cbr13bingo White Whale (I finally get around to reading and was very disappointed)
I think I have found the first book in the First Second lexicon that I really did not like. For the most part I had only heard good things about Robot Dreams by Sara Varon. It sounded interesting due to reviews, but once I picked it up, I realized one big thing: it is a wordless graphic novel. So, what was everyone talking about? How can you get a story without the words? It is a “picture book/graphic novel” but it still needs words to let us know what the author wants. After all, Varon’s minimalistic illustrations did not seem like they were going to say much, if you could judge a book by the cover.
When I finally finished Robot Dreams my first and only thought was, “This is a depressing book.” Sure, as an adult I understand the point, but it might not be the best example of the theme. The wordless approach only confused me more. Read the description on the flap. It tells you more than the images could, as I thought, they were not talking.
Our story is the main characters, as dog, wants a friend, so they buy a robot. But one day, due to an accident on the beach, the robot is rusted solid. Instead of trying to find a way to help the robot, the dog leaves the robot on the beach. When he does come back, the beach is closed for the season, and dog leaves not to come back. Robot dreams of grand things as Dog goes on with his life, finding new friends, as snow buries him deeper. One day, after several months, someone scavenges Robot off the beach, where he is then tossed into a junk heap, and by accident, will later see Dog again. But that’s it. Nothing happens. Dog is allowed to have a new friend (he goes and buys a better robot) and never sees the first robot. Since I was told by the flap it is a symbol of the fragility of friendship and how we can lose friendships, I understood what the author was trying to say. But I certainly would not have gotten it otherwise.
This book is aimed for most ages, but I would not recommend it to anyone. When adding my review to this on Goodreads, one other reviewer had already put this at a one star. Therefore, I’m glad I’m not the only one who disliked this book.