Book Review: Octopus Pie vol #2

Book: Octopus Pie volume #2 written and illustrated by Meredith Gran

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

The Brooklyn stories of love, madness, nostalgia, and displeasing music continue in this second OCTOPUS PIE collection. Eve and Hanna have each other's backs as they navigate the emotional pitfalls of twenty-something life, but there's chaos and confusion to spare.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I was a little hesitant to read this second volume of Octopus Pie because I thought the first one was just okay. The first volume had felt rushed and haphazard, it was like the author had tried too hard to make it funny and witty leaving the book to feel very forced. However, I'm glad I took a chance, this was a huge improvement over the first one. It's as if the author took the time to figure out who these characters are and came up with stories that were interesting and engaging while also being humorous and heartfelt.

This round of stories focused a bit more on Eve, in one story she visited her father for his birthday after learning he had been injured. She also ended up spending time with her younger brother Mor and found out something unexpected about him. In another story, she dealt with the ups and downs of her relationship with her boyfriend Park and the difficult decision of whether to move with him to Chicago.

Park's dog was the focus in one story, Hanna offered to take care of the dog while Park went out of town. This was a funny story. Lets just say that Hanna is not exactly a dog person but at least she offered. Meanwhile, another story centered around Eve and her brother's love of the classic TV game show Supermarket Sweep. She used the concept of the show to help boost sales and publicity for Olly's Organix, the grocery store she works at. 

I have to say I enjoyed reading all the stories (even the ones I did not mention) and the characters. I had no idea Eve and her brother were named after mountains. Eve's full name is Everest and Mor's is Rushmore. It's unique that's for sure. This really surprised me, it was well written and a charming read. I found each story is a slice of life of these 20-something characters who were trying to make their way in the world as well as figure out who they are. But it also focused on the ridiculous and mundane things that happen everyday.

Yes, I'm glad I gave the sequel a chance because I would have missed out on a good read. Please note, just as with the first book, this is still not appropriate for young readers, it deals with way too many adult topics.