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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I think this graphic novel has beautiful representation of youth, mental health, gender and sexuality questioning. The graphics are expressive, telling and a lot is woven into expressions and details through the story.
Obviously please check trigger warnings before you dive right in but I found this story, relateable, sweet and something I wish I had when I was in high school.
Obviously please check trigger warnings before you dive right in but I found this story, relateable, sweet and something I wish I had when I was in high school.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
A beautiful standalone graphic novel with lots of queer characters and a lovely focus on mental health and how art can help us express our troubles. But I feel like there was a bit too much packed into the story to give each plotline a real chance to shine and be explored. But if you're looking for something that celebrates friendship and letting people in, you'll definitely enjoy The Greatest Thing.
Warnings: eating disorders, self-harm, panic attacks, depression and anxiety.
Warnings: eating disorders, self-harm, panic attacks, depression and anxiety.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Eating disorder, Fatphobia
Minor: Forced institutionalization
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So, I loved the artwork in this book, but I think the story needed some fine-tuning, it just sort of...ended? Without really having an arc, which is fine since the story was very much character-driven in terms of Winifred's personal journey, but that meant the secondary characters just got left by the wayside, there was zero satisfying resolution to Oscar and April's stories which really bothered me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Self harm
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
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
This was such a lovely read about teenage friendship, mental health, insecurity, and loneliness. As I was reading it, sitting in a spot of sunshine in my driveway one spring evening, I couldn’t help wishing I’d had this book when I was younger. It really captures how emotionally volatile that time can be for many, myself included. It’s the kind of story that makes one feel less alone.
Searle did a great job evoking teen turmoil without overdramatizing it or belittling it. I especially appreciated the diversity of confusion and insecurity. From different economic backgrounds to academic difficulties to sexuality to gender to appearances to relationships: it’s a simple story that does so much and with care.
The art is cute and approachable, and the pacing was perfect. I loved it. It made me feel mushy about my friends and how I wouldn’t have survived my teen years without them. Highly recommend it for anyone still in high school or who had friendships that saved them during that time.
Content warnings for eating disorders, self-harm, self-hate, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Searle did a great job evoking teen turmoil without overdramatizing it or belittling it. I especially appreciated the diversity of confusion and insecurity. From different economic backgrounds to academic difficulties to sexuality to gender to appearances to relationships: it’s a simple story that does so much and with care.
The art is cute and approachable, and the pacing was perfect. I loved it. It made me feel mushy about my friends and how I wouldn’t have survived my teen years without them. Highly recommend it for anyone still in high school or who had friendships that saved them during that time.
Content warnings for eating disorders, self-harm, self-hate, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts