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This book was sooo sweet and nostalgic and dealt with trauma well but I think I’m still getting used to how fast everything happens in graphic novels. I was sort of shocked when I finished this book
I just loved this main character so much! I loved how secure she was in her sense of self and style. but once again, men of all ages just suck!!
I have followed Kate Leth on tiktok for years, and when I saw that they wrote a comic set in the early 2000s following a goth character, I absolutely had to read this!
I love Liv and Steph and their friend group so much. The art style is so cute, the writing had me wincing and smiling at different turns, and there is something so wonderfully nostalgic about seeing characters instant messaging with Evanescence set as their computer background and an Edward Scissorhands poster on the wall.
Though the plot summary does allude to Liv's plotline with her teacher, I wasn't anticipating just how predatory he'd be towards her; when he literally handed her a copy of Lolita, I had to put this down for a minute. I think this plotline was handled well though and, for younger readers, may be a validating read that encourages them to get help the way Liv does.
I love Liv and Steph and their friend group so much. The art style is so cute, the writing had me wincing and smiling at different turns, and there is something so wonderfully nostalgic about seeing characters instant messaging with Evanescence set as their computer background and an Edward Scissorhands poster on the wall.
Though the plot summary does allude to Liv's plotline with her teacher, I wasn't anticipating just how predatory he'd be towards her; when he literally handed her a copy of Lolita, I had to put this down for a minute. I think this plotline was handled well though and, for younger readers, may be a validating read that encourages them to get help the way Liv does.
fast-paced
This is.. everything. I want to re-read and savor each page slowly this time - SO many refrences to the early 00s when I was growing up. This book is a love letter to those weird, awkward times, to making friends, to first crushes and first dissapointments and also, to the dangers of adults grooming teenage girls that are "so mature for their age". My heart went out to Liv in every scene.
Also, "Bi as in See Ya" was too cute for words! I would have loved to know Liv as a teenager.
Anyway, read this and buy this and put it where your teens can find it because its great.
Also, "Bi as in See Ya" was too cute for words! I would have loved to know Liv as a teenager.
Anyway, read this and buy this and put it where your teens can find it because its great.
A fun, engaging story, set in the early 2000s, mainly at the mall. Liv has moved to a new town: she was bullied for being bisexual at her old school, her parents are fighting all the time, and she's the only Goth around. Plus, her English teacher is taking a very intense interest in her. Though this is a short graphic novel, it juggles a lot of themes really well, including Liv's relationship with her mother, and Liv's attempts at romance. It explores Liv's self-esteem, and roots her in a particular place and time. The inappropriate teacher relationship is handled carefully and believably. A very engaging comic that I would recommend.
I was a huge fan of Leth when I was a teen/young-adult, (I even have one of their illustrations tattooed on me!) so although I knew this book wasn’t made for me, I wanted to read it nontheless.
Mall Goth is a classic ”the new girl finds her place in a new school” story, yet it didn’t fall into some of my least favorite tropes of the genre! Realistic teenagers doing teenager things and realistic adults either being there or not being there, as adults are wont to do.
Didn’t expect the creepy teacher being such a big part of the story, but I think it was also handled well.
Mall Goth is a classic ”the new girl finds her place in a new school” story, yet it didn’t fall into some of my least favorite tropes of the genre! Realistic teenagers doing teenager things and realistic adults either being there or not being there, as adults are wont to do.
Didn’t expect the creepy teacher being such a big part of the story, but I think it was also handled well.
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated