Pumpkin Heads by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Josiah and Deja work at a pumpkin patch. Not just any pumpkin patch. This place has rides, attractions, multiple fall themed food booths and a corn maze. When you get to see this pumpkin patch think of the harvest festival from Parks and Rec. Josiah and Deja are
both high school seniors and it’s their last night of the last season at the patch. They’ve worked at the pumpkin patch for multiple seasons and Josiah has been employee of the season every year accept one. The story begins with Deja helping Josiah trying to find the girl that he has been crushing on for the last several seasons. Deja and Josiah end up on a whirlwind tour of the pumpkin patch.
This was a fun graphic novel to read in one sitting. I think it needs to be an annual fall read for me. Between the snacks Josiah and Deja grab along their way, the attractions, sights and smell, the atmosphere takes you back to high school and any sort of corn maze/pumpkin patch/fall festival you can think of. Underlying the prominent conflict of exposing his crush for this young lady, there’s anxiety about the future. Both Deja and Josiah are feeling what all Seniors feel; that complex mix of wanting to be independent but scared of what changes the independence brings. Most of all they’re worried about the changes in their friend group.
This is a good read if you’re wanting something that’s feel-good and uplifting. The graphics and writing are spot on with this one.