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jackie_marion's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Dysphoria, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Racial slurs, and Grief
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Self harm
Minor: Infidelity
_jane4's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you, First Second Books and Net Galley for an advanced for copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This beautiful memoir follows Deborah/ Jung-Jin on her path of struggling to adapt in new places as a person of colour, to find and express herself, miscommunication and her coping with it.
This book belongs to my most anticipating ones which are releasing this year and it exceeded my expectations. I love how the author portrayed grief, mental illness and other heavy topics. The side characters had their own role and complexity. The art was stunning, and I could not help but catch myself many times just admiring the panels. I still cannot believe this is a debut book and that makes me even more excited for new upcoming releases by them!
Especially because this graphic novel deals with topics that are hard to swallow, I do recommend checking the trigger warnings.
This beautiful memoir follows Deborah/ Jung-Jin on her path of struggling to adapt in new places as a person of colour, to find and express herself, miscommunication and her coping with it.
This book belongs to my most anticipating ones which are releasing this year and it exceeded my expectations. I love how the author portrayed grief, mental illness and other heavy topics. The side characters had their own role and complexity. The art was stunning, and I could not help but catch myself many times just admiring the panels. I still cannot believe this is a debut book and that makes me even more excited for new upcoming releases by them!
Especially because this graphic novel deals with topics that are hard to swallow, I do recommend checking the trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Suicide attempt, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Violence, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Eating disorder
xangemthelibrarian's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
4.75
Deb's story is one that will resonate with outsiders everywhere, but especially to those who struggle with their identities as Korean and American. Her story will resonate with people who have attempted suicide, who struggle with their mental health, and with those who have tough relationships with their parents.
IN LIMBO touched me. I do not share the struggle of not being able to relate to a national identity, but I struggle a lot with mental health. Since 16, I have spent more time wishing I was dead rather than enjoying being alive. And I really understand Deb here. I just want to give her teenage self a big hug and tell her it'll be okay. Because in the author's note at the end, it sounds like grown-up Deb really has reached a healthier place in her life where she takes care of herself.
To me, this is a story that is felt more than listened to, if that makes sense. Sometimes I had a hard time understanding what was really going on in some scenes because of the dialogue, but I felt the emotional impacts of the scenes clearly.
I think my favorite part of this graphic novel is just how gentle these heavy topics of identity, mental health, and suicide are treated. There's a certain sense of, as another reviewer stated, resilience that lends a strong sense of hope to this story, because Deb did make it. She survived to tell the story.
I don't know the author personally, but I can't help but feel so incredibly proud of her and happy for where she is now. Thank you for sharing your story, Deb.
IN LIMBO touched me. I do not share the struggle of not being able to relate to a national identity, but I struggle a lot with mental health. Since 16, I have spent more time wishing I was dead rather than enjoying being alive. And I really understand Deb here. I just want to give her teenage self a big hug and tell her it'll be okay. Because in the author's note at the end, it sounds like grown-up Deb really has reached a healthier place in her life where she takes care of herself.
To me, this is a story that is felt more than listened to, if that makes sense. Sometimes I had a hard time understanding what was really going on in some scenes because of the dialogue, but I felt the emotional impacts of the scenes clearly.
I think my favorite part of this graphic novel is just how gentle these heavy topics of identity, mental health, and suicide are treated. There's a certain sense of, as another reviewer stated, resilience that lends a strong sense of hope to this story, because Deb did make it. She survived to tell the story.
I don't know the author personally, but I can't help but feel so incredibly proud of her and happy for where she is now. Thank you for sharing your story, Deb.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Racism, Mental illness, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Body shaming
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
cozylifewithabby's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
The art style and coloring is simple with black, whites, and grays. The panels themselves play with perspective with interesting framing that helps you feel like you are in the author's head.
The story follows Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee an immigrant from South Korea who is trying to make sense of her identity as American & South Korean. She also deals with struggles with her sexuality, mental health, body image, and the relationship with her mother.
This book was much darker than I knew going in, so be aware that it deals with physical abuse and suicide attempts.
My only critique was some of the pacing and how abruptly it ended, but as it is a memoir she had to stop somewhere and I highly recommend it.
The art style and coloring is simple with black, whites, and grays. The panels themselves play with perspective with interesting framing that helps you feel like you are in the author's head.
The story follows Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee an immigrant from South Korea who is trying to make sense of her identity as American & South Korean. She also deals with struggles with her sexuality, mental health, body image, and the relationship with her mother.
This book was much darker than I knew going in, so be aware that it deals with physical abuse and suicide attempts.
My only critique was some of the pacing and how abruptly it ended, but as it is a memoir she had to stop somewhere and I highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria
Moderate: Physical abuse and Suicide attempt
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