Title: Monstrous
Author: Sarah Myer
Publisher: First Second
Publication date: June 27, 2023
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Summary
Growing up in a rural community wasn’t easy for Sarah. Born in South Korea and adopted by white parents, she’s never really felt like she fit in. She wasn’t quiet like her sister, and she was desperate to get her classmates to like her. Thus, she turns to art, the only thing that seems to make her fellow peers like her.
Art and cartoons and anime are a theme as Sarah grows up, always going back to those things to find her safe place. As she moves to high school, the bullies get bolder and bolder, the darkness threatens to take over. But it’s art and anime that also help her find her people in high school. And show her that maybe, she’s not so much of an outcast after all.
Review: Monstrous
Thanks to First Second and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Monstrous by Sarah Myer to review! Graphic Novel memoirs seem to be the trend this summer, becuase I think this is the third or fourth I’ve read in the last few weeks. And I think they’re great! Myer’s book might be about adoption, but there are so many elements in this book that teens will also be able to relate to.
One of my favorite things about this book is seeing how Myer’s relationship with their dad stayed strong throughout. In fact, their dad even gets into anime, going to conventions with them and everything. It’s so sweet! Especially when Sarah is ostracized for her love of cartoons and anime in the book. Little did they know anime would become so popular now in 2023!
The art in this book is also outstanding. Using the monster theme, Myer shows how those negative emotions crept up on them throughout their childhood. Due to the fact that so many people were just so awful to them. There is a lot of homophobia and racism in this book, so just be warned if that’s something that’s triggering to you.
All in all, this is a powerful book about finding your safe place and finally getting the chance to just be yourself.
4/5 stars