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dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2 stars bc I didn’t really like how it could be all over the place and also cuz it’s a graphic novel and I feel iffy giving it more than 3 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Pedophilia
Moderate: Abandonment
Picked it up for the early 2000s gothy vibes, and ended up loving it for more than just the fun art style and Evanescence references :)
I really enjoyed the relationships between the characters. Layla started out seeming like your basic mean girl, but then turned out to be a great person and friend to Liv. I also appreciated the very real relationship Liv had with her Mom. One of my favorite panels was the angry bear ornament toward the end.
I really enjoyed the relationships between the characters. Layla started out seeming like your basic mean girl, but then turned out to be a great person and friend to Liv.
Spoiler
It's so refreshing that they communicated and didn't let a guy come between them. And I loved that her other friends still had her back, but not in an overly aggressive way (doing the "watching you" gesture to Liv when her and Layla were becoming friendly again on the advent calendar page).
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I went into this graphic novel thinking it would be a sweet, coming of age story but it turned out to be so much more. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
This was a powerful graphic novel covering some tough topics. I really enjoyed reading this!
Loved the very specific ‘00s references throughout this—they were perfect. I enjoyed the story and thought it handled the heavy stuff so well, and there were a few panels that made me laugh out loud.
This was cool and very charming! Loved the art and all the early 2000s emo/goth references. The story was kind of all over the place though. I thought the mall and what it means to Liv would be a bigger part of the story, since it's called "Mall Goth", but it's a setting and really nothing more. The absent dad thing didn't feel very relevant. The dynamic of the friend group is confusing.
I liked the thematic warning about trusting adults who seem to take a little too much interest in you. As soon as Liv's teacher held her after class, insisted on hearing about her problems at home, and then said something along the lines of her being special... no no no. Then when he pulled out Nabokov I was like NO NO NO. Never trust any man who gives you a copy of Lolita.
I'm glad I was the first person to check this out at the library because it was mistakenly catalogued at a straight up youth graphic novel, but it's got vague sexual content and the F word. Sooo happy a parent didn't run into that before me!! Reminds me of when Genderqueer was accidentally shelved in youth (I'm talking little kid youth) and a parent was like wtf
I liked the thematic warning about trusting adults who seem to take a little too much interest in you. As soon as Liv's teacher held her after class, insisted on hearing about her problems at home, and then said something along the lines of her being special... no no no. Then when he pulled out Nabokov I was like NO NO NO. Never trust any man who gives you a copy of Lolita.
Spoiler
I was all for the Legally Blonde twist at the end of Liv and Layla falling for each other and dumping Jake. Fuck Jake, cheating sleazebag!!I'm glad I was the first person to check this out at the library because it was mistakenly catalogued at a straight up youth graphic novel, but it's got vague sexual content and the F word. Sooo happy a parent didn't run into that before me!! Reminds me of when Genderqueer was accidentally shelved in youth (I'm talking little kid youth) and a parent was like wtf
This is a short but poignant story that will make you fall in love with Leth's writing and art, both.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
This was adorable, witty, and mature. It is astonishing to me that I have not previously accessed a YA text that teaches its audience the importance of identifying/calling out inappropriate attention from adults, and how to ask for help in such a terrible situation. This book is so important for that, and for all the hot topic/IBS jokes.
Really enjoyed the art style. Wished it was a bit longer though felt it ended kind of abruptly after such wonderful character development.
challenging
lighthearted
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:
Complicated