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sabesaw's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
panda_incognito's review against another edition
4.0
This is very well-written, and the art style visualizes the author's external and internal worlds at different ages, exploring experiences with feeling "other," struggling with angry outbursts, and dealing with social isolation and bullying at school. This graphic novel memoir can be hard to read at times and definitely warrants trigger warnings, but this is a powerful read for teens and adults. I also appreciate the author's introspection, nuance, and empathy for others while dealing with so many highly charged issues.
bookswithcesco's review
5.0
Monstrous is a viscerally moving graphic memoir about being a minority in America in the late 90s and early 2000s. Sarah’s story is raw and accurately represents the literal monsters/inner demons that one faces when their mental health is suffering.
This memoir was unsettlingly relatable at many points because of my own similarly lived experiences. Absolutely recommend this for anyone looking to pick up a nonfiction graphic novel.
Also Sarah’s illustrations are stunning. I’m going to need more asap. Thank you.
This memoir was unsettlingly relatable at many points because of my own similarly lived experiences. Absolutely recommend this for anyone looking to pick up a nonfiction graphic novel.
Also Sarah’s illustrations are stunning. I’m going to need more asap. Thank you.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Yes, the gods have blessed me! I was allowed to read a new First Second book! offers some chocolate as gratitude.
This was an amazing graphic novel about growing up, anxiety, mental health, adoption, racism (I wanted to yeet people so damn hard), figuring out identity, being queer, and much more. We see our MC from when she was tiny to adult. You really see her grow up.
I loved her parents, who were supportive and were there for her (I loved how her mom was all kind and trying to help her and her father just says this at one point when talking with her about school: That racist little fucker, I just snorted, I am sorry, but go dad). I loved how they talked to her, gave her advice, helped her in any way they could, and more.
My heart broke so many times and I cried a few times.
The art was really good and I love the style, especially when she showed her inner feelings, monsters and scary things. I could really relate. Also with being boisterous and loud and over the top to hide feelings/not sure how to express your feelings.
I loved that she loves anime. From Sailor Moon to Pokemon to Evangelion (well, OK, this one I still need to watch after being an anime fan for years, but I am just not that big on mecha and I heard stories about the story so I will really need to find a moment that I am well enough to watch). I loved that she kept on watching and drawing despite everything. And that she was able to go to cons.
I would highly recommend this book, but be sure to bring tissues. You will need them.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Yes, the gods have blessed me! I was allowed to read a new First Second book! offers some chocolate as gratitude.
This was an amazing graphic novel about growing up, anxiety, mental health, adoption, racism (I wanted to yeet people so damn hard), figuring out identity, being queer, and much more. We see our MC from when she was tiny to adult. You really see her grow up.
I loved her parents, who were supportive and were there for her (I loved how her mom was all kind and trying to help her and her father just says this at one point when talking with her about school: That racist little fucker, I just snorted, I am sorry, but go dad). I loved how they talked to her, gave her advice, helped her in any way they could, and more.
My heart broke so many times and I cried a few times.
The art was really good and I love the style, especially when she showed her inner feelings, monsters and scary things. I could really relate. Also with being boisterous and loud and over the top to hide feelings/not sure how to express your feelings.
I loved that she loves anime. From Sailor Moon to Pokemon to Evangelion (well, OK, this one I still need to watch after being an anime fan for years, but I am just not that big on mecha and I heard stories about the story so I will really need to find a moment that I am well enough to watch). I loved that she kept on watching and drawing despite everything. And that she was able to go to cons.
I would highly recommend this book, but be sure to bring tissues. You will need them.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
raheadley's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
meanthumb's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
to be ASIAN, GAY, a THEATER KID, and a WEEB in rural America in the 80s/90s??? sarah - you are stronger than i will ever be.
great read! read it in 2 days all at work!!
great read! read it in 2 days all at work!!
brogan7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I didn't know much about this book when I requested it from the library, and to be honest, the cover was a little off-putting (because it seemed racist in itself?). However, Monstrous is a beautiful, complex, difficult story of growing up, being different, dealing with racism, choosing one's path.
You can't help but root for energetic, wild, zappy Sarah Myer as a child...even if she gets a little out-of-control, sometimes, a little over-dramatic and attention-seeking, and oh yes, sometimes a little violent. But as Sarah grows up, the adopted ethnically Korean daughter of a white couple of German heritage in rural Maryland, things get complicated. "Fitting in" is hard to do...and "being who she is" sometimes feels like...being a monster?
What I like about this book is that it was honest in depicting a person's growth process, mistakes and all.
You can't help but root for energetic, wild, zappy Sarah Myer as a child...even if she gets a little out-of-control, sometimes, a little over-dramatic and attention-seeking, and oh yes, sometimes a little violent. But as Sarah grows up, the adopted ethnically Korean daughter of a white couple of German heritage in rural Maryland, things get complicated. "Fitting in" is hard to do...and "being who she is" sometimes feels like...being a monster?
What I like about this book is that it was honest in depicting a person's growth process, mistakes and all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Lesbophobia