Review:
👻👻👻👻/5 Ghost Stars
My Book Tour Date: April 29, 2023
Trigger warnings CW: fatphobia, disordered eating, loss of a loved one, death, body-shaming
This graphic novel touched upon a very common body shaming problem among Asians. I’m Asian and in our culture, people believe that skinnier people are superior, happy, pretty, and will have no problem finding love. Many people develop eating disorder because they can’t withstand peer pressure from the people they surround themselves with, such as family and friends. I am grateful that Victoria Ying addressed this problem in her graphic novel, especially since it reflect off of her own experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the graphic novel. I find it very relatable because I am one of those people who they label “fat.”
My favorite quote was when her father said, “If anything happens, it will all be okay. I promised myself that when I was young, I would live my life in the riches way possible. I’ve done that every day, and if I were to die right here, right now, I would have no regrets because I did it all.” I wish I could say that about my life, but I haven’t reached that point in my life yet.
This isn’t a quiz about knowledge but about feelings, thoughts and emotions, and endless imagination and possibilities.
Question #1: Val, when did you start liking Jordan?
Val: I’m not sure.. probably when she said, she’s like the cookie monster but for cakes! Lol. She’s so real and true to herself!
Question #2: Val’s mom, what is your story growing up living with grandma? Did she always tell you that you need to be skinny in order for someone to love you? Someone like dad?
Val’s mom: *Stammering* What do you mean?! Grandma was only trying to show me how much she loves me by telling me to stop eating desserts and cheese so I can stay skinny! Of course, I want to be skinny like the models in the magazine! *Brushes the question off like it was nothing.* (Typical Asian reaction!)
Question #3: Val, the night that your brother went out and your mom “prepared” dinner and only gave you a yogurt. What did you really want to tell her but didn’t say?
Val: I wanted to tell her, dad’s dead! Why do you care so much about being skinny! I can’t even think about food or my body. Grief is making me hungry. I want to eat whatever food that comes my way. Is me being skinny going to bring him back?!
Queation #4: Val, when did you start liking Allan? And why didn’t you share this little info with Jordan?
Val: Um…. I don’t know. I want to be skinny enough and pretty enough before I mention it to Jordan so she can help me drop hint to Allan. Plus, we were all such good friends… I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I was insecure, but now, I wish the best for Jordan and Allan!
Queation #5: Val’s mom, do you have any regrets in life? Your husband always stresses that he would die with no regret because he did it all. What about you?
Val’s mom: *Burst into tears* I regret that I didn’t hug him one last time before he left for his flight. I miss him so much, and I really wanted Val to say one last goodbye to him at the… morgue…
Question #6: Val, what is the one food you really want to eat again now that you don’t feel so bad about eating?
Val: The crepe from Paris! I was too stressed and worried about the calories when I was eating it. I want to eat it again without thinking about how much calories and fats it contains!
Question #7: Allan, what do you think about skinny and chubby-ish girls?
Allan: Huh? *Scratches head* What is there to think about? I don’t have any thoughts about it. I like Jordan just the way she is. She’s fun, witty, funny, confident and carefree. I never thought about her weight. I enjoy the times we eat out together and be silly like old times.
That is a wrap for the Original Quiz post. Many thanks to Hear Our Voices Tour for the ARC of Hungry Ghost!
Galaxy Boooooks Blog 