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challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-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
Such an incredible book
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The mall has long been a refuge for teens and Kate Leth brings the early 2000s mall culture back to life in the YA graphic novel, Mall Goth. After moving to a new town amidst her parent’s marital struggles, Liv is determined to not let anyone get close to her after being outed as bisexual ruined her social life at her former school. At least she has the mall to escape to, though her classmates she is reluctant to befriend are also always there to sweep her up in their angsty drama. ‘'Cause we were like the mall before the Internet, it was the one place to be,’ as Taylor Swift sings. But in all the drama and loneliness, Liv also discovers the attention of an authority figure might not be as special and sweet as she hopes. While a bit rushed, Mall Goth is a cute story about staying true to yourself while also still trying to find yourself and Leth does not shirk away from heavier topics making this a rather rewarding read. Though I also enjoyed as I could empathize with Liv’s mall job as working in a library often means dressing up in big animal costumes:
It’s me, hi, I’m the unicorn its me
This was a really heartfelt story that felt really authentic in the way it captured being caught up in teenage drama while also under the crushing weight of rather heavy adulthood problems. It has a pretty good ensemble cast that felt a bit underexplored in the ways it hits plot points in rather rapid succession, but they all felt like rather familiar characters. In a good way. I also quite enjoyed the early 2000s setting of mall goth fashion (this book screams Hot Topic) and that they all hang out at the mall arcade for some Dance Dance Revolution. I had a friend in high school that would make us all hang out at the arcade because he was determined to get the high score on DDR (I think he eventually did?) but I was more of a pinball person.
This book gets to some heavy issues, particularly with an English teacher who seems like a good listener and support person but starts to cross some lines when they begin an online chat friendship. Beware any older guy that encourages you to write a paper about [b:Lolita|7604|Lolita|Vladimir Nabokov|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1377756377l/7604._SY75_.jpg|1268631]! I think the book handles the topic very well while keeping it accessible and appropriate for the younger end of the teen audience spectrum that this seems aimed at.
Quick, quirky and cute, Mall Goth is a wonderful little graphic novel that brings the early 2000s back and handles emotional drama in a great way. A lovely read.
⅘
It’s me, hi, I’m the unicorn its me
This was a really heartfelt story that felt really authentic in the way it captured being caught up in teenage drama while also under the crushing weight of rather heavy adulthood problems. It has a pretty good ensemble cast that felt a bit underexplored in the ways it hits plot points in rather rapid succession, but they all felt like rather familiar characters. In a good way. I also quite enjoyed the early 2000s setting of mall goth fashion (this book screams Hot Topic) and that they all hang out at the mall arcade for some Dance Dance Revolution. I had a friend in high school that would make us all hang out at the arcade because he was determined to get the high score on DDR (I think he eventually did?) but I was more of a pinball person.
This book gets to some heavy issues, particularly with an English teacher who seems like a good listener and support person but starts to cross some lines when they begin an online chat friendship. Beware any older guy that encourages you to write a paper about [b:Lolita|7604|Lolita|Vladimir Nabokov|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1377756377l/7604._SY75_.jpg|1268631]! I think the book handles the topic very well while keeping it accessible and appropriate for the younger end of the teen audience spectrum that this seems aimed at.
Quick, quirky and cute, Mall Goth is a wonderful little graphic novel that brings the early 2000s back and handles emotional drama in a great way. A lovely read.
⅘
Inspired by real events, this graphic novel follows Liv Holme, a bi, goth girl in a new school in a new town. She finds a friend group, some gamers who hang out around the mall. Things are going well until she begins to get unwanted attention from a friend and becomes the target of predatory behavior from a teacher. Despite not shying away from some dark complex situations, Leth depicts resilience and empowerment in a realistic way. I love the mom’s character, as well as Alice, the mall security guard. This had great bi representation, and interesting art, almost a TV animation vibe- I know nothing about art clearly :) This is one I highly recommend, but tread lightly with the themes.
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated