When I heard the term “graphic novel” for the first time a few months ago in the blogosphere, my first thoughts were that it was a novel that was “graphic”:

graphic, adjective: vividly or plainly shown or described <a graphic sex scene> (definition courtesy Merriam-Webster)

Why would anyone want to read a “graphic” novel, I thought? Sounds kind of extreme.

In reading other people’s reviews of them the past few months, however, I’ve found that a “graphic novel” is a completely separate genre of book.

graphic novel, noun: a fictional story that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book (courtesy Merriam-Webster)

I was clueless, I realize. How have I never heard of these before?

In reading reviews of such novels for the past month, I’ve determined it’s time I give them a try. Dewey convinced me here. The year is half over, but I can still join the Graphic Novels Challenge. I would only have to read three books between now and New Year’s Eve. Since that’s only two more than I was anticipating, I’ve decided to give it a try. You too can join here.

As I stated before, I don’t like challenges because then there is “pressure” to read a list rather than what I want to read. So, at this point, I don’t know what I’ll read, but I’m honestly looking forward to this new experience.

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