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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. (It would get the full 4 if the webcomic we hear so much about was fleshed out a little more.)
Zappia provides us with an intimate look into Eliza Murk's life, thoughts, and reactions to her internet fandom. As Eliza navigates her own social anxieties, she withdraws into the world she's created for herself in the webcomic Monstrous Sea. When she meets new kid Wallace, she finds a kindred spirit on both planes, and we get a glimpse inside Eliza and learn more about her own internal monsters.
The plot is driven by just the right amount of social interaction to keep it moving forward, while maintaining the focus on Eliza's internal anxieties and inability to act. Zappia keeps each chapter fresh (and prevents the book from becoming too heavy) by sprinkling in Murk's artwork, mini-narrative explanations of the webcomic's characters, message board posts, instant message threads, and the like. This is truly a multimedia novel, and I was blown away by the seamless integration.
My biggest critique is that I wish there was more. If we had access to the webcomic Eliza creates, we would have an even better understanding of her thought processes. Of course, that comic appeals to the fantasy genre lover in me, so naturally, I am greedy about it.
Overall, this is an easy, inventive read that teaches you about social anxiety and depression in a relatable way - even if, like me, you usually have a hard time relating to characters with such experiences.
Zappia provides us with an intimate look into Eliza Murk's life, thoughts, and reactions to her internet fandom. As Eliza navigates her own social anxieties, she withdraws into the world she's created for herself in the webcomic Monstrous Sea. When she meets new kid Wallace, she finds a kindred spirit on both planes, and we get a glimpse inside Eliza and learn more about her own internal monsters.
The plot is driven by just the right amount of social interaction to keep it moving forward, while maintaining the focus on Eliza's internal anxieties and inability to act. Zappia keeps each chapter fresh (and prevents the book from becoming too heavy) by sprinkling in Murk's artwork, mini-narrative explanations of the webcomic's characters, message board posts, instant message threads, and the like. This is truly a multimedia novel, and I was blown away by the seamless integration.
My biggest critique is that I wish there was more. If we had access to the webcomic Eliza creates, we would have an even better understanding of her thought processes. Of course, that comic appeals to the fantasy genre lover in me, so naturally, I am greedy about it.
Overall, this is an easy, inventive read that teaches you about social anxiety and depression in a relatable way - even if, like me, you usually have a hard time relating to characters with such experiences.
challenging
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
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had no idea I would love this so much. It was selected as book of the month and the only thing I knew was that the main character had anxiety or some disorder and, being around the same age, I thought it would be interesting to read. Little did I know midway through the book I would start almost uncontrollably sobbing for Eliza. I just want to give her a hug. I’m glad that in the end her parents—AND HER BROTHERS Sully and Church I am in AWE—were so supportive being there when she really needed them. I’m so proud of her, that she bounced back from the dark place she was in and learned her own worth, that it wasn’t dependent on her work. I think Eliza might be my new favorite character.
“My point is, we ascribe value to the things we care most about, but sometimes we don’t stop long enough to take a look at the bigger picture. You are able to see who your brothers are, separate from what they do and accomplish, but you have trouble doing the same for yourself. Worth as a person is not based on any tangible evidence. There’s no test for it, no scale. Everyone’s got their own idea of what it is. But I can tell you that Monstrous Sea is not the measure of your value in life, Eliza. Whether or not you finish it does not determine if you should live or die.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Actual rating 4.5
Okay so after finishing Eliza and Her Monsters I sat on my couch for a solid half hour just thinking about it. There was drama, love, friendship, and healing, and I loved the hell out of it!
No, this book is not perfect. Yes, it has some YA tropes. No, it is not fast paced or action packed.
And YES, it is very young adult-y. While that limited my enjoyment at the beginning, as I got into it, I realised Zappia did a freaking amazing job to make it so authentic. Usually YA (even good YA) falls into the trap of having it's 15-18 year old characters sounding and acting like they are in their early/mid twenties. As an adult, I enjoy a bit more maturity in my characters, but as a reader I can't help but respect the hell out of the author for making the characters act and feel things their age.
It made me really remember how angsty and harsh my teen years were, and how I felt like the world was against me. Granted, I was actually rooting for the parents and teachers most of the time (yep, definitely not a teenager anymore...) but I could genuinely see both sides and was insanely conflicted. On the one hand, I just wanted Eliza's parents to leave her be, and just understand her. But on the other, WHY COULDN'T ELIZA JUST TELL PEOPLE HOW SHE FELT??!! It really put things into perspective for me, and being a high school teacher working with kids like this all the time really let me put myself back in their shoes.
Anyway I've kind of gone on a weird ramble and don't remember where i was actually going, but this book is good. Not perfect, but really friggin good. READ IT!
Age: 14/15+
Warnings: Touches on depression, anxiety and suicide, a few kisses but no sex.
Okay so after finishing Eliza and Her Monsters I sat on my couch for a solid half hour just thinking about it. There was drama, love, friendship, and healing, and I loved the hell out of it!
No, this book is not perfect. Yes, it has some YA tropes. No, it is not fast paced or action packed.
And YES, it is very young adult-y. While that limited my enjoyment at the beginning, as I got into it, I realised Zappia did a freaking amazing job to make it so authentic. Usually YA (even good YA) falls into the trap of having it's 15-18 year old characters sounding and acting like they are in their early/mid twenties. As an adult, I enjoy a bit more maturity in my characters, but as a reader I can't help but respect the hell out of the author for making the characters act and feel things their age.
It made me really remember how angsty and harsh my teen years were, and how I felt like the world was against me. Granted, I was actually rooting for the parents and teachers most of the time (yep, definitely not a teenager anymore...) but I could genuinely see both sides and was insanely conflicted. On the one hand, I just wanted Eliza's parents to leave her be, and just understand her. But on the other, WHY COULDN'T ELIZA JUST TELL PEOPLE HOW SHE FELT??!! It really put things into perspective for me, and being a high school teacher working with kids like this all the time really let me put myself back in their shoes.
Anyway I've kind of gone on a weird ramble and don't remember where i was actually going, but this book is good. Not perfect, but really friggin good. READ IT!
Age: 14/15+
Warnings: Touches on depression, anxiety and suicide, a few kisses but no sex.
so many quirky characterssss
this book stole my heart with the monster analogies, the talk on internet relationships and social isolation, and life as an artist.
I've been reading too many books I loved lately :)) and now it's hard to go back to the real world bc the book world is much more interesting
this book stole my heart with the monster analogies, the talk on internet relationships and social isolation, and life as an artist.
I've been reading too many books I loved lately :)) and now it's hard to go back to the real world bc the book world is much more interesting
Wow!! 4 and 1/2 stars.
I absolutely enjoyed and loved this book a lot. The premise is attractive and I got into it as soon as I started. I loved the way the author portrayed Eliza's contrast as a successful webcomic creator and artist with her closed up person in real life.
As a person who can get consumed by fictional characters and all the worlds I create inside my head, this book was so relatable and really touching.
Aside from the accessible and easy to read style of writing, it can get really deep at times and I absolutely loved how the characters really portray nuanced human beings with a full spectrum of feelings and emotions. The occasional art pieces were so lovely. I would definitely be a fan of Monstrous Sea if it were a real webcomic.
I also loved how the author didn't try to completely and unrealistically "cure" Eliza or improve her relationship with her surroundings, family, school, friends as soon as Wallace showed up.
I would have given this book a complete 5 stars (because it's worth it) if I didn't find the end to be really rushed up. I liked the ending and it was satisfying to a degree. But I would have preferred that it'd be a little more in-depth than that.
Other than that, definitely recommend!
I absolutely enjoyed and loved this book a lot. The premise is attractive and I got into it as soon as I started. I loved the way the author portrayed Eliza's contrast as a successful webcomic creator and artist with her closed up person in real life.
As a person who can get consumed by fictional characters and all the worlds I create inside my head, this book was so relatable and really touching.
Aside from the accessible and easy to read style of writing, it can get really deep at times and I absolutely loved how the characters really portray nuanced human beings with a full spectrum of feelings and emotions. The occasional art pieces were so lovely. I would definitely be a fan of Monstrous Sea if it were a real webcomic.
I also loved how the author didn't try to completely and unrealistically "cure" Eliza or improve her relationship with her surroundings, family, school, friends as soon as Wallace showed up.
I would have given this book a complete 5 stars (because it's worth it) if I didn't find the end to be really rushed up. I liked the ending and it was satisfying to a degree. But I would have preferred that it'd be a little more in-depth than that.
Other than that, definitely recommend!
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
On a happier note, this book has been one of the sweetest, funniest and emotional ones of its type! It summarizes everything I am too. I wrote fanfiction along with my first novel, I ADORE reading webcomics and also being an author on the Tapas app, I get to see amazing books and comics every day!
While I am not Eliza and I can't draw sh*t, I love the beauty of the fiction world as also the fandom.
Eliza was an interesting character, who was bullied at school, because she was different, yet at the same time the people who bullied her were the same ones who loved her comic! Talk about irony here.
Wallace also was a truly honest and heartfelt character. He had his own family problems, just like Eliza but he never stopped believing in his dreams. Eliza's parents on the other hand, needed some serious headbutting. I didn't like them, they felt too detached and at some point they gave me the impression that they didn't care about their child. Only after sh*t hit the fan they BEGAN caring!
The art in the book was beautiful and I wouldn't mind seeing it in a comic too! I love books like this one and I love how known themes were approached differently, setting a new example. I'll definitely read more from Francesca Zappia!
On a happier note, this book has been one of the sweetest, funniest and emotional ones of its type! It summarizes everything I am too. I wrote fanfiction along with my first novel, I ADORE reading webcomics and also being an author on the Tapas app, I get to see amazing books and comics every day!
While I am not Eliza and I can't draw sh*t, I love the beauty of the fiction world as also the fandom.
Eliza was an interesting character, who was bullied at school, because she was different, yet at the same time the people who bullied her were the same ones who loved her comic! Talk about irony here.
Wallace also was a truly honest and heartfelt character. He had his own family problems, just like Eliza but he never stopped believing in his dreams. Eliza's parents on the other hand, needed some serious headbutting. I didn't like them, they felt too detached and at some point they gave me the impression that they didn't care about their child. Only after sh*t hit the fan they BEGAN caring!
The art in the book was beautiful and I wouldn't mind seeing it in a comic too! I love books like this one and I love how known themes were approached differently, setting a new example. I'll definitely read more from Francesca Zappia!
3.5 stars
Eliza and Her Monsters was a book that I raced through. My feelings about this book are conflicted though. I liked the slow romance between Wallace and Eliza. But I found myself feeling sad while reading the book. These teens were very troubled, although for different reasons. In Eliza's case I found it frustrating that while her parents were so forceful in making her become more sociable and talkative, they spent little time actually trying to figure out why Eliza behaved as she did. Or taking an interest in her interests rather than forcing their sporty hobbies on her. So I wasn't surprised that
As I mentioned above, I did enjoy the romance between Wallace and Eliza... but only initially. After the big reveal, I think Wallace So it kind of tainted the romance for me. But this is a YA novel so the characters are young and can be immature.
Overall, I felt that this book was less a YA romance and instead was a book where mental health was at the forefront.
Eliza and Her Monsters was a book that I raced through. My feelings about this book are conflicted though. I liked the slow romance between Wallace and Eliza. But I found myself feeling sad while reading the book. These teens were very troubled, although for different reasons. In Eliza's case I found it frustrating that while her parents were so forceful in making her become more sociable and talkative, they spent little time actually trying to figure out why Eliza behaved as she did. Or taking an interest in her interests rather than forcing their sporty hobbies on her. So I wasn't surprised that
Spoiler
they were the reason it all came crumbling down around Eliza when they revealed her identity in the newspaper. How little did they know their daughter if they couldn't figure out that privacy was of utmost importance to her?As I mentioned above, I did enjoy the romance between Wallace and Eliza... but only initially. After the big reveal, I think Wallace
Spoiler
came across as selfish when he demanded that Eliza finish her comic so that he could publish his manuscript. When she said she was unable to do so, he just gave up and left her.Overall, I felt that this book was less a YA romance and instead was a book where mental health was at the forefront.
I picked up this book expecting something different, a sweet love story between a girl that loves to draw and created this new amazing world and a boy who loved to write fan fiction about that same world. The book was all that and much more...
This was the kind of book that I needed to read even if I didn't realise I needed.
The characters are quite relatable, the kind of people that get lost in their own world because they don't seam to fit in with the rest of the world, the fact that the parents didn't understand her need to disappear. The fact that in the end she learn how to escape to her own world without getting to lost and detached from what some call reality, left me speechless.
There is a really important message in this book. That everyone is worth and what we haven't accomplished shouldn't bring us down. and even if there are days when you think you are the worst person on the planet, things will get better .
This was the kind of book that I needed to read even if I didn't realise I needed.
The characters are quite relatable, the kind of people that get lost in their own world because they don't seam to fit in with the rest of the world, the fact that the parents didn't understand her need to disappear. The fact that in the end she learn how to escape to her own world without getting to lost and detached from what some call reality, left me speechless.
There is a really important message in this book. That everyone is worth and what we haven't accomplished shouldn't bring us down. and even if there are days when you think you are the worst person on the planet, things will get better .