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The Dark Matter of Mona Starr
A bold and original YA graphic novel about battling your inner doubts and fears—and finding your genius
Sometimes, the world is too much for Mona Starr. She’s sweet, geeky, and creative, but it’s hard for her to make friends and connect with other people. She’s like a lot of sensitive teenagers—but in the hands of graphic novelist Laura Lee Gulledge, Mona’s struggle with depression takes on a vivid, concrete form. Mona calls it her Matter. The Matter gets everywhere, telling Mona she’s not good enough, and that everyone around her wishes she would go away. But through therapy, art, writing, and the persistence of a few good friends, Mona starts to understand her Matter, and how she—and readers—can turn their fears into strengths. Heartfelt, emotionally vulnerable, and visually stunning, The Dark Matter of Mona Starr is a story that takes the inner life of a teenager seriously, while giving readers a new way to look at the universal quest for meaning and connection.
Sometimes, the world is too much for Mona Starr. She’s sweet, geeky, and creative, but it’s hard for her to make friends and connect with other people. She’s like a lot of sensitive teenagers—but in the hands of graphic novelist Laura Lee Gulledge, Mona’s struggle with depression takes on a vivid, concrete form. Mona calls it her Matter. The Matter gets everywhere, telling Mona she’s not good enough, and that everyone around her wishes she would go away. But through therapy, art, writing, and the persistence of a few good friends, Mona starts to understand her Matter, and how she—and readers—can turn their fears into strengths. Heartfelt, emotionally vulnerable, and visually stunning, The Dark Matter of Mona Starr is a story that takes the inner life of a teenager seriously, while giving readers a new way to look at the universal quest for meaning and connection.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2020
22 people are currently reading
2778 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lee Gulledge
4 books183 followersLaura Lee Gulledge (she/ we) is an Eisner Award nominated cartoonist, teaching artist,
collaborative muralist, and creative polymath based in Charlottesville, VA.
Her books include YA graphic novels The Dark Matter of Mona Starr, Page by Paige, Will & Whit, and the interactive Sketchbook Dares: 24 Ways to Draw Out Your Inner Artist. (Abrams Books) Her teen musical adaptation of Will & Whit is now available for licensing! (willandwhit.com)
Laura Lee explores visual storytelling at the intersection of wellness, whimsy, comics, co-creation, neurodiversity, and citizen artistry. When not in the studio she enjoys ecstatic dance, shared care, and laying under trees.
***Interested in hosting Laura Lee for a virtual or in-person visit? Please reach out at lauraleegulledge at gmail.com to learn more about workshops + residencies.
#artnerlove @lauraleegulledge
collaborative muralist, and creative polymath based in Charlottesville, VA.
Her books include YA graphic novels The Dark Matter of Mona Starr, Page by Paige, Will & Whit, and the interactive Sketchbook Dares: 24 Ways to Draw Out Your Inner Artist. (Abrams Books) Her teen musical adaptation of Will & Whit is now available for licensing! (willandwhit.com)
Laura Lee explores visual storytelling at the intersection of wellness, whimsy, comics, co-creation, neurodiversity, and citizen artistry. When not in the studio she enjoys ecstatic dance, shared care, and laying under trees.
***Interested in hosting Laura Lee for a virtual or in-person visit? Please reach out at lauraleegulledge at gmail.com to learn more about workshops + residencies.
#artnerlove @lauraleegulledge
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
August 15, 2020
This review contains spoilers. CW for discussion of suicide.
If I could give The Dark Matter of Mona Starr zero stars, I would. I was enjoying the book and the way that the art represented depression, and was ready to give it five stars, until I got to the point where Mona has to have emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage caused by a tumor in her intestines, and she concludes that it's the physical manifestation that the dark matter of her depression condensed in physical form to cause a tumor that almost killed her, and that it's a sign she needs to do better job of caring for herself. A conclusion that both her parents and her therapist agree with. This, even though the book already established that Mona was blown off by three medical professionals who all told her that her pain was in her head and that there was nothing wrong with her. How the author goes from establishing that Mona could have died because her efforts to seek medical attention were blown off by medical professionals who ignored a teen girl's pain, to concluding that she needs to take better care of herself--even though in the text of the book itself, she attempted to do so--is incredibly victim blaming. Not only that, in the space of a page and a half, she goes from being relieved that it wasn't all in her head, to concluding that it's her depression that caused the tumor and it's her fault for not taking care of herself better, which is another way of saying that it's all in her head, just with extra steps.
This isn't written as a metaphor for her depression, as if her depression is forming a metaphorical mass inside her, just like a tumor formed within her, no, it claims that her depression coalesced into a literal physical tumor. Something that her parents and therapist agree with. It would be one thing if the people in Mona's life told her that no, that's her depression talking, telling her to blame herself for her life-threatening medical emergency, but no, the author establishes that Mona's interpretation is correct, and that it's logical that because she's such a creative person, her body must be too.
It would be one thing if this was in a book written for adults--it's still wrong, but at least adults have life experience to recognize the errors. Instead, this is a book written for vulnerable, depressed teenagers, telling them that their depression can cause life-threatening medical emergencies, and that if it does, it's their fault for not doing self-care well enough. It's an incredibly irresponsible message to be sending to teenagers, and I don't know how no one during the editing process was given pause when they came to those pages. This book should have been given to child psychologists to do sensitivity reads, because there's no universe where it's a good idea to tell depressed and potentially hypochondriac teenagers that their depression can cause medical emergencies if they don't take good enough care of themselves by taking supplements and doing self-care.
This gets me to my next point. Nowhere in the book, either in the text itself, or within the end note worksheets about self-care for depression, does it suggest that talking to your doctor about whether medication is right for you is a good idea. No, rather, we're given a snippet of a conversation between Mona's parents, where her father is worried about her but her mother responds that Mona and her therapist have decided she should just take supplements for now. Telling teenagers that they can treat their depression through supplements and self-care, while downplaying medication stigmatizes medication to teenagers. Not everyone needs to be taking medication, but stigmatizing it by suggesting vitamin supplements are a viable alternative to treating clinical depression is irresponsible, and again, another reason why this book needed to have child psychologists as sensitivity readers.
It gets worse though. Throughout the book, there's an undercurrent of concern from Mona's father, who worries for Mona because she reminds him so much of his cousin Beth, who died from suicide--something Mona doesn't know for much of the book while she overhears her father referencing Beth while talking to her mother. While Mona is in the hospital recovering from surgery for the intestinal blockage--which her parents are aware she thinks her depression caused, mind you--they tell her how she reminds them so much of Beth, tell her the circumstances of her death, and then give Mona some of Beth's poetry to read. Mona then freaks out because Beth's poetry reminds her so much of her own, and starts worrying that her depression will kill her like Beth's did, but her parents reassure her that she'll be totally different because she has them to support her. Again, no discussion of medication as a potential option, no nothing, just the reassurance that because she has her parents, that makes all the difference. It's like the author and editors didn't even stop and consider that the message the book is sending here is that if a loved one dies by suicide, it's the fault of their friends and family for not being there enough for them to give them support. No mention of the fact that suicidal depression is an actual disease with treatment options, no, it's all put on the family and friends to support the depressed person. And again, this is in a book that's written for teens, and that's being touted in glowing reviews as a wonderful look at depression.
If that's not enough, it gets even worse. Mona's parents tell her that Beth viewed her depression as her genius, the thing that inspired her to create art, and suggest that Mona look at it the same way. This is the exact same logic that Kanye West uses to stop taking his medication when he's working on an album, logic that was widely condemned as dangerous and ableist when Kanye said it, but when a YA author says the same thing in a book targeting teens, it gets glowing reviews and awards nominations. Untreated mental illness is not the source of genius, it's something that gets in the way of functioning and creating art. Telling teenagers that their depression is the source of their creative genius is so stunningly irresponsible that I can't believe this book actually made it though the editing process with that message intact.
What makes the messages of this book so insidious and dangerous is that the art is genuinely wonderful, and it's a great use of grayscale to make it feel like it's being drawn in Mona's diary, and the story itself sucks you in and is incredibly engaging. And then, boom, we get the emergency surgery subplot and Mona concluding that her depression solidified within herself as a tumor, and it all goes downhill from there. This could have been a great book and an excellent resource to teens struggling with depression, or who have dealt with doctors not believing them and blowing off their physical illness or pain as being in their head, but instead it turned into an irresponsible, victim blamey narrative that could leave a vulnerable, depressed reader even more vulnerable than before. If you're considering this book because you're struggling with depression, or as a gift for a someone in your life that's dealing with depression, this is not the book for you.
If I could give The Dark Matter of Mona Starr zero stars, I would. I was enjoying the book and the way that the art represented depression, and was ready to give it five stars, until I got to the point where Mona has to have emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage caused by a tumor in her intestines, and she concludes that it's the physical manifestation that the dark matter of her depression condensed in physical form to cause a tumor that almost killed her, and that it's a sign she needs to do better job of caring for herself. A conclusion that both her parents and her therapist agree with. This, even though the book already established that Mona was blown off by three medical professionals who all told her that her pain was in her head and that there was nothing wrong with her. How the author goes from establishing that Mona could have died because her efforts to seek medical attention were blown off by medical professionals who ignored a teen girl's pain, to concluding that she needs to take better care of herself--even though in the text of the book itself, she attempted to do so--is incredibly victim blaming. Not only that, in the space of a page and a half, she goes from being relieved that it wasn't all in her head, to concluding that it's her depression that caused the tumor and it's her fault for not taking care of herself better, which is another way of saying that it's all in her head, just with extra steps.
This isn't written as a metaphor for her depression, as if her depression is forming a metaphorical mass inside her, just like a tumor formed within her, no, it claims that her depression coalesced into a literal physical tumor. Something that her parents and therapist agree with. It would be one thing if the people in Mona's life told her that no, that's her depression talking, telling her to blame herself for her life-threatening medical emergency, but no, the author establishes that Mona's interpretation is correct, and that it's logical that because she's such a creative person, her body must be too.
It would be one thing if this was in a book written for adults--it's still wrong, but at least adults have life experience to recognize the errors. Instead, this is a book written for vulnerable, depressed teenagers, telling them that their depression can cause life-threatening medical emergencies, and that if it does, it's their fault for not doing self-care well enough. It's an incredibly irresponsible message to be sending to teenagers, and I don't know how no one during the editing process was given pause when they came to those pages. This book should have been given to child psychologists to do sensitivity reads, because there's no universe where it's a good idea to tell depressed and potentially hypochondriac teenagers that their depression can cause medical emergencies if they don't take good enough care of themselves by taking supplements and doing self-care.
This gets me to my next point. Nowhere in the book, either in the text itself, or within the end note worksheets about self-care for depression, does it suggest that talking to your doctor about whether medication is right for you is a good idea. No, rather, we're given a snippet of a conversation between Mona's parents, where her father is worried about her but her mother responds that Mona and her therapist have decided she should just take supplements for now. Telling teenagers that they can treat their depression through supplements and self-care, while downplaying medication stigmatizes medication to teenagers. Not everyone needs to be taking medication, but stigmatizing it by suggesting vitamin supplements are a viable alternative to treating clinical depression is irresponsible, and again, another reason why this book needed to have child psychologists as sensitivity readers.
It gets worse though. Throughout the book, there's an undercurrent of concern from Mona's father, who worries for Mona because she reminds him so much of his cousin Beth, who died from suicide--something Mona doesn't know for much of the book while she overhears her father referencing Beth while talking to her mother. While Mona is in the hospital recovering from surgery for the intestinal blockage--which her parents are aware she thinks her depression caused, mind you--they tell her how she reminds them so much of Beth, tell her the circumstances of her death, and then give Mona some of Beth's poetry to read. Mona then freaks out because Beth's poetry reminds her so much of her own, and starts worrying that her depression will kill her like Beth's did, but her parents reassure her that she'll be totally different because she has them to support her. Again, no discussion of medication as a potential option, no nothing, just the reassurance that because she has her parents, that makes all the difference. It's like the author and editors didn't even stop and consider that the message the book is sending here is that if a loved one dies by suicide, it's the fault of their friends and family for not being there enough for them to give them support. No mention of the fact that suicidal depression is an actual disease with treatment options, no, it's all put on the family and friends to support the depressed person. And again, this is in a book that's written for teens, and that's being touted in glowing reviews as a wonderful look at depression.
If that's not enough, it gets even worse. Mona's parents tell her that Beth viewed her depression as her genius, the thing that inspired her to create art, and suggest that Mona look at it the same way. This is the exact same logic that Kanye West uses to stop taking his medication when he's working on an album, logic that was widely condemned as dangerous and ableist when Kanye said it, but when a YA author says the same thing in a book targeting teens, it gets glowing reviews and awards nominations. Untreated mental illness is not the source of genius, it's something that gets in the way of functioning and creating art. Telling teenagers that their depression is the source of their creative genius is so stunningly irresponsible that I can't believe this book actually made it though the editing process with that message intact.
What makes the messages of this book so insidious and dangerous is that the art is genuinely wonderful, and it's a great use of grayscale to make it feel like it's being drawn in Mona's diary, and the story itself sucks you in and is incredibly engaging. And then, boom, we get the emergency surgery subplot and Mona concluding that her depression solidified within herself as a tumor, and it all goes downhill from there. This could have been a great book and an excellent resource to teens struggling with depression, or who have dealt with doctors not believing them and blowing off their physical illness or pain as being in their head, but instead it turned into an irresponsible, victim blamey narrative that could leave a vulnerable, depressed reader even more vulnerable than before. If you're considering this book because you're struggling with depression, or as a gift for a someone in your life that's dealing with depression, this is not the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
My feelings on this graphic novel are pretty mixed. I really liked the concept of a really transparent look at a teen struggling with mental health issues. I liked that the narrator calls her depression her matter and her descriptions felt right on to me. The art work was good and I liked the use of the color yellow where appropriate as she starts to feel better. The part that lost me was when she needed surgery and almost died because of a tumor which she decides is the physical manifestation of her matter and stress. This leads her to better self care (which is so important) but because she feels the lack of it almost killed her. When the lack of the three providers she went to dismissing a young girl’s pain without running all tests almost killed her. No amount of exercise or friends or affirmations would have saved her. Other than that branch of the story I thought this was a decent example of what mental health can look like through one set of eyes.
June 20, 2020
A well-intentioned book about a teenager dealing with depression and anxiety that just fell flat for me. It's good to share these types of stories with young readers and the author includes a lot of good information and strategies for self-care. Unfortunately, it suffers in comparison to the more engaging Guts by Raina Telgemeier which I read recently and covers much of the same ground.
Also, there were several negative aspects that threw me out of the story. First, there is some queerbaiting. Second, for people whose depression and/or anxiety can result in hypochondria or be intertwined with hard to define and treat conditions like irritable bowel or chronic fatigue syndromes, there may be resentment or frantic internet searches when This particular development is based on the author's real life experience but its inclusion seems to undercut the message of the rest of the book about having to put in hard work on a daily basis. Third, the coined word "artner" is used constantly and bugged me more and more every time it appeared.
Also, there were several negative aspects that threw me out of the story. First, there is some queerbaiting. Second, for people whose depression and/or anxiety can result in hypochondria or be intertwined with hard to define and treat conditions like irritable bowel or chronic fatigue syndromes, there may be resentment or frantic internet searches when This particular development is based on the author's real life experience but its inclusion seems to undercut the message of the rest of the book about having to put in hard work on a daily basis. Third, the coined word "artner" is used constantly and bugged me more and more every time it appeared.
September 22, 2020
A timely self-help-oriented novel about depression for middle grades/YA. When Mona's friend oves away, Mona spirals into some emotional struggles that have physical manifestations. She's depressed and this has lots of different aspects; Mona calls it her "dark matter." Gulledge takes us through Mona's process to health, in part thorugh "artners" or art partners. She can't isolate too much, and since she is an artist she needs to express herself and create connections with others.
The story not only maps out Mona's road to recovery, but also provides blank pages for thos reading. Has a music playlist and book list. Maybe 3-5 for me, but I have teens living here that have been paging through it, and may yet pick it up between remote classes and homework.
The story not only maps out Mona's road to recovery, but also provides blank pages for thos reading. Has a music playlist and book list. Maybe 3-5 for me, but I have teens living here that have been paging through it, and may yet pick it up between remote classes and homework.
Read
May 31, 2020When Mona's best friend moves to Hawaii, her depression and social anxiety hit hyperdrive. She feels alone and insecure, and her mental illnesses -- dubbed her Dark Matter -- are crushing her. She internalizes the shame and fear, worrying deeply when she befriends a new girl at her school. Will that friend be able to handle all of her?
Gulledge's comic is beautiful and heart-wrenching and will resonate with artsy kids struggling with their mental health especially. The metaphor of dark matter works so well here, and the art itself resonates. Mona's internalization manifests physically, which I haven't seen too frequently in mental health related books, and given that it was illustrated, it was especially powerful.
Art helps Mona not only reconnect with herself, but it's an opportunity for her to connect with her community and help her community come to better face and understand their own fears and insecurities.
The back matter has a nice self-care guide, written as if it were by Mona, as well as a playlist and reading list. Nice details to make the book both a story and a tremendous resource. This would have meant so much to me as a teenager.
Gulledge's comic is beautiful and heart-wrenching and will resonate with artsy kids struggling with their mental health especially. The metaphor of dark matter works so well here, and the art itself resonates. Mona's internalization manifests physically, which I haven't seen too frequently in mental health related books, and given that it was illustrated, it was especially powerful.
Art helps Mona not only reconnect with herself, but it's an opportunity for her to connect with her community and help her community come to better face and understand their own fears and insecurities.
The back matter has a nice self-care guide, written as if it were by Mona, as well as a playlist and reading list. Nice details to make the book both a story and a tremendous resource. This would have meant so much to me as a teenager.
November 29, 2020
Graphic novel about a teen with depression and anxiety. This is a hopeful story that gives readers who may have similar diagnoses some ideas for self-care. This book's content can be heavy at times (nothing graphic). Honestly, I am not sure young readers with depression anxiety would appreciate this or not.
Along with those who know someone or have a loved one with depression and/or anxiety, those who work with teens will want to give this a read. Readers will grow in compassion for their loved ones and/or gain a better understanding of these mental illnesses.
Along with those who know someone or have a loved one with depression and/or anxiety, those who work with teens will want to give this a read. Readers will grow in compassion for their loved ones and/or gain a better understanding of these mental illnesses.
July 5, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! THE DARK MATTER OF MONA STARR is the second graphic novel I read by Laura Lee Gulledge. This story of fighting your dark mental demons and finding the light at the end of the tunnel was well put together. It made me reflect on my own mental health and how much I have been going and going without realising that I was ignoring the signs of a burn out and how close I was to crash. I took a few days off social medias and rested my mind. I decided to follow the advice given at the end of the book and put together a Self-Care Plan for my life. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. Get a copy today!
September 7, 2020
It's so frustrating to heavily relate to someone's experience, but dislike them/their story so much.
Just like a lot of people, I've struggled with my mental health and high school definitely wasn't conducive to improving that. Here, I really hated how Mona treated everyone around her: she was awful and even though her actions were explained by her mental health, it doesn't excuse them. I have felt the way she has but she was such an unlikeable character for the majority of the book. There are also a few times when it tries to promote seeing the complexity in others, but still quickly characterizes people Mona doesn't like. It's like, you can't pick who's included in your feel-good story: everyone has to be recognized or it doesn't work.
Just like a lot of people, I've struggled with my mental health and high school definitely wasn't conducive to improving that. Here, I really hated how Mona treated everyone around her: she was awful and even though her actions were explained by her mental health, it doesn't excuse them. I have felt the way she has but she was such an unlikeable character for the majority of the book. There are also a few times when it tries to promote seeing the complexity in others, but still quickly characterizes people Mona doesn't like. It's like, you can't pick who's included in your feel-good story: everyone has to be recognized or it doesn't work.
June 2, 2023
Poor execution in every sense.
This graphic novel raises many important issues that aren't talked about enough, such as invisible illnesses and mental health. It also shares some practical advice and useful techniques.
However, there was too much telling than showing, to the point that it felt like preaching at times. Mona came across as overly self-pitying at certain points and she's not the most relatable protagonist. It was hard to connect or empathise with her.
The art style is soft and unique. While beautiful, it was also often messy with text all over. I suppose the chaos of it all reflects Mona's state of mind, but it was not the most enjoyable read or most ideal reading experience.
While I appreciate the book's themes and overall message, I would have preferred a more subtle and nuanced approach along with a more likeable protagonist.
This graphic novel raises many important issues that aren't talked about enough, such as invisible illnesses and mental health. It also shares some practical advice and useful techniques.
However, there was too much telling than showing, to the point that it felt like preaching at times. Mona came across as overly self-pitying at certain points and she's not the most relatable protagonist. It was hard to connect or empathise with her.
The art style is soft and unique. While beautiful, it was also often messy with text all over. I suppose the chaos of it all reflects Mona's state of mind, but it was not the most enjoyable read or most ideal reading experience.
While I appreciate the book's themes and overall message, I would have preferred a more subtle and nuanced approach along with a more likeable protagonist.
June 26, 2020
Beautiful illustrations! I felt like it did a good job of showing how some people experience mental illness, depression and anxiety in particular. I liked Mona, the main character, and thought she was relatable.
December 13, 2019
I received an ARC from the publisher at the NCTE conference. Thank you!
3.5 stars
This graphic novel was very interesting -- a bit like a counseling session in a book. I could see it being a valuable resource for teens struggling with depression (especially arty teens). I really loved the way Mona uses galaxy knowledge to explore her own "matter." It felt like an interesting use of language and a different way to explore the topic. The last third of the story I found to be a bit too tidy, even a bit sappy at times. But that might be because I find it very hard to take the word "artner" seriously.
That said, this could be a great read for teens trying to understand their emotions and navigate "dark matter." Definitely a good starting point for conversations about mental health, and particular mental health and the arts.
3.5 stars
This graphic novel was very interesting -- a bit like a counseling session in a book. I could see it being a valuable resource for teens struggling with depression (especially arty teens). I really loved the way Mona uses galaxy knowledge to explore her own "matter." It felt like an interesting use of language and a different way to explore the topic. The last third of the story I found to be a bit too tidy, even a bit sappy at times. But that might be because I find it very hard to take the word "artner" seriously.
That said, this could be a great read for teens trying to understand their emotions and navigate "dark matter." Definitely a good starting point for conversations about mental health, and particular mental health and the arts.
September 3, 2020
Laura Lee Gulledge just keeps growing as an author. I've been a fan of hers since Page by Paige. 'Mona Starr' clearly draws from her own personal struggles with depression and self-doubt and how she used art to work through it all.
February 8, 2021
This is a wonderful book to read for anyone who deals with anxiety and self doubt or depression. It's like an illustrated guide to help show you how you can deal with it.
The main character, Mona, feels like an outcast and believes she is worthless. Not only are her thoughts dark but she has physical pain as well...yet doctors keep telling her that she's healthy. Put her pain won't go away. Situations at school make her anxiety worse and she starts avoiding people, chewing on her nails...
This graphic novel points out some of the things one can do to help with these issues. I like that the book includes real things that anyone can do, like first finding out what makes you feel better or things you can do to help deal with the anxiety: writing, drawing, coloring, spending time with animals, going for walks, etc. It also mentioned a support system... people who you can trust and talk to. There's also the bit about trying to understand the feelings you are feeling... These are all things that actually work. Different people like to do different things to help deal with anxiety and the bad feelings. Do what works for you.
Mona points out that there's nothing really wrong with you if you are different. This is a big one! It's self love and self acceptance. Try taking the attitude of "so what if I'm a nerd? I like being a nerd!" (And in reality I actually have a t-shirt that very proudly says NERD on it too! And yes, it's one of my favorite t-shirts! And I suppose if you're really nerdy you might know what NERD stands for too...) And I love that they included this idea in the book as it's very important. Not everyone is the same or has the same interests. You should feel free to be yourself and hopefully find people like yourself. Not everyone is a social butterfly.
The story through words and wonderful drawings explain the dark feelings people get. Being excluded. Feeling alone. Wanting to hide. To disappear. Being worthless. A nobody. Hopeless. A bunch of others...it's all in here. Then you'll realize that others feel that way too. And that through therapy you can get better. It takes time. You're not broken.
And the art in here is wonderful. I love it! The characters are well drawn and show lots of different emotions. Different ideas are shown different ways too. In fact the art makes this book a real pleasure to read. I don't read graphic novels very often but I just had to pick up this one.
The main character, Mona, feels like an outcast and believes she is worthless. Not only are her thoughts dark but she has physical pain as well...yet doctors keep telling her that she's healthy. Put her pain won't go away. Situations at school make her anxiety worse and she starts avoiding people, chewing on her nails...
This graphic novel points out some of the things one can do to help with these issues. I like that the book includes real things that anyone can do, like first finding out what makes you feel better or things you can do to help deal with the anxiety: writing, drawing, coloring, spending time with animals, going for walks, etc. It also mentioned a support system... people who you can trust and talk to. There's also the bit about trying to understand the feelings you are feeling... These are all things that actually work. Different people like to do different things to help deal with anxiety and the bad feelings. Do what works for you.
Mona points out that there's nothing really wrong with you if you are different. This is a big one! It's self love and self acceptance. Try taking the attitude of "so what if I'm a nerd? I like being a nerd!" (And in reality I actually have a t-shirt that very proudly says NERD on it too! And yes, it's one of my favorite t-shirts! And I suppose if you're really nerdy you might know what NERD stands for too...) And I love that they included this idea in the book as it's very important. Not everyone is the same or has the same interests. You should feel free to be yourself and hopefully find people like yourself. Not everyone is a social butterfly.
The story through words and wonderful drawings explain the dark feelings people get. Being excluded. Feeling alone. Wanting to hide. To disappear. Being worthless. A nobody. Hopeless. A bunch of others...it's all in here. Then you'll realize that others feel that way too. And that through therapy you can get better. It takes time. You're not broken.
And the art in here is wonderful. I love it! The characters are well drawn and show lots of different emotions. Different ideas are shown different ways too. In fact the art makes this book a real pleasure to read. I don't read graphic novels very often but I just had to pick up this one.
September 12, 2020
A graphic novel about a high school girl who starts being swallowed by the "dark matter" of her depression after her best friend moves to Hawaii. Mona is sad when Nash moves away and feels alone at school. She feels surrounded by her dark matter telling her that she isn't good enough and that no one likes her. Slowly, she starts making connections with other students and learning to push away her dark matter.
This was a heartfelt novel that definitely attempts to offer some guidance on working through your own darkness. There is even a Self-Care Plan worksheet at the end of the book.
What to listen to while reading...
The book includes a listing of songs on Mona's Soundtrack at the end. Here are a few...
Dark Matter by Andrew Bird
Break Down by Florence & the Machine
While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles
Invincible by Muse
This was a heartfelt novel that definitely attempts to offer some guidance on working through your own darkness. There is even a Self-Care Plan worksheet at the end of the book.
What to listen to while reading...
The book includes a listing of songs on Mona's Soundtrack at the end. Here are a few...
Dark Matter by Andrew Bird
Break Down by Florence & the Machine
While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles
Invincible by Muse
July 21, 2021
The art was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the message to be yourself. There are some really helpful tools/ideas for getting help when you feel helpless. Also, the art just enhances the message that you are not alone and there are so many people out there to support you.
February 16, 2022
Mate I cried so much while reading this, because it just hit so close to home. The depictions of Mona’s dark matter, the way she experienced anxiety and depression, it was the best I’ve ever seen it shown. This book shows precisely why I love graphic novels so much: they can show things visually so well. It’s such a relatable book and I love all the characters and literally everything about it.
May 17, 2020
Gorgeous illustrations and a great introduction to depression for teens. Full review to come.
July 12, 2022
A beautifully illustrated book on depression and how it looks/appears in the life of young teenager. One more step in helping remove the stigma of mental health issues.
November 9, 2021
Oh, my word! How beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written! Everyone should read this!
June 13, 2020
a great introduction to depression and social anxiety and how to deal with it, for teens. I wish I had this book when I was younger. Can feel a little textbooky or preachy at times but still a great resource. Bonus points for Better Off Dead reference.
August 16, 2021
Ok, in a sentence: this book is about a logical, creative girl whose counselor/therapist recommends she conduct a study for herself on what she calls her "dark matter"- her intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, internal struggles, etc...
I was NOT expecting this book to be what it was, or as HELPFUL as it was to me. I really related with Mona. It's going to stick with me, and I HOPE it does; I need the help in it; need to remember the wonderful self-acceptance and self-care guidelines it so beautifully explores.
I was NOT expecting this book to be what it was, or as HELPFUL as it was to me. I really related with Mona. It's going to stick with me, and I HOPE it does; I need the help in it; need to remember the wonderful self-acceptance and self-care guidelines it so beautifully explores.
September 30, 2022
This book really hit home considering a lot of us suffer from depression and don’t know how to deal with it.
October 8, 2020
This one hit home for me. I struggle with my depression a lot but I don't think of it in a physical way as Mona does. But I resonated with her feelings a lot. I do wish they discussed medication as a form of treatment more than they did. Supplements are mentioned but didn't seem to help and while we see Mona take some sort of pills towards the end, it's skimmed over.
Overall, a beautiful graphic novel that really tackles depression head-on with some helpful ways of coping, but there's nothing wrong with taking actual medication as well.
Overall, a beautiful graphic novel that really tackles depression head-on with some helpful ways of coping, but there's nothing wrong with taking actual medication as well.
March 7, 2020
A graphic novel with a powerful message that will resonate with teens or anyone impacted by depression/anxiety. Great recommendation for readers who like this format and the genre realistic fiction.
July 2, 2021
I think the idea of this book is really important but there were a few things that didn't sit well with me. I realize that the stomach issue is actually something that happened to the author, but it's unlikely to be the same issue for others. I hated the idea that she felt like her matter did it to her and that it was a warning to start taking care of herself. I don't feel like that's a reassuring idea for others that have anxiety and depression that manifests in physical symptoms. I also really wish there would have been discussion of medicine and how much that can also help. Not everyone will have the support, option for a therapist, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
Mona Starr knows one thing: the Dark Matter that lives inside her is stopping Mona from living the kind of life she wants. The Matter tells Mona she's worthless, incapable and undeserving of love and friendship. It's really hard not to believe it. But when a therapist challenges her to investigate her Matter, Mona decides to try and figure out this part of herself - and determine if she is strong enough to take it on.
For me, this is a vulnerable and powerful depection of depression and anxiety - the Matter itself, how it slimes over everything good and distorts truth, how it can even blurr our reality, it really spoke to me. The art is powerful. So much so that twice an illustration brought me to dripping tears. It’s not a perfect book - obviously depression can’t always be treated neatly with therapy alone and I understand that everyone’s journey with mental illness is going to look different- but this book, its use of (and lack of) color, its vision and depth, the use of art to depict the inner mind and self - it felt absolutely spot on. I really, really liked this book and want people to read it : )
I loved this just as much the second time. Such a great book to help teens (and grownups) what it is like to battle depression - and remind them that there can be light in the darkness.
Mona Starr knows one thing: the Dark Matter that lives inside her is stopping Mona from living the kind of life she wants. The Matter tells Mona she's worthless, incapable and undeserving of love and friendship. It's really hard not to believe it. But when a therapist challenges her to investigate her Matter, Mona decides to try and figure out this part of herself - and determine if she is strong enough to take it on.
For me, this is a vulnerable and powerful depection of depression and anxiety - the Matter itself, how it slimes over everything good and distorts truth, how it can even blurr our reality, it really spoke to me. The art is powerful. So much so that twice an illustration brought me to dripping tears. It’s not a perfect book - obviously depression can’t always be treated neatly with therapy alone and I understand that everyone’s journey with mental illness is going to look different- but this book, its use of (and lack of) color, its vision and depth, the use of art to depict the inner mind and self - it felt absolutely spot on. I really, really liked this book and want people to read it : )
I loved this just as much the second time. Such a great book to help teens (and grownups) what it is like to battle depression - and remind them that there can be light in the darkness.
October 18, 2021
Librarians- when you have a kiddo looking for a non-fic book about depression, hand them this instead. It’s fiction but really is a handbook for all the emotions one feels when dealing with depression and anxiety. Or for someone not knowing what all those emotions are or can’t put them into words. Thankfully, Laura Lee Gulledge does that for you. Based on her own experiences with depression, she uses Mona as her storyteller. Mona’s already seeing a therapist for her depression (YAY!) but still struggles. Her best friend just moved thousands of miles away, and she’s starting school with only one other friend. Mona’s “matter” is that inside voice that we all have- the one criticizing you for not being enough, telling you that you are stupid, unloved, or not worthy. When it gets out of control, and she spirals, but she doesn’t give up. The illustrations are starkly colored, only using black and white panels but show flashes of yellow when Mona is feeling hopeful. Her art is an outlet (as it is with Gulledge), but she gives lots of other helpful suggestions as Mona continues to cope. She ends the book with her own self-care guide and a place for readers to create their own.
June 15, 2020
This remarkably genuine graphic novel follows a shy, sensitive, introverted girl dealing with her “Matter” after her best friend moves away. The story meaningfully addresses art, community, and mental health and the simple-yet-difficult act of making it through every day and shows the many facets of her personality and mental state, neither condemning nor romanticizing her struggle. The visuals are even more stunning, managing to somehow be deeply symbolic but also grounded, expressing things like the intimacy of a video call, the shock of an art crush, and the presence, the feeling, the WEIGHT of depression in a way I’ve never found with words.
The author includes cognitive techniques to deal with depression that are helpful without taking away from the story. While it has moments of cheesiness and the overly neat ending that young-adult stories sometimes fall into, it is overall a healthy, meaningful, and incredibly-told tale.
The author includes cognitive techniques to deal with depression that are helpful without taking away from the story. While it has moments of cheesiness and the overly neat ending that young-adult stories sometimes fall into, it is overall a healthy, meaningful, and incredibly-told tale.
November 14, 2020
The intention of this book is good, as a teenager battling with depression and anxiety can be very pedagogic.
However, when she stars to feel pains, as someone who also struggles with depression and anxiety I can safely say that not ALL my pains are “real” and “medical” pains, and this GN gives a very simples explanation for hypochondriacs who for sure believe their pains are as real as Mona.
And although is very nice to read about overcoming depression (not all of us can without medication) and appears in the GN as an easy, meditation, drawing thing. Not a years consuming, medication trying problem.
I know everyone has a different experience, but it just seen to undermines the other type of depressive episodes.
However, when she stars to feel pains, as someone who also struggles with depression and anxiety I can safely say that not ALL my pains are “real” and “medical” pains, and this GN gives a very simples explanation for hypochondriacs who for sure believe their pains are as real as Mona.
And although is very nice to read about overcoming depression (not all of us can without medication) and appears in the GN as an easy, meditation, drawing thing. Not a years consuming, medication trying problem.
I know everyone has a different experience, but it just seen to undermines the other type of depressive episodes.
November 6, 2020
The Dark Matter of Mona Starr by Laura Lee Gulledge was a surprising read for me. Lots of books tackle depression, anxiety, negative self-talk, etc. Few do it in a comprehensive and loving story arc that progresses with actual useful information for those readers’ suffering from similar circumstances. I was quite impressed with the coping mechanisms the main character Mona develops throughout the book.
She is just a middle school kid that has an inner voice that manifests as her ‘dark matter’. She comes from an intelligent family with her mother working as an astrophysicist and her brother a chemical engineer. She looks at the world slightly differently than the average teen because of this. Her therapist suggests she study herself and so she starts to chronicle her triggers which I think is a great first step in self-help. Later she begins meditation to center herself and expels the negativity within. She writes positive words of inspiration on her arm as a reminder that she is worthwhile and is consistent in fighting back against her inner darkness.
Personally, I think this book speaks to readers of all ages. Anyone who has ever been their own worst critic can take a lesson from Mona’s journey. As she starts to live this new ‘best life’ of hers she starts to open up to new friendships and it is soon obvious that she is extremely creative. She puts a modern twist on an outdated Valentine’s practice, she creates a community social art project in her cafeteria, all the while realizing more and more about her inner self. I loved the art in this book, the use of color and contrast was fantastic. She wears her dark feelings like a cloak enveloping her at times, or gets physically ill puking what looks like oil. To contrast the dark with light when she’s had an inspiration or recognizes something positive in her life gold stardust is shown to highlight whatever good thing has transpired. This book is about life. It’s about coping with the ups and downs of childhood, but the lessons learned can be taken to heart by everyone.
She is just a middle school kid that has an inner voice that manifests as her ‘dark matter’. She comes from an intelligent family with her mother working as an astrophysicist and her brother a chemical engineer. She looks at the world slightly differently than the average teen because of this. Her therapist suggests she study herself and so she starts to chronicle her triggers which I think is a great first step in self-help. Later she begins meditation to center herself and expels the negativity within. She writes positive words of inspiration on her arm as a reminder that she is worthwhile and is consistent in fighting back against her inner darkness.
Personally, I think this book speaks to readers of all ages. Anyone who has ever been their own worst critic can take a lesson from Mona’s journey. As she starts to live this new ‘best life’ of hers she starts to open up to new friendships and it is soon obvious that she is extremely creative. She puts a modern twist on an outdated Valentine’s practice, she creates a community social art project in her cafeteria, all the while realizing more and more about her inner self. I loved the art in this book, the use of color and contrast was fantastic. She wears her dark feelings like a cloak enveloping her at times, or gets physically ill puking what looks like oil. To contrast the dark with light when she’s had an inspiration or recognizes something positive in her life gold stardust is shown to highlight whatever good thing has transpired. This book is about life. It’s about coping with the ups and downs of childhood, but the lessons learned can be taken to heart by everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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