Ashley Hunsaker

This book was a fast and fun read, especially if you grew up loving the Calvin and Hobbes comics. Martine Leavitt does a wonderful job of balancing a lighthearted and serious tone. There are many parts that make you smile, like the little comments that Hobbes makes to Calvin. Then at other times Calvin will go on rants or will question his own reality, making you as a reader think more about the subjects he brings up. Calvin’s determination to find Bill Watterson is both memorable yet at the same time a little melancholy because you as the reader realize that finding Bill Watterson is not what will help his schizophrenia. However, throughout the book you get to see the progression and growth of Calvin’s self-respect and confidence with each encounter he has on the lake. One of my favorite parts of the book was the interactions between Suzie and Calvin. Throughout the book you are constantly debating whether or not Suzie is real or just another figment that Calvin has created. No matter which you think it is, you cannot question how her presence helps Calvin to become a better person. As they encounter other people along their journey, you are also led to question whether those people are real as well. It is a fun mystery to try and figure out as you get closer to the end. This is a great read if you’re looking for a heart-warming book that explores friendship, mental health awareness, and self-exploration.