The Weekend Aesthetic is a feature where I post book aesthetics on the weekend. They might be of a book I’m currently reading, recently read, or read a long time ago.
I recently read the Check, Please! graphic novel series and absolutely adored it. Check, Please! follows Eric “Bitty” Bittle throughout his four years at Samwell University as he plays hockey for the men’s college team. Book 1 focuses on Bitty’s freshman and sophomore years and Book 2 his junior and senior years—I loved this layout and how his transformation can be really seen as Bitty grows up and faces new challenges, navigates college life, and discovers himself. He is such a precious character and I’m totally obsessed with his love of baking.
I can’t help but squeal with delight as I think about this story. It really is the cutest thing! Bitty is the kindest character and I loved the family he found in his teammates. Their humor kept the story so fun! SO. MUCH. TEASING. I loved it all. And of course there’s the romance between Bitty and Jack. Their relationship started off rocky, but as their friendship grew, so did their feelings for each other—and let’s just say you’re going to want Book 2 at the ready when you finish Book 1. They’re honestly one of my favorite ships in a long time and I loved how supportive their relationship is. They make such an adorable pair! If you’re looking for a fun college YA that really captures the experience, this graphic novel series is a must read!
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound
Eric Bittle may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It is nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking (anything that hinders the player with possession of the puck, ranging from a stick check all the way to a physical sweep). And then, there is Jack—his very attractive but moody captain.
A collection of the first half, freshmen and sophomore year, of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life. This book includes updated art and a hilarious, curated selection of Bitty’s beloved tweets.
Release Date: April 7, 2020
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound
A collection of the second half of the mega-popular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: Sticks and Scones is the last in Ngozi Ukazu’s hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.
Eric Bittle is heading into his junior year at Samwell University, and not only does he have new teammates—he has a brand new boyfriend! Bitty and Jack must navigate their new, secret, long-distance relationship, and decide how to reveal their relationship to friends and teammates. And on top of that, Bitty’s time at Samwell is quickly coming to an end . . . It’s two full hockey seasons packed with big wins and high stakes!
This looks so cute! I just listened to the author being interviewed on Marissa Meyer’s podcast, The Happy Writer.
It’s the cute!! And I listened to that podcast episode recently too ☺️
Although i’m not a fan of hockey to begin with, i’ve heard lot of goods about thoses and I absolutely need to check them out!
While hockey is definitely a main part, I’d say the focus is more on the team as a whole so I think non-hockey fans will still enjoy!
Wow! This is so adorable!
Thanks! The graphic novels are even more adorable!