Hubert's graphic novel, "Adrian and the Tree of Secrets", is much like a typical gay-themed movie: miserable, self-loathing characters with an unhappy ending. If this book was released perhaps 15 years ago when gay teen novels were only just beginning to get popular, this might have fared better. Unfortunately, the story is derivative of the aforementioned gay films. Still, "Adrian" could still have transcended this well-worn genre, but unfortunately, the book features one dimensional stereotypes (the handsome jock, the mean girlfriend, the overbearing and religious mother) and an overly familiar plot. The drawings themselves although interesting because of the pastel colours, even seem uninspired, with panels that sometimes almost look exactly like the previous (which makes it reminiscent of a four/five-paneled comic strip rather than a graphic novel). In the synopsis, it says the book is about, "having the courage to be true to yourself." Such a bleak ending contradicts this supposed message.

I thought this had pretty nice clean artwork, even though it looks very mechanical, it works. Interesting colors. The story is kind of boring to me, I can relate to being bullied & other parts, but a lot of it is foreign to me. The sad ending was very similar to 2-3 other graphic novels I read around the same time. Strange.

I just read this book and I totally adore it! It's a story for anyone who's growing up in a family where you feel you don't fit in. We're told that our family should love us no matter what, but in this story our main character Adrian is being forced to choose between being who he really is, or denying his true feelings and falling in line with what is expected of him by his family and church. My favourite quote is by Adrian when he asks, "What's important? What you feel or what others think? Aren't you sick of lying to yourself?". Adrian's bravery to be true to himself even when the whole world seems to be against him is totally inspiring!