Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

Save:
Find on Amazon

The graphic novel 'Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me' by Mariko Tamaki follows the protagonist Freddy as she navigates a toxic romantic relationship with Laura Dean. Despite Laura's controlling and manipulative behavior, Freddy finds it difficult to break away from the cycle of breaking up and getting back together. The story also delves into Freddy's self-discovery journey, the importance of self-love, and the challenges of teenage relationships, all portrayed through the lens of LGBTQ characters and relationships. The book addresses themes of toxic relationships, emotional abuse, and the struggles of finding one's self-worth in the midst of a difficult romance.

The narrative unfolds with a focus on Freddy's growth as she learns to value herself and recognize the toxicity in her relationship with Laura Dean. Through the support of her friends and her own self-realization, Freddy begins to understand the complexities of love, friendship, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. The graphic novel also touches on the impact of toxic relationships on other aspects of Freddy's life, highlighting the difficulties of navigating high school dynamics and the power dynamics within teenage relationships.

Characters:

The characters are well-defined, with Freddy as a central figure navigating her toxic relationship, while her friends illustrate diverse perspectives.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines beautifully designed art with a detailed and relatable narrative that captures the complexities of teen relationships.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a toxic on-again, off-again relationship and the protagonist's eventual realization of her need for self-worth and healthier friendships.

Setting:

The setting highlights a contemporary high school where queer relationships are normalized, providing a backdrop for exploring complex social dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing effectively mirrors the emotional journey of teens, balancing quiet moments with the buildup to significant realizations.

Notes:

The story humorously deals with themes of teen heartache and friendship.
The art style has a strong manga influence, enhancing the narrative.
The pacing allows for moments to unfold over several pages, highlighting character interactions.
Freddy, the main character, struggles with an on-again, off-again relationship with Laura Dean.
Freddy's friends are diverse and supportive, emphasizing queer relationships as normal.
The book portrays a liberating environment for LGBTQ youth, in contrast to past experiences.
Freddy writes to an advice columnist, seeking help for her relationship struggles.
The artwork uses a limited color scheme of pastel pink, black, white, and grey, creating a unique aesthetic.
The characters reflect on what it means to love someone who is toxic to them.
The graphic novel emphasizes self-discovery and the importance of recognizing unhealthy relationships.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of emotional abuse, toxic relationships, and potential self-discovery difficulties.

Has Romance?

Romance plays a significant role in the narrative, marked by the protagonist's complicated relationships.

From The Publisher:

One of FORBES Best Graphic Novels of 2019

On BCCB 2019 Blue Ribbons List

One of NPR's Best Books of 2019

Booklist 2019 Editors' Choice

One of Bitch Media's Best Queer YA Novels of 2019

Author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Rosemary Valero-O'Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, a graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.

Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley's dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There's just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend.

Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy's best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it's really Laura Dean that's the problem. Maybe it's Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever.

Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love.

Ratings (13)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (3)

Reader Stats (28):

Read It (15)
Want To Read (9)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (3)

1 comment(s)

Did Not Like
4 months

I mainly appreciated the art style and color palette in this. However, I felt the main character should have left Laura much earlier, as the red flags were evident from the start. It was frustrating to watch her ignore these signs. Additionally, I was troubled by how the protagonist seemed to gloss over the serious issue of her friend being practically abused, which led to the abortion in the first place. This aspect felt underdeveloped and deserved more attention.

 

About the Author:

Mariko Tamaki writes comic books for BOOM! Studios, Marvel and DC Comics. She is the co-creator of the New York Times bestseller, This One Summer with Jillian Tamaki, which received Eisner and Governor General awards, as well as Caldecott and Printz Honors. Mariko lives in Oakland.

Rosemary Valero-O'Connell has done work for DC Comics, BOOM! Studios, CAPY games, and Mondo Tees among others, and her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators NY, and shown in galleries both locally and internationally.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.