Cuckoos Three

THIS IS THE CUTEST BOOK EVER!!!! PERIOD!!!! The story follows Murry Summerfield, the embodiment of a golden retriever. He's a farmer, football player, and dreams about becoming a vet. Then he meets Jacob Durris, the very embodiment of a black cat. Jacob is new in town and has just come from the city, he's an artist and is homeschooled. Jacob is shy, reserved, and has his own secrets. Yet the more time Murry and Jacob spend together the more they begin to fall for one another. This was one of the sweetest and most adorable countryside love stories with such a sweet and adorable couple. I seriously need an entire series of their relationship and life together because I just can't get enough of them!!

*Thanks Netgalley and Yen Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Cuckoos Three is a beautiful queer story that discusses mental health, particularly topics such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D), self harm, anxiety, and depression.

I recommend this read for anyone who loves Heartstopper. Imagine Heartstopper where the boys were neighbours, Nick aspired to be a vet, and if Charlie was homeschooled and wanted to be an artist. As a single volume, Cuckoos Three progresses much quicker than Heartstopper. Jean and Mosskat use this story to explore the relationship between two young boys, ones experiences with D.I.D., and the importance of acceptance and friendship in your teens. I’m also in love with how much the character Murray loves animals. Oswald and Cindy are both the cutest additions to the story as well.

Also massive props to the authors for being honest in the ‘Extras’ section at the end of the book stating that the depiction of the mental illness in the story was formed after collecting extensive research and conversations with those who have D.I.D. I appreciated the honesty and how they approached the topic. I can’t speak from first hand experience either, but I thought it was beautifully handled in the story.

In short, I will always, ALWAYS drop what I’m reading to pick up something illustrated by Cassandra Jean. I am in love with their art style and am beyond thankful that I was given an arc to review 😍 This is an extremely easy recommendation from me. Pick this up, please. It is beyond beautifully illustration, but also just a heartfelt story as well.

Thank you Netgalley and Yen Press for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Oh wow I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. Very sweet but also full of really deep moments and just overall lovely.

Murry gets new neighbors who have a son Jacob who quickly becomes a really good friend but soon he learns Jacob has dissociative identity disorder from childhood trauma, They get closer and closer until they develop feelings for each other which isn’t too welcome in their small town. This was a rough one in some ways but I really enjoyed it and want a physical copy!

Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Yen Press for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. the storyline was perfect, love the relationship between the two Mc, and how they fall in love with each other omg they are so cute. Love the mental illness rep inside, queer rep and all the explanation et reflection the author adds at the end. The art is beautiful and unique, absolutely love it.

I wish it was longer!!!

This graphic novel was an absolute pleasure to read. I cannot believe I had not heard about this before.

It follows a beautifully growing friendship that slowly develops into more. I felt so soft for the characters and their relationship right from the start. They are both so well developed and have so much depth. I could read about them for so much longer.

The representation on DID was wonderful. I still have to learn more about it, but to me it seems sensitively done. DID representation is so important, especially on a world with so much harmful media about it. It was dealt with in the story and it became part of it. Seeing the way Jacob and Murry talked about it was wonderful to see.

The relationship was adorable. The story deals with the repercussions and blatant homophobia often present living in the country side. But their relationship was never worse off from it. In the end to just fell helplessly in love with each other. They match each other so well it’s ridiculous, but it becomes clear pretty much right from the start. Their conversations are so heartfelt and sincere. They are perfect for each other.

Overall it was such a wonderful journey. It hit all the right feelings. The art style is beautiful. I have zero complaints.