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Turtle Bread: A Graphic Novel About Baking, Fitting In, and the Power of Friendship
Yan is looking for a place to belong. She struggles with social anxiety and low self-esteem, making it hard to maintain a job or relationships. When the chance comes along to step out of her comfort zone, Yan joins Baking Club, hoping to share her passion with people who love pastries and cakes as much as she does.
At first, Yan is intimidated by the other members, but as she gets to know them better, she comes to love Baking Club. In fact, Yan realizes that she's not alone in trying to hide her mental health struggles from her friends. The members of the Club come together to support each other and to bake their way through any problem!
From celebrity baker, cookbook author, mental health advocate, and Great British Baking Show star Kim-Joy, and fan-favorite artist Alti Firmansyah (Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde), TURTLE BREAD is a touching story about community, healing, finding yourself, and--of course--baking!
At first, Yan is intimidated by the other members, but as she gets to know them better, she comes to love Baking Club. In fact, Yan realizes that she's not alone in trying to hide her mental health struggles from her friends. The members of the Club come together to support each other and to bake their way through any problem!
From celebrity baker, cookbook author, mental health advocate, and Great British Baking Show star Kim-Joy, and fan-favorite artist Alti Firmansyah (Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde), TURTLE BREAD is a touching story about community, healing, finding yourself, and--of course--baking!
132 pages, Kindle & Comixology Edition
Published May 2, 2023
About the author
Kim-Joy
14 books59 followersShe was born in Belgium to an English father and Malaysian-Chinese mother and now lives in Leeds with her partner.
Kim-Joy rose to fame having made it to the final of the Great British Bake Off 2018 with her unique, intricate baked creations that captured the hearts of the nation.
Her iced woodland creatures, space turtles and beautifully decorated cakes - along with her calmness and vibrant positivity - put a smile on everyone's face and Kim-Joy has since earned a legion of baking fans around the world.
Having previously worked in mental health, she now devotes her time to creating cakes and treats that bring a little Kim-Joy to as many people as possible.
Kim-Joy rose to fame having made it to the final of the Great British Bake Off 2018 with her unique, intricate baked creations that captured the hearts of the nation.
Her iced woodland creatures, space turtles and beautifully decorated cakes - along with her calmness and vibrant positivity - put a smile on everyone's face and Kim-Joy has since earned a legion of baking fans around the world.
Having previously worked in mental health, she now devotes her time to creating cakes and treats that bring a little Kim-Joy to as many people as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
November 19, 2023
Loved Kim-Joy as a contestant on Bake-Off, and now she's written a wonderful graphic novel about a group of amateur bakers, all with their own problems, coming together in a baking club to help eachother along. And it's really sweet, both the writing and art are lovely.
If I have one bit of real criticism, it's that it all tends to be a bit too on the nose for me - everyone's problems end up being openly discussed, and when it happens the dialogue is maybe a bit too therapy-y.
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
If I have one bit of real criticism, it's that it all tends to be a bit too on the nose for me - everyone's problems end up being openly discussed, and when it happens the dialogue is maybe a bit too therapy-y.
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
May 5, 2023
*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *
Very cute story, and the recipes made my mouth water 😋
Some very touching moments in here as well.
Another where I identify with the brain 🧠 monster (as I call them) Yan was battling..I wanted to exchange numbers with her so we could talk.
I would have loved to see some of these scenes in color, just a minor quibble.
It might be just a me thing, but had to read this more slowly 🐌 and closer to my face because the way it was formatted/done in the ebook made it hard on my eyes. Just a heads up if anyone else has eye or head issues.
Very cute story, and the recipes made my mouth water 😋
Some very touching moments in here as well.
Another where I identify with the brain 🧠 monster (as I call them) Yan was battling..I wanted to exchange numbers with her so we could talk.
I would have loved to see some of these scenes in color, just a minor quibble.
It might be just a me thing, but had to read this more slowly 🐌 and closer to my face because the way it was formatted/done in the ebook made it hard on my eyes. Just a heads up if anyone else has eye or head issues.
June 7, 2023
My family is a huge fan of the show The Great British Bake-Off (or The Great British Baking Show on US Netflix). Kim-Joy, the author of "Turtle Bread", was one of the contestants whose creative and decorative bakes, piping skills, and personality were major highlights of the show's season 9. Turtle Bread is her debut graphic novel that talks about baking (of course) and navigating life, mental health, and friendship while dealing with social anxiety. I love the story line set in the north of England, the amazing artwork, and the recipes included in the book. The graphic novel is available for free to read with Amazon Prime.
October 9, 2023
The storytelling in this one wasn't always great, but I enjoyed the art.
July 6, 2023
Sweet, fluffy, smooth, overall tasty
January 9, 2024
3.5 ✨
Yan is a young adult searching for a job and belonging. When she finds baking club, she sees the opportunity to make friends but also needs to tackle her anxiety.
The style of the book is really cute! It was a heartwarming story to read due to the illustrations and relationships. The plot wasn’t very complex and Yan wasn’t my favorite character, though. Super quick read!
Yan is a young adult searching for a job and belonging. When she finds baking club, she sees the opportunity to make friends but also needs to tackle her anxiety.
The style of the book is really cute! It was a heartwarming story to read due to the illustrations and relationships. The plot wasn’t very complex and Yan wasn’t my favorite character, though. Super quick read!
July 31, 2024
3.5*
Such a sweet graphic novel about baking, friendship, and dealing with social anxiety.
This is actually one of the best depictions of social anxiety I've seen, it was all too relatable!
There are also some mouthwatering recipes throughout, which was a great addition.
Such a sweet graphic novel about baking, friendship, and dealing with social anxiety.
This is actually one of the best depictions of social anxiety I've seen, it was all too relatable!
There are also some mouthwatering recipes throughout, which was a great addition.
July 25, 2023
corto y entretenido. me sorprendió bea y el final.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
so cute and sweet and I’m cryingggg
November 24, 2023
I don't even like to bake and I loved this. SO WHOLESOME <3
June 5, 2023
Content/Trigger Warnings: Depictions of severe social anxiety, depictions of depression, brief mentions of PTSD, mentions loss of loved ones (in the past), grief, talk of cancer
Actual rating: 4.5 ⭐
How dare this graphic novel make me ugly cry! How dare! This was really cute, wholesome, and I was so surprised by how much mental health was talked about, shown, and addressed throughout this entire graphic novel. The way mental health was handled in this graphic novel definitely stems from a lot of care and I'd even go as far to say the author's personal experience. Not to mention, can I talk about how this graphic novel normalizes using a mental health tracker?! First time I've ever seen that in any book and it fills my heart with so much warmth, and appreciation. I know so many people who use apps or paper trackers (like the main character) and even I use a journal to keep track of my own mental health, as well. So it was really nice to see that normalized in this graphic novel. We also need to address the food! I love that baking and this Baking Club are the center of attention in this comic. The fact we get so many recipes throughout this story was everything and now I want to try making some of these recipes at home. However, the thing I loved most about this comic was the theme of found family. Found family is one of my favorite themes in any type of book and touches a soft spot in my heart every time. The friendship our main character finds among her fellow Baking Club members is so beautiful and the way they all come together for one another during hard times was so wholesome. I loved it so much and I think that's one of the best highlights of this story, the found family and how powerful friendship love can be. Overall, this felt like a really strong, powerful story and I loved that at the end we get some author notes, and even more recipes! I just had a really good time reading this and I think anyone who loves slice of life, mental health, and food should give this graphic novel a chance.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
Actual rating: 4.5 ⭐
How dare this graphic novel make me ugly cry! How dare! This was really cute, wholesome, and I was so surprised by how much mental health was talked about, shown, and addressed throughout this entire graphic novel. The way mental health was handled in this graphic novel definitely stems from a lot of care and I'd even go as far to say the author's personal experience. Not to mention, can I talk about how this graphic novel normalizes using a mental health tracker?! First time I've ever seen that in any book and it fills my heart with so much warmth, and appreciation. I know so many people who use apps or paper trackers (like the main character) and even I use a journal to keep track of my own mental health, as well. So it was really nice to see that normalized in this graphic novel. We also need to address the food! I love that baking and this Baking Club are the center of attention in this comic. The fact we get so many recipes throughout this story was everything and now I want to try making some of these recipes at home. However, the thing I loved most about this comic was the theme of found family. Found family is one of my favorite themes in any type of book and touches a soft spot in my heart every time. The friendship our main character finds among her fellow Baking Club members is so beautiful and the way they all come together for one another during hard times was so wholesome. I loved it so much and I think that's one of the best highlights of this story, the found family and how powerful friendship love can be. Overall, this felt like a really strong, powerful story and I loved that at the end we get some author notes, and even more recipes! I just had a really good time reading this and I think anyone who loves slice of life, mental health, and food should give this graphic novel a chance.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
July 24, 2023
Didn’t really work for me. Cover was adorable, but the illustrations were black and white, which wasn’t ideal for me.
Not a lot of context on the main character who suffers from anxiety. Just not that great.
Not a lot of context on the main character who suffers from anxiety. Just not that great.
September 4, 2023
Yan is struggling. Hard. Diagnosis: social anxiety and depression. No job, living with her pushy family who just want her to get a job and make soemthing impressive of herself. Yan just wants to stay in her shell and hide. And then there’s baking club, run by the tender Bea, filled with people that Yan is desperate to be friends with…if they even like her.
But through baking, through turtles, through time and patience, Yan begins to find her place in baking club. And maybe, just maybe, this special little place can help her take a deep breath and a tiny step into the bigger world. Even if she’s still afraid.
When I heard that one of my favorite competitors on The Great British Baking Show had written a lovely little graphic novel, I had to snap it up immediately. And gosh, was this ever wonderful. This was a beautifully drawn deeply relatable story about anxiety and baking paired together. Kim-Joy has spoken beautifully and vocally about her mental health and is using her platform to help others in an incredibly lovely and charming way.
Paired with real recipes and a very emotional and true to heart story, Turtle Bread left me absolutely speechless. I needed this little book today.
But through baking, through turtles, through time and patience, Yan begins to find her place in baking club. And maybe, just maybe, this special little place can help her take a deep breath and a tiny step into the bigger world. Even if she’s still afraid.
When I heard that one of my favorite competitors on The Great British Baking Show had written a lovely little graphic novel, I had to snap it up immediately. And gosh, was this ever wonderful. This was a beautifully drawn deeply relatable story about anxiety and baking paired together. Kim-Joy has spoken beautifully and vocally about her mental health and is using her platform to help others in an incredibly lovely and charming way.
Paired with real recipes and a very emotional and true to heart story, Turtle Bread left me absolutely speechless. I needed this little book today.
October 28, 2023
The art was cute and I liked some of the characters I would’ve liked a longer story to get to know some of them a little better I like the overcoming of anxiety and other personal issues I want so they told he overcame it but at least they made progress in the steps and I like the friendship that developed it’s a cute little redhead and I think people who like graphic novels will get something out of this.
Read
September 1, 2024yan is literally Me??
23, struggling w Everything, cbt didn’t work (looool) and can’t find a job… starting to think someone’s been spying on my life??
except i can’t bake/cook for shit! but this was so lovely and warm and the cutest little pick me up to show found family can help build up your confidence and self worth!!
23, struggling w Everything, cbt didn’t work (looool) and can’t find a job… starting to think someone’s been spying on my life??
except i can’t bake/cook for shit! but this was so lovely and warm and the cutest little pick me up to show found family can help build up your confidence and self worth!!
Read
July 9, 2023my first graphic novel! the art style was so cute and kind of contradicted the story because it was sad at times. i loved seeing Yan grow but also her setbacks and her mindset towards herself. this was such a lovely story and i love how real recipes were added throughout the book!
August 11, 2023
Such a cute story! I love Yan’s character development and the baking recipes too :). It makes me feel so happy to see her coming out of her shell and finding her love for baking!!
I also read this for free on kindle unlimited!
I also read this for free on kindle unlimited!
July 3, 2024
Cute and Meaningful
I absolutely LOVED this graphic novel. It’s full of great food and a sweet story of growth and strength. It was a fast read, but it is one that will stick with me.
I absolutely LOVED this graphic novel. It’s full of great food and a sweet story of growth and strength. It was a fast read, but it is one that will stick with me.
June 17, 2023
This was cute, and also surprinsingly emotional. I loved all the added baking touches, and it made me want to bake everything they did! It drew you in, and it was a quick little read.
September 8, 2023
"It's sad that the world makes it hard for you to be at ease in your own shell."
Baking Club is all about overcoming obstacles & perseverance. Exactly what Yan needs!
Baking Club is all about overcoming obstacles & perseverance. Exactly what Yan needs!
March 6, 2024
Cute, approachable, helpful quick little guide to life.
March 12, 2024
V cute (: 3.5 stars (why is there no half star rating option ):< )
April 30, 2024
A quick and stirring read, TURTLE BREAD shows that amazing things can come in small packages, including works of graphic medicine.
September 14, 2023
(originally reviewed at
thelibraryladies.com
)
Unlike Serena, and many people I know and love for that matter, I never got super into “The Great British Bake Off”. I’ve seen a few seasons here and there, and did like what I saw, but haven’t really sought it out. So when I saw a huge advertisement at ALAAC23 for “Turtle Bread”, a new graphic novel by “GBBO” finalist Kim-Joy, it was more the artwork that caught my attention. But once I started looking into it, and learned about Kim-Joy not only as a baker, but also as a mental health advocate, I was even more interested in reading the book. And once I had it on my Kindle, it was a breezy and enjoyable read. Score one for advertising at a library convention!
The plot is fairly straight forward. Yan is a young woman who is living at home with her family, is struggling to find a job, and stumbles upon a random baking club after having another failed interview. She joins up with the members, even though she is very anxious around unfamiliar people and situations, and eventually finds a new passion for herself and starts to find confidence thanks to the support of her friends and her love of baking. I suppose this isn’t too shocking given that it’s written by a “Great British Bake Off” alum, and you know she clearly knows her stuff when it comes to the food that is being discussed and created in the book. I liked the way the group learns and grows from each other, mostly seen through Yan’s eyes, and I really liked the camaraderie and the feel good aspects of this story. It’s simple and charming, and while it doesn’t reinvent any wheels the gentleness of it makes for a very relaxing read.
But the biggest theme in this book is that of Yan’s deep social anxiety and how that affects her relationships with other people, her perception of herself, and her day to day life. I thought that this portrayal of social anxiety and how devastating it can be was pretty spot on, without making it the central focus or feeling like an after school special. Yan slowly opens up to her fellow baking club members, with the gentle encouragement of club head and mom friend Bea. It felt like a pretty realistic depiction of social anxiety and low self esteem, and I liked that it didn’t make it seem like a very clean and cut and dry progression, as Yan doesn’t totally shake the feelings she has and does have moments of stumbles and setbacks. But it’s never done in a way that feels like it’s just milking for more drama or disingenuous. As someone who has some social anxiety of her own, perhaps not to Yan’s degree, it just felt like an honest depiction of how it can affect so much of a person. I also liked the way that the other members of baking club slowly reveal that they too are dealing with personal emotional and mental struggles, and how that doesn’t necessarily define them as human beings who can find joy.
And finally, the art. It’s pretty darn cute. I like the character designs with some clear manga-esque influences, but then the sometimes realistic takes on ingredients to food. And yes, there are indeed recipes in this book, and I really liked how we not only get the instructions on ingredients and how to bake them, but also some really cute visuals that make it all the more easy to understand.
“Turtle Bread” is a very cozy story about baking, friendship, and self discovery and acceptance. I’m happy it caught my eye, and I can’t wait to try out some of the recipes from the book!
Unlike Serena, and many people I know and love for that matter, I never got super into “The Great British Bake Off”. I’ve seen a few seasons here and there, and did like what I saw, but haven’t really sought it out. So when I saw a huge advertisement at ALAAC23 for “Turtle Bread”, a new graphic novel by “GBBO” finalist Kim-Joy, it was more the artwork that caught my attention. But once I started looking into it, and learned about Kim-Joy not only as a baker, but also as a mental health advocate, I was even more interested in reading the book. And once I had it on my Kindle, it was a breezy and enjoyable read. Score one for advertising at a library convention!
The plot is fairly straight forward. Yan is a young woman who is living at home with her family, is struggling to find a job, and stumbles upon a random baking club after having another failed interview. She joins up with the members, even though she is very anxious around unfamiliar people and situations, and eventually finds a new passion for herself and starts to find confidence thanks to the support of her friends and her love of baking. I suppose this isn’t too shocking given that it’s written by a “Great British Bake Off” alum, and you know she clearly knows her stuff when it comes to the food that is being discussed and created in the book. I liked the way the group learns and grows from each other, mostly seen through Yan’s eyes, and I really liked the camaraderie and the feel good aspects of this story. It’s simple and charming, and while it doesn’t reinvent any wheels the gentleness of it makes for a very relaxing read.
But the biggest theme in this book is that of Yan’s deep social anxiety and how that affects her relationships with other people, her perception of herself, and her day to day life. I thought that this portrayal of social anxiety and how devastating it can be was pretty spot on, without making it the central focus or feeling like an after school special. Yan slowly opens up to her fellow baking club members, with the gentle encouragement of club head and mom friend Bea. It felt like a pretty realistic depiction of social anxiety and low self esteem, and I liked that it didn’t make it seem like a very clean and cut and dry progression, as Yan doesn’t totally shake the feelings she has and does have moments of stumbles and setbacks. But it’s never done in a way that feels like it’s just milking for more drama or disingenuous. As someone who has some social anxiety of her own, perhaps not to Yan’s degree, it just felt like an honest depiction of how it can affect so much of a person. I also liked the way that the other members of baking club slowly reveal that they too are dealing with personal emotional and mental struggles, and how that doesn’t necessarily define them as human beings who can find joy.
And finally, the art. It’s pretty darn cute. I like the character designs with some clear manga-esque influences, but then the sometimes realistic takes on ingredients to food. And yes, there are indeed recipes in this book, and I really liked how we not only get the instructions on ingredients and how to bake them, but also some really cute visuals that make it all the more easy to understand.
“Turtle Bread” is a very cozy story about baking, friendship, and self discovery and acceptance. I’m happy it caught my eye, and I can’t wait to try out some of the recipes from the book!
June 3, 2023
Fans of the Great British Baking Show may remember Kim-Joy from season nine. She had a quiet smile and made bakes studded with whimsical animals and bright colors. She brought flavors like matcha and orange blossom along with her sweet spirit, intelligence, and masterful piping skills. Along with several cookbooks, she’s written a graphic novel about an anxious young woman who finds her place in Baking Club.
Yan is a young woman who struggles with anxiety and low self-esteem. She’s in therapy and trying to do the work to change her overthinking, but she still has bad days. She’s trying to find a job, and the rejection is difficult to take. But as she’s waiting for the bus one day, she sees an invitation to Baking Club. Yan loves to bake and needs friends, so she gathers up her courage and gives it a try.
Yan is greeted by an older woman, Bea, who is cheerful and welcoming. There are several others there, and at first Yan is nervous, feeling like a burden. But Bea gets them all working on baking a Victoria Sponge, and Yan feels a little better. As she keeps going back, she starts to come out of her shell more and more, like the turtle that Bea made to decorate the Victoria Sponge that first night.
When another baker, Geraint, wants to make a bread for a competition at work, they all put their heads together and come up with a recipe for him, for Turtle Bread. Yan finds that helping others makes her feel better, and she finds her own confidence growing. She finds a job and even starts dating.
But then, one week, she goes to Baking Club and finds that Bea is missing. Yan is crushed and wants to know where she’d gone, and why. Did she do something to cause Bea to leave? She didn’t really know all that much about her, and she feels selfish for not asking more questions. Will she be able to track down Bea and make things right with her? Or will Yan just go right back into her shell and give up on Baking Club?
Turtle Bread is the charming, gentle story of taking chances and finding your way in life from baker and mental health professional Kim-Joy. The same gentle beauty of her bakes comes through this story, which would make a great gift for those who struggle with anxiety. There is a lot of warmth and support through the pages, and there are even several recipes for cake, bread, and shortbread, along with ideas for decorations. The illustrations by Alti Firmansyah are full of movement and emotions, and they work beautifully with Kim-Joy’s story.
I loved Turtle Bread, and I think it’s appropriate for kids and adults, for anyone needing a boost of courage or some healing from bullies or grief. It’s a beautiful reminder that we all have something to offer and can feel better about ourselves by helping others with what they are going through.
Yan is a young woman who struggles with anxiety and low self-esteem. She’s in therapy and trying to do the work to change her overthinking, but she still has bad days. She’s trying to find a job, and the rejection is difficult to take. But as she’s waiting for the bus one day, she sees an invitation to Baking Club. Yan loves to bake and needs friends, so she gathers up her courage and gives it a try.
Yan is greeted by an older woman, Bea, who is cheerful and welcoming. There are several others there, and at first Yan is nervous, feeling like a burden. But Bea gets them all working on baking a Victoria Sponge, and Yan feels a little better. As she keeps going back, she starts to come out of her shell more and more, like the turtle that Bea made to decorate the Victoria Sponge that first night.
When another baker, Geraint, wants to make a bread for a competition at work, they all put their heads together and come up with a recipe for him, for Turtle Bread. Yan finds that helping others makes her feel better, and she finds her own confidence growing. She finds a job and even starts dating.
But then, one week, she goes to Baking Club and finds that Bea is missing. Yan is crushed and wants to know where she’d gone, and why. Did she do something to cause Bea to leave? She didn’t really know all that much about her, and she feels selfish for not asking more questions. Will she be able to track down Bea and make things right with her? Or will Yan just go right back into her shell and give up on Baking Club?
Turtle Bread is the charming, gentle story of taking chances and finding your way in life from baker and mental health professional Kim-Joy. The same gentle beauty of her bakes comes through this story, which would make a great gift for those who struggle with anxiety. There is a lot of warmth and support through the pages, and there are even several recipes for cake, bread, and shortbread, along with ideas for decorations. The illustrations by Alti Firmansyah are full of movement and emotions, and they work beautifully with Kim-Joy’s story.
I loved Turtle Bread, and I think it’s appropriate for kids and adults, for anyone needing a boost of courage or some healing from bullies or grief. It’s a beautiful reminder that we all have something to offer and can feel better about ourselves by helping others with what they are going through.
December 14, 2023
This was such a cozy and warm read and also made me hungry for some turtle bread. This book felt like a therapy session in itself. Yan struggles to fit in, to get a job, being kind and vulnerable (overthinking), to make her parents proud, what others think about her ( fear of being judged by others), her relationships with friends, family etc. and loves cats, always questioning if she'll ever be able to come out of her shell, blaming herself and calling out herself as selfish if anyone she see is struggling but also being there for them no matter what and seeing the best in people, creating a safe space for them to be vulnerable and being a true friend despite all her struggles. This book makes you realise so many things in life we constantly tell ourselves (negative things, blame ourselves)which are not true, being stuck in comparing ourselves with others and wishing we have those qualities in us, act or be like the other person( ignoring one's own qualities that others might admire in us) without realising they also have their fair share of struggles and insecurities no matter the age or life experience. But all you need is one thing that makes you happy (like a hobby, being there for others, a community who loves to do the same thing as you and a few set of friends who are there for each other and believe in you) it gives you motivation to not give up on one's purpose in life and keep going despite multiple setbacks. Every human wants to feel a little less lonely and doing something you love and building a community out of it is the best way for a turtle to get out of it's shell or learn to slowly persevere and navigate there way in this world, it also keeps motivating you to keep on going in other aspects of life. At the end we all want to feel a little less lonely, happy and make ourselves proud and doing that takes a lot of courage and one shouldn't be hard on themselves for it, being kind to yourself, being patient and slowly getting yourself out of your shell works miraculously. Anyone who deals with anxiety in general should read this book it will make you feel understood and loved. I personally believe when it comes to managing anxiety Slow Perseverance is the best way to become better and confident. As someone whose spirit animal is a turtle it's a 5 star read. One thing I'd like to add- this book through Yan's Journey taught that everyone goes through low points in their life and despite that some people give up on you and there are friends who give you your space and stick around no matter what and be there for each other whenever you need them and also encourage and help you to get out of that phase. Nothing has to be perfect just the effort you put in consistently is what matters and what makes things you do for yourself or for others special and it's ok to take things at your own pace while you navigate through life.
January 24, 2024
A spur of the moment read, and one that I unexpectedly really enjoyed. It got me feeling a lot of things, none of which I anticipated despite the majority of the title attempting to give it all away.
I admit, the whole reason I picked this up is because it involves food. And I mean, who doesn't love bread? It's in the name! But also because it was free on Prime reading. I don't know if I'd have picked this up if I'd had to pay for it first.
Anyway, one thing I want to point out is that the art style was not what I expected. And by that, I mean it wasn't nearly as colorful as the cover proclaims. In fact, the whole thing is told in shades of grey. Which...I wasn't terribly thrilled about at first. Art style is a huge thing for me with graphic novels. But even more than that, it's the color that often leaves the largest impression on me as a reader. I guess because certain color schemes will catch my attention better than others. So yeah, the lack of color kind of bothered me at first. But I kept reading, and as you can tell by my rating, I ultimately ended up really enjoying it despite that. And honestly, I think that is a fantastic sign of a good story. Because while the art style and lack of color may not have been for me, the story kept me interested the entire way through. So much so that the art style eventually stopped bothering me. I might have rated this book higher if I loved the art more, but the story itself was so good that that part is almost irrelevant at this point.
Now, this book wasn’t lying when it said it was tackling anxiety. And as someone who struggles with anxiety, man this was relatable. In so many ways. This book made me feel everything, too. From happiness to sadness and back again. It's kind of an emotional rollercoaster, but I love that about it because this feels like such an accurate example of what anxiety is and how debilitating it can be in our lives. A lot of people don't understand how anxiety works, or think the solutions to overcoming it is simple. A lot of people believe that recovery from any significant mental health setback is a linear process, but this story demonstrates the ups and the downs, and how we can repeatedly bounce back and forth from one extreme to the other, even if we had been "doing good" prior. Healing isn't one straight, linear path. It can be messy. Sometimes our relationships suffer for it. Sometimes we are aware of how intrusive our thoughts are, but we still can't stop them. The author really knew how to convey that, something that not every book is capable of doing. And the fact that sometimes this was conveyed with pictures alone, and not even with words via dialogue and narration, is even more impressive.
This book also tackles some other things, albeit more briefly. Found family, troubling family dynamics, being a young adult and not knowing what path to go down, expectations, romantic heartbreak, even grief. And although some of this was not the main emphasis, the author still did a spectacular job working these themes into the story, and showing how anxiety plays into each of them.
The characters were all pretty loveable too, and even the side characters had some depth to them. They may not have been the main focus, but their presence was no less important for how they helped shaped our main character's journey with anxiety. I really appreciated this aspect. Support is crucial with any kind of mental health recovery, and while not everyone will understand or stick around, those who do are important and make a lasting impact. And sometimes that support comes from the least likely of places.
All in all, this was a wonderful read. I'd recommend you give it a chance, especially if you want a realistic look at what it's like to live with anxiety and how to use your passions to help you get through it. Because if you haven't guessed it by now, this book isn't called Turtle Bread for no reason. Baking is what our main character is most passionate about, and that's where she really learns to shine. I love that about her. Maybe it might even inspire others to go after their own passions. It may help them cope. It's certainly helped me.
I admit, the whole reason I picked this up is because it involves food. And I mean, who doesn't love bread? It's in the name! But also because it was free on Prime reading. I don't know if I'd have picked this up if I'd had to pay for it first.
Anyway, one thing I want to point out is that the art style was not what I expected. And by that, I mean it wasn't nearly as colorful as the cover proclaims. In fact, the whole thing is told in shades of grey. Which...I wasn't terribly thrilled about at first. Art style is a huge thing for me with graphic novels. But even more than that, it's the color that often leaves the largest impression on me as a reader. I guess because certain color schemes will catch my attention better than others. So yeah, the lack of color kind of bothered me at first. But I kept reading, and as you can tell by my rating, I ultimately ended up really enjoying it despite that. And honestly, I think that is a fantastic sign of a good story. Because while the art style and lack of color may not have been for me, the story kept me interested the entire way through. So much so that the art style eventually stopped bothering me. I might have rated this book higher if I loved the art more, but the story itself was so good that that part is almost irrelevant at this point.
Now, this book wasn’t lying when it said it was tackling anxiety. And as someone who struggles with anxiety, man this was relatable. In so many ways. This book made me feel everything, too. From happiness to sadness and back again. It's kind of an emotional rollercoaster, but I love that about it because this feels like such an accurate example of what anxiety is and how debilitating it can be in our lives. A lot of people don't understand how anxiety works, or think the solutions to overcoming it is simple. A lot of people believe that recovery from any significant mental health setback is a linear process, but this story demonstrates the ups and the downs, and how we can repeatedly bounce back and forth from one extreme to the other, even if we had been "doing good" prior. Healing isn't one straight, linear path. It can be messy. Sometimes our relationships suffer for it. Sometimes we are aware of how intrusive our thoughts are, but we still can't stop them. The author really knew how to convey that, something that not every book is capable of doing. And the fact that sometimes this was conveyed with pictures alone, and not even with words via dialogue and narration, is even more impressive.
This book also tackles some other things, albeit more briefly. Found family, troubling family dynamics, being a young adult and not knowing what path to go down, expectations, romantic heartbreak, even grief. And although some of this was not the main emphasis, the author still did a spectacular job working these themes into the story, and showing how anxiety plays into each of them.
The characters were all pretty loveable too, and even the side characters had some depth to them. They may not have been the main focus, but their presence was no less important for how they helped shaped our main character's journey with anxiety. I really appreciated this aspect. Support is crucial with any kind of mental health recovery, and while not everyone will understand or stick around, those who do are important and make a lasting impact. And sometimes that support comes from the least likely of places.
All in all, this was a wonderful read. I'd recommend you give it a chance, especially if you want a realistic look at what it's like to live with anxiety and how to use your passions to help you get through it. Because if you haven't guessed it by now, this book isn't called Turtle Bread for no reason. Baking is what our main character is most passionate about, and that's where she really learns to shine. I love that about her. Maybe it might even inspire others to go after their own passions. It may help them cope. It's certainly helped me.
October 24, 2023
First of all, I think it’s pretty important to make sure that we all know that this is indeed intended for an adult audience. There’s nothing hugely inappropriate or anything, but it’s definitely more mature than your average kid’s graphic novel. I would say it’s appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Now on to the book itself! It’s a very quick read – 156 pages – it took me about 2 hours to get through (give or take a few customers… no I don’t read while I work). The artwork is great – a very familiar style in black & white. Our heroine, Yan, is 23 years young, living at home with her mom and her brother. At the start of the book she’s looking for a job, and we pretty quickly realize that she suffers from some pretty severe anxiety and depression.
Speaking of her mental health, there is a scene about 10 or so pages in where she’s filling out some papers to reflect on her day and counteract her negative thoughts, but she ends up exploding anyway. As someone who struggles with both depression & anxiety, I absolutely loved how this scene was both written & illustrated. I thought it was a 100% accurate representation of how even when you’re using all the tools the therapists and whoever give you, it’s still really damn hard to get from day to day.
Fast forward to what we’re all waiting for – THE BAKING CLUB! (We’ve already encountered it by the time she has her mental breakdown, but does time really even matter?) What a perfect cast of characters. Bea, the leader of the group, is the sweet grandma we all want a big hug from. Zara is the shy girl who you realize you will be BFFs with once you coax her out of her shell. Geraint is the ever-talented GBF that we all need in our lives. And Amit is the rugged jokester guy who kind of makes you nervous at first, but as time goes on, he shows you his whole self.
Seeing the way the four of them all manage to mesh together, and Yan’s moments with each of them, was so nice. Also, there are recipes! I mean seriously – the recipes are on the pages of the book. If I were a less lazy reader, I might just attempt to recreate the storied turtle bread.
All in all, I think this is a great read for anyone looking for something quick and wholesome, but still with some depth to it. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 was because I honestly feel like it could be made into something much more. Whether that be a version that’s longer, or a series of short adventures, I just felt like it wasn’t enough somehow. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is definitely a great graphic novel.
Now on to the book itself! It’s a very quick read – 156 pages – it took me about 2 hours to get through (give or take a few customers… no I don’t read while I work). The artwork is great – a very familiar style in black & white. Our heroine, Yan, is 23 years young, living at home with her mom and her brother. At the start of the book she’s looking for a job, and we pretty quickly realize that she suffers from some pretty severe anxiety and depression.
Speaking of her mental health, there is a scene about 10 or so pages in where she’s filling out some papers to reflect on her day and counteract her negative thoughts, but she ends up exploding anyway. As someone who struggles with both depression & anxiety, I absolutely loved how this scene was both written & illustrated. I thought it was a 100% accurate representation of how even when you’re using all the tools the therapists and whoever give you, it’s still really damn hard to get from day to day.
Fast forward to what we’re all waiting for – THE BAKING CLUB! (We’ve already encountered it by the time she has her mental breakdown, but does time really even matter?) What a perfect cast of characters. Bea, the leader of the group, is the sweet grandma we all want a big hug from. Zara is the shy girl who you realize you will be BFFs with once you coax her out of her shell. Geraint is the ever-talented GBF that we all need in our lives. And Amit is the rugged jokester guy who kind of makes you nervous at first, but as time goes on, he shows you his whole self.
Seeing the way the four of them all manage to mesh together, and Yan’s moments with each of them, was so nice. Also, there are recipes! I mean seriously – the recipes are on the pages of the book. If I were a less lazy reader, I might just attempt to recreate the storied turtle bread.
All in all, I think this is a great read for anyone looking for something quick and wholesome, but still with some depth to it. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 was because I honestly feel like it could be made into something much more. Whether that be a version that’s longer, or a series of short adventures, I just felt like it wasn’t enough somehow. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is definitely a great graphic novel.
June 19, 2023
Deep story that touches every chord in your heart
Incredible. That's what this is. Simply incredible.
Yan struggles to fit in. At home, looking for jobs, walking down the street... Everywhere Yan goes, she is stalked by inner fears and anxieties that make her second-guess everything she tries to do. But when Yan discovers the local Baking Club, her life begins to change. Greeted by a group of friends that each struggle with their own personal demons, and warmly welcomed by the kind Beatrix, Yan begins to find that she can come out of her shell. Yan learns that she'll can make progress, no matter how slowly, and finally discovers her true purpose in life.
Turtle Bread is a story that makes you laugh and cry, as its roller coaster of a tale sweeps you into the depths of a story about the complexities of human emotion. The story shares deep feelings that often go unspoken, showing that it's all right to need help, and to feel vulnerable sometimes. And often, that we can one day help others who have been through the same trials and experiences as we have.
This story contains mild language and a deep message about mortality, and is suitable for ages 12 and up. An incredible story of finding hope in spite of sorrow, this rich tale of friendship and overcoming fear is a beautiful narrative certain to resonate with your soul.
Incredible. That's what this is. Simply incredible.
Yan struggles to fit in. At home, looking for jobs, walking down the street... Everywhere Yan goes, she is stalked by inner fears and anxieties that make her second-guess everything she tries to do. But when Yan discovers the local Baking Club, her life begins to change. Greeted by a group of friends that each struggle with their own personal demons, and warmly welcomed by the kind Beatrix, Yan begins to find that she can come out of her shell. Yan learns that she'll can make progress, no matter how slowly, and finally discovers her true purpose in life.
Turtle Bread is a story that makes you laugh and cry, as its roller coaster of a tale sweeps you into the depths of a story about the complexities of human emotion. The story shares deep feelings that often go unspoken, showing that it's all right to need help, and to feel vulnerable sometimes. And often, that we can one day help others who have been through the same trials and experiences as we have.
This story contains mild language and a deep message about mortality, and is suitable for ages 12 and up. An incredible story of finding hope in spite of sorrow, this rich tale of friendship and overcoming fear is a beautiful narrative certain to resonate with your soul.
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