Back
    Book Review

    Big Apple Diaries

    by Alyssa Bermudez

    Read if you're interested in relationships, spiritual growth, or books for young adult.

    Buy on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    6.5
    VerdictRead with discernment
    Loading your rating…
    Book Summary

    This graphic novel memoir chronicles Alyssa Bermudez's experience as a teen moving from the suburbs to New York City, navigating new friendships, identity, and the challenges of adolescence in a bustling urban environment. It explores themes of belonging, self-discovery, and adapting to change through her diary entries and illustrations.

    What it does well
    • Explores universal themes of adolescence such as friendship, fitting in, and self-discovery, which can resonate with young readers.
    • The graphic novel format can be engaging for visual learners and may encourage reading among those less inclined to traditional text.
    • Depicts the challenges and excitements of a major life transition, which can be a valuable perspective for teens facing similar changes.
    Watch for
    • While not overtly anti-Christian, the narrative does not explicitly incorporate Christian faith or biblical principles as a guiding force in the protagonist's life or decision-making.
    • The focus is on secular experiences and coming-of-age issues without a spiritual lens, which might leave Christian readers seeking more faith-based guidance.
    • Some casual references or themes common in secular teen media may appear, which while not explicit, might not always align with conservative Christian sensibilities.
    Verdict

    Christian readers, especially teens and parents, should approach 'Big Apple Diaries' as a secular coming-of-age story. It offers a relatable account of adolescent experiences and adjusting to a new environment, but it does not provide spiritual guidance or overtly Christian perspectives. It can be read for its narrative and artistic merit, but a discerning reader would benefit from discussing the themes through a biblical worldview.

    ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
    Christian readers, especially teens and parents, should approach 'Big Apple Diaries' as a secular coming-of-age story. It offers a relatable account of adolescent experiences and adjusting to a new environment, but it does not provide spiritual guidance or overtly Christian perspectives. It can be read for its narrative and artistic merit, but a discerning reader would benefit from discussing the themes through a biblical worldview.
    Biblical alignment
    • Explores universal themes of adolescence such as friendship, fitting in, and self-discovery, which can resonate with young readers.
    • The graphic novel format can be engaging for visual learners and may encourage reading among those less inclined to traditional text.
    • Depicts the challenges and excitements of a major life transition, which can be a valuable perspective for teens facing similar changes.
    Areas of concern
    • While not overtly anti-Christian, the narrative does not explicitly incorporate Christian faith or biblical principles as a guiding force in the protagonist's life or decision-making.
    • The focus is on secular experiences and coming-of-age issues without a spiritual lens, which might leave Christian readers seeking more faith-based guidance.
    • Some casual references or themes common in secular teen media may appear, which while not explicit, might not always align with conservative Christian sensibilities.
    Written for
    Discussion

    Reader comments

    Sign in to leave a comment.

    Loading…