Check, Please! Book 2: Sticks & Scones by Ngozi Ukazu | Graphic Novel Review

A collection of the second half of the mega-popular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: Sticks and Scones is the last in Ngozi Ukazu's hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.
Eric Bittle is heading into his junior year at Samwell University, and not only does he have new teammates—he has a brand new boyfriend! Bitty and Jack must navigate their new, secret, long-distance relationship, and decide how to reveal their relationship to friends and teammates. And on top of that, Bitty's time at Samwell is quickly coming to an end...It's two full hockey seasons packed with big wins and high stakes!

Why Did I Read Check, Please: Book 2: Sticks & Scones by Ngozi Ukazu?

Ngozi Ukazu has such a fun duology with Check, Please! Book one was sweet and fun and exceeded my expectations. I picked up a copy of Check, Please! Book 2: Sticks & Scones during the campaign to buy more books by Black authors. I loved Check, Please and also being able to financially support book two by buying it. It’s been a few months since purchased, but I decided to finally give this a whirl because I wanted to give myself a good head start on my 2021 Goodreads Reading Challenge and graphic novels always read really quickly.

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What’s The Story Here?

This book begins with Eric “Bitty” Bittel’s junior Year. He’s currently dating Jack Zimmerman, his former teammate turned NHL Pro, however, their relationship is a secret. Eric doesn’t want to jeopardize Jack’s career and so is fine with keeping it secret for now. Eventually though, both want to go public. And so, this book covers Bitty’s junior and senior year at Samwell University. We see Bitty’s growth as a hockey player, team mate and person. We see a story of coming out for both Bitty and Jack. Also, there is SO much baking. And did I mention the experience of the seniors moving on when Bitty is at the end of his junior year? I loved seeing the bittersweet actual experience of this portrayed in the book.

How Did I Like Sticks & Scones?

Ngozi Ukazu’s Sticks & Scones is utter perfection. This is the PERFECT series to pick up when you are stressed out and just need a cinnamon roll character with a penchant for baking. Bitty is the kindest, most wonderful character and you better believe I was rooting for him. Plus, the book is pretty low stakes – I mean, Bitty and Jack’s relationship is presented positively and with not a lot of strife. I liked how accepting the minor characters were of Bitty and Jack. The hockey stuff is just the icing on the cake and actually quite interesting too.

How’s The Art?

Sticks & Scones is illustrated by Ngozi Ukazu as well. The art reminds me a little bit of manga style, but also is different. It is wonderfully illustrated with characters that are nice to look at. I loved that there was diversity in character skin colors. Actually, the overall color palette of this book is maroons and blues and well, it is just calming to look at. It’s not abstract at all, but somewhat realistic. Overall, this is a great entry into the world of graphic novels if you’re looking to start.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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