Check, Please!: #Hockey – Ngozi Ukazu

Check, Please!: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Published: September 18th, 2018
Publisher: First Second
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, LGBTQIA+, University Life, Sports, Humor

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BLURB:

A collection of the first half of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.

PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT. PERFECT.PERFECT. PERFECT.

I know this is not much of a review so far, but hell if I’ll keep my emotions bottled inside. The truth is, this is really an amazing graphic novel. It was originally a webcomic – one of the most popular ones on Kickstarter and I’m so delighted it was picked to be traditionally published.

Book stores need this book. Libraries need this book. Schools need this book. YOU need this book in your room. I swear, this is the type of story that I’m going to turn to every time I feel under-the-weather and need some cheering up.

You can’t help but root for Eric Bittle. He’s a closeted gay kid who is just starting university as a freshman. Not only that, but he’s been accepted in the varsity hockey team – him, a former figure skater. He’s outgoing and shy, a jock and a baker, single but ready to mingle.

I could not get enough of him and the rest of these characters. There is not one single two-dimensional team player in this hockey group. I’m honestly disheartened to see some of these guys departing. Since this book spans over two years, there are logically certain characters graduating, which is both saddening and wonderful, but I’m sure we’ll see cameos from them in future volumes.

I really have nothing bad to say about this book. It captures all the right moments. It’s realistic, original, interesting, romantic at times and so very gay (if you’ll forgive the pun). I’m always excited about reading about university life because my own is not that exciting haha, so I have to experience vicariously through such stories.

I can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait for the next book. More Bitty! More Jack! More Bick (???) More hockey games (can’t believe I actually care about the sport). And more camaraderie! Please.

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