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apricotjoy's reviews
331 reviews
It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
3.0
Mixed feelings about this one!
The art is incredible and she's very talented. I loved the mix of visual styles, loved feeling as if I could hear it in my mind. It was a vivid and animated reading experience. I also find it so interesting seeing how growing up on the internet clearly has an influence on visual storytelling and writing!
As someone who's struggled with these issues that she writes about here I came away feeling the narrative fell flat. Self-deprecation and self-hatred are still, even if they're negative feelings, self-focused; and even if you call yourself on that and label yourself as selfish from the beginning of a book, all of that self-awareness doesn't accomplish anything if that's still what you depict at the end.
It got close in the very last couple pages, with her saying we all need to ask how other people are, and that we all affect each other - because it's true! - but then the book was over, and I wish she had explored/shown that idea a bit more so we could have actually experienced her growth.
The art is incredible and she's very talented. I loved the mix of visual styles, loved feeling as if I could hear it in my mind. It was a vivid and animated reading experience. I also find it so interesting seeing how growing up on the internet clearly has an influence on visual storytelling and writing!
As someone who's struggled with these issues that she writes about here I came away feeling the narrative fell flat. Self-deprecation and self-hatred are still, even if they're negative feelings, self-focused; and even if you call yourself on that and label yourself as selfish from the beginning of a book, all of that self-awareness doesn't accomplish anything if that's still what you depict at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
π₯Ίπ
Severance by Ling Ma
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Unearthing: A Story of Tangled Love and Family Secrets by Kyo Maclear
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
incredible. such beautiful and lyrical writing; I highlighted practically half the book.
Mamo by Sas Milledge
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Stone Fruit by Lee Lai
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.5
bittersweet and feels so true. beautifully written and drawn.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0