I just finished Lacy J. Davis’s graphic novel, Ink in Water, and I am already anticipating her next book. My enjoyment was on the same level as when I read Lucy Knisley’s Relish, or Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home.

I flew through this one—it is rare that I pick up a graphic and am instantly hooked by the story as well as the artwork. Davis does an amazing job of recounting her experience with an eating disorder without sensationalizing it. I appreciate that while we did see the physical manifestations of the disorder, we are also privy to the internal struggle of how she got there and how she found a way through it. I can see this story resonating with people who are fighting an eating disorder; not only does it flow well, she is just a super relatable person.

At the beginning I wasn't sure about the black and white illustrations, but I can say now that they were absolutely necessary. Jim Kettner did a crazy great job with using shading to convey the mood in various scenes. For example, Lacy’s thoughts over a personal tragedy play out in mostly black illustrations, with her body being almost blurred out by grief. I’m not sure that this story would have been as effective if it had been done in color; the illustrations were appropriate for the grim subject matter.

Whether you have an eating disorder, know someone who has fought with one, or are just a human in this insane world, I recommend that you give this a try. It’s a dark story in some ways, but there is so much hope woven throughout. 5 stars from me!

Thanks to NetGalley, Lucy Davis, Jim Kettner, and New Harbinger Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an incredibly powerful , moving and above all painfully honest book about what it is like to struggle with an eating disorder. Every page is powerful and has purpose, but the book is also beautifully illustrated in a stark black and white style that is tonally perfect for the story being told.
As for that story, its one that will resonate with many people. While this book deals primarily with the author's struggle with an eating disorder, from the early stages of tracking calories and exercise in an attempt to distract from other things going on in her life, through the darkest of days and into how she took charge and found a way to be the better, stronger self she wanted to be, this whole process echoes many other addictive behaviours, a topic that is also touched upon in the book.
What makes this book truly exceptional and memorable in my eyes is the unflinching honesty which permeates every page. I can only imagine how hard it was for the author to write, exposing yourself at your lowest ebb could not have been easy, but it makes the book much more powerful. I found myself turning page after page, rooting for Lacy, cheering on her every progress, and rooting for her during the moments she struggled. Creating such emotion on a page is something that should be celebrated, and the empowering overall message of this book is one that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops. So many young people struggle with these issues, and I for one think this is the kind of book that schools and libraries should definitely have in their stacks.
This book is one I know I will be thinking about for some time to come, it well deserves every one of its five stars.

Interesting and searingly honest - a completely open and personal journey through life with an eating disorder, and the importance of relationships and self. Also the artwork and page layout used to tell the story worked really well together.

I received this in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, Lacy Davis, and the publisher, New Harbinger for this opportunity.
Ink in Water is a memoir of Lacy Davis’ upsetting struggle with negative body image and eating disorders. and how she rose above her own damaging behaviours and feelings of inadequacy to live a life of strength and empowerment.
Told in the form of a graphic novel, it covers her friendships and how they break down, the beginning of her recovery on an overeaters anonymous course and the relationships she forms. Over the course of the book she suffers from both anorexia and bulimia and also partakes in extreme exercise.
It is heart-breaking in places and I found I was able to totally emphasise with Lacy. I liked her and was cheering on her recovery. The illustrations are amazing and I can’t rate this highly enough. I don’t generally read graphic novels but after having some family experience with eating disorders I wanted to know more about it and the feelings people have.

This is from an advance review copy for which I thank the publisher.

This is a long comic, but an easy read. The art is black and white line drawings and gray scale art which has a sweet watercolor texture to it - perhaps because so many images show it raining! Initially I had mixed feelings about it, because it had a 'been there done that' feel to me - not that I've been there and done that, but like I'd read this story before - like it was reiterating. But it's a very personal story, and even if you have read 'it' before, you haven't read this one, and it's an important story which bears repetition, not least because it has such a positive outcome.

Lacy J Davis fell into a destructive eating spiral after a broken relationship, but this was not one where weight went up. Instead, it went precariously down. The story continues in this vein, exploring her life afterwards, in all its ups and downs, advances and set-backs, sparing no details, and hiding no sin. For that alone I commend it as a worthy read.

I'd like to have seen this better illustrated in the artwork, because while some of the art was really engaging, some of it was rather rudimentary, so it felt a bit patchy throughout, and I think this lessened the graphic impact of what happened here: the images for 'before' and 'after' and finally, 'later after' had too much in common to make a really arresting impression.

When you start out with an improbably skinny 'cartoon-like' character in a story about an eating disorder, it's a bit self-defeating. It's really hard to convey the extent of the problem in your illustrations when your character starts out already looking anorexic before the problem begins! I felt that a little more realism in the drawings would have contributed significantly to the impact of the story.

Additionally, I'd like to have known where the roots of that potential to fall were grown and why they went the way they did given the apparent tripwire for the break-up, but that was not shared with us, assuming it was even known. Yes, we know the proximate trigger of this problem, but if there's something falling, that kinetic energy came from somewhere, but this 'somewhere' went unexplored. Given that this was supposed to be a teaching tool inter alia, I felt that this was an omission which should itself have been omitted. It was one of several omissions, and I think the work would have been stronger had these holes been filled.

Another such hole was when a friend died. This person had been an important and ongoing part of the story, but the death was passed over rather quickly, and (unless I missed it) we never did learn what happened other than it resulted in a death. We did see the negative effect of it, but this part of the story was solely about the author. I felt it ought to have been also about the friend as well. This omission felt unkind given how important the person had been.

I felt that more attention should have been given to medical aspects of this disease, too. Doctors were in and out of the story, but they were always 'walk-on' parts. Nowhere was there any talk of how much the medical profession can help with problems like this. Nowhere was there talk of therapy or psychiatric attention, either to say it couldn't help or to say it could. It was almost as though none of this was ever considered, and I think this was a dangerous omission, cutting out healthcare consultations almost entirely, as though they have nothing to say or contribute.

Being a personal story is both a strength and a weakness for this comic, because we got the author's first-hand PoV, but we also got nothing else. For a book that aims at least in part to be a teaching tool, I think this handicapped it. Maybe it doesn't work for you, but who are you to say it would not work for someone else? I think a great teaching opportunity was missed by not being more expansive and offering possible alternatives to what this writer chose for herself, even when she made poor decisions.

I'm am most definitely not a fan of prologues or epilogues, and I avoid them like the plague. This comic had both, I'm sorry to report and as usual, neither was contributory. Had I skipped both I would have got the same from the comic so my advice is to cut them out and save a few trees. All the prologue did was rehash the 12 step program. I'm not sure there's anyone left on planet Earth who doesn't know what that's all about, so I saw no point to the prologue. Al the epilogue did was show us half-a-dozen pages of the author typing at the computer, or of the same rain we saw in the prologue, so this contributed literally nothing. Once again I rest my case for ripping prologues, prefaces, author's notes, introductions, epilogues, and after-words out by the roots, and save some tree roots.

That all said, overall I did enjoy the story because it was brutally honest, it did not offer an easy, magical solution, and it did not flinch from talking about difficult issues. I'm not convinced the four-letter expletives or the uncensored nudity contributed anything to this particular story, but again, it was honest, so I guess it came with the territory! The best thing about it and what recommends it most, is the positive outcome, which is always a good thing when trying to encourage others to take positive steps to overcome disorders like this. I recommend this as a worthy read.

Ink in Water is an enormously stunning graphic novel full of pain, love, and recovery. Lacy J. Davis’ story comes to life with the help of illustrator Jim Kettner (and can I just say that I love his work?). Ink in Water is a truly unique and worthwhile read, even for those that have not suffered from an eating disorder (or any other form of addiction, for that matter).
Warnings first: This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Ink in Water contains a lot of information, talking, and images of people struggling with eating disorders and drug addiction. Some people may be triggered by this, so I felt it was important to point out. The message is well intended, with the focus on recovery and healing.
I was truly touched by the openness and honesty presented in Ink in Water. I appreciate that Davis was willing to talk about her story in such a way; though I’ll admit that knowing this was a true story did make it a bit tougher to read (understandably so, since nobody should have to go through that). If you’ve ever wanted to try and get a better understanding of what a person can go through during addiction and recovery, this may be a good place to start (though keep in mind that not everybody has the same experience, and thus remember to listen to other stories when presented to you).
I think it’s really important for representations like Ink in Water to be read (or seen, depending on the media), as it helps generate a better understanding and empathy. I will always respect any artist or author that puts themselves on the line to reveal something as deeply personal as this. In Davis’ case, not only does she not shy from the blunt truths of her past, but she tells her tale in such a heartbreakingly beautiful manner. It’s impossible not to empathize with her.

I was really excited about this book, it sounded right up my alley, sadly, it was not meant to be.

The art was just not my style. Not at all. With how the artist drew herself, and others. I jut didn't get how old she really was. She looked well over 50, but from what I could see she was about 20 (going by other reviews I read since I was curious about her real age). The same goes for everyone else in the book, they are probably all young, but they look like they are 50+. It just didn't help me connect with the character.

The art also kept distracting me from the issues that this book wanted to show the reader.

Because the problems, the story, nothing is wrong with that. I am really curious about Henry and Lacy, and their friends. I want to know more.

But yeah, art. :(

An extremely candid graphic novel, Lacy J. Davis exposes the demons that abound in the world of eating disorders. I am so grateful that she wrote it! Through black and white photos, Davis speaks with such raw emotion of living each day with an ED. So very relate- able!

Ink in Water is written in a style that made me feel as if I am a close confidante. Nothing is taboo between true friends. Lacy J. Davis shares her very personal battle with body image, eating disorders and excercise addiction, with brutal honesty. She pulls no punches when she reveals how incredibly hard she fought day in and day out to get to the place where she could share this memoir on how she "kicked anorexia's ass and embrased BODY POSITIVITY!"

She paints a beautiful, at times haunting, picture of a struggle that is so often completely misunderstood by outsiders. What a stricking metaphor she uses. A bad idea that spreads through her whole being like a few drops of ink spread through water until there is no clear water left.

The artwork by Jim Kettner is incredible, filled with intensity and raw emotion. You cannot help but feel Lacy's pain, her dispair, her desperation. And her joy. The artwork brings Lacy's mood and feelings to life. In her darkest and most frought times, fading into only shades of black with mere echoes of ghosts of Lacy. Brilliantly done. Absolutely brings to mind that old adage: A picture is worth a thousand words.

This is one girl's cautionary tale. Told honestly and from the heart. With a message that there is no shame in telling people about your eating disorder and your recovery. "Because shame keeps people sick ..." There is no glossing over the fact that recovery is really hard and truthfully never ending. But there is hope. And waffles. And kicking ass.

Highly recommended. Chances are that you or someone you know has an eating disorder. Everyone should be reading this book.

Thank you to the publisher, writer, artist, and netgalley for an ARC. This is an honest review.

An honest memoir about eating disorders.
Graphic illustrations are a rather underused technique when it comes to mainstream literature, but they work particularly well with highly emotional issues like eating disorders. Lacy Davis has come clean with her problems with Anorexia and Bulimia (although she shies away from these terms), through a memoir that is honest and down-to-earth, and will hopefully provide motivation and encouragement for other sufferers.
The art work is done by her partner, Jim Kettner, who we meet in the memoir. I have to admit to being particularly impressed that someone else understands her well enough to do these illustrations, throughout the book I had assumed they were done by Lacy, herself.

Society puts huge pressures on youngsters these days, particularly the women, but men too. It is little surprise that many people crack under these pressures. In my opinion, any advice shared by those who have lived through their issues, is of tremendous value to those still battling their demons. This readily accessible format makes these shared experiences even more widely available.

Good luck to Lacy and Kett, I shall be interested to see what they come up with next.

I got an ARC in return for an honest review on NetGalley.

I have to say that I requested this mainly because of the cover. I loved the art style. The subject hit close to home and I really appreciated the existence of the comic. I was just hoping that I would love reading it so I could brag to everyone that I read it and that they should too.

Thankfully, I loved this book. I loved how open and honest the author was. This had to be some painful art to make. I felt both like a voyeur and a confidant. There was a subtle switch when I felt the author had let me in. It was an amazing feeling and I can't tell if it was intentional or not. No matter the intentions, it was an incredible read and one I will recommend again and again (and again).  

The voice was so raw and natural. It felt like a real conversation and it felt authentic. There are very few things I hate worse in books than a fake sounding memoir or stand point theory. They grate me. This is your story, it should should like you really experienced it. This book delivered pain, hope, despair, and so much. I loved how the artist drew her head when the thoughts started to take over. It was so visual and powerful.

I can't say enough amazing things about this book. I can't do this book justice with anything I say. Read it.

I chose to review this book because it was sort of a self-help type of book. I do not personal experiences from anorexia, nor do I know anyone who is going through this sort of thing, but I was certainly eye opening and helpful for someone who may be able to help if someone we love and care for is going through the same thing. I never understood anorexia or bulimia, I probably never will (hopefully). But it is helpful to know and try to understand where one is coming from, what the possible triggers may be and know how to approach someone or at least a conversation with someone who may be going through such troubles in their life. Thank you so much for writing about it and even including illustrations that show us what you went through. You're a strong individual and will get through it the way you have in the past.

So riveting and relatable! I really enjoyed reading this book

Lacy J. Davis has nailed it in this graphic novel memoir of her battle with an eating disorder in Ink in Water. She bravely takes the reader on a journey with her from its inception with thoughts of not being good enough to the beginnings of food restriction and anorexia, to compulsively exercising and finally bulimia. We watch on as her world shrinks along with her body, as she shuts out friends while her obsession with her body takes hold. We're taken inside her mind as she battles the thoughts telling her she's too fat and we silently cheer her on from the sidelines as we watch her courageously fight to become healthy again and triumph over her demons.

While everyone fighting an eating disorder is on their own journey, Lacy takes us on an unflinching ride through hers. Not sugarcoating (yeah, I know, weird word to use in a review for a book about eating disorders) her struggles, yet ultimately giving us hope, this book will speak to everyone who has had, has or knows anyone with an eating disorder. People who can't understand why they just don't eat more or why they don't just stop exercising so much will gain much needed insight into what life with an eating disorder looks and feels like.

There are as many stories behind why eating disorders begin as there are people struggling with them and what works for one person may not work for another as they work towards recovery. I applaud Lacy for showing us that recovery from eating disorders isn't a success only path but that ultimately there is hope.

Jim Kettner's illustrations are gritty and take us deeper into Lacy's journey than we could have gone with words alone. We become a part of Lacy's struggles and her grief, we're inside her head listening to the voices telling her she's not enough and we feel the hope that shines through despite her struggle.

I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications, Inc. for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback. If you have an eating disorder I encourage you to keep fighting, don't stop searching until you find treatment that works for you and hold onto hope. Recovery is possible. Yes, even for you!

This graphic novel memoir focuses on a twenty something woman and her battle with an eating disorder. The art is not my favorite but the story is captivating and really sheds a lot of light on the struggles that many people have with food and exercise. Davis has given a very honest and real depiction of her relationship with her body and how she dealt with issues of self doubt and loss.

Wow, this is the second graphic novel I have read in a week that was about anorexia.

It works though, telling the story that way. And like the other book, <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2083673217">Lighter than my shadow</a></em>, the story is very painful, and the thoughts in each of the women's head are what drove them to do what they did, and to have their relationship with food.

It is so important that these two books, these two graphic novels, are out there, that women are writing about what worked for them, and what did not. It is so sad that anyone has to go through this, and a graphic novel is such an accessable way to tell the story.

Recommend this to those who are curious, those who have gone through this, or have simply wondered what was going on.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

It has been a very long time since I've read a graphic novel. Honestly, I don't even remember what the last one was that I read, but I'm SO glad I came across <em>Ink in Water </em>on NetGalley.

Lacy is brutally honest about her battle with anorexia. She is open about the good and the bad decisions she's made throughout her life and how she is constantly recovering. Those evil thoughts about not being good enough are constantly circling through her mind, but in the end, she has learned how not to be trapped by them. It truly was a beautifully written account of a terrible obsession with food.

There were many parts that were difficult to read, but that unflinching honest story needs to be told. I've never personally had an eating disorder, but I've come close. I've obsessed about calorie counts, carbs, ingredients, and time at the gym. I've dedicated journals and notebooks to tracking my body's intake and output as if it were my job. I've taken countless diet pills and tried my fair share of fad diets, none of which worked. I've felt the emptiness in my stomach and thought that was a good sign.

I no longer do that, but my relationship with food isn't always good, because that is what it is... a relationship. I still eat emotionally and those same thoughts that Lacy describes of being too big still pop into my head. And I would have never written any of that, if it weren't for reading Lacy's novel.

I think we all at some point or another in our lives have those voices in our head. The voices that tell us that we aren't good enough. Lacy is no different from any of us in that aspect. She was just brave enough to share her story with the world.

The illustrations by Kettner are amazing, particularly those showing the chaotic jumble of negative thoughts in Lacy's head. i love that the images are all in black and white and I hope that doesn't change when the novel goes to print. I don't know about you, but my thoughts aren't very colorful when they are negatively focused on my body image. The feelings provoked by the illustrations match those of Lacy's story. And if I'm being honest (which I am), it was the cover illustration that grabbed my attention. It screamed, "Pick me!"

Lacy's story is one that need to be told and I'm glad I've had the pleasure to read it. This novel is for those struggling with an eating disorder, recovering from one, or wanting to better understand the toll an eating disorder takes on everyone involved. It is also for anyone that has ever let those thoughts take control of their lives even for the briefest of moments.

Thank you Lacy for writing your story down.

Ink in Water follows the story of Lacy Davis during her twenties as she battles anorexia. She begins with the origins of her eating disorder, describing how the events in her life led up to her struggle with food. Davis doesn’t shy away from the ugly bits, nor does she glorify what she experienced both physically and emotionally.

I found this to be a refreshing take on the eating disorder memoir. This is one of few stories I read about anorexia that I personally did not find triggering. In part, I think this is due to the illustration. Davis’ partner, Jim Kettner, illustrated her story beautifully in a way that felt both entertaining and honest.

Ink in Water is a powerful, heartbreaking, honest, and feminist story that I would recommend to pretty much anyone. Its message of body positivity is something that is incredibly relatable and moving, and it is something that will stick with me for a long time.

As a previous anorexia sufferer, I wanted to review this book to see another person's tale of suffering too. Not for comparison but to share what I knew would be a great, emotional but much needed eye opener of a book to the readers on here.

Set as a graphic novel in black and white, with illustrations depicting a whole host of characters and events, the drawings showed physical effects of anorexia and emotion in a harrowingly beautifully true way.

The real author's story of her journey through so much is inspirational as she coped with school, a job and relationships whilst anorexic even though a lot of time was spent worrying about her body after comments made by her then boyfriend. Said boyfriend also had past issues of a serious nature as did his best friend who became Lacy's friend in need when she was dumped and sunk into tears before anorexia took hold completely.

So many throw away comments made about our bodies and the judgement from other's around us as well as society makes eating disorder treatment lists grow longer year by year as children take comments to heart too. This book is a great example how a comment can make a girl insecure enough to wreck her health and turn to a deep despair of not being enough just because of her body.

Words hurt, don't criticize others but embrace them and hold them close as difference makes us fun, a puzzle to be solved as we journey into new relationships.

Reach out for help if you are struggling with any eating disorder, some of us understand completely the terror it is on mind and body. x

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

I thought this was an incredible, thought-provoking and brave autobiography, I think it has the power to help a lot of people and I'm so pleased to learn that Lacey has found happiness at last. I will definitely be recommending this one.