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The Little Book of Big Feelings: An Illustrated Exploration of Life's Many Emotions

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From the author of the popular Introvert Doodles and Kind of Coping, Maureen “Marzi” Wilson is tackling all kinds of big feelings with over 175 relatable, supportive, and light-hearted comics in her signature style.

We’ve been conditioned to think that the most acceptable response to “How are you?” is, “I’m fine.” But our emotions are much more complicated than that! Sometimes we feel a little annoyed, or elated, or afraid. And you know, that’s okay!

In The Little Book of Big Feelings, Maureen “Marzi” Wilson takes us on a journey of self-acceptance and validation. After all, our emotions are only reactions to experiences that we can learn from; there’s no such thing as a “bad” emotion. It’s okay to be scared, it’s alright to feel hopeful, and it’s perfectly fine to feel both at the same time. There is a wide range of human emotions, and it’s time we start embracing each one!

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2019

116 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

Maureen Marzi Wilson

5 books106 followers
Maureen Marzi Wilson is an introvert and a doodler. She likes to share her awkward encounters through comics. She created an Instagram account as a way for her to better understand her introversion. Over time she has learned to love her introversion and she hopes that her book will help the readers realize that they are all lovable too.

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5 stars
216 (58%)
4 stars
104 (28%)
3 stars
38 (10%)
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6 (1%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,431 reviews182 followers
October 13, 2019
3.5 Stars

I think this would be a great book for kids, especially introverted children, to help them identify and understand theirs and others' feelings. But this is also a book adults can relate too as well. Each chapter discusses a particular emotion (from anticipation to anger to joy and more) and the accompanying pictures not only detail the emotions, they'll put a smile on your face. If you are a fan of Marzi's Instagram page, you will adore this book.

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tucker Almengor.
1,044 reviews1,661 followers
May 24, 2020

Many thanks to Pocket Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review

This review is... extremely late. Oops.

Also, it is extremely short but that's fine.

This book was one of those perfect books that made me think to myself "I do that" or "That's me" every single page.

It's one of those feel good books that is easily readable.

It's like a midnight snack.

Yeah...

End of review because I'm lazy...

---------------

okay, this was so relatable... i feel like someone just read my mind and made it a book. Review to come!

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Profile Image for Shelby (Grace with Books).
875 reviews228 followers
September 26, 2019
As an introvert, I related to this book on a very personal level. Emotions are something that not a lot of people feel comfortable talking about but Marzi has put them in a format that I think will help a lot of people process and accept the emotions they have. It is ok not to feel fine all the time and this book does a great job of helping the reader understand that. I enjoyed this as a college student but I think this book can literally be for all ages. Anyone at any age will benefit from this book and its wonderful message.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,314 reviews3,485 followers
October 20, 2020
'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.
7,048 reviews83 followers
August 28, 2019
A book that explore feelings through cartoons in a web comic style. It has good humor while being very light but interesting enough to explore feelings in a new ways that would maybe help reach pre-teens or older kids around 9-10 or older, that wouldn’t find what they need in other books about feelings that are often very childish. Original concept, nothing extraordinary but it has and audience and an achieved purpose so that’s good!
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,454 reviews153 followers
September 5, 2019
*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.
Profile Image for Caffeinated Fae.
630 reviews39 followers
November 27, 2019
Have you ever saw a book that you knew you were going to love? When I saw this little book offered on NetGalley, I knew that I HAD to read it. I was so excited when I was finally able to sit down and dive in. Now imagine my surprise when I realized quickly that I just did not like this book. Everything pointed to this being the perfect book for me, but unfortunately, this was just not that good.

The drawings and cartoons were adorable, though, the low resolution of the book made it almost impossible to read some of the sketches.

The self-help portion of this book was weird and almost preachy in ways I can't quite put my finger on. I almost thought an extraverted friend was advising me on how their one friend deals with her introversion. It also felt like being an introvert has to be corrected, which didn't sit well with me. I think that was my main issue. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert, and I HATE that this book made me feel that there was. Honestly, all I can think is that this will be the book that extroverts everywhere buy to "help" an introverted friend.

All in all, the drawings were adorable, and at times I could relate, but I would not recommend this to anyone. If you want a book to gift that special introvert in your life, I highly recommend Quiet Girl in a Noisy World by Debbie Tung.

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Morris.
964 reviews174 followers
September 5, 2019
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.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Steff Fox.
1,602 reviews168 followers
April 25, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |


The Little Book of Big Feelings by Maureen Marzi Wilson is one of those books that I found relatable, but didn't really serve as much of a teachable sort of book. I think the usefulness of this book in terms of educating its readers really depends on who is picking up the book. Ultimately, I don't really see it as a book for adults in that sense, but perhaps teenagers or those who have struggled to understand and deal with their own emotions.

I did genuinely enjoy flipping through this book. It was a quick read with many moments that were easy to find a connection with. Part of me does feel that it was simple and I personally did not learn anything new from reading it. In general, the book showed a variety of ways that the author recognizes and deals with her emotions. It ended up being more relatable than anything else, something that I had recognized in myself prior to reading.

The illustrations were simple and adorable. In its own way, this book seems more beneficial in selling the author's artwork than it is in dealing with any sort of complex emotions. And in this, the book does quite well.

While I see this as potentially beneficial for those who have struggled to manage either or both of those in their lives it ended up making this book one that was fun to read but that I wouldn't ever bother buying.

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Nory M..
27 reviews1 follower
Read
January 14, 2021
*I received an electronic ARC of this book from Adams Media through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

In the words of the author herself “I like to live in my head because it’s awesome in here”. If I had to write one thing that I took away from this little book is that it is absolutely okay to not be an extrovert and to feel all the feelings that come at you (oh, that’s actually two things). The “Introvert Doodles” author invites us through her comics to be who we are, and feel what we feel, without shame. And she does it in a witty, fun, and adorable way. The vivid illustrations are entertaining and attention catching in every single panel. And even if, like me, you are not a total introvert, you will find yourself agreeing with some of the comics in the book. I think that part of these comics’ magic is that they normalize not being a social person, which is much needed in our society. Not everyone handles constant interaction in the same way and that’s okay and doesn’t necessarily need to be changed. What I liked best about the book is how it manages to get its point across with a positive outlook on life. So, if you enjoy short, fun, color-filled comics, this book is for you, but if in addition to that, you identify as an introvert (or something of sorts) please go and read it now.
Profile Image for Truebluedah ♪.
163 reviews20 followers
November 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this book.
It was like a therapy session in a tiny package.
😂

It had so much good advice and stuff to learn in it.
It was a “oh, I do that!” Kind of book.

Anyway,
I don’t have to much to say except that I enjoyed this book!
💖
Profile Image for Maria Elmvang.
Author 2 books105 followers
September 30, 2019
A cute and very relatable graphic novel about how different emotions might manifest in your life. Apparently the author and I are quite alike, because I could definitely recognize most of her findings and how feelings showed up in her life.

I do kinda wish the order of the chapters had been different though, and would recommend new readers to skip the first chapter (curiosity) and return to it at a later stage, because it is by far the weakest of the lot, and almost made me give up on the book right then and there... which would have been such a shame, as I ended up loving the rest of it.
Profile Image for Nicole.
169 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2022
Each chapter of this books discusses a particular emotion through comics that are relatable & funny!

👍🏻: I liked how it looked at each emotion (16 in total) through a different lens & made it easier to digest with it being told through comics.

👎🏻: It felt like it was for a bit younger of an audience (mid-late teens).

I would recommend this book to anyone who…is a little bit younger & wants an easy way to talk about & articulate feelings. Also anyone who is introverted, as the author is herself, & spoke to that a lot. Or anyone who is looking for a fun, cute waiting room book (that’s where I put mine!).
Profile Image for Heather McC.
1,070 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2022
Explores a dozen different feelings that run the gamut of emotions and includes some great tips to help ride the wave of feelings when everything gets too intense.
313 reviews
November 7, 2019
How am I just now hearing about this delightful author? On NetGalley, I read the description for The Little Book of Big Feelings, and knew I wanted to review it, thinking it would be especially great for discussing emotions with my kids. After reading it (at times by myself, other times my kids joined me at the computer to read some of it) I plan to buy a copy and check out her other work as well.

Some comic books for adults aren't suitable for kids due to language or content, but this book contains none of those elements and I'll happily hand our copy off to my kids despite them not being the target audience. It will help them better understand emotions (their own, and other people's).

This "illustrated exploration of life's many emotions" takes us through 16 emotions the author has experienced. Each chapter starts with a brief description and commentary, and the author keeps things personal. Some of the panels are funny, others are touching. As an awkward, anxious introvert, I could relate to a lot of what I read. I appreciated the diverse cast of characters.

Recommended for any reader who would enjoy contemplating emotions in a comic format. For some topics, I'd argue a graphic novel or comic format is the best medium for relating certain stories. This book works really well.

4.5* rounded up.

Thanks to NetGalley and Adams Media for the digital review copy provided in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Emma.
301 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2020
I enjoy reading Introvert Doodles online and this little book was really enjoyable. It's definitely worth buying and reading as a collection rather than looking at individual comics online. It's fun, funny and reassuring to read. Children and adults alike would enjoy this book about positive mental health.

[Free ARC from NetGalley]
Profile Image for Miranda.
159 reviews5 followers
Read
October 1, 2019
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. It was just as adorable and thought provoking as I thought it would be.
Profile Image for Belle.
622 reviews35 followers
September 15, 2019
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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.
Profile Image for Sosanna Olson.
125 reviews32 followers
November 8, 2019
Today I'm reviewing The Little Book of Big Feelings by Maureen "Marzi" Wilson.

Written as more of a graphic novel, frankly when I sat down with this book I kept thinking to myself, how on earth am I going to review this thing. While it has chapters there's no real structure in the traditional book review sense to the book. As I got into it I began to see what the author was going for. Each of the chapters are set up with a basic feeling. As many of us who have attended therapy know, feelings are feelings. They are temporary and they change. We can't control them. We can't pick them. We have to see them, feel them and let them go. This book does a great job in explaining that in very simple terms.

The section on being overwhelmed I found extremely helpful. The cartoon like take on resolving issues related to dealing with how we feel is a pretty new approach in my opinion. There are sections on boundaries and anger and how this author deals with those emotions. I found this incredibly timely as my partner and I have been discussing mindfulness and how to deal with observing the mind in the mind for the minds sake. But that's another story for another time.

Overall this is a really cute book and I found that while it wasn't as childish as I thought in the beginning it was rather child like, in that it was basic and caring from a very innocent perspective. Just thinking that even on the hardest days, you can be grateful for pink starbursts was so adorable. Sometimes we need to just break things down to their most simple form to really discover those things that are truly important to us.

I think this is a great book to get folks talking about and feeling their feelings. So many times I find that friends, family and even I, myself am afraid of my feelings. The last page says it so nicely. Its ok to feel what you're feeling.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carolina Colleene.
Author 2 books53 followers
September 25, 2019
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
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.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for FSSTBlog.
35 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2019
Author: Maureen Marzi Wilson
Year: 2019
ISBN: 9781507212080
Publisher: Adams Media
Goodreads Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content Warnings: None
Purchased or Received Copy: Recieved copy from Netgalley

The Little Book of Big Feelings was my first experience with Maureen Marzi Wilson’s work, but now I think I want to read more of her comics. She describes her own emotions, finding a balance between validating and coping with them. That is to say, she reminds the reader that it’s okay not to be okay, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to feel better if you’re not okay.

Upon reading The Little Book of Big Feelings I mainly felt validated in my own feelings. This book would be great for anybody that needs a little emotional validation. This is a great all-ages graphic novel, both for children learning about their own feelings and adults that need a little reminder that whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay to feel that way.
Profile Image for Patricia Bello.
1,149 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2019
2.5 stars? Only because Kindle isn’t the best way to read this book. It should be, like almost picture books, be hard cover, hard pages, physical book. After all, it is a picture book for adults.

And it’s interesting! The book talks about those big feelings that we aren’t quite prepared for while in the middle of adulting. Situations are more complicated, consequences have bigger impact, and our lives a little harder than we thought it would be.

At least that’s the gist of what I got. I couldn’t read the illustrations and the comics very well on my kindle. Mostly too small. So what a waste of a promising book this is. I can say I really read it so I’ve rated it halfway.

Thank you @adams_media for the arc of the book. Next time I think I’ll download the pdf to better read books like this one. Or just provide pdf?
Profile Image for Nia Ireland.
405 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2020
This is a quick and sweet read that starts with the question ‘How are you?’

The answer is split up into sections on different emotions, each one with a series of comics to illustrate the theme.
For me, the appeal of this book is that the artist is an introvert and perfectly illustrates the different facets of emotions experienced by introverts – I had loads of ‘same!’ moments which is always fun. I’m not sure how well this would tie in with the extrovert’s experience, so I’d be curious to know how they get on!

There are some useful tips on how to manage some of the more difficult emotions and a nice reminder that all emotions are healthy and normal in moderation, which gave the book an extra dimension of insight I wasn’t expecting from a book of sweet and simple cartoons.

*I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley*
76 reviews
August 8, 2020
Illustrator Marzi breaks down many different feelings in The Little Book of Big Feelings - from curiosity to overwhelm, anger and grief and more. Short written sections about her experiences introduce each chapter, followed by personal comics about awkward, funny or crappy moments while feeling these emotions.

Ultimately, I found it really helpful - as a 27 year old who *still* has trouble putting her feelings into words. Our feelings aren't good or bad, but information that we can use to understand ourselves and the world around us.
Marzi's comics about her anxiety were definitely relatable to me, as someone who does, too.

I bookmarked plenty of pages in my digital copy (thanks to Netgalley for offering me a digital copy for review*) and will definitely be buying a copy when I can.

*Sorry it took so long!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
352 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2019
Marzi Wilson has created a wonderfully whimsical book that deals with both the light and dark side of emotions. Great for quirky adults such as myself and also for kids. I showed my littles some of the comics as a way to teach them about some of their more common emotions. I have followed Marzi for some time now and read her comics. This book is a wonderful addition to her already published works.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
Profile Image for Christina.
806 reviews41 followers
October 24, 2019
Thank you to Adams Media and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review.

The title is very apt to what is described and visualized in this book. I found what I was reading and seeing very relabtable in actions and reactions, which made for a very endearing yet introspective read. Some of the things in it were so scarily accurate. It’s almost like the author and I are long lost twins – spooky!

I love how the drawings are just okay. I think the simplicity embellishes the author’s intent. “Okay” is such a simple, short word. Two-syllables. But the author describes all the emotions that can be packed within words like “okay” and “fine.”

This was a good read and I’d definitely recommend it to others who may be struggling but also for enjoyment.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,713 reviews25 followers
January 8, 2020
Whew this was a great little book! In cute, colorful cartoons, Marzi Wilson takes us through all the emotions (curious, annoyed, embarrassed, loved, overwhelmed, anticipation, misunderstood, joyful, scared, empathy, angry, grateful, peaceful, sad, confident, and hopeful) and shows us that all of these emotions are not only valid, but that everyone is experiencing them and we should let ourselves fully experience them too! So many of the cartoons I related to hard, and many were just brilliant with the way she looks at things (the one comparing types of water to types of anger was so genius!) I laughed, I felt all the feels, I emoted just by reading her comics. Best of all it's always great to know we're not alone in feeling all the things.
Profile Image for azambakides.
28 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2024
I’ve been following Marzi on Instagram for a few years now and I utterly love her comics. They are so relatable to a neurodiverse introvert such as me.

When I discovered this book of hers in my library while I was looking for another book on Big Feelings, I had to get it out IMMEDIATELY!!!

This little book, discussing the vast range of emotions from sad to joyful to content to angry, really hit the spot for me and I firmly believed in this was a book I really needed to read at this moment.

I laughed and cried. I aww’d and pondered over the words. I thought a bit and read slowly to take all in. I even kept tapping the pictures to “like” them and then I realised I wasn’t on Instagram!

Highly recommended to any neurodivergent or introvert. Marzi gives such brilliant descriptions of each emotion, which feels really relatable and explains a lot too. This would even be great comic for kids to teach them about emotions and that it’s OK to feel them all.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,623 reviews54 followers
September 30, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advance copy in return for an honest review!

I've been a Marzi fan for a long time now, and I sincerely love her other books as well, so it's no surprise that I also loved this. One thing that afflicts many of us, I think, is this idea that our emotions are something to hide, gloss over, not talk about or think about--and this isn't healthy. This doesn't mean we all have to turn into adults throwing perpetual tantrums, but it does mean that acknowledging how we feel is a first step to coping with our emotions. And now we can easily explore our emotions through Wilson's adorable and relatable cartoons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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