TheIndianBookworm

Back in August, I attended FlameCon, New York’s largest LGBTQ+ comic and pop culture convention, and it was an unforgettable experience. FlameCon is a vibrant celebration of queer creativity, bringing together fans and creators from across the spectrum of pop culture to share stories, art, and fandom. It was there that I had the privilege of meeting Sarah Myer, the author of Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story. After hearing them speak about her creative journey and flipping through the stunning artwork in their graphic memoir, I couldn’t wait to dive into this poignant and deeply personal story.

Monstrous is a young adult graphic memoir that chronicles Sarah’s journey growing up as a Korean-American girl adopted by a white family in a predominantly white rural community. The book vividly portrays Sarah’s struggles with identity, racism, and belonging. From whispered comments at the grocery store to overt bullying in school, the racism Sarah faces is unflinchingly depicted, and her frustration and anger are palpable. At its core, Monstrous is a story of resilience, exploring how Sarah channels her pain and anger into art and fandom, particularly through anime and cosplay.

One of the standout aspects of Monstrous is Sarah Myer’s art. The expressive illustrations perfectly complement the raw emotional journey of the memoir, capturing everything from moments of joy and creative escape to scenes of anguish and isolation. The detailed panels bring to life the influence of anime on Sarah’s art style and their love for fandom communities, making it especially relatable for readers who’ve ever found solace in creative outlets or geek culture.

Sarah’s story resonates on multiple levels, tackling themes of identity, anger, and the search for belonging. As an adoptee in a world that often doesn’t understand or accept them, Sarah struggles with the duality of feeling out of place both within their family and in her community. Yet, the memoir is not just a tale of struggle; it’s a celebration of the ways art and fandom can become a lifeline, offering connection and healing.

It’s no surprise that Monstrous has earned such accolades, including being a Finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize in Young Adult Literature. With its heartfelt storytelling and striking illustrations, it’s a memoir that will resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever felt out of place or used creativity as a means of survival. Fans of Almost American Girl and Gene Luen Yang’s work, such as American Born Chinese, will find much to love in this book.

Meeting Sarah Myer at FlameCon made reading Monstrous even more special, and I can confidently say this is a must-read for fans of graphic memoirs, young adult literature, and stories that explore the intersections of identity and creativity. Have you read Monstrous? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!