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fareehareads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and First Second books for an arc of this graphic memoir.
After reading this, I know that I have to get my hands on a physical copy once it's out! I have followed along with Deb JJ Lee's art for a few years now, she's one of my favorite illustrators so I just knew this would be the type of comic for me. This story follows Deb's life as a Korean American attempting to fit in and juggle the real stressors of school life, friendships, immigrant parent trauma, and her own self image. So many of the experiences in this memoir mirror my own as I'm sure a lot of diaspora kids will feel reading her story. In her author notes she mentions how a few of the experiences were included out of order or compressed to help with the narrative flow. This definitely doesn't take away from the story at all, in fact, I think the way she decided to ultimately tell the story gives more room for readers to really sit with and understand the way these events effect kids and follow them in their life. The therapy scenes genuinely made me tear up, this whole memoir felt like a hug and healing session. Aside from the story itself, my favorite aspect was the drawing style. I love when graphic memoirs include photography into the panels and follow it with a sensory description. Each panel had unique shading paired with precise linework for each character. The one and two page spreads were stunning and I'm sure they look even more amazing in print. If you're looking for a new memoir to add to your shelf, I highly recommend picking this up!
After reading this, I know that I have to get my hands on a physical copy once it's out! I have followed along with Deb JJ Lee's art for a few years now, she's one of my favorite illustrators so I just knew this would be the type of comic for me. This story follows Deb's life as a Korean American attempting to fit in and juggle the real stressors of school life, friendships, immigrant parent trauma, and her own self image. So many of the experiences in this memoir mirror my own as I'm sure a lot of diaspora kids will feel reading her story. In her author notes she mentions how a few of the experiences were included out of order or compressed to help with the narrative flow. This definitely doesn't take away from the story at all, in fact, I think the way she decided to ultimately tell the story gives more room for readers to really sit with and understand the way these events effect kids and follow them in their life. The therapy scenes genuinely made me tear up, this whole memoir felt like a hug and healing session. Aside from the story itself, my favorite aspect was the drawing style. I love when graphic memoirs include photography into the panels and follow it with a sensory description. Each panel had unique shading paired with precise linework for each character. The one and two page spreads were stunning and I'm sure they look even more amazing in print. If you're looking for a new memoir to add to your shelf, I highly recommend picking this up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Domestic abuse, Bullying, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Body shaming
literarylocd's review against another edition
emotional
sad
3.5
Thank you to Deborah Jung-Jin Lee and NetGalley for this eARC.
Graphic memoirs have become my new favourite genre/format so I was very excited for this one.
It’s always hard to rate memoirs because they’re based on lived life experience and I don’t think we as reader/consumers are in a position to judge that. I loved the art work and I felt connected to the story. I did have some issues with the pacing and sequencing of things throughout the memoir.
What fell short was the almost pedestrian way in which abuse was portrayed in this memoir. The physical and emotional abuse she was a victim of at the hands of her mother were simply brushed over. Obviously this is based on the author’s own experience but it felt slightly off. Like Deb could just not catch a break her whole life. Her abuse was brushed aside by those around her (even herself) which is made evident by how it was written in this story. The ending was quite abrupt but I guess it made sense.
The art style was absolutely beautiful though.
The art style was absolutely beautiful though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
livlamentloathe's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
3.0
A bittersweet memoir about a Korean girl growing up in America. Deb both loses and finds herself on the page as she journeys through high school. I felt a bit disconnected from the narrative at times and this took away from it a bit. But I think the book was beautiful and challenged perceptions I may have previously had about Korean-American individuals. I related to much of Deb's mental struggles, though. I had a very similar journey with a friend as that of Deb and Quinn. I recommend this to anyone who feels alone or felt that way in high school.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Child abuse
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
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