends and a girl he falls in love with. He works day by day, likes beer and has a deep love for his small town, but above all he has a strong feeling for his parents (it is that in the moments in which he talks about his mother, his tears easily come loose). This makes him a character with whom you get attached without problems and who could easily be another friend of your group.

On the other hand, we have Rose, Cash's romantic interest, she is one of my biggest buts. For the influence she has on the story, her participation in it left a lot to be desired. There were entire chapters in which she disappeared and we knew nothing about it. Something that did not happen to me with Leon and Prince, Cash's 2 best friends, the moments in which the 3 were there were my favorites.

Leon is the typical young man who settles down young, he has his job, his girlfriend and a trivial one. Prince, on the other hand, is more liberal, he has great expectations and brings out his creative ideas, which even managed to convince me. Both are those friends that we would all like to have, those who are there in good times and bad, regardless of whether they agree with you or not.

In conclusion, I started Blue Graffiti thinking that it would be a romance novel but no, it is a life novel, day to day, with which I identified quite a bit. I feel like this is a story that needs to be given a chance, and I really hope Cal continues to develop this passion for writing, so we can have more stories from him.
I am extremely grateful to Unnamed Press and Netgalley for sending me and allowing me to read the ARC.