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Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Graphic Novels & Comics (2019)All Freddy Riley wants is for Laura Dean to stop breaking up with her.
The day they got together was the best one of Freddy's life, but nothing's made sense since. Laura Dean is popular, funny, and SO CUTE ... but she can be really thoughtless, even mean. Their on-again, off-again relationship has Freddy's head spinning — and Freddy's friends can't understand why she keeps going back.
When Freddy consults the services of a local mystic, the mysterious Seek-Her, she isn't thrilled with the advice she receives. But something's got to give: Freddy's heart is breaking in slow motion, and she may be about to lose her very best friend as well as her last shred of self-respect. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnist Anna Vice, to help her through being a teenager in love.
Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.
The day they got together was the best one of Freddy's life, but nothing's made sense since. Laura Dean is popular, funny, and SO CUTE ... but she can be really thoughtless, even mean. Their on-again, off-again relationship has Freddy's head spinning — and Freddy's friends can't understand why she keeps going back.
When Freddy consults the services of a local mystic, the mysterious Seek-Her, she isn't thrilled with the advice she receives. But something's got to give: Freddy's heart is breaking in slow motion, and she may be about to lose her very best friend as well as her last shred of self-respect. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnist Anna Vice, to help her through being a teenager in love.
Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.
289 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2019
About the author
Mariko Tamaki
252 books2,073 followersMariko Tamaki is a Toronto writer, playwright, activist and performer. She works and performs with fat activists Pretty Porky and Pissed Off and the theatre troupe TOA, whose recent play, A vs. B, was staged at the 2004 Rhubarb Festival at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Her well-received novel, Cover Me (McGilligan Books) was followed by a short fiction collection, True Lies: The Book of Bad Advice (Women's Press). Mariko's third book, FAKE ID, is due out in spring 2005.
Mariko Tamaki has performed her work across Canada and through the States, recently appearing at the Calgary Folkfest 2004, Vancouver Writer's Festival 2003, Spatial III, and the Perpetual Motion/Girls Bite Back Tour, which circled though Ottawa, Montreal, Brooklyn and Chicago. She has appeared widely on radio and television including First Person Singular on CBC radio and Imprint on TVO. Mariko Tamaki is currently attending York University working a master's degree in women's studies.
[MacMIllan Books]
Mariko Tamaki has performed her work across Canada and through the States, recently appearing at the Calgary Folkfest 2004, Vancouver Writer's Festival 2003, Spatial III, and the Perpetual Motion/Girls Bite Back Tour, which circled though Ottawa, Montreal, Brooklyn and Chicago. She has appeared widely on radio and television including First Person Singular on CBC radio and Imprint on TVO. Mariko Tamaki is currently attending York University working a master's degree in women's studies.
[MacMIllan Books]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,612 reviews
May 12, 2020
I finished this book in one sitting, but I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped. I think I may have set my expectations a bit high and somewhere this book did not intend to go.
CW: toxic relationships,
I appreciated the inclusion in the story and the detail in the art style, but not much else. I felt no connection to any of the characters as they didn't have much personality and only existed in their relationships to one another. I could empathize with their situations, but I don't feel I knew them at all. I picked up this graphic novel because I was looking for something entertaining, but it was more depressing and frustrating. 3/4 of the book was the main character being mistreated and miserable, and therefore mistreating her friends. (It might be realistic, but it was not pleasant to read about whatsoever.) The plot was very small-scale and predictable so there was little for me to be excited about besides the main (and only) storyline.
I do think this book is valuable for teens and young adults who may need comfort and guidance in recognizing and leaving toxic relationships, but I don't think it added much to the overall conversation. I really wished I enjoyed this book more than I did! I'm not unhappy that I read it, but I am glad I did not have to invest a lot of time into it.
CW: toxic relationships,
I appreciated the inclusion in the story and the detail in the art style, but not much else. I felt no connection to any of the characters as they didn't have much personality and only existed in their relationships to one another. I could empathize with their situations, but I don't feel I knew them at all. I picked up this graphic novel because I was looking for something entertaining, but it was more depressing and frustrating. 3/4 of the book was the main character being mistreated and miserable, and therefore mistreating her friends. (It might be realistic, but it was not pleasant to read about whatsoever.) The plot was very small-scale and predictable so there was little for me to be excited about besides the main (and only) storyline.
I do think this book is valuable for teens and young adults who may need comfort and guidance in recognizing and leaving toxic relationships, but I don't think it added much to the overall conversation. I really wished I enjoyed this book more than I did! I'm not unhappy that I read it, but I am glad I did not have to invest a lot of time into it.
Read
August 7, 2020I loved the rep, the art style, and that it explored toxic relationships, but the actual story was kind of all over the place. It was okay.
February 28, 2024
Can love be fixed? Should love be fixed?
Frederica and Laura Dean love each other, but they keep breaking up again and again. What is the problem? And more importantly, is there something they can do about it?
This is what graphic novels should aspire to. Mostly relatable characters, gorgeous artwork, beautifully compelling plot. VERY inspiring. The beginning kinda dragged, but the middle and resolution were truly magnificent. Can’t say I really approve all of Frederica’s decisions, but I can certainly understand them, and I feel her pain.
Absolutely LOVED all of Vi and Barfing Girl interactions. Also LIKED Doodle a lot, found her tragically adorable. Totally HATED Laura Dean, an uncaring and self-absorbed girlfriend bent on breaking young Frederica’s heart. (wait a minute… this sounds familiar!)
An exquisite LGBT YA graphic novel, the kind not easily forgotten. Refreshing. Uplifting. A favorite place well earned. Highly recommendable.
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PERSONAL NOTE :
[2019] [289p] [Graphic Novel] [LGBT] [Highly Recommendable] [Beautiful visuals] [Keep it strong Freddy]
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¿Puede el amor arreglarse? ¿Debería el amor arreglarse?
Frederica y Laura Dean se aman, pero siguen rompiendo una y otra vez ¿Cuál es el problema? Y más importante, ¿hay algo que puedan hacer al respecto?
Esto a lo que las novelas gráficas deberían aspirar. Muy relacionables personajes, precioso arte gráfico, hermosamente atrayente trama. MUY inspiradora. El comienzo arrastra un poco, pero la mitad y la resolución fueron verdaderamente magníficas. No puedo decir que realmente apruebo todas las decisiones que tomó Frederica, pero ciertamente puedo entenderla, y puedo sentir su dolor.
Absolutamente AME todas las interacciones de Vi y Chica Vomitadora. También me GUSTO mucho Doodle, me pareció trágicamente adorable. Totalmente ODIE a Laura Dean, una egoísta y superficial novia empecinada en romper el corazón de la joven Frederica. (un momento… ¡esto suena familiar!)
Una exquisita novela gráfica LGBT YA, del tipo que no se olvida fácilmente. Refrescante. Elevadora. Un lugar en favoritos bien ganado. Altamente recomendable.
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NOTA PERSONAL :
[2019] [289p] [Novela Gráfica] [LGBT] [Altamente Recomendable] [Hermosas visuales] [Mantenete fuerte Freddy] [
-----------------------------------------------
Frederica and Laura Dean love each other, but they keep breaking up again and again. What is the problem? And more importantly, is there something they can do about it?
This is what graphic novels should aspire to. Mostly relatable characters, gorgeous artwork, beautifully compelling plot. VERY inspiring. The beginning kinda dragged, but the middle and resolution were truly magnificent. Can’t say I really approve all of Frederica’s decisions, but I can certainly understand them, and I feel her pain.
Absolutely LOVED all of Vi and Barfing Girl interactions. Also LIKED Doodle a lot, found her tragically adorable. Totally HATED Laura Dean, an uncaring and self-absorbed girlfriend bent on breaking young Frederica’s heart. (wait a minute… this sounds familiar!)
An exquisite LGBT YA graphic novel, the kind not easily forgotten. Refreshing. Uplifting. A favorite place well earned. Highly recommendable.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2019] [289p] [Graphic Novel] [LGBT] [Highly Recommendable] [Beautiful visuals] [Keep it strong Freddy]
-----------------------------------------------
¿Puede el amor arreglarse? ¿Debería el amor arreglarse?
Frederica y Laura Dean se aman, pero siguen rompiendo una y otra vez ¿Cuál es el problema? Y más importante, ¿hay algo que puedan hacer al respecto?
Esto a lo que las novelas gráficas deberían aspirar. Muy relacionables personajes, precioso arte gráfico, hermosamente atrayente trama. MUY inspiradora. El comienzo arrastra un poco, pero la mitad y la resolución fueron verdaderamente magníficas. No puedo decir que realmente apruebo todas las decisiones que tomó Frederica, pero ciertamente puedo entenderla, y puedo sentir su dolor.
Absolutamente AME todas las interacciones de Vi y Chica Vomitadora. También me GUSTO mucho Doodle, me pareció trágicamente adorable. Totalmente ODIE a Laura Dean, una egoísta y superficial novia empecinada en romper el corazón de la joven Frederica. (un momento… ¡esto suena familiar!)
Una exquisita novela gráfica LGBT YA, del tipo que no se olvida fácilmente. Refrescante. Elevadora. Un lugar en favoritos bien ganado. Altamente recomendable.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2019] [289p] [Novela Gráfica] [LGBT] [Altamente Recomendable] [Hermosas visuales] [Mantenete fuerte Freddy] [
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December 19, 2019
4 1/2 stars. When you are a teenager, it is very easy to fall into the trap of believing you must settle for the love you can get, rather than love you deserve. If someone chooses to date you, especially if you are just a little less popular, just a little less Good, you choose them, even if they treat you badly and take you for granted at every moment. And it is very easy to convince yourself that ditching your friends for your significant other is some kind of justifiable act because you're doing it all for LoveTM, the important thing. When that action is described, it is easy to make it sound ridiculous. But there is a core of low self-esteem to the act of leaving friends for a partner, and it is more common than we talk about.
or, another way to put this: someone want to tell me why the last chapter of this made me cry on my bed at 10:00 p.m.?
I mean, I don't know exactly what else to say. The illustration here was very very beautiful, done in stunning black and white. I constantly need these discussions of toxic relationships between sapphics in graphic novel form, also thank you for my life @ this cover designer, and the publisher for providing me with this excellent arc.
TW: abortion, pedophilia, emotional abuse.
Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
or, another way to put this: someone want to tell me why the last chapter of this made me cry on my bed at 10:00 p.m.?
I mean, I don't know exactly what else to say. The illustration here was very very beautiful, done in stunning black and white. I constantly need these discussions of toxic relationships between sapphics in graphic novel form, also thank you for my life @ this cover designer, and the publisher for providing me with this excellent arc.
TW: abortion, pedophilia, emotional abuse.
Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
December 19, 2019
This gets full stars for the art style alone!! I'm so amazed by the quality of these lines - I'm someone who has no patience for detail and lives by loose lines, so I'm always impressed by art like this, which is so smooth and detailed yet still so character focused. It must have taken so long to create. The story was great too but the art really blew me away.
December 2, 2019
I LOVE THIS BOOK! It's beautiful and heartbreaking and infuriating and wonderful. I was flipping through my 2019 reads and realized I forgot to mark it down (I read it during the Reading Rush and honestly that whole week is kind of a blur...) but I loved this so much! Everyone needs to know! It's amazing!
April 9, 2020
"the truth is, breakups are usually messy, the way people are messy, the way life is often messy. it's okay for a breakup to feel like a disaster. it doesn't feel okay, but i assure you it is okay. it's also true that you can break up with someone you still love. because those two things are not distinct territories: love and not loving anymore."
loved this so much.
trigger warnings: cheating, abortion
loved this so much.
trigger warnings: cheating, abortion
June 12, 2021
"For almost the past year I’ve been in love with a girl named Laura Dean."
Freddy Riley is a 17-year-old lesbian Asian-American who is seeking the advice of an online romance dating column, because her girlfriend keeps breaking up with her over and over. And each time Laura Dean comes back into Freddy’s life, Freddy feels more and more shattered when she leaves, and she is unable to see what she can do to change the situation.
"What is it like to love this person who keeps breaking up with you and then presumably coming back to you? What does your love with this person offer you? Does it make you happy? Does it give you what you need to be a better person?"
This graphic-novel has so many layers, but this is truly a story about an abusive relationship, and how sometimes it can be so hard to see even when the lows feel so low, because the highs are so high. Laura gaslights, manipulates, and emotionally abuses Freddy in so many different ways, while also fetishizing having an Asian girlfriend.
This is also a story about friendship and how sometimes those can be hard to maintain, especially when you are going through a lot in your own life. And sometimes, especially when you are young and discovering who you are and want to be, it’s extra easy to lose yourself while only thinking about being someone’s favorite. Yet, it is never too late to try to be a good friend. And life is truly full of phases, and all friendships are different.
The prose is lyrical and oh so beautiful. I feel like I could have highlighted more quotes in this story than any other graphic novel to date. And the art? The most beautiful black, white, grey, and pink pallet, with details that are insane. This combination truly is a tier above and feels like something of magic.
This is a very diverse graphic-novel. Again, Freddy is an Asian-American lesbian, but the rest of the cast are also queer and/or poc, with a lot of body diversity too. And this story never shames these teens for getting into hard situations. It’s also incredibly realistic, and even when the discussions are difficult, they always feel hopeful to the reader. There is also a good mention of how different seventeen and eighteen are when it comes to where you are at in life and dating, especially when one is in high school and one is in college. (Give me Vi’s spinoff, I am begging!) And polyamory is even briefly discussed and the difference between consenting healthy dynamics compared to dynamics of polyamory uneven power where people are being taken advantage of.
"Love is hard. Breaking up is hard. Love is dramatic. Breaking up is dramatic."
Overall, I really loved this, and I think it is such an important graphic-novel that truly can change people’s lives, especially queer poc in high-school feeling like they are doing something wrong in their abusive relationships. Relationships can be so hard and so messy, and breakups can be even harder and messier. I truly so wish that I had a graphic-novel about a queer biracial Asian girl when I was in high school, living through toxic breakups, but I’ll still keep Freddy Riley in my heart forever and recommend Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me constantly. (And I really loved… the part with the mom!)
Oh, and lastly, Lea gifted me this for my birthday and I thought it would be cute to read it and review it on her birthday! I am very thankful for her and this story that I really will cherish forever and always. 💕
Blog | Instagram | Youtube | Ko-fi | Spotify | TwitchContent and Trigger Warnings: underage drinking, abusive relationship, emotional abuse, cheating, manipulation, gaslighting, microaggressions, racism, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and a relationship with a minor (17 + not sure how old but over 18).
March 14, 2020
It's not you, it's me. Sorry to this book.
Read as book 6 of 30 for my 30 day reading challenge!
Read as book 6 of 30 for my 30 day reading challenge!
December 19, 2019
2.5
The pros of reading graphic novels:
- pretty art
- quick
- fun
The cons of reading graphic novels:
- I have never, even once, read one that made me feel like the plot or characters were full. Even remotely. Even at all.
Okay, the above claim is a slight exaggeration, because I trade in hyperbole, but it is ONLY SLIGHT. There has probably been one exception, which is Nimona, a book I read in 2016. And the validity of my opinions expires after two years, so. We can’t even trust that.
This particular graphic novel felt especially half-done to me, because it tries to do so much. It tries to cover toxic relationships (of both the romantic and platonic variety), abuse, abortion, manipulation, self worth...and it all felt forced and rushed to me.
Each of these topics would basically be introduced over and over and over, in repetitive scenes, and then at the end they were fixed. This meant our main character, Freddy, is depicted like a caricature of a bad friend. We see her friends and family members in weird flashes, so they seem flatter than flat. She falls for the same lies in her relationship again and again, which would maybe be more believable than the absurd degree to which she is selfish and not there for the people around her if we saw her really in love, but we don’t. We’re told she is and expected to believe it.
I like my stories shown to me, not told. The irony is that graphic novels are visual anyway, and yet that never happens.
I know this book meant a lot to a lot of people, and I’m glad. Seeing our experiences represented on the page can be the most powerful part of reading. But while I expected to relate to this book, I didn’t. Because none of it felt real.
Bottom line: The strongest emotion I had while reading this was appreciation for the art.
------------
every once in a while i think, "why don't i read more graphic novels???"
and then i read one and am immediately reminded of why i don't read more graphic novels.
review to come
------------
am suddenly ONLY interested in reading contemporary graphic novels with pretty covers and prettier art
(thanks to first second for the ARC)
The pros of reading graphic novels:
- pretty art
- quick
- fun
The cons of reading graphic novels:
- I have never, even once, read one that made me feel like the plot or characters were full. Even remotely. Even at all.
Okay, the above claim is a slight exaggeration, because I trade in hyperbole, but it is ONLY SLIGHT. There has probably been one exception, which is Nimona, a book I read in 2016. And the validity of my opinions expires after two years, so. We can’t even trust that.
This particular graphic novel felt especially half-done to me, because it tries to do so much. It tries to cover toxic relationships (of both the romantic and platonic variety), abuse, abortion, manipulation, self worth...and it all felt forced and rushed to me.
Each of these topics would basically be introduced over and over and over, in repetitive scenes, and then at the end they were fixed. This meant our main character, Freddy, is depicted like a caricature of a bad friend. We see her friends and family members in weird flashes, so they seem flatter than flat. She falls for the same lies in her relationship again and again, which would maybe be more believable than the absurd degree to which she is selfish and not there for the people around her if we saw her really in love, but we don’t. We’re told she is and expected to believe it.
I like my stories shown to me, not told. The irony is that graphic novels are visual anyway, and yet that never happens.
I know this book meant a lot to a lot of people, and I’m glad. Seeing our experiences represented on the page can be the most powerful part of reading. But while I expected to relate to this book, I didn’t. Because none of it felt real.
Bottom line: The strongest emotion I had while reading this was appreciation for the art.
------------
every once in a while i think, "why don't i read more graphic novels???"
and then i read one and am immediately reminded of why i don't read more graphic novels.
review to come
------------
am suddenly ONLY interested in reading contemporary graphic novels with pretty covers and prettier art
(thanks to first second for the ARC)
December 19, 2019
I turn 24 this Saturday and this book feels like the best early birthday present ever. I cried for five minutes in my office at work after I finished it. The book's themes of toxic relationships and healthy ones, self-worth and what we seek when we lack it, and the painful wisdom of growing up all resonated with me to my very core. The gorgeous black, white, and pink illustrations helped immerse me in the story as well.
Backing up, the story follows Freddy Riley, a high school student who's dating Laura Dean, the most popular girl in school. Laura Dean, with her confidence, charisma, and good looks, seems like Freddy's dream girl. The only issue with their relationship: Laura Dean may not treat Freddy all that well. With the help of her best friend Doodle, Freddy searches for guidance from Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, as well as Anna Vice, an advice columnist. But as Freddy's relationship with Laura Dean gets more intense in all the wrong ways, Freddy finds herself still going back to Laura Dean, even at the cost of her friendship with Doodle. Freddy will have to look both deep within herself as well as outside to those who can see her relationship with Laura Dean with more clarity, so she can choose what will work best for her heart and the hearts of those she cares about.
I love how this graphic novel portrays love: unhealthy love, love that dissipates between friends, and love that reemerges when one puts in the effort. The story itself is super simple, no huge or intricate plot twists at all. Yet the earnest characterization and the high quality of the illustrations made the emotions evoked by Freddy's journey run so deep. I really felt like I felt everything Freddy felt: the desire for Laura Dean even when it hurt Freddy herself, the guilt Freddy experienced when she realized how she herself messed up, and the eventual victory of the story's ending. My heart feels so full of warmth when I think about how young people will have access to this book's excellent messages about toxic relationships and what it takes to act as a caring, considerate friend.
I came across this book right when I needed to. Though it's a young-adult read, the themes and emotions are universal: the strength of longing and desire, the importance of communication in relationships, and what it takes to let go of people who stop you from loving yourself. As I approach 24, I'm still learning and reminding myself to focus my love and my heart on people who give to me as much as I give to them. With its queer representation, immense compassion, and deeply meaningful message, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me has skyrocketed to the top of my favorite 2019 reads.
Backing up, the story follows Freddy Riley, a high school student who's dating Laura Dean, the most popular girl in school. Laura Dean, with her confidence, charisma, and good looks, seems like Freddy's dream girl. The only issue with their relationship: Laura Dean may not treat Freddy all that well. With the help of her best friend Doodle, Freddy searches for guidance from Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, as well as Anna Vice, an advice columnist. But as Freddy's relationship with Laura Dean gets more intense in all the wrong ways, Freddy finds herself still going back to Laura Dean, even at the cost of her friendship with Doodle. Freddy will have to look both deep within herself as well as outside to those who can see her relationship with Laura Dean with more clarity, so she can choose what will work best for her heart and the hearts of those she cares about.
I love how this graphic novel portrays love: unhealthy love, love that dissipates between friends, and love that reemerges when one puts in the effort. The story itself is super simple, no huge or intricate plot twists at all. Yet the earnest characterization and the high quality of the illustrations made the emotions evoked by Freddy's journey run so deep. I really felt like I felt everything Freddy felt: the desire for Laura Dean even when it hurt Freddy herself, the guilt Freddy experienced when she realized how she herself messed up, and the eventual victory of the story's ending. My heart feels so full of warmth when I think about how young people will have access to this book's excellent messages about toxic relationships and what it takes to act as a caring, considerate friend.
I came across this book right when I needed to. Though it's a young-adult read, the themes and emotions are universal: the strength of longing and desire, the importance of communication in relationships, and what it takes to let go of people who stop you from loving yourself. As I approach 24, I'm still learning and reminding myself to focus my love and my heart on people who give to me as much as I give to them. With its queer representation, immense compassion, and deeply meaningful message, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me has skyrocketed to the top of my favorite 2019 reads.
December 19, 2019
The art was STUNNING, but the plot did nothing super special for me. Meh
December 19, 2019
This is a book I’m nervous giving such a high rating because its controversial subjects can certainly be interpreted many ways but a handful of things stand out to me about why I loved reading this so much.
First, the art was magnificent. Reading this felt like watching a movie because the panels focused on such specific shots and the transitions were lovely. Also, the use of color in this was so significant and overall, the art style was brilliant. Five stars for that alone.
Second, I like that this book has unlikable characters that do not smart things but still suffer the consequences of them. Even though this is a book about a relationship, I think it speaks more about friendship and the machinations of teenage infatuation than anything else. The characters in this make mistakes, and sure, maybe they should be regarded as something much more severe than “mistakes” and thus punished accordingly, but the way all the adversity brought the characters together again and drove home the morals the authors intended was beautifully done.
Also on a personal note, it was just so incredible to see sapphics so normalized in a book that was clearly modern and a very accurate representation of being a young, queer girl in 2019. Maybe the frame of the story wasn’t a healthy relationship, but the fact that none of these girls were hiding their intimacy or ashamed of their sexuality was enough to be special to me, and I’m so glad I read this.
First, the art was magnificent. Reading this felt like watching a movie because the panels focused on such specific shots and the transitions were lovely. Also, the use of color in this was so significant and overall, the art style was brilliant. Five stars for that alone.
Second, I like that this book has unlikable characters that do not smart things but still suffer the consequences of them. Even though this is a book about a relationship, I think it speaks more about friendship and the machinations of teenage infatuation than anything else. The characters in this make mistakes, and sure, maybe they should be regarded as something much more severe than “mistakes” and thus punished accordingly, but the way all the adversity brought the characters together again and drove home the morals the authors intended was beautifully done.
Also on a personal note, it was just so incredible to see sapphics so normalized in a book that was clearly modern and a very accurate representation of being a young, queer girl in 2019. Maybe the frame of the story wasn’t a healthy relationship, but the fact that none of these girls were hiding their intimacy or ashamed of their sexuality was enough to be special to me, and I’m so glad I read this.
December 18, 2019
A beautifully necessary story.
As a queer woman with a passion for reading I spend a lot of my time digging through all the f/f I can get my hands on. This is a narrative that I haven't seen nearly enough, especially in YA, and I celebrate Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me for highlighting a necessary discussion for queer women, young and old: dysfunctional relationships. This is about the danger of building your entire life around one person, especially when that person doesn't seem to care nearly as much about you as you do about them. I've been in this relationship. This helped me work through things I still need to work through.
And beyond a necessary story, this entire graphic novel is utterly gorgeous. The limited color palette was incredible to look at. There were numerous pages I wanted to have framed up on my wall because I'm just obsessed with the light pink accents and how they worked to tell a story visually.
Mariko Tamaki is one of my favorite writers today. She tells vibrant, difficult stories that I love every time. I can't wait to continue reading her work, and I'm dying to discover more of Rosemary Valero-O'Connell's work as well.
As a queer woman with a passion for reading I spend a lot of my time digging through all the f/f I can get my hands on. This is a narrative that I haven't seen nearly enough, especially in YA, and I celebrate Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me for highlighting a necessary discussion for queer women, young and old: dysfunctional relationships. This is about the danger of building your entire life around one person, especially when that person doesn't seem to care nearly as much about you as you do about them. I've been in this relationship. This helped me work through things I still need to work through.
And beyond a necessary story, this entire graphic novel is utterly gorgeous. The limited color palette was incredible to look at. There were numerous pages I wanted to have framed up on my wall because I'm just obsessed with the light pink accents and how they worked to tell a story visually.
Mariko Tamaki is one of my favorite writers today. She tells vibrant, difficult stories that I love every time. I can't wait to continue reading her work, and I'm dying to discover more of Rosemary Valero-O'Connell's work as well.
September 21, 2021
9/22/21: Reread for YA class, romance unit.
8/6/2020: Congratulations to First Second Books’ Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, which landed three Eisner awards: best writer for Mariko Tamaki, best penciller/inker for Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, and best publication for teens! So happy for these folks and this book, which was one of my favorites of 2019.
6/5/19: I am a straight (cis-gendered) male of a certain age. I couldn't imagine as I was growing up the veritable flowering of glbtq books that we are seeing right now. Actually, I couldn't have imagined it even ten years ago! And so many strong girl characters! This book, written by Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, Skim, and lots of superhero comics series runs right now) does not--as might have been the case in the past, with publisher restrictions in place-- have to hint subtly at issues of attraction, of course; this is a queer teen romance without apology, with exuberance (and some pain; see the title). It's a YA story that tells a simple tale of a romance that is/isn't good for Freddy, even though Laura Dean is the most popular girl in school and SO cute. So much of the time mistakes are made by the main characters in this book, and for a time, few of them are admirable, though in general the world-making is lively and interesting. Great writing , snappy dialogue, lovely artwork.
Being obsessed with Laura also makes Freddy a bad friend, making bad alliances, so something has to change. It's basically that simple. This is a book--like many by Tillie Walden, that not only passes the Bechdel test, but focuses almost exclusively on the world of YA girls and women, and mainly on the queer world that happens everywhere sort of unacknowledged or silenced by the literature of the straight world (though that is of course changing). Walden seems like an influence on the wonderfully fun and sweet art of Rosemary Valerio-O'Connell, or maybe the art just reminds me of her work, too. Those lovely pastels, the panache. Exuberant, I'll say again, all of it. I imagine a lot of older glbtq readers reading this and weeping to see their stories being finally openly told, and so well. But the idea of making bad/hard romantic choices; well, you don't have to be in any particular category to get that. Hurrah!
8/6/2020: Congratulations to First Second Books’ Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, which landed three Eisner awards: best writer for Mariko Tamaki, best penciller/inker for Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, and best publication for teens! So happy for these folks and this book, which was one of my favorites of 2019.
6/5/19: I am a straight (cis-gendered) male of a certain age. I couldn't imagine as I was growing up the veritable flowering of glbtq books that we are seeing right now. Actually, I couldn't have imagined it even ten years ago! And so many strong girl characters! This book, written by Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, Skim, and lots of superhero comics series runs right now) does not--as might have been the case in the past, with publisher restrictions in place-- have to hint subtly at issues of attraction, of course; this is a queer teen romance without apology, with exuberance (and some pain; see the title). It's a YA story that tells a simple tale of a romance that is/isn't good for Freddy, even though Laura Dean is the most popular girl in school and SO cute. So much of the time mistakes are made by the main characters in this book, and for a time, few of them are admirable, though in general the world-making is lively and interesting. Great writing , snappy dialogue, lovely artwork.
Being obsessed with Laura also makes Freddy a bad friend, making bad alliances, so something has to change. It's basically that simple. This is a book--like many by Tillie Walden, that not only passes the Bechdel test, but focuses almost exclusively on the world of YA girls and women, and mainly on the queer world that happens everywhere sort of unacknowledged or silenced by the literature of the straight world (though that is of course changing). Walden seems like an influence on the wonderfully fun and sweet art of Rosemary Valerio-O'Connell, or maybe the art just reminds me of her work, too. Those lovely pastels, the panache. Exuberant, I'll say again, all of it. I imagine a lot of older glbtq readers reading this and weeping to see their stories being finally openly told, and so well. But the idea of making bad/hard romantic choices; well, you don't have to be in any particular category to get that. Hurrah!
April 26, 2022
Poop! poop! poop!
And the award for most hated character goes to Laura Dean. Congrats girl you nailed it.
Well let's talk about the book, a book about acceptance and letting go, putting yourself first and cherishing what matters. Sounds good but the storyline ruined it all with its repetitive events and irritating narration. It's honestly depressing at times because Freddy clearly is not OKAY and she needs love and help. I really linked the long line of side characters with several LGBTQ+ and bipoc representation. But I couldn't connect with them. Esp doodle I wanted to like her so much but she wasn't introduced properly and then suddenly storyline gravitated towards her out of nowhere.
But
But
But
All thanks to that gorgeous art - the pastel pink with black and white which literally saved the book. I mean I haven't seen such a gorgeous artwork in any graphic book ( excluding manga they are always pretty) in a long time.
And the award for most hated character goes to Laura Dean. Congrats girl you nailed it.
Well let's talk about the book, a book about acceptance and letting go, putting yourself first and cherishing what matters. Sounds good but the storyline ruined it all with its repetitive events and irritating narration. It's honestly depressing at times because Freddy clearly is not OKAY and she needs love and help. I really linked the long line of side characters with several LGBTQ+ and bipoc representation. But I couldn't connect with them. Esp doodle I wanted to like her so much but she wasn't introduced properly and then suddenly storyline gravitated towards her out of nowhere.
But
But
But
All thanks to that gorgeous art - the pastel pink with black and white which literally saved the book. I mean I haven't seen such a gorgeous artwork in any graphic book ( excluding manga they are always pretty) in a long time.
September 20, 2019
Ooooof. This was... such a ride. We need more honest, raw, beautiful queer stories like this depicting both the unhealthy and the healthy aspects of relationships, especially in YA. While not every queer story needs to be painful, not every one has to ignore the very real fact that queer relationships, like all other relationships and friendships in life, still have the potential to be toxic, to be abusive, to suffer from power imbalances, to fall apart. We also need more stories reminding teens that your first love doesn't have to be your last love, and that you don't have to stop loving someone to love yourself enough to say goodbye.
Poor, sweet little gay babies. I just wanna hug 'em all (except LD, screw her until she learns how to treat people).
I'm also absolutely, wholeheartedly consumed with love for how effortlessly diverse the cast in this graphic novel is. We've got an Asian-American main character, queer girls everywhere, trans characters, healthy discussions of polyamory (and how to know the difference between a healthy polyam relationship and when you're actually being taken advantage of), characters of every race and size and shape, and damn, if every girl in this book isn't beautiful. Well done, Tamaki. ♥ I have a new favorite, that's for sure.
Poor, sweet little gay babies. I just wanna hug 'em all (except LD, screw her until she learns how to treat people).
I'm also absolutely, wholeheartedly consumed with love for how effortlessly diverse the cast in this graphic novel is. We've got an Asian-American main character, queer girls everywhere, trans characters, healthy discussions of polyamory (and how to know the difference between a healthy polyam relationship and when you're actually being taken advantage of), characters of every race and size and shape, and damn, if every girl in this book isn't beautiful. Well done, Tamaki. ♥ I have a new favorite, that's for sure.
August 7, 2021
Todos hablan de Heartstopper, pero yo creo que deberían empezar a hablar de este libro.
January 31, 2021
pink is for the sapphics confirmed
—★—
This was such an excellent graphic novel! The art is so pretty and soothing, and I absolutely loved the black and white theme with pink accents. I also really liked the portrayal of messy teens and relationships/friendships, and the message of how sometimes the love we hold for someone else does damage to us—and also the people around us. It’s painful to read Freddy’s story as an outsider, recognizing her relationship as harmful when she can’t, but that’s what makes it so good: the way it shows how when you’re in an abusive relationship, it is so difficult to see it, and even harder to get out. I also appreciated the emphasis on friendship, and how being in a toxic relationship can affect so much more than just yourself. While the focus is on toxic relationships and the power/importance of friendships, I also enjoyed seeing other things discussed or portrayed, even briefly, such as pregnancy, polyamory, and gender expression.
Throughout the book, Freddy makes a lot of mistakes and has a lot of shortcomings, and while the things she does are never approved of, they are never demonized either, allowing her the space to grow and heal. Such a raw and honest story, as messy as it is beautiful, one not usually afforded to lesbians (and even less so lesbians of color). I definitely recommend this book, for both its themes and stunning art!
—★—
:: representation :: lesbian biracial (Asian, white) MC, lesbian LI, Black gay character, gay character of color, Black wlw side characters
:: content warnings :: (emotional) abuse, gaslighting, abortion, cheating
—★—
This was such an excellent graphic novel! The art is so pretty and soothing, and I absolutely loved the black and white theme with pink accents. I also really liked the portrayal of messy teens and relationships/friendships, and the message of how sometimes the love we hold for someone else does damage to us—and also the people around us. It’s painful to read Freddy’s story as an outsider, recognizing her relationship as harmful when she can’t, but that’s what makes it so good: the way it shows how when you’re in an abusive relationship, it is so difficult to see it, and even harder to get out. I also appreciated the emphasis on friendship, and how being in a toxic relationship can affect so much more than just yourself. While the focus is on toxic relationships and the power/importance of friendships, I also enjoyed seeing other things discussed or portrayed, even briefly, such as pregnancy, polyamory, and gender expression.
Throughout the book, Freddy makes a lot of mistakes and has a lot of shortcomings, and while the things she does are never approved of, they are never demonized either, allowing her the space to grow and heal. Such a raw and honest story, as messy as it is beautiful, one not usually afforded to lesbians (and even less so lesbians of color). I definitely recommend this book, for both its themes and stunning art!
—★—
:: representation :: lesbian biracial (Asian, white) MC, lesbian LI, Black gay character, gay character of color, Black wlw side characters
:: content warnings :: (emotional) abuse, gaslighting, abortion, cheating
November 14, 2020
4.5 stars.
First of all, it's Laura Dean , not Laura Dern , lol. But Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me is a beautifully drawn graphic novel about how all-consuming relationships can be when you’re young.
Freddy doesn’t know what to do. Her girlfriend, Laura Dean, is cool and super-popular, and Freddy is decidedly not. And while things between them are great sometimes, a lot of the time Laura isn’t a good girlfriend. (Or that good of a person, really.) She routinely doesn’t show up for things, cancels plans on a whim, and has this penchant for kissing other girls.
Oh, and they keep breaking up. (Well, Laura keeps breaking up with her; Freddy just whines and complains to her friends.) But every time Laura decides she wants Freddy back, she comes running.
Freddy’s friends are tired of the whole thing, so she writes to a noted advice columnist. But in the meantime, she starts to realize that while she’s in a bad relationship, it doesn’t give her an excuse to be a bad friend and/or a bad person, both of which she’s been lately. And maybe Laura Dean is the cause of all of that.
Will she find the backbone to do the right thing? How will she know what the right thing is? Will Laura Dean wise up and treat her right? Will Freddy’s friends forgive her?
This was so enjoyable and poignant. It so captured the myopia many of us have had in the midst of an intense relationship, particularly when it’s with someone who might not treat you well. It also reflected that our friends may be fighting their own battles and we don’t even notice.
I’ve really been loving graphic novels over the last year or so, particularly LGBTQ-related ones. There’s so much talent out there!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
First of all, it's Laura Dean , not Laura Dern , lol. But Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me is a beautifully drawn graphic novel about how all-consuming relationships can be when you’re young.
Freddy doesn’t know what to do. Her girlfriend, Laura Dean, is cool and super-popular, and Freddy is decidedly not. And while things between them are great sometimes, a lot of the time Laura isn’t a good girlfriend. (Or that good of a person, really.) She routinely doesn’t show up for things, cancels plans on a whim, and has this penchant for kissing other girls.
Oh, and they keep breaking up. (Well, Laura keeps breaking up with her; Freddy just whines and complains to her friends.) But every time Laura decides she wants Freddy back, she comes running.
Freddy’s friends are tired of the whole thing, so she writes to a noted advice columnist. But in the meantime, she starts to realize that while she’s in a bad relationship, it doesn’t give her an excuse to be a bad friend and/or a bad person, both of which she’s been lately. And maybe Laura Dean is the cause of all of that.
Will she find the backbone to do the right thing? How will she know what the right thing is? Will Laura Dean wise up and treat her right? Will Freddy’s friends forgive her?
This was so enjoyable and poignant. It so captured the myopia many of us have had in the midst of an intense relationship, particularly when it’s with someone who might not treat you well. It also reflected that our friends may be fighting their own battles and we don’t even notice.
I’ve really been loving graphic novels over the last year or so, particularly LGBTQ-related ones. There’s so much talent out there!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
August 4, 2021
Gorgeous art and story!
September 12, 2019
"The older I get, the less I feel like I can be judgy of people's lifestyle choices." pg. 123
Freddy is a 17-year-old lesbian who is dating a gigantic asshole named Laura Dean. Laura Dean doesn't respect Freddy or care about her. She picks her up when she wants sex and leaves her when she's bored with her. She cheats on Freddy frequently, often in public, often when Freddy is in the same room. She just doesn't give a fuck.
And Freddy keeps going back to her because... ... ... she's amazing in bed? I have no fucking idea.
The whole point of this novel seems to be "How BIG of an asshole does Laura have to be to Freddy before Freddy will grow a backbone and cut it off with her?" I was beginning to fear the answer was "she can do anything she wants, and Freddy will be her doormat/sex-toy forever and ever." Kind of depressing.
All of Freddy's friends are sick of her shit and sick of seeing her go back to Laura Dean over and over and over and over after Laura Dean pisses on her over and over and over and over. It was really getting to the point of ridiculousness. I couldn't really see WHY Freddy was putting up with this shit. Was it because of the sex, as I was joking about before? Because NOTHING about Laura Dean (besides her looks) seems appealing. I mean, she's a horrible person - and it's not a secret, either. She's openly and blatantly horrible.
Is it because this was Freddy's first relationship? Was it even Freddy's first relationship? Is it because Freddy is drawn to abusive women?
And what was with all the polyamory talk? If your woman is cheating on you with a lot of different women, it's cheating. It's not poly. It's her cheating on you. Because you wanted/expected fidelity from her and SHE KNOWS IT. You did not have an agreement for her to just fuck whoever she wanted at her whim with zero discussion or input from you, and even if you were polyamorous I doubt that would be an acceptable agreement between partners.
Laura Dean was blatantly and flat-out cruel to Freddy, and I was baffled as to why she was putting up with it. Nothing else in her life really screamed "low self-worth" to me.
I also struggled with finding this book very confusing. I was often confused. About who people were, what their roles were, why they were doing stuff, what exactly was going on with people's friendships? Was Tamaki hinting certain people had romantic feelings for other people? It was very hard for me to tell. What was going on in the past vs. in the present? IDK.
The ending I found especially baffling.
I know it's harder for me to understand what is going on in a graphic novel. For one thing, it seems to be super-popular now to draw in black in white with just one accent color. That makes me even more confused. Also, in novels where there is no prose, and we don't see into the characters' heads, it makes it difficult for me to understand what's going on: what are people thinking and feeling?
Glad they tackled a tiny bit the old-school lesbian view with the new-school lesbian view. It's really relevant now.
TL;DR: It might be frustrating for some readers to see Freddy go back to the (abusive?) horrible Laura Dean over and over and over and over again, despite continued cheating, emotional manipulation, disrespect and passive-aggressiveness.
Sure, IDK, I'm not super into reading about relationships with disrespectful cheating assholes. And despite Freddy's being convinced Laura Dean was her gf, I'm not really sure. Are they girlfriends? Or is Freddy just one of many sex-toys Laura Dean uses and discards and plays with and fucks over? She could have ten girls in the school thinking she's their "girlfriend," I'm not sure Freddy has any special hold.
Beautiful illustrations. The story was just okay. I would have liked it better if , but you know me, I love a happy ending. Also, I wish I was less confused while reading this. Maybe graphic novels aren't my strong point. They seem to be missing the mark with me lately.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK:
Freddy is a 17-year-old lesbian who is dating a gigantic asshole named Laura Dean. Laura Dean doesn't respect Freddy or care about her. She picks her up when she wants sex and leaves her when she's bored with her. She cheats on Freddy frequently, often in public, often when Freddy is in the same room. She just doesn't give a fuck.
And Freddy keeps going back to her because... ... ... she's amazing in bed? I have no fucking idea.
The whole point of this novel seems to be "How BIG of an asshole does Laura have to be to Freddy before Freddy will grow a backbone and cut it off with her?" I was beginning to fear the answer was "she can do anything she wants, and Freddy will be her doormat/sex-toy forever and ever." Kind of depressing.
All of Freddy's friends are sick of her shit and sick of seeing her go back to Laura Dean over and over and over and over after Laura Dean pisses on her over and over and over and over. It was really getting to the point of ridiculousness. I couldn't really see WHY Freddy was putting up with this shit. Was it because of the sex, as I was joking about before? Because NOTHING about Laura Dean (besides her looks) seems appealing. I mean, she's a horrible person - and it's not a secret, either. She's openly and blatantly horrible.
Is it because this was Freddy's first relationship? Was it even Freddy's first relationship? Is it because Freddy is drawn to abusive women?
And what was with all the polyamory talk? If your woman is cheating on you with a lot of different women, it's cheating. It's not poly. It's her cheating on you. Because you wanted/expected fidelity from her and SHE KNOWS IT. You did not have an agreement for her to just fuck whoever she wanted at her whim with zero discussion or input from you, and even if you were polyamorous I doubt that would be an acceptable agreement between partners.
Laura Dean was blatantly and flat-out cruel to Freddy, and I was baffled as to why she was putting up with it. Nothing else in her life really screamed "low self-worth" to me.
I also struggled with finding this book very confusing. I was often confused. About who people were, what their roles were, why they were doing stuff, what exactly was going on with people's friendships? Was Tamaki hinting certain people had romantic feelings for other people? It was very hard for me to tell. What was going on in the past vs. in the present? IDK.
The ending I found especially baffling.
I know it's harder for me to understand what is going on in a graphic novel. For one thing, it seems to be super-popular now to draw in black in white with just one accent color. That makes me even more confused. Also, in novels where there is no prose, and we don't see into the characters' heads, it makes it difficult for me to understand what's going on: what are people thinking and feeling?
Glad they tackled a tiny bit the old-school lesbian view with the new-school lesbian view. It's really relevant now.
TL;DR: It might be frustrating for some readers to see Freddy go back to the (abusive?) horrible Laura Dean over and over and over and over again, despite continued cheating, emotional manipulation, disrespect and passive-aggressiveness.
Sure, IDK, I'm not super into reading about relationships with disrespectful cheating assholes. And despite Freddy's being convinced Laura Dean was her gf, I'm not really sure. Are they girlfriends? Or is Freddy just one of many sex-toys Laura Dean uses and discards and plays with and fucks over? She could have ten girls in the school thinking she's their "girlfriend," I'm not sure Freddy has any special hold.
Beautiful illustrations. The story was just okay. I would have liked it better if , but you know me, I love a happy ending. Also, I wish I was less confused while reading this. Maybe graphic novels aren't my strong point. They seem to be missing the mark with me lately.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK:
November 30, 2020
”It’s true that giving can be a part of love. But, contrary to popular belief, love should never take from you”.
Esta es una novela gráfica que representa, de la manera más real posible, cómo es vivir dentro de una relación tóxica, cómo es verse envuelto en un ciclo interminable de manipulación emocional y lo difícil que es salir de eso. Frederica es novia de Laura Dean, la chica más popular del instituto, y todo es genial. Hasta que Laura termina con Freddie una y otra y otra vez. Y luego vuelven. Y el ciclo se repite. Laura es una fuck girl manipuladora y a Freddie le cuesta mucho salir de la órbita que esa chica crea.
Laura Dean termina conmigo es una novela gráfica que te frustra al leerla. Y todo el tiempo quieres decirle a Freddie que no sea tonta, que no olvide a sus amigas y amigos y que rompa el ciclo vicioso que tiene con Laura. Pero, claro, tanto Laura como Freddie son dos adolescentes y lo que representa esta novela gráfica es precisamente eso: la intensidad con la que se vive todo en la adolescencia por culpa de las hormonas, lo difícil que es tomar decisiones importantes y, a la larga, lo vital que es cuidar de ti mismo.
Esta es una novela gráfica que representa, de la manera más real posible, cómo es vivir dentro de una relación tóxica, cómo es verse envuelto en un ciclo interminable de manipulación emocional y lo difícil que es salir de eso. Frederica es novia de Laura Dean, la chica más popular del instituto, y todo es genial. Hasta que Laura termina con Freddie una y otra y otra vez. Y luego vuelven. Y el ciclo se repite. Laura es una fuck girl manipuladora y a Freddie le cuesta mucho salir de la órbita que esa chica crea.
Laura Dean termina conmigo es una novela gráfica que te frustra al leerla. Y todo el tiempo quieres decirle a Freddie que no sea tonta, que no olvide a sus amigas y amigos y que rompa el ciclo vicioso que tiene con Laura. Pero, claro, tanto Laura como Freddie son dos adolescentes y lo que representa esta novela gráfica es precisamente eso: la intensidad con la que se vive todo en la adolescencia por culpa de las hormonas, lo difícil que es tomar decisiones importantes y, a la larga, lo vital que es cuidar de ti mismo.
January 15, 2022
okay. i love this graphic novel for several reasons, but largely because it's a book about being a hot gay mess, and that is wholly relatable.
i also love the heavy emotions, the beautiful cast of queer characters, the reminder of the importance of platonic love, and the cathartic message of hope ✨
so. laura dean is a toxic fuckgirl, and her relationship with our protagonist, freddy, is emotionally abusive. laura dean has no regard for freddy's feelings, and just keeps her around for when she's bored. oh, and laura dean has broken up with her repeatedly, but each time freddy takes her back.
we spend much of the book with freddy and her angst, and i love the nuance and rawness of tamaki's portrayal. this type of relationship grief is consuming, and makes a person selfish and single-minded, so freddy isn't a very good friend to the people close to her. as the relationship's toxicity leaks into other areas of freddy's life, freddy is too heartsick to recognize it and make a change.
there's even an intense moment after she and laura dean get back together when freddy says she knows in her gut that things aren't right... but her connection with laura dean is irresistible, so she self-destructively holds on.
all of this made me reflect on my own past relationships. (i've had three serious ones so far, and all of them involved breaking up, getting back together for a couple of months, and then breaking up for good) so i can understand freddy's heartbroken eagerness to take laura back, even after being hurt by her so badly. sometimes the heart can't help but cling to something it shouldn't.
the pain of breaking up with someone you still love reminds me of pretty pictures by indigo de souza. dropping the track here for anyone who wants some music to accompany their read.
the supporting characters are a bright spot in the story. i adore sweet doodle, and while i wish her storyline was afforded more time and depth, i'm pleased with the exploration she does get. doodle and freddy's potential new love interest vi are definitely my two favorite characters!
oh and i really dig the art! the color palette is black and white and pale pink, super soft and lovely! there are lots of creative little details, like the characters occasionally have unspoken-communication-bubbles instead of thought bubbles. the motif of plant life is beautiful, and it reinforces the theme of growth 🌱
despite all its messy angst, this book ultimately warmed my heart. mistakes are part of life, growth is beautiful, queer camaraderie is essential, and hearts can heal 🖤
i also love the heavy emotions, the beautiful cast of queer characters, the reminder of the importance of platonic love, and the cathartic message of hope ✨
so. laura dean is a toxic fuckgirl, and her relationship with our protagonist, freddy, is emotionally abusive. laura dean has no regard for freddy's feelings, and just keeps her around for when she's bored. oh, and laura dean has broken up with her repeatedly, but each time freddy takes her back.
we spend much of the book with freddy and her angst, and i love the nuance and rawness of tamaki's portrayal. this type of relationship grief is consuming, and makes a person selfish and single-minded, so freddy isn't a very good friend to the people close to her. as the relationship's toxicity leaks into other areas of freddy's life, freddy is too heartsick to recognize it and make a change.
there's even an intense moment after she and laura dean get back together when freddy says she knows in her gut that things aren't right... but her connection with laura dean is irresistible, so she self-destructively holds on.
all of this made me reflect on my own past relationships. (i've had three serious ones so far, and all of them involved breaking up, getting back together for a couple of months, and then breaking up for good) so i can understand freddy's heartbroken eagerness to take laura back, even after being hurt by her so badly. sometimes the heart can't help but cling to something it shouldn't.
the pain of breaking up with someone you still love reminds me of pretty pictures by indigo de souza. dropping the track here for anyone who wants some music to accompany their read.
I want this. Maybe it's crazy. I want to be this person. This girlfriend in bed with her girlfriend.
the supporting characters are a bright spot in the story. i adore sweet doodle, and while i wish her storyline was afforded more time and depth, i'm pleased with the exploration she does get. doodle and freddy's potential new love interest vi are definitely my two favorite characters!
oh and i really dig the art! the color palette is black and white and pale pink, super soft and lovely! there are lots of creative little details, like the characters occasionally have unspoken-communication-bubbles instead of thought bubbles. the motif of plant life is beautiful, and it reinforces the theme of growth 🌱
despite all its messy angst, this book ultimately warmed my heart. mistakes are part of life, growth is beautiful, queer camaraderie is essential, and hearts can heal 🖤
April 30, 2020
rep: half-East Asian lesbian mc, lesbian li, poc gay character, Black gay character, Black sapphic characters, lesbian character
tw: homophobia, cheating, unwanted pregnancy, abortion
using the word lesbian and allowing lesbians to be messy and make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes?? never thought i would see the day!
the art is also incredibly beautiful
tw: homophobia, cheating, unwanted pregnancy, abortion
using the word lesbian and allowing lesbians to be messy and make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes?? never thought i would see the day!
the art is also incredibly beautiful
March 14, 2020
A mostly black and white graphic novel about a relationship where you aren't treated the best. This is set mostly among the gay community. Freddy, short for Frederica, is in love with Laura Dean, but Laura takes advantage of her, and breaks up with her when it's convenient. Freddy has a close friend that she constantly ignores and puts on hold whenever Laura welcomes her back in her arms.
I feel like the emotions in this story are spot on for new relationships and trying to figure out who you are in relation to someone you love. Bending over backwards for another person can wear you out. There are some big issues going on as side stories like abortion, polygamy to name a few.
It's a wonderful exploration of a young girl finding out who she really is in relation to other people. Freddy has to dig deep and decide if she will turn her back on her friends. Excellent story.
I feel like the emotions in this story are spot on for new relationships and trying to figure out who you are in relation to someone you love. Bending over backwards for another person can wear you out. There are some big issues going on as side stories like abortion, polygamy to name a few.
It's a wonderful exploration of a young girl finding out who she really is in relation to other people. Freddy has to dig deep and decide if she will turn her back on her friends. Excellent story.
January 27, 2020
Printz Honor 2020
Committee loves Tamaki, but I thought this was far from perfect and not deserving of the honor in terms of the story telling.
__________
Wish this story spent as much time on developing characters and relationships as it did on being inclusive and woke. You have to make me understand what is so appealing about Laura Dean first, before I even start contemplating why a polyamorous relationship with her would be a good idea for the MC.
Better than Kiss Number 8, but not significantly better.
Committee loves Tamaki, but I thought this was far from perfect and not deserving of the honor in terms of the story telling.
__________
Wish this story spent as much time on developing characters and relationships as it did on being inclusive and woke. You have to make me understand what is so appealing about Laura Dean first, before I even start contemplating why a polyamorous relationship with her would be a good idea for the MC.
Better than Kiss Number 8, but not significantly better.
January 29, 2023
I honestly don't know what I'm expecting when I started the book but it's definitely not this.
I think this book would be a good read for the people who needed it but that person is definitely not me. It's heartbreaking and hurtful. Freddy is in a relationship with Laura Dean who keeps breaking up with her.
But know what? Laura Dean is the epitome of toxic, their relationship is toxic. I wanted to understand her but the book did not offer me any explanation for why she acted the way she acted besides that, she is a selfish and inconsiderate person. Which in return, cause Freddy to do the same to her friends.
The ending was bittersweet but the conflict is getting repetitive and it's tiring, I'm just glad it has ended.
I think this book would be a good read for the people who needed it but that person is definitely not me. It's heartbreaking and hurtful. Freddy is in a relationship with Laura Dean who keeps breaking up with her.
But know what? Laura Dean is the epitome of toxic, their relationship is toxic. I wanted to understand her but the book did not offer me any explanation for why she acted the way she acted besides that, she is a selfish and inconsiderate person. Which in return, cause Freddy to do the same to her friends.
The ending was bittersweet but the conflict is getting repetitive and it's tiring, I'm just glad it has ended.
January 6, 2021
This book cleaned up at the 2020 Eisners, taking home Best Publication for Teens, Best Writer and Best Penciller, so I wanted to check this out to see what all the hubbub was about (bub) even though I suspected that I wouldn’t like it much - and I didn’t! I really, really didn’t like it at all.
BUT - I will 100% agree that this is a comic for teens and I did like Rosemary Valero-O’Connell’s art which was very pretty, appealing and skilful even though she chooses to randomly not draw character’s noses, which, at a distance is fine, but really jarring when it happens up close! I guess the only colour, besides the black and white, being pink is because pink has gay connotations? Woah. Art.
Best Writer - Mariko Tamaki? HA! God no. She’s a terrible writer and this comic is possibly the worst I’ve read of hers yet. There’s really no story. 17 year old Freddy Riley’s girlfriend Laura Dean keeps breaking up with her and it bothers her. That’s not a story, that’s a premise. I guess Freddy learns the importance of friendship and to stick up for herself but to get to that you have to read an entire book’s worth of nothing happening.
Freddy is a dull wallflower, Laura Dean is a one-dimensional douchebag (hey, even lesbians can be crappy partners! realised no-one after reading this because duh), and everyone seems to be a lesbian in this world (besides the ‘rentals for obvious reasons) because that’s realistic. The cast are such an uninteresting group of narcissistic, vapid idiots caught up in their dreary worlds of non-drama, which I suppose is an accurate representation of some teenagers and so might be compelling to read for similar dolts, but I couldn’t stand them and found it a real chore to get through this ultra-boring book.
Maybe if you’re into that tedious Tillie Walden pseudo-deep/naval-gazing-type crap you’ll enjoy Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, but for anyone else, I wouldn’t bother.
BUT - I will 100% agree that this is a comic for teens and I did like Rosemary Valero-O’Connell’s art which was very pretty, appealing and skilful even though she chooses to randomly not draw character’s noses, which, at a distance is fine, but really jarring when it happens up close! I guess the only colour, besides the black and white, being pink is because pink has gay connotations? Woah. Art.
Best Writer - Mariko Tamaki? HA! God no. She’s a terrible writer and this comic is possibly the worst I’ve read of hers yet. There’s really no story. 17 year old Freddy Riley’s girlfriend Laura Dean keeps breaking up with her and it bothers her. That’s not a story, that’s a premise. I guess Freddy learns the importance of friendship and to stick up for herself but to get to that you have to read an entire book’s worth of nothing happening.
Freddy is a dull wallflower, Laura Dean is a one-dimensional douchebag (hey, even lesbians can be crappy partners! realised no-one after reading this because duh), and everyone seems to be a lesbian in this world (besides the ‘rentals for obvious reasons) because that’s realistic. The cast are such an uninteresting group of narcissistic, vapid idiots caught up in their dreary worlds of non-drama, which I suppose is an accurate representation of some teenagers and so might be compelling to read for similar dolts, but I couldn’t stand them and found it a real chore to get through this ultra-boring book.
Maybe if you’re into that tedious Tillie Walden pseudo-deep/naval-gazing-type crap you’ll enjoy Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, but for anyone else, I wouldn’t bother.
April 7, 2022
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Welcome to Hype Week, where I review all of the books that people in my feed won't shut up about for one week only. LAURA DEAN has been popping up in my feed for a while. Even though it keeps obnoxiously saying, in text, that it's like an indie rom-com, that's exactly what it feels like. The kind of movie that Michael Cera and Kat Dennings would be in. THAT type of indie movie.
Freddy is a seventeen year old Asian girl living in Berkeley, CA. She's also dating a girl named Laura Dean, who's kind of like a frick-boy in girl form. Laura uses her when she wants something and then drops her like she's hot, stringing her along, shoving her other hook-ups in Freddy's face, and basically forcing her constantly to choose between her and her friends, her and her own mental health, her and basically anything else that isn't Laura Dean.
I've actually been in an emotionally toxic relationship like this when I was young so it makes me sad to see so many people hating on Freddy for not seeing the light. When you're depressed and have low self-esteem, it can feel like you're lucky to have anyone give you the time of day, even if that person is a total jerk. I felt like Tamaki did a really good job showing how hard it can be to leave that sort of relationship, and how much personal development it takes to do so.
Some other critics have said that this feels too woke, but the California I know really is like this. People are out and proud, and they talk about their personal identities just like this. It's one of the things I love about San Francisco: the celebration of diversity. A lot of authors who don't live in California but write books here anyway make everyone white and straight and that simply isn't realistic-- of anywhere, but especially the Bay Area. So seeing that kind of rep was exceptionally lovely.
LAURA DEAN KEEPS BREAKING UP WITH ME is a surprisingly emotionally intense graphic novel. I'm pretty picky when it comes to YA but I think this book is really, really good.
4 stars
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