Mariko Tamaki on This One Summer, Young Adult Writing, and Queer Lit

Juan Antonio Barquin November 21, 2014 2:05PM

"I don't think Gossip Girl happens to any teenager I know," Mariko Tamaki laughs as we talk about the way a lot of young adult works don't exactly mirror reality. "I think the idea is to stay within a visible realm of experience."

Mariko Tamaki is coming down for the Miami Book Fair International this weekend to discuss This One Summer, her latest graphic novel made in partnership with her cousin, Jillian. The story focuses on a young woman named Rose and her summer friend Windy whose families have visited Awago Beach for most of their lives, and the events that unfold over this particular summer. She's joined on the Coming of Age on the Page panel by Michael Cho (Shoplifter) and Mimi Pond (Over Easy), and their discussion about these comics and the way young adults are depicted growing up will be moderated by comics editor, Joan Hilty.

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Juan Antonio Barquin is a Miami-based writer who programs the queer film series Flaming Classics and serves as co-editor of Dim the House Lights. Barquin aspires to be Bridget Jones.

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