You know when you start reading a book and you know it’s going to be a great read? That feeling when the setting is so comfortable you could sink into it or when the characters feel like old friends you’re catching up with. That’s how reading I Feel Awful Thanks felt for me.
I Feel Awful, Thanks is the graphic novel debut from Lara Pickle. First released in Spanish as Estoy Fatal, Gracias, this English edition comes translated by Pickle herself.
| Title: I Feel Awful, Thanks | Writer and Illustrator: Lara Pickle |
| Age Rating: 16+ | Color Assists: Anna Franquesa Letterer: François Vigneault |
| Release Date: March 5, 2024 | Publisher: Oni Press |
| Page Count: 216 | Genre: YA Fantasy |
Synopsis
A lushly illustrated debut graphic novel that explores the hardfought journey of self-acceptance in a complex world of swirling emotions and powerful potions.
Joana has dragons inside her. Can she tame them before they burn her life down?
Joana is a young witch who secured her dream job with a coven in London, her favorite city, where she can dedicate herself to creating potions, her favorite activity! However, she will soon discover the reality of city life is not so idyllic. Finding a flat is an ordeal, her “dream job” is stressful, and she’s totally alone. Little by little, she makes her place, but fatigue, sadness, and doubts threaten to topple her hard-earned success . . . until she starts talking to a professional who helps her realize in order to take care of herself, she must know herself.
Review:
I would call I Feel Awful, Thanks a cozy-adjacent fantasy, and cozy fantasies make for delightful graphic novels. It’s set in a fantasy world where witches, potions, and covens are real. Joana is a young witch offered a job at a coven in London to create and develop potions. She eagerly accepts and moves across Europe to start her new job. Unfortunately, things aren’t as easy as she hoped. Joana feels emotions intensely, and her struggles with her job, boyfriend, and roommate make things even more difficult. With help, Joana learns to take care of herself and understand her emotions.
If you’re looking for a lovely book with great friendships and a focus on mental health, look no further. I Feel Awful, Thanks is incredibly wholesome with a great message. This is a perfect read for the upper-YA and post-YA crowd, but it’s also a great read for adults. Pickle does a great job at making mental health feel more normalized and less stigmatized, which is still lacking in society. I Feel Awful, Thanks also has a lovely romance side-plot and adorable, healthy friendships. What more could you want?
Art:
Pickle’s art in I Feel Awful, Thanks is adorable and heart-warming, with character designs that feel approachable and relatable. The colors in the book are constantly shifting based on Joana’s moods and emotions, which has the bonus effect of making this a book perfect for multiple rereads. I’ve enjoyed rereading it now that I know the art and colors sometimes hide clues to Joana’s emotions. I also appreciated Vigneault’s clear lettering, adding to the graphic novel’s accessibility.
Final Thoughts:
I always have a lot to say about books I like, and this is definitely one of those times. If you love translated fiction, books about mental health, or cozy fantasies, read this book! I’m so glad Oni Press and Lara Pickle got the English version of Estoy Fatal, Gracias out in the world.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Thanks to Oni Press for providing me with an advanced review copy! All the above thoughts are my own.
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