Eat, and Love Yourself

I don't even know how to put into words just how much this graphic novel meant to me. A story about eating disorders and body dysmorphia, two things I can relate far too well to, written so thoughtfully by someone who has lived it and understands it — all of that, combined with an absolutely beautiful art style and color palette, and a sweet, hopeful storyline — I can't say enough how much I adored this. I was an absolute sobbing wreck by the end because I felt so damn seen and I didn't know how much I needed this soft little reminder to love myself.

Books like this are always a tough balance. How do you give the right messages while keeping the story from being preachy? How do you balance realism with triggering content? How do you tell kids and teens that they’re not alone in these struggles? “Eat, and Love Yourself” manages all of these things. A girl dealing with tears of ingrained eating-related issues finds a chocolate bar that shows her moments in her life where the road ahead got a little steeper. Along with beautiful art and easy-flowing dialogue, this book is a must read!

Thank you NetGalley and Boom! Studios for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an important story told in such a great way. Mindy's constant reflections with her past self was such an eye opening experience that anyone with a mental illness would find relatable. It also brings out the necessary discussion that needs to be had surrounding eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The emotion that was brought out through the writing really shows an author who has experienced these issues and knows what they are talking about. Heartbreaking tale with beautiful art style makes this one truly remarkable story!