A quick read, but no less thoughtful (graphic novels are like that sometimes). Chef Katie, age 29 feels stuck with past mistakes while trying to step forward, and suddenly finds a means to go back and correct one mistake at a time... then perfectionism goes awry. A thoughtful consideration of all of the "what ifs" that stem from choices made, and the harm from dwelling too much in the homes of the past instead of the future. ( )

Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Seconds focuses on Katie, the executive chef and creator of the eponymous restaurant who’s planning to open a new space, named Lucknow, in a different part of her city. While balancing her responsibilities to renovate the new space, saving money by living above her current restaurant, and slowly transitioning out of her role as the head of Seconds, she begins to see a strange elf-like creature. After a terrible accident she blames on her lost focus from balancing too many responsibilities, Katie discovers that the creature is the house spirit, Lis, who grows mushrooms that allow a person to undo a mistake. Despite the house spirit’s warnings, Katie begins to use the mushrooms to undo any mistake, big or small. Soon, she learns that meddling with reality has its price and she cannot keep up with all the changes to reality she causes. Worse, her actions put Lis and reality in danger.

O’Malley’s story has the tone of a fable transplanted to the modern day. Despite the presence of cars and cell phones, there’s something about it that feels entirely gothic. His depiction of the new restaurant tucked away under a bridge or Katie’s original restaurant as akin to an inn or public house evokes an earlier time when magic could inhabit an urban space. The story further has a moral about accepting life’s changes rather than brooding on what could have been. O’Malley brings his sense of humor with Katie breaking the fourth wall to react to and engage with the narration, adding a metatextuality to this modern fable. Great for fans of fantasy and an excellent work demonstrating O’Malley’s storytelling talent! ( )

Usually I don't like graphic novels, but this was great. ( )

not nearly as compelling or fun as scott pilgrim but its cute and has its own story and lessons. still a recommend ( )

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/ZzGwMG3KZyw

Enjoy! ( )