Guts - A Graphic Novel Review

Never be afraid to seek help. You will always have support.

Published in 2019, Guts is a graphic novel written by Raina Telgemeier. 10-year-old Raina develops a fear of vomit. As she is trying to act normal in front of her friends and family, her anxiety gets in the way, causing unusual stomach aches. With the help of a therapist, Raina opens up about her daily worries.

Raina Telgemeier is one of my favorite graphic novelists. I have collected all of her books like Drama, Sisters, and Smile. I did not hesitate to buy Guts the instant I saw it in the book store. Guts is a powerful read about a young girl inwardly struggling with her anxieties. Nobody is ever alone.

Raina is someone who we can all relate to. For 10-years-old, Raina is very smart, but also very cautious. I like her courage and the way she looks at life. The most important part about protagonists is that often they don’t make the right decisions or reflect the behavior that is encouraged. As readers, we learn. Her journey is remarkable turning from utterly frightened to transforming into helping others who she can relate to with her problems.

The people in Raina’s life either have a positive or negative affect. Raina’s mother is incredibly supportive never losing her patience with her daughter’s anxiety. The story has great use of perspective from a child’s point of view. This is not only a book for kids, but parents will enjoy it, too.

Never be afraid to attend a therapy session. Lauren is a supportive therapist who intertwines creative ways to make Raine comfortable with the therapy sessions. This element in the story really spoke to me because it’s a subject that should be discussed with children.

School makes everyone nervous, including the part about making friendships. The way Raina interacts with friends, teachers, or bullies is important regarding her view of the world. Her friendship with Jane is really sweet.

It just goes to show that you don’t have to have the same things in common to make a friendship work. A character who I never thought I’d ever like was Michelle. Gradually, she cracks out of her mean streak showing the true colors that she hides.

Visually, Guts is a stunning book. My favorite visuals are instances that expose Raina in her perpetual state of anxiety. The style Telgemeier interprets Raina’s control slipping out of her hands or the ground breaking away is a metaphorical achievement. Expressions, dynamics, and use of no dialogue in some frames are used very well.

The story has funny gags. You have to laugh at the way you used to look at things in the world when you were a kid. Look at each page closely at all the characters or any hidden background moments. The best parts about graphic novels are that they capture moments in a story that you would never think about.

For anyone who is struggling, Raina Telgemeier’s Guts is an outstanding and relatable story. Her talents make the pages shine. I have read it over and over for its deep message. It is a very touching story that leaves a great impact. Nobody is ever alone.

We can’t hold on to our fears or they’re only going to hold us back from having fun. Take a deep breath and look for techniques to help you. Get to know people. You have to try new things. Don’t be afraid to do something new.

I love this book! I greatly recommend that you find a copy of Guts and read it. I read it in one sitting.