bunix's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This graphic novel was much different from what I expected. I got rather emotional in the end as I somewhat relate to her story. The novel was a book that showed me that sometimes the flaws of parents aren’t intentional and that sometimes it can just be their form of showing us love. Even through all of this I really enjoyed the story and like how they made the story about her without using romance/crush to be a big part.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Mental illness
Moderate: Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, and Body shaming
Minor: Death of parent
bookpotato's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
astrawitch's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
emmaopaline's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Grief, and Death of parent
citadel_luna'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
syntaxx's review
3.0
Miigweetch NetGalley and First Second Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. I was drawn to this book because of the cover and title, but stayed for the description. This delicately illustrated graphic novel centers on high-schooler Valerie Chun and her disordered eating. Valerie strives to be obedient and a good daughter, however, her mother often exhibits abusive behavior towards Valerie and has a particularly toxic relationship with food. It is inferred that this is what has led to Valerie’s eating disorder. The book deals with disordered eating graphically and head-on, it is very real, and could potentially be triggering for those still in or recently in recovery. Later on, Valerie loses an important person in her life to a tragic accident, however, the resolution of her grief never is really dealt with, or if it is, it happens off page and the reader is not privy to it. This is a weakness of the storytelling that I would have liked to see fleshed out more as I think it could have been very impactful. This is a heavy book and while I enjoyed it, it’s unlikely I would read it again in the near future. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys graphic novels or manga that deals with mental health and dysfunctional family dynamics.
relaxsky's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
happyreadingwatching's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Hungry Ghost
Book by Victoria Ying
Book by Victoria Ying
First, I'm going to add the Trigger Warnings here before my review.
Eating disorder and grief are what the plot is about. So please take care before picking this one up.
PROS:
◇The Art
◇The friendships
◇Val (main character)
◇The Art
◇The friendships
◇Val (main character)
CONS:
◇Wish that the character(s) got professional help. With things as big as the death of a loved one and an eating disorder (for most of one's life), professional assistance is much needed. Even if it was just for a very short time. I do understand that isn't the case for all in real life, but it could have been helpful for readers who might be going through something similar.
◇Wish that the character(s) got professional help. With things as big as the death of a loved one and an eating disorder (for most of one's life), professional assistance is much needed. Even if it was just for a very short time. I do understand that isn't the case for all in real life, but it could have been helpful for readers who might be going through something similar.
Overall, I'm glad I picked it up from my public library.
Reread? No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit, Eating disorder, and Death
vsheaberry's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
annamarie98's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautiful story, stunning artwork, wonderful story about the struggles of dealing with an eating disorder and parents that are trying their best but constantly fucking up. I especially appreciate the mother and daughter’s relationship because although I don’t struggle with eating, I do struggle with my mum in a lot of similar ways and it was amazing to see it written so perfectly and not to have the mother totally villainized. Beautiful story, wonderful quick read.