Re-Gifters (Minx Books) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Marc Hempel (Illustrator), Sonny Liew (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Well-developed characters, plot, and setting make this graphic novel a standout for both dedicated comics readers and those less eager to explore titles in the format. Korean American teenager Dixie and her best friend, Avril, practice hapkido, a martial art. There is a big hapkido tournament coming up in their South Central Los Angeles neighborhood, but Dixie, who has a firey disposition, loses her focus when she develops a crush on another teen hapkido artist, Adam. She spends her contest entry fee on an exorbitant gift for him and then realizes that he has no romantic interest in her. When Dixie attempts to win a free spot in the tournament at a neighborhood (library-centered!) competition, the other contestants, who are rougher street kids, disparage her efforts. Plot twists, which are both credible and nicely paced, include a falling out between Dixie and Avril, an accident that provides Dixie with an entry ticket to the big event, vengeance on Adam, and a new flame for Dixie. The black-and-white artwork is bouncy and pops with expressive faces, postures, and martial arts moves. This story works visually and as a sound narrative where action, romance, and introspection combine in an enjoyable and realistically multiethnic whole. Goldsmith, Francisca

Review

"...funny and touching in equal parts and is carried off in fine style." -- Publishers Weekly

"A strong start for the new Minx imprint." -- Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Well-developed characters, plot, and setting make this graphic novel a standout..." -- Booklist (starred review)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Minx Books (June 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140120371X
• ISBN-13: 978-1401203719
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #345,328 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great graphic novel, July 3, 2008

By	Amy Ward (Lawrence County, OH) - See all my reviews

Dixie has two passions in life: hapkido (ancient Korean martial art) and Adam (her hapkido classmate). But the two don't mix. Dixie has lost her ki, the spiritual energy that makes her strong. She isn't able to focus when Adam is around. And the national hapkido championships are here. Will Dixie be able to find her ki in time for the championships? Will she win Adam's affections? Or will a re-gifted item show her the true path? For those of you who aren't familiar with the term (or who are too young to remember Seinfeld), re-gifting is when a person uses a gift you have given them and gives it to someone else. The story is great and really comes full-circle. The character of Dixie grows and matures. I also love the supporting character of Dillinger, who grows and changes himself. After reading this book, you learn that outward appearances sometimes hides the true person within. The graphic novel format works really well for this story too.

3.0 out of 5 stars Not just for kids, May 11, 2009

By	M. Moylan "Odie" (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I liked this book a lot. It's kind of geared towards a younger audience. But as a 38 year old I enjoyed it's simplicity.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Minx book out there, November 26, 2008

By	Tina Fields "BrujaHa" (Sebastopol, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the first Minx book I found, and it's the one that made me seek out more. Re-Gifters offers engaging, complex and quirky characters, a lot of subtle emotional content, a view into the Korean/Korean-American worldview, excellent drawings, and a twisty plotline that keeps you turning those pages. Viva Mike Carey & co! Many Minx books later, I still think it's the best one.