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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
This book is a great depiction of depression and the struggle to give voice to traumatic experiences. To someone going through something similar, this book will be an understanding friend, a guide in self-awareness, and an encouragement to move forward and talk about what happened to you. To someone who hasn't, it teaches empathy, patience, and will challenge you to hold off judgment when you don't know the full story.
I can't imagine how hard it is to talk about abuse, but I know what depression is like, and this is spot on. As depression is becoming more and more common among teens, this is an important read. Too often we don't see it, and then judge people and their actions before we know the whole story. People struggling with depression often don't know how to ask for what they need. We need to know the signs, and we need to take the time to listen and be there for those who are struggling.
I can't imagine how hard it is to talk about abuse, but I know what depression is like, and this is spot on. As depression is becoming more and more common among teens, this is an important read. Too often we don't see it, and then judge people and their actions before we know the whole story. People struggling with depression often don't know how to ask for what they need. We need to know the signs, and we need to take the time to listen and be there for those who are struggling.
This is the graphic novel version of the acclaimed novel of the same name. The black and white illustrations hauntingly portray the loveliness and pain the main character, Melinda is going through.
Trigger warnings behind the spoiler tag:
Trigger warnings behind the spoiler tag:
Spoiler
rape and self-harm
dark
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
I'm really glad I read this because the story paired with this art is done so well. Also, the fact that it's updated with newer references to things since the original was written in the 90s is pretty nice for newer generations.
This story is so important and it breaks my heart but also has so much hope.
This story is so important and it breaks my heart but also has so much hope.
A powerful retelling of the original story. The illustrations make the pain of Melinda’s isolation feel incredibly raw, and I’m sure relatable to many readers. An important book about an impossible topic. Ages 13 and up.
Oh wow do I want to give this to everybody. I loved this book in middle/high school, and it's been ages since I reread it, and now I want to do that. There are brown and black people in this book! David Petrakis is one of them! I don't recall that being the case in the book, though I could be wrong, but I do know that is 100% not the case in the movie (that no one ever saw, but still). Also, the art is beautiful. Usually I hate when people try to update YA for the digital age, thinking that teens of today couldn't possibly read a book if it didn't mention Twitter. But in this case, where the original book is untouched and this is just an adaptation of it, I actually really love that this one has a light touch on the contemporary, especially since teens today are more woke (that really comes out in some of the school scenes) and even our understanding of rape (date rape in particular) is different from when this original book came out 19(!) years ago. I don't think that'll make the regular book any less powerful, but it does make this book its own equally powerful thing.
"It wasn't my fault. I'm not going to let it kill me. I can grow."
This book is a must read! It’s haunting and the drawings are stunning.
This classic text I remember reading in high school. It was a book that addressed many of the challenges and pressures students face in high school about fitting in, family challenges, friend groups, rape and finding yourself. It was one of the first books I remember reading that really addressed some of these hard issues and realities teens face.
I recently found it was a graphic novel and wanted to read the reinterpretation. I love how in many ways the story was slightly modernized, adding in social media platforms like Instagram and modern language. The roots of the story stayed the exact same with art being Melinda’s outlet to express herself.
This book has been challenged in the past due to content, but the power of Laurie Halas Andresons words and story needs to continue to be shared.
I love how a graphic novel will make this text and story more accessible to readers!
I recently found it was a graphic novel and wanted to read the reinterpretation. I love how in many ways the story was slightly modernized, adding in social media platforms like Instagram and modern language. The roots of the story stayed the exact same with art being Melinda’s outlet to express herself.
This book has been challenged in the past due to content, but the power of Laurie Halas Andresons words and story needs to continue to be shared.
I love how a graphic novel will make this text and story more accessible to readers!