This honestly had everything I could ever want and more and don't even get me started on the art style! It was absolutely so stunning and one of my favorite art styles I've ever seen in a graphic novel.

Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser | Goodreads Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser | Goodreads

From a visual angle, each character is clearly designed with care, and the collaboration between the authors on the story and the art is obvious, each character aligned with their story and full of life. Each character is unique and has their own clear voice, and each segment explores the featured character’s relationship with themselves and their relationship with the other characters. I value well developed characters, and Wash Day Diaries is carefully crafted with some of the most full-of-life characters I have ever had the privilege of interacting with. Wash Day Diaries tells the story of Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie told thought five selections. The four friends share a story of life, unity, community, love, and depression. This was a delight to read as the story touched me in places I have experienced personally and with my friends. The story starts with wash day which for most naturals is a whole story all unto itself (I literally felt the all day nature of wash day and getting my hair braided).

Shotwell, Alyssa (2022-08-29). "INTERVIEW: Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith Talk Hair, Art, & Inspiration in 'Wash Day Diaries' ". The Mary Sue . Retrieved 2023-03-10.

Wash Day Diaries” – The Library Ladies Kate’s Review: “Wash Day Diaries” – The Library Ladies

that's exactly the kind of love the women in this book have for each other. they are filled individually with so much light and passion. the bond that they have is absolutely unbreakable. I wouldn't have minded seeing a little more support in certain avenues, specifically when one character is very obviously struggling with severe depression and confides in another character, only to have her experiences totally erased with "you look fine!" and "you don't need medications!" The treatment of that character in general felt clunky to me, but I enjoyed the rest of the book overall. The art was cute and I enjoyed it for the chill, slice-of-life read that it was. I wash once or twice every couple of weeks. Last night, I oiled my hair and scalp a bit before bed with argan oil. This morning, I conditioned, washed, and conditioned again with SheaMoisture. Every now and again, I use my girlfriend’s Alaffia Shampoo and Conditioner, which I may formally switch to when my Shea Moisture products run out. I’m still trying to find a daily moisturizer that works for me and it hasn’t been so easy. I struggle with dry scalp and build-up. I also look for something that won’t weigh my hair down because it’s soft and fine. What inspired your most recent hair journey? Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends—Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie—through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx.

It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Content warnings for: depression, ableism, dementia, queerphobia, a stalking/abusive ex, alcohol and marijuana usage I have two qualms only with the book. One, I wish it were longer! The group chat was hilarious and I loved the portrayal of their friendship. I also loved the gorgeous panels showing the intricate braiding techniques and the detail paid to their clothes. I wanted to know more about Cookie's relationship with her abuela, and how Nisha decided to resolve her relationship catastrophe. The second qualm, though, is how the element of one of the characters' depression was dealt with, though. (I think it was Davene?) I loved how supportive her friend was trying to be when she came over, but telling her to "just be positive" and that she didn't need medication and that it could do bad things to her was kind of toxic. And then she gave her a citrine crystal! NOOOOOOOO. I wish that panel was longer and there had been more closure about that, because the depression portrayal was seriously on point, but nothing really came of it. I am not a POC and while I think anyone could relate to and enjoy this story, I feel it's incredibly important to young women of color to experience and relate, more than I might. my only complaint is that i wanted more redemption for davene, as her story is marked by the non-understanding of her friends. in the end, cookie does make steps toward being there better for davene, but i wish davene received more recognition and concentrated care from the group. their togetherness is a comfort to her, though, and the book ends on a positive and supportive note.