Scan barcode
ness's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
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
inkdrinkeranonymous's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
In Limbo hit very close to home regarding identity and mental health struggles. It was a very heavy book. The ending was very beautiful and moving.
At times the order of events felt a bit disjointed and confusing.
Overall, In Limbo was a solid book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Self harm, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Cursing, Suicide attempt, Grief, Racial slurs, and Suicidal thoughts
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
More...