In Real Life: A Great Graphic Novel!

Image from Amazon.com

I'm a huge fan of graphic novels, and In Real Life is a new addition to the Bode library that I just loved! The book is a fun and quick read, has beautiful art, and discusses the real consequences of our online interactions in the virtual world.

Anda, usually a little shy and self-conscious, falls in love with the online world of Coarsegold Online, an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game). She loves the feeling of power and heroics that the game gives her-- it's an escape from her seemingly boring world. However, the "fake" world of Coarsegold become increasingly "real" when Anda is forced to face the reality of her online interactions. When she meets Raymond, an impoverished boy from China who plays Coarsegold Online 12 hours a day as his job, she begins to question the morality of her playing. It's up to Anda to sort out her feelings about what is right and what is wrong.

Overall, In Real Life is a great read. Anda is a super-relatable character, and her experiences in the book will open your eyes to some of the unfortunate sides of the video games that have become so popular in today's society. I'd give In Real Life a 5 out of 5 stars, and I'd recommend it to any audience who doesn't mind a few swear words in their book.  The cover recommends the book to "gamer girls," but I'd say that anyone who enjoys video games could enjoy this book.