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allibug26's review against another edition
5.0
This book is comforting in so many ways. It feels incredibly relatable; it feels good to see some of these feelings drawn out the way they are. Sometimes that was also really hard though; since it’s a graphic novel, it’s easy to feel like you’re there, and so sometimes it made me feel like I was back in those dark places. Overall though, it’s a story that lets me know I’m not weird for feeling like this and that there are things I can do to help myself through it.
danileighta's review
5.0
This book is excellent! Mona names her depression/doubt/self-hatred the "Matter". This is her journey toward understanding it better and finding her light. The art is BEAUTIFUL and I love the author's self care plan at the end.
Highly recommended for all, but especially YA readers <3
Highly recommended for all, but especially YA readers <3
minslibrary's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
thriftylibrarian's review
3.0
Although the visual representation and discussion of depression was well intentioned, the execution and logical implications were concerning.
Self care is necessary and should be practiced, but it is no substitute for actual medical diagnosis and treatment.
Self care is necessary and should be practiced, but it is no substitute for actual medical diagnosis and treatment.
laflormorada's review
3.0
Mona Starr is a bit of a loner. When her best (and only) friend moves away, life gets even more difficult. The "dark matter" is always there feeding her negative thoughts and even making her sick. When her counselor encourages her to study this "matter", she starts a visual journal, illustrating her thoughts and feelings in pictures and words. This logical approach begins to make sense to her, but is it actually enough to make her feel better?
This book is part story, part mental health guide. At times for me it got to be a little too much of a self-help manual. Mona's character seemed to speak at times with the voice of an adult who had conquered their mental health issues rather than a teen who was struggling. However I do think this book has worth as a way to help teens and adults better understand what it feels like to deal with anxiety and depression. The illustrations are phenomenal and creatively illustrate what this "dark matter" would look like and how it would manifest. The author also gives the reader some great strategies for dealing with mental health issues and includes a self care checklist in the back.
katyk321's review
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.25
adriennelarocque's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
booklover160's review
3.0
This one hit home for me. I struggle with my depression a lot but I don't think of it in a physical way as Mona does. But I resonated with her feelings a lot. I do wish they discussed medication as a form of treatment more than they did. Supplements are mentioned but didn't seem to help and while we see Mona take some sort of pills towards the end, it's skimmed over.
Overall, a beautiful graphic novel that really tackles depression head-on with some helpful ways of coping, but there's nothing wrong with taking actual medication as well.
Overall, a beautiful graphic novel that really tackles depression head-on with some helpful ways of coping, but there's nothing wrong with taking actual medication as well.