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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have not binge read a book like that since the last Harry Potter. I have all of the feels. I am transported to a younger version of myself, in the best possible way.
<3
<3
I finished this book faster than I've ever finished a book before. And if you read it, you'll know why. No words could ever express all that this book entails, so I'll simply ask a question to start.
DID THIS AUTHOR BREAK INTO MY MIND, STEAL MY INNER DIALOGUE AND PUT IT TO WORDS TIMES A HUNDRED?
Because that's what it FELT like! Reading Eliza's journey felt so personal, so real, so tailored to my own experiences. From her parents, to her artistic mind, to her love of the Internet, to her social anxiety... everything about it was just so... beautiful. And it just felt like Eliza was myself, and somehow that was good because it made me connect to her so well. And maybe it wasn't even that she was like me. Maybe the author just had the power to make characters seem so real, so tangible that it felt like I'd known them all my life. And can we talk about that formatting?! I know, I know, I'm a teen and when I see something new and shiny like texts and forum posts inside a book, I'm filled with happiness. But it was so beautiful! And I'm sure if I could see the comics/illustrations, it would've been an even more magical experience. This book just did it for me in every way. To me it was a love letter to teens, artists, outcasts and people under an unfair amount of pressure throughout the world. Thank you so much, Eliza, for reminding me that no matter where you are, no matter what you do, you are worthy of love and belonging, and you are not alone.
DID THIS AUTHOR BREAK INTO MY MIND, STEAL MY INNER DIALOGUE AND PUT IT TO WORDS TIMES A HUNDRED?
Because that's what it FELT like! Reading Eliza's journey felt so personal, so real, so tailored to my own experiences. From her parents, to her artistic mind, to her love of the Internet, to her social anxiety... everything about it was just so... beautiful. And it just felt like Eliza was myself, and somehow that was good because it made me connect to her so well. And maybe it wasn't even that she was like me. Maybe the author just had the power to make characters seem so real, so tangible that it felt like I'd known them all my life. And can we talk about that formatting?! I know, I know, I'm a teen and when I see something new and shiny like texts and forum posts inside a book, I'm filled with happiness. But it was so beautiful! And I'm sure if I could see the comics/illustrations, it would've been an even more magical experience. This book just did it for me in every way. To me it was a love letter to teens, artists, outcasts and people under an unfair amount of pressure throughout the world. Thank you so much, Eliza, for reminding me that no matter where you are, no matter what you do, you are worthy of love and belonging, and you are not alone.
*I got this book in an OwlCrate* This was an excellent book, after about 30 pages in I was ready to devour it. The main character especially was so easy to connect with, and the fandom culture in the book made it feel so familiar from the beginning. If you have any interest in internet fandoms, creative works, or have ever had mental health struggles I highly recommend this book.
3.5 stars
Well, this book was certainly different to what I thought it would be! I expected some kind of fluffy, fandom-fun contemporary novel that was a bit light-hearted. I was wrong. Where it is related to being a fangirl, following forums, writing fan fiction and making fanart, chatting to fellow fans over the internet, it also had a completely different feel to it.
Eliza is our protagonist, an introverted creator of Monsterous Sea, an online phenomenon. While she makes money off merchandise and has a large fanbase from sharing a popular comic online every week for the past 3 years, it shows the stresses behind it all. Deadlines, writers block, the fear of her real identity coming out, fear of letting people down and losing her anonymity. I found the last 40% of the book highly emotional, giving off what I feel is an accurate representation of anxiety.
I had no idea there were When going into this book I literally had no idea it was basically a darker version of Fangirl, but it did show a realistic side to things like social anxiety, stress, family problems and feelings of hopelessness.
It's a very thought-provoking book.
I will say though, Wallace and Eliza's relationship was very cute to read, they slowly opened up to one another, writing notes and having a common passion for Monsterous Sea. They are actually the sweetest. He was an interesting character too, his inability to speak in front of people unless he feels comfortable with them, his dreams and aspirations being shattered by his own family, and his trust in someone being completely shredded after finally learning to be open with them. Poor guy has gone through a lot, I want to wrap him in a blanket and keep him from harm.
I really do love the portrayal of Eliza's online friends, she speaks to Emmy and Max most days, living in different parts of the world and being able to chat about almost anything. I found the struggles and the dynamic of their relationship very realistic, as I myself have many friends that I chat to online, who I do consider actual friends, not just 'online friends'.
Besides, sometimes it's easier to talk to people if you don't see them face to face, and it doesn't matter if you're not friends who meet up in person, they're still part of your life. Going through things life throws at you, it's always easier to talk to someone who isn't involved in your day-to-day life, getting an outsider perspective. And I truly feel that Zappia has portrayed this accurately in this novel, and I was so pleased this was included!
They also had great banter. "I'M FOURTEEN!!!", ha.
Certainly an interesting one, sometimes the pacing lagged a bit for me but overall it was a thoughtful and interesting book. I'd say, if you've been involved in any fandoms and like stories that are emotionally charged, this one is for you.
Well, this book was certainly different to what I thought it would be! I expected some kind of fluffy, fandom-fun contemporary novel that was a bit light-hearted. I was wrong. Where it is related to being a fangirl, following forums, writing fan fiction and making fanart, chatting to fellow fans over the internet, it also had a completely different feel to it.
Eliza is our protagonist, an introverted creator of Monsterous Sea, an online phenomenon. While she makes money off merchandise and has a large fanbase from sharing a popular comic online every week for the past 3 years, it shows the stresses behind it all. Deadlines, writers block, the fear of her real identity coming out, fear of letting people down and losing her anonymity. I found the last 40% of the book highly emotional, giving off what I feel is an accurate representation of anxiety.
I had no idea there were
Spoiler
thoughts of and a possible suicide attempt in this book.It's a very thought-provoking book.
I will say though, Wallace and Eliza's relationship was very cute to read, they slowly opened up to one another, writing notes and having a common passion for Monsterous Sea.
Spoiler
Wallace asking her via note if he can kiss her, just adorable!I really do love the portrayal of Eliza's online friends, she speaks to Emmy and Max most days, living in different parts of the world and being able to chat about almost anything. I found the struggles and the dynamic of their relationship very realistic, as I myself have many friends that I chat to online, who I do consider actual friends, not just 'online friends'.
Besides, sometimes it's easier to talk to people if you don't see them face to face, and it doesn't matter if you're not friends who meet up in person, they're still part of your life. Going through things life throws at you, it's always easier to talk to someone who isn't involved in your day-to-day life, getting an outsider perspective. And I truly feel that Zappia has portrayed this accurately in this novel, and I was so pleased this was included!
They also had great banter. "I'M FOURTEEN!!!", ha.
Certainly an interesting one, sometimes the pacing lagged a bit for me but overall it was a thoughtful and interesting book. I'd say, if you've been involved in any fandoms and like stories that are emotionally charged, this one is for you.
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I have a lot of feelings and no idea what to do with them