*E-ARC provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I really appreciated how candid this author was about her mental health struggles. I found this book very relatable and at times funny. I also like her art style. I the only other thing I would have wanted would have to felt even more connected to the main character.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the arc.

One of the most validating things I've read. This graphic novel provides a raw and honest insight into the life of someone who is neurodivergent, as well as how life can look with anxiety and depression.

The illustrations were brilliant and really captured what it can be like living with ADHD/autism/mental health struggles. I found myself looking at some of the spreads and thinking "that's me!! I've never been able to explain it before" and I imagine so many others will feel similarly.

I would definitely be mindful of your headspace when reading this, while incredibly validating it may be difficult if you're in a depressive episode! (My one wish for this was that it provided more hope!)

Available June 25.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This collection of comics portrays what it's like for the author as someone who is neurodivergent, had ADHD, and lives with mental health issues. Though these are her experiences, I felt like I was being represented in so many of these pages. I had so many moments of feeling seen while reading this, and I feel like so many others will feel the same way!

Out June 25th!!!

This was ok. I love the art.
As someone who is also ND, I found this quite bleak to read. It’s really informative which will be great for those who want to understand more about how overwhelming ‘simple’ things can be when you’re ND. This is by no means a bad book, but personally, I didn’t enjoy reading it.

Thank you to Netgalley the Publisher, of Andrews McMeel Publishing, and the author Bex Ollberton for providing and allowing me to review this book. Which, I'm giving my honest and sincere review.

"Lavender Clouds" by Bex Ollerton is a moving collection of autobiographical comics that explores mental health and the struggle to make a difference while battling inner turmoil. The artwork is breathtaking, filled with vibrant colors and intricate details.

Through personal stories, Ollerton candidly depicts the emotional weight of living with mental health challenges. Despite the heaviness of the subject, there's a hopeful undertone that shines through. In essence, "Lavender Clouds" is a poignant reminder of resilience and the healing potential of self-expression through art.

3.75

Neuro-spicy bitches unite. depressing but relatable. cute illustration style. could have been shorter.

Lavender Clouds is a graphic novel collection of short comics that portray Ollerton’s experience of dealing with the many trials that come with their neurodivergence. The author’s perspective is honest, sometimes painful, but often humorous, giving readers - both neurodivergent and neurotypical - great insight into the kind of lives neurodivergent people may lead, and how they can feel less alone in their similar feelings.

While providing great perspective into the diverse layers of one’s neurodivergent experience, along with beautiful artwork and a calming color palette, the lack of organization of the comics within this graphic novel format made the musings a bit repetitive and less impactful. I wish there had been sections to help break up each comic into cohesive thoughts and topics. It was also difficult to tell when one comic ended and the next began. Some ideas were explored over multiple pages, while most filled a single page before moving onto the next topic. Since these were originally published as single comics, these are likely better read a few at a time rather than all the way through in one sitting. Still, it’s clear that these comics, no matter how they are read, will help many readers feel seen in their shared experiences.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC.

💜Lavender Clouds ☁️ by Bex Ollerton @Schnumn
Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC, this is my honest review!
My thoughts: This comic was really cute, and full of super relateable collection of illustrations. Almost every page made me think “Same!”
One that was my favorite, was about how enforcing a boundary can make me feel like an asshole. It really makes you feel like your feelings are unreasonable and asking for too much, when in reality your feelings are actually valid and anyone who disrespects the boundaries are the assholes. I also really related to the constant feeling of wanting to become a better version of myself and feeling lost as to where to start. I really enjoyed this comic book. Although I do feel like it focused a bit much on the negative perspectives, I still found it pretty relateable and sometimes it feels good to know I’m not alone with these feelings. ❤️‍🩹
#LavenderClouds #NetGalley

Lavender Cloud features comics about being neurodivergent and suffering from mental illness. I related to a lot of the comics, almost all of them, actually. I enjoyed how honest and raw the emotions were that I felt coming through the page, however, I did not like having to wait until the last ten or so pages to have some relief from the negative emotions. Overall well written and the art style is beautifully simple, keeping balance with the harder subject matter being explained.

This book summarises so many struggles and experiences I have with mental illness. Some pages were like being given a warm hug while others made you (gently) reflect on some of your behaviours that may not be the most beneficial all while maintaining a hopeful outlook, or that was my experience. I absolutely love the art style, her cartoon character was so cute and I loved the colour palette she used. I’ll be buying a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf for when things get rough and I need a reminder I’m not alone in my struggles. Highly recommend :)

I have seen the author's work on social media before and it has always struck me as insightful and candid, so I was very happy for the opportunity to read this collection of comics on the topic of mental health.

Don't be fooled by the pastel color palette in this comic anthology. The topics in Lavender Clouds can be heavy at times, and despite the pretty packaging, the rough details aren't glossed over. I always appreciate it when people speak of their experience and add to the mental health conversation, in hopes that someday this will truly be destigmatized and everyone gets the care and grace they deserve when facing mental health crises.

If you're into candid slice-of-life comics focused on neurodivergence and mental health, or you're a fan of the author already, give this a go!

✨ Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! :) As someone who does suffer with their mental health at times, I really related to a lot of these comics. I think that you need to see the lighter side alongside anxiety and depression in order to survive it and Lavender Clouds really sees that side of it but never brushes it aside - mental health can be hard but...
A. it's ok to feel this way
B. you're not the only way that thinks like that!
I would totally recommend this book anyone who has gone through anything with their mental heath as there is definitely a comic or two (or five) that you can relate to. And that is comforting.

I am not quite sure if I could say I'm neurodivergent exactly, but I do have anxiety and depression. So while the book didn't always feel relatable, I did see some nuggets that felt familiar to my own thought processes.

I do feel like the book focused more heavily on the negative aspects. I think that, since I'm currently in a healthier mental state, that was what stopped me from fully relating to the book as a whole. But that is just me and my current mental state.

I will say the illustrations are very well done. I've read a lot of similar types of books and often times the illustrations become repetitive. This was not the case for Lavender Clouds

This was a nice exploration of the author's journey to accepting themselves and their struggles with mental health. I really enjoyed the art throughout this and many of the anxiety related panels felt very relatable to me. I look forward to gifting this to some neurodivergent friends who will really enjoy it.

This book was really excellent. As someone who has struggled with mental health I found the way this comic was crafted recognized the struggles of mental health and avoided patronizing language surrounding treating mental health. She offers her own experiences and some of the things that have helped and have not helped. It makes me feel better about my mental health and that I can keep going! I hope more people get to read and feel valued and seen just as I have. A really big thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel publishing for allowing me an early access to this comic!

I feel seen!

I’m a neurodivergent with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

This had the best artwork, humor, relatable material etc.

I read it more than once!

Lavender Clouds is a very interesting look at what life is like as neurodivergent. This graphic novel makes this topic accessible to a wide audience, Highly recommended!

A perfect book for any neurodivergent! I felt so seen. This comic has a page for every feeling, moment, and exhaustion in ADHD and other neurodivergent situations. Well-written and adorably drawn, this is the perfect book for anyone seeking comfort in the dark days.

On GoodReads:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved loved loved this comic.

The art work 🤌🏼
Humor in the right places 🤌🏼
Representation 🤌🏼

I feel like I was seen. As a newly diagnosed neurodivergent (1.5 years) at 41, having a book like this showed me I wasn’t alone in my experiences. And being neurodivergent can be very lonely.

An interesting review indicated that it focused too much on the negative and I can definitely understand the frustration. However, we live in a strict neurotypical world that barely makes room for us. We’re frustrated. We’re dismissed. We’re left it. By showing these things and exposing those who don’t understand, we create allies. And allies can help us create more welcoming spaces where in turn those positive moments can emerge. They’re there.

And I also believe that being able to understand is a positive. This is a lovely book that can help newly diagnosed and allies who want you to understand us.

Thank you netgalley, Andrews mcmeel publishing, and bex ollerton for the opportunity to read and experience this gem.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the advanced reading copy of Lavender Clouds by Bex Ollerton. I can't wait to start this book.

This is just as it is stated by Goodreads “a collection of autobiographical comics about mental health, neurodiversity, and feelings”.

This is perfect for anyone who relates to the topic or wants to better understand someone who does in quick bite sized information bursts that are easy to understand and relate to.

The artwork style is very similar to Sarah Andersen.