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sonshinelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I read the novel years ago but remembered the basics. It translates so well into graphic novel form, but it's rough. It's tough subject matter and definitely could have some triggers for people who have gone through any similar experiences. I love Emily Carroll's work in general. However, I did have one issue. While I understand there were stylistic choices to get the feeling across, some of the passages were really hard to read because of how similar gradient colors were. I can't imagine trying to read it if I had any sort of sight challenges. Dark grey on black is not friendly.
Beautiful graphic novel, important message, not always the most inclusive art-wise.
Beautiful graphic novel, important message, not always the most inclusive art-wise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
nerdysread's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This one was hard to read. It’s a great graphic novel, a good story. Emily Carroll’s art style is perfect to illustrate Melinda’s story and thoughts.
Now, I have to read the novel
Now, I have to read the novel
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Bullying and Racism
rowan808's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Sexual assault
aoifsdarcy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
carrotcake's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault
field_of_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The illustrations capture the main characters trauma so vividly and accurately.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
readandfindout's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Art: 5 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Art: 5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault
cinzuxatur's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
emyjo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Self harm
leahsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I haven't read the original novel that this graphic novel is adapted from, but this story is incredibly powerful in graphic format, and I can't help but think that it makes it even more accessible. Stories like this are so important to have out in the world, so that young people (and adults too) who are struggling can understand how to process events and emotions that they may not be comfortable sharing.
Melinda is a character who my heart broke for. After experiencing a severe trauma, she doesn't know how to share it with anyone else, and it keeps her isolated and alone. So instead, she continues to draw further inward as everything around her falls apart. Her family life is in shambles, as are her grades and social life. The only positive in her life is art class.
It was so hard to see Melinda self-destructing, but seeing her learn how to reclaim her voice and use it to speak up for herself was incredible. I'd highly recommend this graphic novel, and I'm absolutely planning to read the original book.
Melinda is a character who my heart broke for. After experiencing a severe trauma, she doesn't know how to share it with anyone else, and it keeps her isolated and alone. So instead, she continues to draw further inward as everything around her falls apart. Her family life is in shambles, as are her grades and social life. The only positive in her life is art class.
It was so hard to see Melinda self-destructing, but seeing her learn how to reclaim her voice and use it to speak up for herself was incredible. I'd highly recommend this graphic novel, and I'm absolutely planning to read the original book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Violence