This is not a book you enjoy, but it is thought-provoking. Honestly, it was draining and depressing, but real life cannot be censored. There's a lot of abuse, implied sexual abuse, child abuse, negligent parents, religious extremism, guilt, un-politically correct terminology, and oh-so-much repression.

At times, I thought Raina was framed somewhat as a manic-pixie girl in Craig's life, but she was more of a reprieve for him from his strict, overly religious midwest childhood.

It's sad the author was surrounded by so many small-minded people, but his artwork still shines beautifully. I honestly thought this was fictional because it just seemed overly depressing. Like, bullied at school and by the church kids? I thought maybe the author was overdoing it. But I think this is an actual memoir or at least inspired by parts of his actual life. SN: The thing about church youth getaways being a hotspot for hooking up is actually very true.

I feel conflicted with the rating because I did not enjoy reading this, but it's no fault on the actual writing or artwork. Rating may change.