Meanwhile is a graphic novel that you will probably either love or hate. It's a choose-your-own adventure book, and instead of saying "to chose x turn to page 2, to chose y turn to page 3" it uses a series of "pipes" you must follow along the numerous tabs that stick out on the right side of the book. The pipes must be followed on the individual pages as well, because they doesn't follow the traditional left to right, top to bottom pattern. This can seem cool if you're loving the story, but can definitely grow frustrating. Some of the pipes even travel in a twisted knot, requiring you to follow the pipe exactly or get very confused when you turn to the wrong page. The plot is sort of silly, starting with a choice between chocolate and vanilla ice cream, but quickly turning to a mad scientist forcing you to pick between using three if his inventions. Overall, I think it is a wonderfully innovative idea, but the execution lacks. Meanwhile by Jason Shiga is an amazing graphic novel that allows you to chose your own adventure and create the story as you go. There are 3,856 possibilities that range from a normal day, time travel, and even the complete annihilation of the human race. All of this starts with the simple choice between chocolate or vanilla ice cream. You choose your fate through a series of tabs and lines that direct you through different pictures and pages. This creative book is a short read and is great for anyone who is not looking to get deeply invested into a book. It is a fun and relatively easy read. Meanwhile is a 5 star graphic novel that takes you on a wild and fun adventure. It is one of the best novels in this genre that I have ever read.
What do You think about Meanwhile (2010)?
This book was so well loved in my classroom that it walked home with someone.
—mgracec
Well, I say I've "finished," but you can't ever really finish this book!
—sami
