kspear22's review against another edition
5.0
GAH!!!!
I just finished this a few minutes ago and have been struck dumb by the sheer brilliance of this story. I was afraid that I would be disappointed. But, man...I am in awe.
It has been a long time since I've felt this way about a book. It's been a long time since I wished a book didn't have to end. And that's pretty crazy considering the emotional depth of Eliza and Her Monsters. But I was captivated. Consumed. Enthralled.
To be honest, I didn't expect it to feel this way. I can't even put it all into words. I loved Eliza. She's so alive in a way that most characters strive for but always fall short of. I related to many aspects of how she felt about herself and the world around her. And at times, I felt absolutely gutted by how she perceived herself. She really took flight when Wallace came into the picture. I could see a change in her. She still held back, but she was opening up to someone in person. And that was HUGE.
I'm not going to lie---I was frustrated by her actions at times, too. I hated that she couldn't/wouldn't tell Wallace the truth. ESPECIALLY AFTER HE OPENED UP TO HER!!! I tried to see it from her point of view, but, it's difficult unless you have the same mindset. She didn't grasp how her lack of honesty could affect someone she cared about. And when it all came crashing down...well, that was almost unbearable.
This is where the story gets tough. Brutal and honest. No less gripping, though. As Eliza tries to deal with her monsters alone, it's clear to readers that she needs outside help. There's more going on than she is even aware of. Reading it was hard enough, so I cannot imagine living it. I wanted to go into the book and hug her. Or beg her to talk to someone. There's a scene at the end (which I won't spoil) that had my stomach lurching. I was so afraid that my fears about Eliza would come to fruition. And I didn't know how I'd handle that kind of ending. Because by now, she was MY friend.
This story is poignant. Something that's incredibly important and should be experienced by all. The formatting: the comics, IMs, texts, notes, etc. are just an added bonus. And they often added humorous elements. I really loved every character from Eliza to Wallace to Em to Max---even Sully and Church grew on me by the end! The family dynamic plays a huge part in the story. Eliza and Her Monsters is an outstanding look at mental health/illness. Not only in showing us from the affected person's point of view, but also the perspectives of loved ones. Easily the best book I've read so far in 2017, I have no doubt it will remain in the top 5 by December.
I just finished this a few minutes ago and have been struck dumb by the sheer brilliance of this story. I was afraid that I would be disappointed. But, man...I am in awe.
It has been a long time since I've felt this way about a book. It's been a long time since I wished a book didn't have to end. And that's pretty crazy considering the emotional depth of Eliza and Her Monsters. But I was captivated. Consumed. Enthralled.
To be honest, I didn't expect it to feel this way. I can't even put it all into words. I loved Eliza. She's so alive in a way that most characters strive for but always fall short of. I related to many aspects of how she felt about herself and the world around her. And at times, I felt absolutely gutted by how she perceived herself. She really took flight when Wallace came into the picture. I could see a change in her. She still held back, but she was opening up to someone in person. And that was HUGE.
I'm not going to lie---I was frustrated by her actions at times, too. I hated that she couldn't/wouldn't tell Wallace the truth. ESPECIALLY AFTER HE OPENED UP TO HER!!! I tried to see it from her point of view, but, it's difficult unless you have the same mindset. She didn't grasp how her lack of honesty could affect someone she cared about. And when it all came crashing down...well, that was almost unbearable.
This is where the story gets tough. Brutal and honest. No less gripping, though. As Eliza tries to deal with her monsters alone, it's clear to readers that she needs outside help. There's more going on than she is even aware of. Reading it was hard enough, so I cannot imagine living it. I wanted to go into the book and hug her. Or beg her to talk to someone. There's a scene at the end (which I won't spoil) that had my stomach lurching. I was so afraid that my fears about Eliza would come to fruition. And I didn't know how I'd handle that kind of ending. Because by now, she was MY friend.
This story is poignant. Something that's incredibly important and should be experienced by all. The formatting: the comics, IMs, texts, notes, etc. are just an added bonus. And they often added humorous elements. I really loved every character from Eliza to Wallace to Em to Max---even Sully and Church grew on me by the end! The family dynamic plays a huge part in the story. Eliza and Her Monsters is an outstanding look at mental health/illness. Not only in showing us from the affected person's point of view, but also the perspectives of loved ones. Easily the best book I've read so far in 2017, I have no doubt it will remain in the top 5 by December.
emma3257's review against another edition
4.0
*4 STARS*
Synopsis;
Eliza Mirk is an average teenage girl. Aside from the fact that she owns a giant webcomic. And when I say giant, I mean giant. 'Monstrous Sea' has millions of readers. Eliza just wants to be normal, so she keeps it a secret. But when the webcomics most popular fanfiction writer transfers to Eliza's high school and they befriend each other, should Eliza reveal who she is? And how will it effect their relationship and the fandom itself?
My Opinion;
This was hella cute. This was just overall a fun read. I found myself always wanting to pick this book up and dive into the story. I do, of course have an issue with it.
My biggest issue was the main character, Eliza. I just found her to be so incredibly negative and selfish. Her parents just wanted her to be happy, and all she would do is be rude to them and act like she didn't want to be around them. She didn't give a shit about her brothers. The way she talked about the people she goes to school with made her sound like she thought she was above them for being into anime and webcomics instead of football and shopping. "A homecoming banner decorates the mouth of the hallway, reminding students to buy tickets for the football game this Friday night. Someone put that banner up there. God, someone MADE that banner. Someone painted it and everything." Just shut up and let people got to the damn game.
Synopsis;
Eliza Mirk is an average teenage girl. Aside from the fact that she owns a giant webcomic. And when I say giant, I mean giant. 'Monstrous Sea' has millions of readers. Eliza just wants to be normal, so she keeps it a secret. But when the webcomics most popular fanfiction writer transfers to Eliza's high school and they befriend each other, should Eliza reveal who she is? And how will it effect their relationship and the fandom itself?
My Opinion;
This was hella cute. This was just overall a fun read. I found myself always wanting to pick this book up and dive into the story. I do, of course have an issue with it.
My biggest issue was the main character, Eliza. I just found her to be so incredibly negative and selfish. Her parents just wanted her to be happy, and all she would do is be rude to them and act like she didn't want to be around them. She didn't give a shit about her brothers. The way she talked about the people she goes to school with made her sound like she thought she was above them for being into anime and webcomics instead of football and shopping. "A homecoming banner decorates the mouth of the hallway, reminding students to buy tickets for the football game this Friday night. Someone put that banner up there. God, someone MADE that banner. Someone painted it and everything." Just shut up and let people got to the damn game.
didsomeonesayviolin's review against another edition
2.0
I hate disappointing books. Not that I hate them books themselves, but I hte the feeling.
I was so excited to pick this one up, my favourite BookTubers recommended it A LOT, the reviews are great and after reading a few contemporaries already, I thought I'd love this one as well.
It's not that I had a problem with it. The writing style was not bad - undisturbing and easy to read, but also like, nothing flattering. The characters were interesting enough. The plot was realistic, the pace of it comfortable - so we're did it all go wrong? I've been sling myself that question a lot since yesterday.
A) it may be the fact that there weren't many situations which Eliza would have been relatable, and in places she could have been, I disagreed with her (like her behaviour with her brothers - I know it was her character, but I couldn't bring myself to muster enough understanding, unfortunately).
B) let's talk about Wallace's behaviour at the end. Or let's better not.
C) in the society I live in, mental health is still a stigma and we don't talk about it. I'm sorry for that. Maybe if I did, I could have understood better. I found those anxiety scenes very realistic, especially that I felt a little anxietic afterwards too, but I've never met a real person with anxiety and... Yeah. I can totally see why people gave this book 5 stars and why it means so much to them, I'm sure that if I read a book like this with depression or anorexia in it instead of anxiety, I would've been obsessed, because I could relate.
All in all, the book was quite enjoyable, realistic and touching (for some people). I'd definitely recommend it, to everyone, frankly, and I'm glad I read it, because it gave me a little insight into what anxiety can be. Unfortunately I cannot give it five stars, as there isn't, in my opinion, anything that deserves them.
→1.75 stars
I was so excited to pick this one up, my favourite BookTubers recommended it A LOT, the reviews are great and after reading a few contemporaries already, I thought I'd love this one as well.
It's not that I had a problem with it. The writing style was not bad - undisturbing and easy to read, but also like, nothing flattering. The characters were interesting enough. The plot was realistic, the pace of it comfortable - so we're did it all go wrong? I've been sling myself that question a lot since yesterday.
A) it may be the fact that there weren't many situations which Eliza would have been relatable, and in places she could have been, I disagreed with her (like her behaviour with her brothers - I know it was her character, but I couldn't bring myself to muster enough understanding, unfortunately).
B) let's talk about Wallace's behaviour at the end. Or let's better not.
C) in the society I live in, mental health is still a stigma and we don't talk about it. I'm sorry for that. Maybe if I did, I could have understood better. I found those anxiety scenes very realistic, especially that I felt a little anxietic afterwards too, but I've never met a real person with anxiety and... Yeah. I can totally see why people gave this book 5 stars and why it means so much to them, I'm sure that if I read a book like this with depression or anorexia in it instead of anxiety, I would've been obsessed, because I could relate.
All in all, the book was quite enjoyable, realistic and touching (for some people). I'd definitely recommend it, to everyone, frankly, and I'm glad I read it, because it gave me a little insight into what anxiety can be. Unfortunately I cannot give it five stars, as there isn't, in my opinion, anything that deserves them.
→1.75 stars
soofdevos's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kirstysbookishworld's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t know what I expected going into this, but I didn’t expect to curl up on my bed and cry while I read it. That scenes on the cliff just broke my damned heart.
The quotes about fandom and the way it builds up this passion inside you is so true that the very heart of me sequel for finally being understood. The whole message that fandom is easier than IRL because it does affect your real life and you don’t have to deal with real people. is so true.
I also loved the message that an artist is not her work and that just because artists put themselves out there doesn’t mean they own us anything. They get to have real human problems and create their work at their own pace or not at all. We don’t get to dictate their medium.
I love that this shows online friendships with just as much passion as real life ones. I love that being a fan of something doesn’t make you weird or awkward or a nerd. But also that having a family that doesn’t understand may be because you haven’t taken the time to fully explain yourself but that explaining yourself and your feelings can be so unbearable you panic.
The moments between our MCs were so cute and adorable. But one thing I didn’t like was when he made her needing to finish the comic about him and his needs. That pissed me off. But I get it and he did make up for it.
There was a lot about this book I loved that I could talk for days.
“You found me in a constellation”
The quotes about fandom and the way it builds up this passion inside you is so true that the very heart of me sequel for finally being understood. The whole message that fandom is easier than IRL because it does affect your real life and you don’t have to deal with real people. is so true.
I also loved the message that an artist is not her work and that just because artists put themselves out there doesn’t mean they own us anything. They get to have real human problems and create their work at their own pace or not at all. We don’t get to dictate their medium.
I love that this shows online friendships with just as much passion as real life ones. I love that being a fan of something doesn’t make you weird or awkward or a nerd. But also that having a family that doesn’t understand may be because you haven’t taken the time to fully explain yourself but that explaining yourself and your feelings can be so unbearable you panic.
The moments between our MCs were so cute and adorable. But one thing I didn’t like was when he made her needing to finish the comic about him and his needs. That pissed me off. But I get it and he did make up for it.
There was a lot about this book I loved that I could talk for days.
“You found me in a constellation”
gkerr05's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
belle_fiction's review against another edition
5.0
You know a book is good when it's nearly 400 pages long and you read it in three days!!!
I loved this book so so much. The writing was pure quality and incredibly easy to get into. I ADORED the characters (Eliza Mirk and Wallace Warland) and really believed in their relationship (which is how all YA authors should approach writing relationships!)
I could also really relate to Eliza who is shy, awkward and introverted and who loves nothing more than to invest her time creating the incredibly popular web comic, Monstrous Sea. We get to know her hopes and her fears, her loves and losses - she is a well-rounded and completely fleshed out character who I loved. Equally, I loved Wallace too - a fanfiction writer of Eliza's web comic (who is oblivious to the fact she is the creator); he is cute and funny and perfect for Eliza.
Overall, a wonderful and heart-wrenching read which forces you to address the important things in life and the decisions you choose to make. It's for creative types everywhere! Beautiful and brilliant! 5 stars!
I loved this book so so much. The writing was pure quality and incredibly easy to get into. I ADORED the characters (Eliza Mirk and Wallace Warland) and really believed in their relationship (which is how all YA authors should approach writing relationships!)
I could also really relate to Eliza who is shy, awkward and introverted and who loves nothing more than to invest her time creating the incredibly popular web comic, Monstrous Sea. We get to know her hopes and her fears, her loves and losses - she is a well-rounded and completely fleshed out character who I loved. Equally, I loved Wallace too - a fanfiction writer of Eliza's web comic (who is oblivious to the fact she is the creator); he is cute and funny and perfect for Eliza.
Overall, a wonderful and heart-wrenching read which forces you to address the important things in life and the decisions you choose to make. It's for creative types everywhere! Beautiful and brilliant! 5 stars!
dani17731's review against another edition
5.0
Eliza reminds me so much of myself, as a teen and even now. I appreciate that Eliza’s issues are not just instantly resolved, and the author did a good job of portraying the feeling of hopelessness. I really enjoyed this book. Definitely recommended!
aishwaryadeengar's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I really wasn't into it until I reached the third chapter, but after that it was great!
I had read Francesca Zappia's previous book "Made you up" and it was amazing. This book is impressive in its own way. The story revolves around a teenager, Eliza Mirk who has created the web comic Monstrous Sea under the alias LadyConstellation. Her family life remains at unease and her social life is nonexistent. When her secret is out everything around her crashes down including her confidence and motivation to finish the web comic.
The author has dealt with mental health as beautifully as she did in her previous book. I wish I had more idea of what was going on in the web comic otherwise it was an awesome book!
I really wasn't into it until I reached the third chapter, but after that it was great!
I had read Francesca Zappia's previous book "Made you up" and it was amazing. This book is impressive in its own way. The story revolves around a teenager, Eliza Mirk who has created the web comic Monstrous Sea under the alias LadyConstellation. Her family life remains at unease and her social life is nonexistent. When her secret is out everything around her crashes down including her confidence and motivation to finish the web comic.
The author has dealt with mental health as beautifully as she did in her previous book. I wish I had more idea of what was going on in the web comic otherwise it was an awesome book!
melindagallagher's review against another edition
4.0
Eliza is a likable girl with a lot of social anxiety and depression. She would prefer to draw her very famous online webcomic. She meets Wallace, a fanfiction writer and blogger on the fan forums. As they learn to trust each other (sometimes through much pain) they learn that monsters can be real but they can conquer them with help from themselves and others. Give this book to those who like fan fiction, digital art, and geekdom.