5 stars
This book contains a content note for depictions of disordered eating.
A hauntingly beautiful story of friendship, loss, family, and healing. Valerie has always tried to be a “good” daughter. To her, that means giving in to her mother’s concerns about her gaining weight, even if it means taking unhealthy measures to comply. After an unexpected loss, Valerie must reassess her values and confront the way her mother’s “concerns” have impacted her views of herself and others.
A fantastic way of showing how remarks of “concern” (“I want you to be healthy.” “It’s so hard to lose weight once you’ve put it on.”) are harmful. Also demonstrates how fatphobic views are passed down, impact our worldviews, and continue to hurt those around us.
A great message of being confident in yourself, listening to your body, and learning to overcome other’s expectations. I also love that Valerie’s recovery isn’t just boiled down to one conversation “fixing” her. It emphasizes how she needs to change her mindset, especially when it comes to interactions with her mother. She focuses on herself, changing what it means to her to be “good”. We see the steps she has to take, the space she needs, and the support she receives from her friends to start to get better.
The artwork is absolutely stunning. Ying wonderfully captures the joy, sorrow, and spiraling chaos that her characters experience. The muted color palette provides a soft environment for the reader to explore deep emotions and question cultural values.
At the end, the book also includes a few resources and further reading/listening.
A powerful reminder to all of us that our words matter, that we are more than our physical bodies, and that there is more to life than thinness.