Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki

254 reviews

hexedmaiden's review

hopeful inspiring fast-paced

3.75

I feel if I read this in high school it would have made a major impact on me. It was still a great read as an adult. All the characters were so great and I loved our main character Freddy, and seeing her struggling with her toxic on and off again ex Laura Dean. I absolutely relate to some of her struggles with a toxic relationship and having other people in my life see what I can’t and then being able to take a step back and realize that person is no good for me.

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u_0's review

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I loved the art, it was beautiful and I especially loved the detailed backgrounds and the way the artist drew hair. It was really cool how the pop of color was used in different panels and it was really cute when the inanimate objects talked.

Although I'm happy to have queer rep and body rep, this story just wasn't it for me. It ultimately came across as forced, disingenuous, and hollow. Aside from that, I didn't like how one of the main character's whole personality was being the stereotype of an unfaithful BI person who can't help but sleep around with everyone. Also, I thought Freddy was a horrible friend throughout the whole book and she really didn't go through that much growth!

I feel so bad for all her friends, who REALLY get the side character treatment. I know that's the point and they acknowledge it at the end but Freddy gets redeemed way to easily for how shitty of a friend she was.

As a kid, I would probably have loved it more and be able to see past its flaws.

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daya_fae's review

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emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Reading this story was just a beautiful experience. From the self discovery to the art work. Firstly I loved the aspect of the Freddy looking for outside help about her relationship from an advice column. In these toxic relationship stories the main character usually gets unwanted advice from her parents, friends or even a mysterious stranger. But in this Freddy actually goes and looks for help cause she nows their relationship isn’t right. Secondly even though their break up was inevitable i loved that it wasn’t this deep emotionally conversation. Because honestly she might have been talked out of the breakup of if the reason for it was described anymore.

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fareehareads's review

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.5

Wowowow this artwork is gorgeous. I am also so completely obsessed with Mariko Tamaki's writing now.
This is my second comic from her and I just-
This comic is so endearing and made me feel such love and compassion for all of these characters. The lesbians in this are so real, from our main cast to the older characters around them I loved every single one. I love the idea of an advice column that Freddy writes to since she's at such a loss. Laura Dean is such a compelling character as well, totally toxic and totally aloof, I loved to hate her (mostly joking).
Also the ART. It's insanely good.
Please pick it up if you like me are late to the game, it's so so worth it!

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clarabooksit's review

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really enjoyed this. It was great.

I loved the art and the use of pink throughout. I loved the diversity of characters. I loved that friendship was such an important part of the narrative. I loved that the seemingly simple story holds so much in it and it unfolds with delicacy and understanding.

It did an excellent job portraying what one kind of toxic relationship looks like and how it bleeds into other areas of your life. While it wasn’t perfect, it was very effective.

I read a couple of reviews that said the characters were underdeveloped and literally could’ve been anyone but I actually think that’s one of the graphic novels strengths. Do we know exactly who Freddy is? No, but she could be any love-struck, love-stuck teenager struggling with relationships and that makes it easy for the reader to see themselves in her. Relationships are hard, there’s no guidebook, and sometimes a piece of fiction is the catalyst for figuring shit out.

The only narrative element that really did nothing for me is the relationship columnist conceit. I think that was unnecessary. But overall, I enjoyed it and I love that there are books like this out there for young adults.

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