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emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
A great graphic novel about being a new kid in a new town. Liv is moving into a new town with her mum, and trying to start fresh. Liv is bi and emo, and is trying to find her place in a potential new friend group. Taking place mostly between the mall, school, and home, we get a glimpse into what the height of teenage mall (goth) culture was. Openly set in Canada, this struck me as 6teen and Ruby Gloom in the BEST way.
CONTENT WARNING: there is instances of the main character getting groomed by a trusted adult. There is nothing explicit, but if you’re gifting this to a younger reader please skim the book and maybe have a conversation with the reader about the topic.
CONTENT WARNING: there is instances of the main character getting groomed by a trusted adult. There is nothing explicit, but if you’re gifting this to a younger reader please skim the book and maybe have a conversation with the reader about the topic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
I liked it just fine! I wish we spent more time with the only good male character, or with her family dynamic. As soon as Nabokov was mentioned I KNEW it would be a little triggering; I just didn't think I would feel as stressed as I did. We did get some wonderful character growth and fantabulous 90s outfits. Would recommend for junior high kids.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Pedophilia, Sexual content
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
emotional
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Liv's parents are on the verge of divorce; they've just moved to a new town and Liv will be starting at a new high school. At her last school, Liv was bullied for being openly queer and an unapologetic mall goth, and she is understandably hesitant to accept friendship overtures at the new school. However, a supportive male English teacher and a fellow goth gamer boy start to make Liv feel welcome. The goth introduces her to an MMORPG and the English teacher praises her essays and gives her <i>Lolita.</i> Both of them start regularly DMing Liv late into the night, more than is appropriate for the relationships they have. This book is in large part about a teen navigating confusing advances and how and when to disclose things that make her uncomfortable but feel hard to speak about or define. I thought that aspect of the story was handled very well. Some of the pacing in the friendship plot lines surrounding it felt a bit rushed, a few sections underdeveloped, but ultimately I think this book tackled an important issue not often seen in YA comics. It is also steeped in early 2000s Hot Topic/emo music/pop culture references- if you were there, you'll know.
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
thanks to netgalley for the arc!
i would say this is more of a 3.5, but rounded up to a 4. i really loved the premise of this story, and it was a great interpretation of the teen experience in y2k. the illustration style was really interesting, and it maintained a comfortable pace. i will say, i called the twist with the teacher as soon as he showed a special interest in her, and when he handed her the copy of lolita i knew immediately the direction it was going. sure, it was a predictable story, but it was sweet and well-executed. i did enjoy it, even if there weren't too many twists and turns.
i would say this is more of a 3.5, but rounded up to a 4. i really loved the premise of this story, and it was a great interpretation of the teen experience in y2k. the illustration style was really interesting, and it maintained a comfortable pace. i will say, i called the twist with the teacher as soon as he showed a special interest in her, and when he handed her the copy of lolita i knew immediately the direction it was going. sure, it was a predictable story, but it was sweet and well-executed. i did enjoy it, even if there weren't too many twists and turns.
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
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
This is a teen graphic novel and i think one of the main plot points is so important for teens to hear always tell someone if a teacher is innapropriate with you! Its not your fault
I think it touches on girlhood and feminine bonds as someone also attracted to girls. The time period/setting of the book was definitely a little nostalgic to me even though i didnt quite experience it myself at the time. Cute and quick read and i would recommend it to anyone!
I think it touches on girlhood and feminine bonds as someone also attracted to girls. The time period/setting of the book was definitely a little nostalgic to me even though i didnt quite experience it myself at the time. Cute and quick read and i would recommend it to anyone!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual harassment
Minor: Biphobia