Book Review: Seconds by Bryan Lee O’Malley

Title: Seconds
Author: Bryan Lee O’Malley
Pages: 323

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Story Perspective: First-Person
Themes: Second chances, Mistakes, Regret, Life Lesson

Publication Date: July 15, 2014
Publisher: Ballantine Books

Katie’s life has been great, until the day it isn’t. All she wants is to have a second chance to reverse some of the mishaps and mistakes she’s made. When she discovers a simple routine, that includes eating a mushroom, the mishap and/or mistake disappears.

The problem is she wants to fix every single mistake, no matter how big or how small. However, with any magical abuse, there are consequences and Katie is about to learn this life lesson in a very big way.

I picked up this book because it is the next in-person book club book at my local library. Normally, I don’t read many graphic novels as I prefer creating images in my own mind rather than use those images the author/illustrator provides. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this novel and fairly enjoyed it.

The author does a nice job in showing the consequences of one young woman who tries to erase certain mistakes she makes. Katie, the protagonist, is able to show growth as the story follows her life events, and I love when characters show growth.

Though the plot had its simplicity and the trope of being careful of erasing too much as it can affect your own happiness is included, it was a read that I could easily speed through and enjoy it for what it was. One of my favorite aspects was the inclusion of house spirits and how having more than one isn’t a good thing. I don’t believe in them, but there is something sweet about taking care of and appreciate your home.

Personally, I could’ve done less with the half-naked women in the novel. These were mainly the protagonist and one of the house spirits in their underwear and a sexual scene. It didn’t detract too much of the story, but I just didn’t feel those images were entirely necessary.

In general, this graphic novel was enjoyable, simple, and touched upon a good life lesson – mistakes can’t be erased, but you can learn from the them.