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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.
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
here_lies_lanie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
kidlitlove's review against another edition
5.0
WOW~ Sarah Myer takes us back to what life was like as an adopted Korean child in a very white, narrowed viewed town. There is a lot of racism and homophobia that Sarah experiences. From this, Sarah grew angry and at times violent. Anime, drawing, theater and a few friends kept Sarah going all through junior high and high school.
The art and text really took me back to many of the times that I experienced bullying. The book ends on a very hopeful note.
The art and text really took me back to many of the times that I experienced bullying. The book ends on a very hopeful note.