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

So, this was it. My first graphic novel. And I kind of loved it? The art style of it was particularly pretty and I’ve liked the representation. The premise of the story was so promising too, though it lacked a teeny tiny bit in execution because it wanted too much. So many topics are crammed in there and they hardly get thoroughly delivered but it’s fine, because as a teenager this still would’ve been enough for me to feel empowered and good and connected to the story. It won’t be my last graphic novel!

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sweetchocolatez's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

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hexedmaiden's review

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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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koplomps's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

Don't have other words for it, but I just really loved, and felt this. Made me slow down and feel my feelings.

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foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

4.0

“What is it like to love this person who keeps breaking up with you, and then presumably coming back to you? What does your love with this person offer you? Does it make you happy? Does it give you what you need to be a better person?”

This is a YA novel that follows Freddy as she tries to navigate a toxic relationship while still trying to be there for her friends.

This was an emotionally resonant, at times hard, read as Freddy struggles to assert herself as she gets down trodden and toiled with by Laura Dean. I definitely felt myself feeling adrift and lost in the story each time Freddy gets rejected and in trying to chase love, lets down her friends and ends up feeling even worse. The ending made me cry happy tears as a culmination of Freddy’s coming of age arc and showed the power of friendship!

The art was so stunning in this graphic novel, in black and white but with splashes of pink, sometimes just as enhancements, other times as large swaths. I also loved Freddy’s besties, who were all so charming, and that made you wish they were your friends too.

This is the second book I’ve read by Mariko Tamaki and I definitely plan to read more by this author. She’s excellent at getting into the darker, heart wrenching elements of queer YA and I would recommend this to anyone who’s looking for graphic novels that explore these themes.

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kajasversion's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

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

3.0

A solid read. The main character is on times such a shitty person. But noone beats Laura. Their decisions made me so pissed of. The character writing is definitely written for a more younger audience but then the themes in the book are serious like homophobia and abortion. I’m confused.

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