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mdevlin923's review
3.0
Olivia has just transferred to a new middle school to get a fresh start...but she is followed by Viola--the personification of her anxiety and panic disorder. As Olivia adjusts to her new school, makes new friends, and continues drawing; she must also deal with family expectations, fights with her friends, and her ever worsening anxiety. But her mother notices a change in Livy's behavior, and seeks professional help...which makes a huge difference in Livy's life.
A good book about middle school, mental health, and immigration. Recommended for older elementary-grade students and younger middle-grade students.
A good book about middle school, mental health, and immigration. Recommended for older elementary-grade students and younger middle-grade students.
mariahistryingtoread's review
3.0
Living with Viola was cute. I liked how it depicted anxiety as a physical being haunting Livy. I argue with my anxiety in a similar way and I think this was a great way of showing people what that looks like by utilizing an entertaining yet informative format.
I did not like the art style as I found it messy and same-y. It was often difficult to tell any of Livy's family members apart because they did not have obvious character markers to distinguish them like Livy's friends do. For example, Beth is white and tall and Maddy is a person of color so it's easy to distinguish them no matter what. Livy's mother, father, and two aunts all look like the same person especially because Livy's mother has short hair. On a positive note, I enjoyed the usage of color to convey tone. Viola creating doom and gloom visually when she was particularly incensed was a wonderful way to establish Livy's headspace.
Livy is Chinese-Canadian, and much of the experiences are shaped by Rosena Fung's childhood. Livy's displacement specifically in school is compounded by her feelings of displacement as a second generation immigrant - she has mental health issues unlike her immediate family and she didn't live out of the country like her parents so feels isolated from every angle. Children of immigrants often have additional expectations placed on them culturally. It can create a lot of anxiety in general and that's not even touching if you're already predisposed genetically to an anxiety disorder.
Background aside it's fairly standard fare. Livy has anxiety she's hiding from everyone. It causes her to mistreat her new friends. Her parents get increasingly more worried. Ultimately, things reach a boiling point. She gets help. Things are resolved for the moment, but she will have a life long challenge keeping anxiety at bay. Still, it's absolutely a happy ending because knowing is half the battle.
Bottom line - Rosena Fung has written a good book and I would read another one by her.
I did not like the art style as I found it messy and same-y. It was often difficult to tell any of Livy's family members apart because they did not have obvious character markers to distinguish them like Livy's friends do. For example, Beth is white and tall and Maddy is a person of color so it's easy to distinguish them no matter what. Livy's mother, father, and two aunts all look like the same person especially because Livy's mother has short hair. On a positive note, I enjoyed the usage of color to convey tone. Viola creating doom and gloom visually when she was particularly incensed was a wonderful way to establish Livy's headspace.
Livy is Chinese-Canadian, and much of the experiences are shaped by Rosena Fung's childhood. Livy's displacement specifically in school is compounded by her feelings of displacement as a second generation immigrant - she has mental health issues unlike her immediate family and she didn't live out of the country like her parents so feels isolated from every angle. Children of immigrants often have additional expectations placed on them culturally. It can create a lot of anxiety in general and that's not even touching if you're already predisposed genetically to an anxiety disorder.
Background aside it's fairly standard fare. Livy has anxiety she's hiding from everyone. It causes her to mistreat her new friends. Her parents get increasingly more worried. Ultimately, things reach a boiling point. She gets help. Things are resolved for the moment, but she will have a life long challenge keeping anxiety at bay. Still, it's absolutely a happy ending because knowing is half the battle.
Bottom line - Rosena Fung has written a good book and I would read another one by her.
bibliobrandie's review
3.0
This middle grade graphic novel is about Livy, a Chinese-Canadian who is struggling with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder and negative thoughts, who she calls Viola, and who is speaking louder and more frequently. She's a new kid at school and faces typical preteen anxiety along with racism from her peers. The graphics were loud, which I am sure was intentional, but it overwhelmed me at times.
woodiefrog's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
booksarebae's review
4.0
4.3
super cute graphic novel about livy, a chinese-american with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder. there's lots of lessons in this book, and i loved seeing universal experiences illustrated here :) art style was super cute too
a great, quick read ESP if you enjoy middle-grade
super cute graphic novel about livy, a chinese-american with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder. there's lots of lessons in this book, and i loved seeing universal experiences illustrated here :) art style was super cute too
a great, quick read ESP if you enjoy middle-grade
cajesp's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0