A well thought out Graphic Novel about a female teen learning ways to deal with depression and anxiety. She refers to her depression as "Matter" and the illustrator draws it in such a way that it wraps itself around Mona, showing the reader how she suffers both physically and emotionally from this "matter". The author's message to the reader is as overwhelming as the matter can get, look at what helps you physically/emotionally/mentally - look at the good in your life to help battle the matter.

The illustrations were drawn to perfectly match the mood and what was happening emotionally/physically to Mona. I liked that the author included her own Self Care graphic at the end of the book, along with a blank one that readers could fill out for themselves. ( )

This is the first graphic novel that moved me to tears. Mona uses her journaling and art to grapple with her dark matter, the depression and dark thoughts that she carries with her. She's in therapy, has supportive parents, and treats figuring herself out as a project. As she finds ways to break through or coexist with the dark, yellow is introduced into the pages of the graphic. Largely introspective and personal, this graphic novel explores Mona's path to self discover but also introduces the notion of Artner (partners in art) as a path to connection, community, and mental health. ( )

72/2021. The Dark Matter of Mona Starr, by Laura Lee Gulledge, is a semi-autobiographical exploration of depression and anxiety in comics form, aimed at young adults. I love Gulledge's art, and the stories in her three books so far have all been well-meaning. This one also includes tips on self-care. ( )

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book that I got from the library.

Story (4/5): This book is about a girl named Mona Starr who is struggling with depression. She struggles to make friends even though she’s very sweet and creative. At the urging of her therapist she starts a study of what she calls her “Dark Matter” and tries to figure out triggers and helpers to deal with it.

Characters (4/5): Mona Starr is very relatable and easy to engage with; you really feel for her and the surrounding characters. I think the core “realization” for Mona is that everyone is struggling with their own “Dark Matter” all the time but people just end up fighting the struggle in different ways. Mona pretty much makes this story (along with the creative artwork and way of portraying depression).

Setting (4/5): The book is contemporary and takes place mostly in Mona’s house and school.

Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): There are some very creative aspects in this book. The visualization of depression as Dark Matter that can be studied and understood was incredibly well done. While the drawing done in shades of grey wasn’t really something I personally loved; it was well done and easy to follow. The neutral tones throughout make the pages where bursts of yellow (happiness) are added into the book even more impactful.

My Summary (4/5): Overall this was incredibly creative and very well done. I am not personally a huge fan of reading about depression or of the muted grey art style used throughout this novel. However, I think the way depression was portrayed and the acknowledgment of how to deal with and fight it was very well done. This is one of those unique books that really does something new and creative and I appreciated it even if I didn’t personally love it. ( )

What a fabulous graphic representation of how it feels to struggle with anxiety and depression! I wish I had this back when I was really having trouble with my own intrusive thoughts. It would have helped me feel a little less alone and helped me put some of my thoughts and habits into words. Excellent book! ( )