The Animators Kayla Rae Whittaker

“Anything that makes you in that way, anything that makes you hurt and hungry in that way, is worth investigating. No matter how disgusting the source.”

I am experiencing the biggest book hangover of my life. I can't get over these characters and their story. I can't stop smiling when I think of the jokes they made at each other. I can't stop grieving their failures and fights and shortcomings. I'm so sad that it is over and I immediately want to read it again, but alas, I cannot because I had to take it back to the library!

This is the story of two best friend's who create a critically acclaimed animated movie together called Nashville Combat. That is basically what the book flap says, and yes, that is the basic premise, but this book - not unlike a jalapeño Margarita- packs such a massive punch. It is about the creative process, complicated relationships, childhood trauma and the way they eviscerate us when we least expect it.

This book swallowed me whole. To give you some perspective, I read this book in 2 days 6 weeks postpartum which is some kind of record for me. I read this in the shower, while watching boss baby for the 1 millionth time, and during countless nursing sessions.

I think the thing that really got to me was the way I forgot I was reading a book. I forgot my life in favor of theirs and I let this book happen to me rather than read it. The dialogue between the two main characters was Amazing! There was something about the fluidity and the sharpness that made me feel like I was standing there watching it happen rather than reading about it.

I cannot believe this book has been around for a full year under my radar, and I cannot believe it is not making a bigger splash. In one review a reviewer said "If Fangirl had an older siblings it would be this book" and that is completely accurate. The writing was uniquely quirky, irreverent, and downright unladylike (which are coincidentally all of my favorite ingredients for both life and a good book). I would recommend it... But only to people who enjoy a good emotional beating. I'm not naive enough to believe it's a book for everyone, but in the wake of this book hangover I 100% think everyone should read this. I'm so excited to see what this new author brings to life next.

5/5 Stars