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libraryfrog's review
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Medical content, and Mental illness
Minor: Animal death and Suicide
readerette's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's a self help book in the guise of a coming-of-age story, and it's a little trite for an adult, but I can see the appeal for younger people. Fast read and decent advice, if a little woo-woo in places.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Suicide
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I think this book is, at the very least, a good illustration of what dealing with depression and anxiety can look like for teens. Obviously, it is not going to connect with every individuals' story, however, I think it provides a solid mental health representation for those looking to see themselves in YA graphic novel.
Though this book is on the shorter side, I feel that Mona's character offers a glimpse toward the struggles that come with negative self-talk, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. The black and white illustrations help to emphasize the feelings of Mona having a black hole in her heart and also to show when progress shines through. (And yes, progress looks different for everyone, especially on mental health journeys.)
I know there is a lot of discussion around the medical emergency scene. I still am not 100% sure how I feel about this, and I am by no means a doctor, so please take what I say with a grain of salt. I know that stomach problems can manifest as a result of prolonged, intense anxiety and depression. It did not seem unreasonable that the medical emergency Mona faced was related to her depression. However, I do with it was elaborated more on throughout the story and not just chalked up to something that Mona just assumed was related to her mental health.
Overall, I think this is a book I would recommend in the future for readers looking to see mental health representation or who are looking to learn more about what depression and anxiety can look like.
Though this book is on the shorter side, I feel that Mona's character offers a glimpse toward the struggles that come with negative self-talk, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. The black and white illustrations help to emphasize the feelings of Mona having a black hole in her heart and also to show when progress shines through. (And yes, progress looks different for everyone, especially on mental health journeys.)
I know there is a lot of discussion around the medical emergency scene. I still am not 100% sure how I feel about this, and I am by no means a doctor, so please take what I say with a grain of salt. I know that stomach problems can manifest as a result of prolonged, intense anxiety and depression. It did not seem unreasonable that the medical emergency Mona faced was related to her depression. However, I do with it was elaborated more on throughout the story and not just chalked up to something that Mona just assumed was related to her mental health.
Overall, I think this is a book I would recommend in the future for readers looking to see mental health representation or who are looking to learn more about what depression and anxiety can look like.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
kstericker's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Animal death and Suicide
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