Synopsis

In this nonfiction, memoir-esque graphic novel Elliot does a marvelous job of depicting what it’s like to live with mental illness–specifically depression and anxiety. This memoir is touching, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, sometimes incredibly funny, and one of those books that seems to say everything that you can’t express. The best part, though, is the message buried in this book that overreaches through each comic, and that’s one that mental illness is hard, and it’s okay to not be okay, and that there is a difference between healing and managing, since most-often with mental illness it is all about managing it.

It’s All Absolutely Fine: Life is Complicated, so I’ve Drawn it Instead by Ruby Elliot

★★★★★
Genre: Humor/Memoir/Nonfiction/Graphic Novel
Release Date: November 2016 (Re-Released 31 January 2017)
Source: Free Copy via Netgalley
On My Shelf: It Will Be! (I need a copy ASAP)

This. Book. Was. Incredible.

I’m so thankful to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book via Netgalley because I needed this in my life. I was already familiar with some of Elliot’s work via social media and had sort of heard of this book, but once I saw it on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it.

Elliot does a marvelous job of depicting mental illness through comics. I have OCD, so my anxiety and depression is a bit different than hers, but this comic was still so relatable. I found myself nodding on so many pages because Elliot found a way to illustrate (literally) what it’s like to live with unstable mental health. This is a very raw book, and I’m thankful Elliot was brave enough to bare her soul in such a way to share her experiences with others.

Not only is this an excellent read that is often times hilarious (I’m talking laugh out loud funny)–even if it is often a dark sense of humor, this book is also incredibly educational/helpful. Elliot takes time to write out and explain her mental illness, how she sought help, and what she does to manage her issues. This book is a great resource on so many levels, even if it’s just needing a laugh or to know that you’re not alone.

What else can I say about this book? Literally so many things. But, I guess I’ll talk about Elliot’s drawing style. I adore Elliot’s work. Her art is simplistic and choppy around the edges yet somehow so beautiful. There’s not a panel that I didn’t enjoy looking at. There’s something about her style that just fits so well with the topics in this book. I can’t really explain it, but there’s a connection there that I, as the reader, could sense.

I’ve always been a fan of Elliot’s work, but I’m so incredibly invested after reading this. There’s no going back now. I hope she continues to create graphic novels (or any sort of art), because I will buy anything with her name on it. This book has convinced me whole-heartedly, and I feel sort of bonded with her in a way now (not in a creepy way, though, I swear!), to the point that I will be eagerly looking forward to her future work.

There are so many wonderful things I could say about this book, but I’ll wrap things up and simply say YOU HAVE TO READ THIS! Yes, the caps and exclamation point were absolutely necessary! Even if you do not have a mental illness, this book is still a great read and is a great resource to learn a bit more about how mental illness works and what some of the effects of it may be.

I just…you need to read this.

I recommend this book to everyone!

Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my rating. All thoughts are and remain my own.*