My rating is slightly low (I was sort of hovering between 3 and 4) because I felt it was a little disjointed. Like there were lots of good parts but although it was basically an autobiographical story I was confused as to the timeline of what happened. She sometimes has friends, sometimes doesn't, sometimes is depressed, sometimes isn't, sometimes working, sometimes isn't, and it feels confusing. I realise this maybe seems pedantic! Like, there were sections I really appreciated and a few panels which were brilliant. Just the overall experience was a little confusing to my small brain. ( )

I really wasn't sure what to expect with this memoir but it certainly satisfied.

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is a coming of age story for awkward 'late-bloomers', if you will. The author is so frank and open about her confusion with sex, desire, and communication, that it feels like everyone will see a piece of themselves within the pages even if they're nothing like her.

My personality is as far from Kabi Nagata's as is possible to be, except that we're both lesbians, but I still found her depictions of depression and anxiety so deeply relatable, capturing the exact feeling. ( )

It was good. Nothing mind blowing but a really sweet and encouraging story. ( )

A gripping view of what depression and anxiety looks like with a ton of sexual repression. This manga really captures a lot of the struggles someone with mental health issues goes through, and how difficult it can be to cope with in a society that is ill-equipped to identify what’s going on and how to help.

It’s not all sad though. The author finds hope in small moments with individuals throughout the story. Because of the kindness and patience these people give her, she is able to look into herself and discover things that give her the ability to go on and try to improve her life.

My favorite thing about this manga is that she points out how the struggle is ongoing despite all she’s done to pull herself through the darkest times. She’s still struggling, still learning, and still growing. I feel that is what makes this story the most accessible and real. ( )

"A reason to live, the power to live, a place to belong in this world." This quote sums up this novel. A very sweet but thoughtful manga. The struggle is real. ( )