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jozzy_hi's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
betweentheshelves's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved this! The art style was fantastic, especially the way that Fung depicted anxiety throughout the book. It felt so realistic and there are middle grade readers who will connect with Livy. I especially appreciated the fact that her parents took notice about what was going on and got her the help she needed. It's portrayed in a way that's normal, and I love that middle grade readers will get to see that.
Livy's friends are also struggling with various things, and they realize that maybe they need each other. It feels like such a middle school friendship, from the art to the writing, and I think it just was so well done.
Livy's friends are also struggling with various things, and they realize that maybe they need each other. It feels like such a middle school friendship, from the art to the writing, and I think it just was so well done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Minor: Racism
kindredbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I received a gifted copy of Living with Viola from Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.
Living with Viola by Rosena Fung is a graphic novel about a young girl, Livy who is starting at a new school. This is not the easiest experience for Livy as she feels the presence of her anxiety come to life, personified as an existence called Viola who is constantly belittling her and bringing her down. Livy finds that she is able to keep Viola at bay with her passion for drawing and the love of food that comes to life in her family home. But as things at school and home get messier, Livy finds it harder and harder to short down Viola’s voice. As others around Livy also begin to see the change in Livy, it is ultimately up to Livy to advocate for herself.
This was such an amazingly heartbreaking yet uplifting story to read. I really felt empathy for Livy and could truly feel the presence of Viola. This is sure to be a story that connects with readers as all individuals feel anxiety in one form or another. It is a story that will resonate with readers and also comfort many readers.
Living with Viola by Rosena Fung is a graphic novel about a young girl, Livy who is starting at a new school. This is not the easiest experience for Livy as she feels the presence of her anxiety come to life, personified as an existence called Viola who is constantly belittling her and bringing her down. Livy finds that she is able to keep Viola at bay with her passion for drawing and the love of food that comes to life in her family home. But as things at school and home get messier, Livy finds it harder and harder to short down Viola’s voice. As others around Livy also begin to see the change in Livy, it is ultimately up to Livy to advocate for herself.
This was such an amazingly heartbreaking yet uplifting story to read. I really felt empathy for Livy and could truly feel the presence of Viola. This is sure to be a story that connects with readers as all individuals feel anxiety in one form or another. It is a story that will resonate with readers and also comfort many readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Mental illness
pocketwatchcrow's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing access to this book in exchange for an honest review.*
If I could give just one book to my 7th grade self, this would be the one.
In many ways, my middle school experience was different from Livy’s. I’m not the daughter of immigrants; nobody thought my lunch smelled weird; I didn’t have friends with way fancier houses than me. In so many more ways, I saw myself on every page. I wanted to pursue a creative career that my dad didn’t consider a “real job”. I liked “childish” things but sometimes hid them from my friends because I was embarrassed. I was sad, struggling, and afraid to ask for help.
I shared every single one of Livy’s fears that kept her from reaching out, from the fear that everyone really hated me to the fear that my parents would send me away if I told them what was happening inside me. I am glad that Livy lists her fears so that the trusted adults in her life can help her through them, and I know it will help others reading this book to reach out as well. Watching/reading Livy go through some coping activities near the end of the story is also beneficial, both so that readers have some things to try in their own life, and so they can get an idea of what it might be like to see a therapist. Even though Livy knows that her anxiety will always be there, this part was so hopeful, because now she knows that there are things she can do to feel better and that she has a support system around her. I’m thrilled that this book exists and I can’t wait to give it away once it comes out.
THIS BOOK IS GOING TO SAVE LIVES.
If I could give just one book to my 7th grade self, this would be the one.
In many ways, my middle school experience was different from Livy’s. I’m not the daughter of immigrants; nobody thought my lunch smelled weird; I didn’t have friends with way fancier houses than me. In so many more ways, I saw myself on every page. I wanted to pursue a creative career that my dad didn’t consider a “real job”. I liked “childish” things but sometimes hid them from my friends because I was embarrassed. I was sad, struggling, and afraid to ask for help.
I shared every single one of Livy’s fears that kept her from reaching out, from the fear that everyone really hated me to the fear that my parents would send me away if I told them what was happening inside me. I am glad that Livy lists her fears so that the trusted adults in her life can help her through them, and I know it will help others reading this book to reach out as well. Watching/reading Livy go through some coping activities near the end of the story is also beneficial, both so that readers have some things to try in their own life, and so they can get an idea of what it might be like to see a therapist. Even though Livy knows that her anxiety will always be there, this part was so hopeful, because now she knows that there are things she can do to feel better and that she has a support system around her. I’m thrilled that this book exists and I can’t wait to give it away once it comes out.
THIS BOOK IS GOING TO SAVE LIVES.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Bullying and Racism
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