This was a deep and mind provoking graphic novel that examined a variety of different issues. I thought the author's struggle with her identity was deep and meaningful. While her struggle with identity was specific, the variety of other issues like self worth, self harm, and alcohol could and can be understood universally. I liked the sprinkle of trance to balance our the deeper topics.

This was an incredibly powerful and deeply personal debut YA graphic novel that features a South Asian teen struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol addiction and self-harm. Nitasha comes from a traditional South Asian family where they don't speak about mental health issues and where the community as a whole places a huge stigma around anyone with mental health problems. When a viral video upends her life and causes a rift in her family, Nitasha goes to a dark place. Luckily with the help of her family, friends and therapy, she is able to find a light amidst the darkness and stand up for more mental health support in her community. This is such an important book and is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like In limbo by Deb JJ Lee or Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: suicide attempt, depression, anxiety, self-harm, alcohol abuse

A YA graphic novel debut by social media influencer.
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Nitasha feels like she has to be the perfect Indian daughter all the time, especially when she’s compared to her older brother who is a doctor and marrying the perfect Indian girl. But all she seems to do is disappoint those around her. To make herself feel better Nitasha drinks in secret and self-harms. When a video of her drunk and almost naked goes viral on social media, she hits her breaking point and a discussion about #mentalhealth struggles becomes a necessity.
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I. Adored. This. Book. When I started it I thought it was going to be a high school drama book filled with cliques, boyfriend-stealing, etc. but it became so much more than that. Not only did Chand bring to light a topic that is more important now than ever before, she also noted how mental health issues are seen in the Indian culture. There’s a strong stigma that needs to be addressed and I think the author did a fantastic job of doing just that. Fans of Glass Girl and Spinning will connect with this one too. 5 ⭐️ for this upper young adult title releasing May 13!

CW: self-harm, suicide attempt, alcohol, alcoholism, mental health struggles, domestic abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, hospitalization