Foodies Read // Turtle Bread by Kim-Joy

The debut graphic novel from The Great British Bake-Off star and author Kim-Joy, Turtle Bread explores mental health and the power of friendship, community and, of course, baking!

On her way home from another unsuccessful job interview, Yan stumbles upon Baking Club.

Her social anxiety tries to keep her away, but the bakers encourage her to come out of her shell, especially the caring and supportive Bea. As the club bakes together, Yan discovers that her new friends may need her too, more than she realizes…

Features illustrated recipes throughout, for some of Kim-Joy's favorite bakes!

Yan is struggling with her social anxiety and her constant rejections at job interviews. She forces herself to be in Baking Club where other baking enthusiasts create desserts and breads together. Life starts going well for her. She has new friends, is always baking, gets a job, and has a boyfriend. But when something unexpected happens all that crashes down. 

Turtle Bread mixes lightheartedness with real everyday struggles. Although I enjoyed the artwork, the recipes, and the comradery throughout, some aspects of the story could have been approved. This graphic novel needed to be longer to get to the depth it was trying to go for. I needed to learn more about each character in order to care for them. I also wasn't sympathetic for Yan when she had issues with her job as she decided to not come in for a week. I understand what she was going through but she needed to take a day and then tough it out. She just imploded her life and all I'm thinking about is how are you going to pay for rent?

Overall, Turtle Bread had a great concept and lots of delicious recipes that readers could use to make at home. The recipes included a Victoria Sponge, Pigfiteroles, Turtle Bread, Turtle Bao, and Shortbread Cookies. It's a short foodie graphic novel that has interesting ideas but could use more follow-through. I am curious about Kim-Joy's cookbooks now that I've read her graphic novel. I love the idea of baking cute characters/animals. It sounds like fun!