As someone who is and has been a plus sized girl forever, who has in the last year started learning to deal with her eating disorder, AND is on a journey of self love, this hit close to home. This memoir, told in the form of a graphic novel, was kind of a breath of fresh air. Finally someone was putting into words, and pictures, what many of us as children felt or worried about growing up, and still do in our 20s and 30s. As children of the 90s and early 00s, we were bombarded by diet fads whilst being told by the media that anyone over a size 2 was “chubby.”
Seeing people in media today who struggle with food is a step in helping those who are struggling in silence, thinking there isn’t any representation for them out there.
A major thing I enjoyed was the discussion of parents and how they can help shape your view of food, your body and health, because not many people realize their habits and views of themselves come from childhood (lol same.)
I also appreciate the mention of how relationships are also affected by your own perception of your body and your relationship with food. It can put a strain on you and your loved ones, friends, partners. Gallagher didn’t victim blame and she gets the point of insecurities in said relationships very well.

The graphics were cute and I enjoyed every minute, no matter how many times I felt sorrow for the author and then myself, knowing we’ve both gone through similar phases and feelings.


Thank you to NetGalley and all of the publishers involved with the circulation of this book! Also thank you to Siobhán Gallagher for creating this graphic novel.Less

Beauty standard has existed for millenia. Women are the sole target of this rigid patriarchal box full of what should be, what should not be. The harm is caused affected the way people think about their body. The author of this book is no exception.

This book brought the reader along with the author following her journey of finding her true self through the body. The thing that I enjoy the most from this book is probably the pop culture reference be it fashion, music, or other things. From year to year, trends emerge then die down. Now with social media it moves almost too quickly. Interestingly, this FOMO phenomenon although arguably has existed for a long time, the more advanced the society, the faster the trend moves, the greater the damage. We are shown by the author how she internalized toxic beauty standard which later manifested in unhealthy habits and misplaced judgement about gender. Despite that, I think the storytelling is a bit bland. I got bored and stalling to finished this for more than a week. The panels are repetitive, maybe that's one of the reason why I feel it's way too long. I was a little bit nervous too that this will be that girlboss corporate feminism type of book, but I'm relieved it encourages intersectionality and solidarity. I'm glad that the author finally find herself and slowly unlearning harmful habits and mindset. This has been one of the most honest voice about women's experience with her own body.

I am all in for self love and specially for women .We as women go through so many changes in our lives not just physically but emotionally too. And unfortunately we don't get to see many role models in our lives.
This books had some very interesting topics to explore but sometimes it was just overboard. I could not connect to it and the illustrations were also a it little disappointing .

I went into Full of Myself thinking it was about physical boby image but it's so much more. It goes into the mental state of the author at different points in life going into great detail. I love the art and illustrations, they're vibrant and appealing to the eye. The book is formated episodically so it was a fun a fast read. This would be a bread book for young girls to read as it displays important lessons for them in life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review. This book is honestly one of my favorites for 2023, I related to the author more than I could ever imagine. As someone that has been "heavier" (or just perceived myself as such) my entire life, this novel really spoke to me. I felt Siobhan's entire journey through childhood and adulthood in my heart and soul. The illustrations were gorgeous and I think everything was depicted so well, even the touchy subjects (eating disorder, self-harm, depression, etc). I cried more than once for her during my read of this novel, and the parts of her I see in myself. I applaud her for being so open and vulnerable with the situations she's gone through, and the bravery she showed by sharing this with the whole world. I will be RUNNING to purchase a copy of this graphic novel when it is published. I cannot stress enough how amazing this story is, and how anyone that identifies as a woman will be able to relate to it in some way. Thank you, Siobhan Gallagher for being so amazing just being you, it was a joy to read your memoir.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love when you somehow stumble upon a book at the exact time that you needed it. It was just a few weeks ago that I stumbled upon my old diaries for the first time in over a decade and although incredibly funny, I was shocked and saddened at how much I spoke about my body with such shame and dislike. This memoir was incredibly relatable and summed up so much of the experience I had growing up, and even still feel today. Siobhan does an amazing job at portraying so many of the feelings that many women feel, yet through her own lens. I also loved how she perfectly captured so many of these raw and complex feelings through her artwork. It was funny, honest, moving and very well-done.

I loved this book. I’m not normally a graphic novel girl, but I just found so seen by this book. She did such a good job at expressing herself and what life is like growing up as a woman. I literally sat down and didn’t look up while I was reading it, and it only took me and hour or two because it’s a graphic novel. Overall, I definitely recommend this book to everyone and especially teenage girls because it was so relatable and made me feel less alone.

This autobiographical gem dives deep into the complex themes of body dysmorphia an the challenges of growing up. With its stunning artwork, sharp wit, and clever storytelling, this comic has become a must-read in my collection! The author's writing creates a perfect balance between humor and introspection. Moreover, the genuine portrayal of the author's struggles with body dysmorphia resonates with readers on a profound level. In a society where body image issues are pervasive, this work provides an empathetic perspective that encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-acceptance.

I am obsessed with graphic novels and this one definitely did not disappoint. It spoke directly to my heart and I wish I could show this book to my younger self.

It’s been a long time since I read a book and felt seen. In this graphic memoir, Sio shares her journey with body dysmorphia + the male gaze + wavering self confidence from teen to 30-something. I really appreciated the journey. Sio is honest, vulnerable, and relatable. She shares difficult portrayals while also incorporating humor and empathy. It’s humbling how so many women have the same experiences and we’re all just out here feeling like we’re the only one.

At times the memoir felt… a little meandering and slowed down the pacing. The ending also felt a little flat and too cheesy, like the ending of a “Full House” episode. However, I appreciate how Sio handles the intersection of race, fatness, and privilege. She even gives resources at the end that I am looking forward to exploring.

Thank you to Andrew’s Mcmeel for Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh! I loved this book. Siobhan tells the story of her life and her relationship with her feelings about her body. She talks about everything from eating disorders to sexual harassment to first love. I was really able to identify with her feelings of insecurity and how those feelings kept her from living her life to the fullest.
If she had stopped there, this would be a mediocre and depressing read. However, Siobhan talks about learning to separate herself from those feelings so that she can be a main character in her own life. Probably my favorite part was when a girl who had just broken up with her ex talked about how cool she always thought Siobhan was, and the two were able to make a meaningful connection.
In the end, Siobhan accepts all of her insecure selves.
The pictures are so cute but the story is serious and optimistic.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

Thank you to Siobhán Gallagher, NetGalley, and Andrew McMeel Publishing for this ARC.

TW: food, disordered eating, misogyny, anxiety

“To be a girl is to go from being an observer to being observed.”

Siobhán Gallagher’s Full of Myself explores the Western idealism of what women should look and act like by using charming drawings and impactful storytelling. Gallagher takes the reader through her coming-of-age journey in a way that at times is hilarious (Rojo Caliente iykyk) and other times quite sad.

Personally, I feel this story is probably the most relatable book I’ve ever read. From Gallagher’s perspective as a teen to her perspective as an adult, I truly connected with her feelings of not wanting to be seen or perceived by others, the anxiety of eating and thinking about eating constantly, self-esteem (or lack thereof), and her love of her sunflower cow shirt (I have a Buccee’s sunflower shirt so I get the love!).

I would recommend this book to everyone I know but if you’re looking for a book that is charming, witty, and authentic please pick this up!

I am sad that the book is over! I delayed finishing it and kept thinking about it all the time while I wasn't reading. This is my new favorite graphic novel and I adored everything about it. As a millennial who went through many of Siobhán's struggles, I related immensely to it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who grew up in the 90s and dealt with depression, social anxiety, impostor syndrome and body image issues.
The art was wonderful, the writing funny and engaging, and the overall message inspirational.
LOVED IT!

I really liked it! I felt seen and heard. It got a little preachy about how we're all in this together toward the end. I didn't love this, but it was still a great read.

Ce livre en général n'était pas mauvais mais il était beaucoup trop long et j'ai trouvé qu'il se répétait beaucoup. Moi-même atteinte de TCA, je me suis reconnue dans plusieurs situations mais beaucoup de sujets étaient abordés un peu maladroitement. Je trouve cependant que ça reste un bon roman graphique si l'on souhaite en savoir davantage sur l'estime de soi et certains passages sont très beaux à lire.

I can imagine this book on the shelf of my favourite comic and graphic novel store in Brighton, selling out. This was an absolute gem- talking about the devastating and almost inevitable journey of girls growing up, falling into the hands of extremely unrealistic and dangerous beauty standards. The extreme need to feel cool, to feel beautiful, to feel sexy, to feel desirable, to feel physically perfect at any cost.

At ANY cost.

And feeling that you have no other choice, it is either that, or you’re a complete failure, ugly, pathetic, you’ll die alone, unloved, unsuccessful, worthless. That is the choice presented before us- be desired or unwanted. But not too desirable, because then you’re asking to be assaulted and hurt. But you’ve got to want it, but don’t make it too obvious. But if you’re obviously not trying, you’re pathetic too.

Anyway, this book encompasses this experience ingeniously. With plenty of references to late 90s and early 00s pop culture, fashion, and media, this book was a great nostalgic reading experience which I haven’t experienced with any other graphic novel.

The art style is absolutely stunning, the colours a signature shade of pinks and blues absolutely beautiful to the eye.

I absolutely loved this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone and anyone.

INCREDIBLY RELATABLE.

If you feel personally victimized by being a female in the 90’s and early 00’s, this one is for you. We follow Siobhán as child to adulthood and experiencing what it means to find love for yourself in a world that tears down women.

We see the male gaze, self hate, and internalized misogyny. Siobhán Gallagher takes us on her journey of self acceptance and love and I think its something a lot of women struggle with. Incredibly moving and funny, I thought this graphic novel was the perfect story of growing up and learning to love yourself.

*Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*

I am so glad we reached a point as a society where body image issues, body dysmorphia and disordered eating are openly discussed in the media and more and more with the people around us. The graphic novel format combined with the eye-catching and appealing illustrations is a great way to reach a younger audience, particularly since those sensitive topics are addressed in an accessible and engaging way.

Now, was it groundbreaking? No. Does it have to be to be relevant? Also no. But the more we cover the topic, the less stigma there will be around it.

While my journey regarding this matter is past that point, I can totally see how this book could find and help someone else in a life-changing way. ❤️

🩷 Full of Myself by Siobhán Gallagher
📚 graphic novel/memoir
🌟 5/5 stars

*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Andrew McMeel Publishing for and advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!*

If I had to sum up my feelings for this book in one word, it would be: validated. From beginning to end, I related to SO much of Siobhán’s story and felt so heard hearing someone feel and think the same way I do about issues that can feel so deeply personal.

Full of Myself is a graphic memoir that deals with issues such as body image, self love, and eating disorders but also extends into gender issues, mental health, and a lot in between. This was an absolute joy to read and undeniably funny, and it felt a lot like getting to know a friend rather than just reading through someone’s growth. The early chapters of this memoir gave me such a heavy feeling of girlhood and general nostalgia, I especially loved all the pages detailing Sio’s style through the years. I couldn’t help but feel the whole time that Siobhán is someone I would actually see growing up and compare myself too because of how naturally funny, bold, and kind she comes across in her writing and personality. Which is so ironic in its own way, because in reality she spent a lifetime doing the same exact thing to other women, and I’d NEVER expect that in a million years. This really came back and hit me when internalized misogyny is mentioned near the end of the book. I feel as if it’s a topic that isn’t talked about or confronted enough, and I wish it was because I think so many women struggle with it and don’t ever realize or even mean what they’re doing.

Most importantly, this memoir offers genuinely helpful guidance, support, and even resources at the end. I wish such delicate topics were discussed and celebrated in fun ways more often, you can tell that a lot of care was put into crafting this graphic novel and that is much needed when handing something so sensitive.

All in all, this never let me down for a single second and I hope to get my hands on a physical copy when it’s released! This hopefully won’t be the last you hear from me about Siobhán’s work either, I’d love to get to more of her work when I have the chance!

This is my first memoir comic book and it was insanely cute!! As an illustrator Gallagher is incredible at portraying beyond her words.
This is her memoir but the overall theme is self-acceptance when battling body dysmorphia for years … among other things.
I think a lot of this book will be cathartic to those who’ve dealt with similar things as Gallagher (internalized fatphobia, depression triggered by change, low self worth, etc.)

However, my biggest critic is that the whole book felt like a stream of consciousness.
We would be in the teenage years and a random story about her being 11 would show up that never really tied in again.
At times it worked when it felt like a friend telling you a story but most of the time it just felt like a roller coaster.

Thank you to Andrews Mcmeel Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.