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whoareyouhannah's review
5.0
I've been following Ruby Elliot on social media for quite some time now and I've anxiously awaited this book. As a person who is struggling with mental illness herself, I always enjoyed her drawings and the very insightful blog posts she made from time to time.
I'm not even sure how to really describe it, but her work just means so much to me. Because it feels like she "gets it". In a way that is honest and unique and sometimes really sad, but also funny at the same time.
I have never in my life felt so terribly lonely as when I was so deeply depressed that I stopped functioning altogether. People no longer know how to talk to you and you are just ashamed and desperate and confused about what the fuck is happening to you. And then there are these brilliant people who talk about it, or draw about it, and they do it loudly and clearly, without apologizing for it. And these people mean the world to me. Because in a way, they give me back my own voice so I can start to explain what is hurting inside of me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. If you've been following Ruby's art, you will find quite a few drawings that are familiar to you, but there's also enough new stuff to discover. I really liked that there are different themes throughout the book, so her drawings tell a different story from chapter to chapter. There were a lot of moments where I recognized myself and my struggles and some of the drawings were able to explain my feelings better than I could have done it myself. I also admire the honesty with which Ruby talks about the many faces of mental illnesses and the impact that they can have on your life. I feel like this is a discussion that has to happen a lot more in our society and I'm grateful that Ruby decided to add her experiences, thoughts and opinions to this.
I'm not even sure how to really describe it, but her work just means so much to me. Because it feels like she "gets it". In a way that is honest and unique and sometimes really sad, but also funny at the same time.
I have never in my life felt so terribly lonely as when I was so deeply depressed that I stopped functioning altogether. People no longer know how to talk to you and you are just ashamed and desperate and confused about what the fuck is happening to you. And then there are these brilliant people who talk about it, or draw about it, and they do it loudly and clearly, without apologizing for it. And these people mean the world to me. Because in a way, they give me back my own voice so I can start to explain what is hurting inside of me.
I really, really enjoyed this book. If you've been following Ruby's art, you will find quite a few drawings that are familiar to you, but there's also enough new stuff to discover. I really liked that there are different themes throughout the book, so her drawings tell a different story from chapter to chapter. There were a lot of moments where I recognized myself and my struggles and some of the drawings were able to explain my feelings better than I could have done it myself. I also admire the honesty with which Ruby talks about the many faces of mental illnesses and the impact that they can have on your life. I feel like this is a discussion that has to happen a lot more in our society and I'm grateful that Ruby decided to add her experiences, thoughts and opinions to this.
labunnywtf's review
3.0
Received via netgalley in exchange for a fair review
A clever and insightful look into mental illness. The comics are relatable, and often times, very funny.
These are not necessarily my style, though I know that so many people will enjoy and even benefit from them.
A clever and insightful look into mental illness. The comics are relatable, and often times, very funny.
These are not necessarily my style, though I know that so many people will enjoy and even benefit from them.
geekwayne's review
4.0
'It's All Absolutely Fine' by Ruby Elliot (aka Rubyetc) is a collection of her drawings. She has a huge following on Tumblr and this collection includes some of those drawings, as well as previously unseen drawings and writings.
The subjects of her drawings are her life with different aspects of depression, anxiety, and body image among other things. There are eight sections in the book with chapter headings like Ah, Face, We Meet again and Excuse Me While I Ruin Everything Accidentally on Purpose.
The drawings are funny although the subjects can be heavy. Ruby is deft at keeping the subject light. Her writing is about the different things she struggles with. The whole thing is shared openly and I think there are certainly those in her reach that could benefit in knowing they aren't the only ones with these types of struggles. I really liked Ruby's brand of humor and her candor with the reader.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The subjects of her drawings are her life with different aspects of depression, anxiety, and body image among other things. There are eight sections in the book with chapter headings like Ah, Face, We Meet again and Excuse Me While I Ruin Everything Accidentally on Purpose.
The drawings are funny although the subjects can be heavy. Ruby is deft at keeping the subject light. Her writing is about the different things she struggles with. The whole thing is shared openly and I think there are certainly those in her reach that could benefit in knowing they aren't the only ones with these types of struggles. I really liked Ruby's brand of humor and her candor with the reader.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
snailfood43's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
Pretty good but suffers a LITTLE from the fact that weird phrasing and spelling for comedic effect either hits or misses badly. But I believe ruby propagated this style of humor first and it has since weakened in the hands of other, less funny people, so it's not her fault. Magical Edith why yes she is. I like the biographical sections and don't find them too dark, would actually have liked more concrete detail because it seemed a bit like a helicopter view at times BUT WHO AM I TO PRY........
jcnfia's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve been a fan of Ruby’s art for years now, and I’m so glad I finally thought to check out this book. It patted my hand and told me some jokes about life to help me through another day. It covers mental health in such a relatable, funny, and friendly way. I discovered a few things about myself and about life, I really can’t recommend this enough to those who have had any kind of mental strife in life.