Reviews with content warning for Suicidal thoughts - In Limbo

This book did its job well. Too well, actually. I left it feeling that same heaviness that pervades the entire book, basically feeling depressed. I knew this book was about mental health and the cultural reckoning that happens growing up an immigrant in America, but I guess I wasn't expecting it to be so graphic in certain ways. Honestly, I think this book is slightly mis-represented in the synopsis and marketing. First of all, it's marketed as a YA book, but it felt a lot more adult in terms of tone and content. Kids should definitely be allowed to read it, since a kid who's struggling with the same mental health and home life issues could see that they're not alone. But I strongly feel that on the whole, this isn't a YA book. Also, the synopsis makes it sound a lot more hopeful and lighthearted than it actually is?? There aren't many moments of levity to break through the gloom, so this book in reality is pretty dark. The author does such a good job of setting that mood, which covers every part of their life in a blue grey cloud. I wouldn't say that I liked it. But I actually don't think it's a book you're supposed to enjoy. I felt a sense of detachment from the story since the author themselves was so detached from their life and emotions due to trauma. Because of that it's not a story that could ever be a favorite for me or that I'd ever want to read again, even though graphic memoir is my thing. All in all, it is a well done book, but it isn't for everyone. If you get triggered by reading about graphic depictions of suicide attempts, depression, self harm, and child abuse, this isn't for you.

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matildahasopinions's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

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lprongs's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

I'm glad this exists because I think the author needed to write it, and I think a lot of people probably need to read it. It didn't really click with me though - I struggled to follow the thread of a lot of the more jumbled panel compositions, and I often felt like I couldn't quite figure out what the author was trying to say/show, even when it felt very important. However, this book was not written for me.

I will also say that a lot of my own trauma from severe depression, a suicide attempt, and an unstable, formative relationship with my own mother informed a lot of my response to this book. It made me uncomfortable in a bad way and reminded me of things I'd rather stay forgotten. I think if I'd read this a few years ago, before I moved back in with my parents, I would have enjoyed it more. Now it's a little too close to home, and I think that prevented me from really sinking into it and understanding more of it as I kept a lot of it at arm's length in my head.

It was not an enjoyable read, and like most memoirs, it feels wrong to rate it. But I do think it's a valuable addition to the world: it introduces and discusses some very complex and important topics, the art was beautiful, and the inclusion of Korean was cleverly done.

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librariana's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

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dauhns_booklist's review

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This book is stunning. I was so deeply moved reading it, I don’t think I’ve ever been this emotional from a graphic novel before. The illustrations are so detailed, expressive, and alive. All the references to Korean culture had me feeling nostalgic but also triggered, and the anti-Asian racism that young Deborah (Jung-Jin) went through tore my heart apart. I could feel the pain and fear and shame in my bones.

IN LIMBO addresses dark themes such as depression, violence, bullying, trauma, and attempted suicide. But it’s also about the all-too-familiar themes of coming of age, friendship, and the insecurities of a teenager. I’ve been really appreciative lately of books that address mental health in the Asian-American community, I think it’s extremely important that there is more representation and exposure.

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robinks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

5.0

This is such a moving memoir about family, mental health, and evolving friendships. The illustrations and color palette are also beautiful, with a combination of comic and realistic art.

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ptibouh's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

5.0

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