A review by xangemthelibrarian
In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
4.75
Deb's story is one that will resonate with outsiders everywhere, but especially to those who struggle with their identities as Korean and American. Her story will resonate with people who have attempted suicide, who struggle with their mental health, and with those who have tough relationships with their parents.
IN LIMBO touched me. I do not share the struggle of not being able to relate to a national identity, but I struggle a lot with mental health. Since 16, I have spent more time wishing I was dead rather than enjoying being alive. And I really understand Deb here. I just want to give her teenage self a big hug and tell her it'll be okay. Because in the author's note at the end, it sounds like grown-up Deb really has reached a healthier place in her life where she takes care of herself.
To me, this is a story that is felt more than listened to, if that makes sense. Sometimes I had a hard time understanding what was really going on in some scenes because of the dialogue, but I felt the emotional impacts of the scenes clearly.
I think my favorite part of this graphic novel is just how gentle these heavy topics of identity, mental health, and suicide are treated. There's a certain sense of, as another reviewer stated, resilience that lends a strong sense of hope to this story, because Deb did make it. She survived to tell the story.
I don't know the author personally, but I can't help but feel so incredibly proud of her and happy for where she is now. Thank you for sharing your story, Deb.
IN LIMBO touched me. I do not share the struggle of not being able to relate to a national identity, but I struggle a lot with mental health. Since 16, I have spent more time wishing I was dead rather than enjoying being alive. And I really understand Deb here. I just want to give her teenage self a big hug and tell her it'll be okay. Because in the author's note at the end, it sounds like grown-up Deb really has reached a healthier place in her life where she takes care of herself.
To me, this is a story that is felt more than listened to, if that makes sense. Sometimes I had a hard time understanding what was really going on in some scenes because of the dialogue, but I felt the emotional impacts of the scenes clearly.
I think my favorite part of this graphic novel is just how gentle these heavy topics of identity, mental health, and suicide are treated. There's a certain sense of, as another reviewer stated, resilience that lends a strong sense of hope to this story, because Deb did make it. She survived to tell the story.
I don't know the author personally, but I can't help but feel so incredibly proud of her and happy for where she is now. Thank you for sharing your story, Deb.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Racism, Mental illness, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Body shaming