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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
This is one of the most powerful graphic novels I've read recently, maybe even better than the graphic novel, Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, although I would highly recommend both. In some ways, this felt even more emotional, probably because the author is also the illustrator and she is telling her own story. I am in awe of her bravery in sharing her story in hopes it might help others. You experience her pain, despair, pain, and very loud voices as she struggles to fight/live with her demons. Her eating disorder is a complicated illness because it's not about food, but about control. You find out about her recovery process, which is lifelong, and about how there are predators out there that will abuse their power of authority to take advantage of your illness. But there are also kind and supportive people who are there to truly help. Her illustrations captured her emotions perfectly for me and there were times I felt like I was living her nightmare with her. As an educator, I've had students who have struggled with eating disorders of their own and I think a book like this could be helpful if only to help them and their parents see that they are not alone. As painful as some of this book was, I think it also offers hope that things CAN get better, but that the journey to recovery is definitely not a straight path. I highly recommend this especially for anyone who works with youth.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
This graphic novel is Katie Green's memoir of her childhood and teen life that tackles the heavy topics of eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and sexual assault. The whole read was uncomfortable and slow, but I still found myself engrossed in the story. The art style does well in setting the tone of the book, even if it is one I generally don't enjoy.
It's a tough read, but still worth it. Go check it out.
This graphic novel is Katie Green's memoir of her childhood and teen life that tackles the heavy topics of eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and sexual assault. The whole read was uncomfortable and slow, but I still found myself engrossed in the story. The art style does well in setting the tone of the book, even if it is one I generally don't enjoy.
It's a tough read, but still worth it. Go check it out.
Lighter Than My Shadow is the graphic memoir of a girl struggling with eating disorders and their causes. She does a fantastic job showing reading the different aspects of triggers, and how hard it is to overcome them even when you, as a rational person, know what you are "supposed to be doing"...that sometimes you just...can't.
The art itself had great use of color transitions, shifting to match emotions through various points in her life. Subtle shifts in the depiction of her body also occurred, things that she couldn't see in herself, but that those around her noticed. Some secondary characters were a little hard to tell apart, but it didn't diminish the overall narrative and understanding of it. There is some nudity and sexual situations, but they are realistic and not gratuitous; even with their inclusion the major review sources still list this as grades 9+/ages 14+.
Overall great quality and compelling story. I also liked the inclusion of her thoughts on how the journey to recover is a process, with no definitive end point, as well as resources for those who may be struggling or know someone who is.
The art itself had great use of color transitions, shifting to match emotions through various points in her life. Subtle shifts in the depiction of her body also occurred, things that she couldn't see in herself, but that those around her noticed. Some secondary characters were a little hard to tell apart, but it didn't diminish the overall narrative and understanding of it. There is some nudity and sexual situations, but they are realistic and not gratuitous; even with their inclusion the major review sources still list this as grades 9+/ages 14+.
Overall great quality and compelling story. I also liked the inclusion of her thoughts on how the journey to recover is a process, with no definitive end point, as well as resources for those who may be struggling or know someone who is.
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
A really detailed memoir of eating disorder and other tough subjects that feels truly vulnerable. I would not recommend to people who are triggered by EDs, suicide, or abuse.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Rape, Sexual assault
This graphic novel form memoir is one heavy read, in both senses of the word. It's definitely not a book that lends itself as a commuter's read, again for both, its weight and its content.
Katie Green is an incredibly talented, hard working artist and a very brave story teller. This memoir is about as personal as it can get; she really bares her soul as well as her body by trusting the reader with the details of her terrible struggle with anorexia, binge eating, OCD, and other anxiety disorders. Her foreword is what made me buy the book for a friend whose 15 year old daughter is currently fighting to gain control over her own illness. Once I started reading, I got sucked in by the raw, brilliant artwork that is so good it almost makes the speech bubbles redundant.
Katie Green, with what appears to be simple pencil drawings, powerfully conveys the deepest and darkest emotions. My only niggle was that Katie and her friends on the page all looked the same, and I would have to look for the very faint lines from the speech and thought bubbles to figure out who was saying or thinking what. That was a bit tedious at times and detracted from being absorbed in the story.
I sincerely hope that my friend's daughter gets better soon, and perhaps Katie's courageous book, with a positive outcome, will be helpful on that journey to recovery.
4.5 stars
Katie Green is an incredibly talented, hard working artist and a very brave story teller. This memoir is about as personal as it can get; she really bares her soul as well as her body by trusting the reader with the details of her terrible struggle with anorexia, binge eating, OCD, and other anxiety disorders. Her foreword is what made me buy the book for a friend whose 15 year old daughter is currently fighting to gain control over her own illness. Once I started reading, I got sucked in by the raw, brilliant artwork that is so good it almost makes the speech bubbles redundant.
Katie Green, with what appears to be simple pencil drawings, powerfully conveys the deepest and darkest emotions. My only niggle was that Katie and her friends on the page all looked the same, and I would have to look for the very faint lines from the speech and thought bubbles to figure out who was saying or thinking what. That was a bit tedious at times and detracted from being absorbed in the story.
Spoiler
Furthermore, the sudden realisation that her "therapist" had been sexually abusing her over many months, seemed far fetched. I understand suppressing the memory of an isolated incident if she was hypnotised, but this seemed to be going on for ages - was she drugged? It just didn't make sense to me, and I wonder why she didn't reach out to her parents sooner given her mother thought he was a shifty character from the get go. I hope she eventually reported him.I sincerely hope that my friend's daughter gets better soon, and perhaps Katie's courageous book, with a positive outcome, will be helpful on that journey to recovery.
4.5 stars
This book realistic than books I would normally gravitate towards, but delves into the struggles of eating disorders from the perspective of a young girl. The author details the disorder from the beginning, to denial, to diagnosis, to rehabilitation and coping mechanisms.
I will give a trigger warning for those who aren’t yet able to feel comfortable with EDs, sexual assault, or anxiety and depression.
This is such an important read. It’s beautiful and empowering. Katie Green uses her own story to remind those who are also fighting that there is no set amount of steps to recovery. That you never truly are fully recovered. As someone who personally has dealt with issues involving mental illness, I found this book so inspirational in reminding myself that even the smallest of steps are something to be proud of.
Thank you Katie Green for sharing a part of yourself and being a beacon of hope for others.
This is such an important read. It’s beautiful and empowering. Katie Green uses her own story to remind those who are also fighting that there is no set amount of steps to recovery. That you never truly are fully recovered. As someone who personally has dealt with issues involving mental illness, I found this book so inspirational in reminding myself that even the smallest of steps are something to be proud of.
Thank you Katie Green for sharing a part of yourself and being a beacon of hope for others.