My Rating: 5/5 Stars

My Thoughts:

Whether you’re new or old to Fangirl Fury, you’ll know that I’ve been screaming about Pumpkinheads across the Bookternet since 2017. How could I not be excited about a graphic novel from my all-time favorite author, Rainbow Rowell, about two best friends who work in a pumpkin patch?? At the time of reading this graphic novel, I also just finished reading Faith Erin Hick’s Comics Will Break Your Heart, so I couldn’t wait to see her art work.

I am happy to report that I loved Pumpkinheads as much as I thought I would. If you’re ready to embrace the season, Pumpkinheads is a more than the perfect read. I ate up this book up one night during the first weekend of September. While the weather was still fairly warm, I broke out my Hogwarts candle and favorite cozy blanket to set the mood. I might’ve also picked up some pumpkin-spice flavored K-cups for my coffee machine that Sunday…

Although I tend to focus more on the plot when it comes to graphic novels, I couldn’t help myself from pouring over all the details at the pumpkin patch. When I first heard the concept of Pumpkinheads, I thought it would be about best friends Deja and Josie working in a field of pumpkins. Let me tell you, I am so happy that I was wrong! The patch is so much more than pumpkins, as the space is filled with food stands and other fall-themed activities.

Pumpkinheads will not only fulfill your fall mood, but it will also cause the fall-themed food cravings you didn’t know you had! While Josie spends most of the night trying to work up the courage to talk to the girl he’s always had a crush on, Deja’s number one mission is to eat all of the pumpkin patch’s treats on the duo’s last night. Much like Josie, I didn’t know how much I needed a pumpkin bomb in my life until Deja introduced it to me. My next baking mission is going to be tackling this pumpkin pie sandwich, with vanilla ice cream in between its pie slices and covered in chocolate – or I’ll just have to find a fall festival that sells them! I also wouldn’t mind an apple cider slush or double dipped caramel apple.

I overall loved Faith Erin Hick’s work. I love the patch maps on the book’s inner cover. The color scheme was just so smart, as the book goes from lighter to darker tones as the story goes on. This choice both follows the book’s sequence from daytime to nighttime and captures the plot and character’s emotions.

Regarding the plot, Pumpkinheads was the perfect fall-themed Rainbow Rowell story. While the book is fairly short and the plot is fast-paced, I felt that we really get to know Deja and Josie as friends and maybe something more. While Josie is upset that this is his last night at the patch (and is trying to figure out why that’s so), Deja just wants to enjoy the night with her best friend as much as possible. To no surprise, I think Rainbow Rowell really captured Deja and Josie’s (dis)stress over everything changing as they spend their last time at work together before college.

Overall, Pumpkinheads is the perfect fall-mood read that I wanted and more. I am so happy that we have two total Rainbow Rowell books this fall (hello Wayward Son!), and I’m really looking forward to exploring Faith Erin Hicks’ graphic novels.

Have you read Pumpkinheads? What’s your favorite fall treat or drink? Share in the comments!