Verona Comics

Verona Comics tackles an issue I've never seen talked about in a novel: co-dependency. This isn't an easy topic to talk about nor is it easy to see the signs of it yourself if you're in a co-dependent relationship, but it's something important to bring to people's attention. A lot of the interactions in this novel may be normal, but put together they make a dangerous combination.Suicidal thoughts and anxiety are tackled in this book as well. I've never seen a more accurate portrayal of my anxiety symptoms before. There are countless combinations of anxiety symptoms. There's no right or wrong way to have anxiety but the more combinations we can show and normalize, the better. Anxiety is irrational enough but reading about other people who struggle in a similar way can help someone be more confident in who they are.Everything about this book was fantastic. I loved the fact that our MC had two moms and no one even bat an eyelash. Both of our MCs are bi and I loved the frank conversations around it. Jubilee and Ridley both struggle with feeling bi enough. Jubilee feels like she isn't bi enough because she hasn't dated a girl. Ridley doesn't feel bi enough because he hasn't slept with a girl. Being bi, or liking multiple genders in general, comes with a multitude of issues. There's always someone trying to police if you're queer enough to identify as your chosen label. Or you may just not feel queer enough yourself. I loved seeing this struggle on page because I know queer people all over feel the same way.The plot of this novel was fantastic. I loved that Jubilee's step mom was a famous indie comic writer and shop owner. There was a lot of girl power which was refreshing considering comics are a male dominated genre. And by male dominated I mean they make the most noise.This book blew Hot Dog Girl out of the water and I really wasn't sure she could top her debut. Anyone who loves a contemporary novel that tackles hard issues will love this one. As well as any queer person or those who love a good geeky story.*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

As soon as I finished Dugan’s book Some Girls Do last week, I knew I wanted to read more from her. Lucky me, my library had an ebook of Verona Comics readily available, so I checked it out. I don’t even remember if I read the synopsis; I just guessed from the title it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling and went from there. I’m a bit impulsive when it comes to books, haha.Anyway, here I am, having read two of Dugan’s books out of three. While Verona Comics didn’t have quite the same effect on me that Some Girls Do did, I still really enjoyed it. I immediately loved both Jubilee and Ridley, and related to the latter much more than I thought I would. The self-deprecation, the bad relationship with his father…. just call me out, Ms. Dugan, why don’t you. Startling similarities aside, Ridley must be protected at all costs.I also really liked Jubilee’s friends, and her moms. All of the relationships were so well-written, and seeing her parents lowkey adopt Ridley made my heart happy. I’d like to be first in line behind Jubilee to punch Ridley’s father in the face. With a chair. I’m glad that the poor boy had his sister, at least. I liked Gray, and their bond.I really like modern retellings of classics, and Dugan did a great job with this redone R&J. Although I occasionally thought some aspects of the feud were a bit too dramatic, it mostly worked out. The indie store vs corporation theme also felt very prevalent to today’s society.There were some other prevalent discussions and themes too, like Jubilee wondering if she can be bi/pansexual even though she’s never dated a girl, and co-dependency in a relationship. Just like with SGD, I felt the balance between this heavier content and lighter moments was perfectly done, making for an emotional but not overly devastating read.Not gonna lie though, the last third of the book really hurt my heart, and had me worrying. I know suicidal thoughts are mentioned in the content warnings, but I want to mention again that they’re there. I don’t know that I’ve read any other books with a character presently having such blatant thoughts like that, so while I do want more people to read this book, bear that in mind if you do.I was so relieved that this book had a better ending than the story that inspired it. I won’t say much, but it was good, and it was hopeful, and I liked it.It’s safe to say that Dugan is creeping her way up my favorite contemporary authors list. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what she does in the future.Representation-queer questioning protagonist-bisexual protagonist-Black lesbian side character-Korean side character-Latine sapphic side character-bisexual side character-two sapphic side couples (f/f)Content Warning: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, emotional abuse, car accident, injury descriptions, implied drug use, mentions of the following: alcoholism, past suicide attempt and biphobia

I liked Hot Dog Girl but loved this book. It’s clear that Dugan has grown and matured as an author which is awesome to see. This book would appeal to fans of Becky Albertalli and/or John Green. It powerfully addresses anxiety, suicidal ideation, complex trauma (ie parental emotional abuse) and LGBTQ issues with compelling characters and page-turning tension.I’ve read a LOT of mental health fiction and this is a rare gem that hits all the right notes. The themes pushed deeper into addressing codependency as well as the tough feelings stemming from bisexuality - especially feeling as though having a partner invalidates sexuality in one direction or another.Complex trauma, especially emotional abuse, is so, so under-discussed despite its prevalence and impact.Dugan beautifully manages to find an ending that is satisfying and positive, without reinforcing “love heals all” mentalities nor condoning codependency/taking care of someone whose mental illness puts them in a place of not being ready for a relationship. Too often mental illness is either an excuse to get away with toxic behavior, or a reason a person doesn’t deserve support/relationships at all. The line between these is real and important.The odes to Romeo and Juliet were clever and well-done. Sprinkled in comic books, cello, skateboarding and critiques of corporate publishers made the characters well-rounded and the world vibrant.