The Little Book of Big Feelings by Maureen “Marzi” Wilson, 191 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION
Adams Media, 2019. $15.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Wilson honestly answers the question “how are you?” with 16 valid answers and emotions beyond the response “I’m fine.” As she takes each chapter to validate a different emotion -- what we learn from how we feel and what to do after identifying our emotions -- Wilson invites readers to start being honest with themselves when being asked how they are.
With fun scenarios and transparency, Wilson makes exploring emotions safe and interesting for readers. I like the realistic approach to being honest with yourself, if not with others, about the answer to “how are you?” because social views of how we should be tend to rule our choices. It’s time that we take back control of our lives, starting with understanding how we feel and being okay with that. We can move forward with all kinds of emotions -- emotions that actually help make life worth living.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

'You know I ♥️ you if ...
I let you borrow my books.
I trust you with my dog.
I actually answer the phone when you call.'

Strangely, I find reading this one really comforting. Because I could well relate to it: all the good and ugly sides included! She is just so me!

The composition is really clever. It seems too easy to read and enjoy but there's also this simple fact that we all love her relatable art. And it doesn't fail with this one too.
This small book of art/feelings collection is divided into well relatable 16 small chapters.

I find everything in this small book totally seeing myself telling all these things to myself while reading it. It's like looking at myself in the mirror. I loved it.

The only part I am not comfortable reading this book is the congested art style and the notes in each chapter. However, it's still okay considering it as the artist's style.

I am definitely going to reread this one as soon as the situation demands (read as any of the emotions/feelings described attacks me!).

Thank you so much #NetGalley for the book #TheLittleBookofBigFeelings.

An okayish read. Very quick and entertaining. The illustrations were cute and made the book enjoyable.

Wilson writes a highly relatable book on emotion and how she copes with/embraces said emotion. Some of the comics are very short like a webcomic, but at the beginning of each chapter she does about a page or two of prose writing to describe the emotion. Introverts in particular will enjoy this book. Fans of Sara Andersen would also probably like this book.

I adore Marzi! She says everything you are thinking and gives you ways to deal with your emotions in humorous ways. She is my spirit animal and I wish I could pick her up and keep her in my pocket all the time. RECOMMEND RECOMMEND RECOMMEND!
#littlebookofbigfeelings #Netgalley

I like that the doodle I have seen on Instagram having a collection in one book. The doodles are categorized - obviously - into different emotions. I enjoyed looking at the doodles that she put into each emotion.

These comics are always so relatable and readable. I look forward to her new books and follow her on instagram.

Very short collection of comics on the common theme of feelings. A few are chuckle-worthy but, in general, I didn't find them appealing. For fans of humor based in introversion and disliking other people, this is likely to appeal more.

Yet another humorous and profoundly relatable graphic novel from Marzi Wilson! I absolutely love Marzi's books and the positive messages she incorporates into her art that enables her to connect with readers. I previously read Kind of Coping by her and absolutely fell in love, and now I consider Marzi to be one of my instant-read authors whose books I’m always going to pick up without question. There’s just something about the way that Marzi taps into her own personal experiences while also critiquing everyday anecdotes about life and society, ranging from mental health and body image to ultimately figuring out little ways to not stress the big stuff and to try to live a life of being happy and content with who we are. And while there are definitely some heavy topics that she tackles in her books, Marzi also balances these out superbly with adorable and endearing moments that’ll instantly make you laugh along like you’re just sitting down and commiserating with a good friend. (Why yes indeed, I too am incredibly socially anxious and awkward. And yeah, why IS adulting so hard?!)

Whereas her previous book, Kind of Coping, deals more in self care and how to take the necessary time for yourself, The Little Book of Big Feelings centers completely around the wide range of emotions that all of us are capable of feeling—learning not to shy away from our emotions, to listen to what our emotions are trying to tell us, but also how to keep these emotions in check and not allow them to completely burn us out. While this book didn't resonate with me on the same level as Kind of Coping, I still think this is such a handy little book to have, filled with so much helpful insight and information. Each section is split up into different emotions, which then go into a little description of that emotion followed by a few comics that showcase some moments in which Marzi has experienced that emotion. It's a really neat, organized way to format the book and makes it super easy to flip through. And if you're having a day where you're just feeling particularly angry or misunderstood or sad, you can easily flip to that section in the book for a little pep talk and validation. Because we all experience emotions, and as much as we may feel we're the only one feeling a certain way, that's never the case.

I love the sentiment behind this book, a reminder that emotions are something we all experience and, as much a pain as they can be, are a way for our minds to tell us that something is off and that maybe there's something we need to change or even simple a reminder that we need to slow down and take some time for ourselves every once in a while. And of course, no matter what the emotion, we are completely and totally valid in what we feel.

This colorfully illustrated book fleshed out a wide variety of emotions and feelings to show readers that it is okay to feel however they do. This could be an important book for young people as they confront struggles while growing up and becoming accustomed to the world around them.

I requested this book because I loved Kind of Coping, and it lived up to my expectations. The comics were cute, funny, and insightful. Even though I didn't really agree with her opinions on joy, this was a delightful read and I definitely recommend it!

I really like the cute illustrations in this book and the message of acceptance and validation of all feelings.

This was such an fun, insightful read on how to healthily take stock of your feelings. I think Marzi had some excellent tips on how to handle strong emotions that will benefit many people. I just also loved her comics scattered throughout the book. I've always been a fan of her humor, and she doesn't disappoint in her new book.

I adored this little book!!! The charming cartoons are deceptively cute, but the wisdom and message of acceptance, understanding, and above all, HOPE really transcend. I highly recommend this book, particularly for teens/YA and for those who struggle with self-acceptance. I will be back to purchase a couple for holiday gifts!

I received an ARC of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. My thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity! #TheLittleBookOfBigFeelings

*thank you to Netgalley, Adams Media and Maureen Marzi Wilson, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*


3 stars.

The Little Book of Big Feelings, is a collection of different emotions. Maureen Marzi Wilson goes into detail of what each emotion is and how it comes up in here life. This Graphic Novel also has a humorous side to it which makes it not just a book to teach you about emotions but to also be able to have a laugh along with the author. 

I like the way that this is done. There is nothing serious about it which makes it enjoyable to read. While I don't absolutely love the illustrations, they aren't that bad. I think that they work at being sketches, but it's not my favourite style. That is my only negative about this though. 

This is my first time reading anything by this author, but I'm sure to take speak at her other works aswell. If you are looking for a light and amusing read, then this is one to pick up.

I've adored all of this author's previous works and this one did not disappoint. It's nice not to feel alone in these feelings. Anyone can enjoy it, but I especially recommend it to those who have social anxiety, are introverted, or have a mental illness.

I like the drawing style but didn't really identity with a lot of the content. A good book but not really for me.

I really liked this book, it made me smile. I loved all the cartoons and comic strips and the exploration of feelings through this medium. I think it will appeal to lots of people especially those looking for a more unconventional approach. It adds humour to making it OK to not want to party, to be by yourself and not be part of the average crowd.

As a counselor I often dell with individuals who have difficulty expressing their feelings.
When I saw this book I thought possibly it would be a book that an individual could use to help others understand the feelings they may be facing.
Instead I found it to be a bit less on the actual psychology of the feeling and much more on how the author experiences these fears. While not the intent I originally thought, I do see the use of this book.
It is decently written and illustrated and for many individuals will be a good tool to help show that others do feel the same way they do.