Guts
4 journalers for this copy...
I really enjoy Telgemeier's work, and this one was no exception! My only regret is that I tore through it so quickly. I tried to slow myself down, but I was so caught up in the story and the art and lettering are so crisp and clear that I just sailed right through.
As with most of Telgemeier's books, this one covers autobiographical material concerning her experiences growing up. Although I didn't face Raina's exact challenges in my own childhood, I could still relate to many of her experiences. I sincerely hope she keeps writing and drawing!
As with most of Telgemeier's books, this one covers autobiographical material concerning her experiences growing up. Although I didn't face Raina's exact challenges in my own childhood, I could still relate to many of her experiences. I sincerely hope she keeps writing and drawing!
Journal Entry 2 by ReallyBookish at Manga/Graphic Novel/Comics Bookbox, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Released 6 mos ago (6/8/2023 UTC) at Manga/Graphic Novel/Comics Bookbox, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Adding to the Manga/Graphic Novel/Comics Bookbox 2023.
I've read this one, so I'm leaving it in the box for someone else, but wanted to add my comments.
I've enjoyed all of Telgemeier's work, including Drama. This book looks to be a companion book to the author's autobiographical Smile, featuring the author and her family as the characters.
The focus here is on uncomfortable and/or embarrassing digestive issues, whether it's her first away-from-home upset stomach (learning how to throw up - one of those life-changing moments that don't seem to make it to the greeting-card section) or speaking-in-public nerves that lead to yet more stomach upset. At first it's rather amusing, but Raina's situation gets bad enough that she's having health problems, and has to see a therapist. The way this is introduced and carried out is very good, showing Raina's worry and reluctance to talk, her parents (and therapist) being patient about it and giving her time to open up, and her gradual acquisition of the coping methods her therapist teaches her.
The story's not all about that, of course; in between therapy sessions she still has to go to school, find things to worry about, and get medical checkups whenever her stomach acts up. Eventually she's diagnosed with IBS, with the helpful nurse suggesting that she avoid stress - cue Raina and her mother cracking up! If only it were that easy, right?
There are other plotlines, such as Raina's best friend moving away, a former bully trying to make amends, etc. And in one high point, Raina's at a sleepover - a traumatic situation for her anyway - and is bold enough to admit she's been seeing a therapist, at which point nearly everybody else either admits to having had therapy themselves or had a family member who did. Great relief to our heroine!
[There's a TV Tropes page on the book, with some entertaining tidbits.]
I've enjoyed all of Telgemeier's work, including Drama. This book looks to be a companion book to the author's autobiographical Smile, featuring the author and her family as the characters.
The focus here is on uncomfortable and/or embarrassing digestive issues, whether it's her first away-from-home upset stomach (learning how to throw up - one of those life-changing moments that don't seem to make it to the greeting-card section) or speaking-in-public nerves that lead to yet more stomach upset. At first it's rather amusing, but Raina's situation gets bad enough that she's having health problems, and has to see a therapist. The way this is introduced and carried out is very good, showing Raina's worry and reluctance to talk, her parents (and therapist) being patient about it and giving her time to open up, and her gradual acquisition of the coping methods her therapist teaches her.
The story's not all about that, of course; in between therapy sessions she still has to go to school, find things to worry about, and get medical checkups whenever her stomach acts up. Eventually she's diagnosed with IBS, with the helpful nurse suggesting that she avoid stress - cue Raina and her mother cracking up! If only it were that easy, right?
There are other plotlines, such as Raina's best friend moving away, a former bully trying to make amends, etc. And in one high point, Raina's at a sleepover - a traumatic situation for her anyway - and is bold enough to admit she's been seeing a therapist, at which point nearly everybody else either admits to having had therapy themselves or had a family member who did. Great relief to our heroine!
[There's a TV Tropes page on the book, with some entertaining tidbits.]
I love Reina's books. They are great for teenagers to help ease them through the turmoils of adolescence, and for adults to reminiscent about the bitter-sweet years of growing up. So glad to actually find two of her books in the box! I've read Ghosts already but this one is new to me. Thanks for sharing.
