I’m thrilled to share another edition of Books With Friends with everyone! This time I chatted with Ryan, aka Biblio Virgo, about Eliza And Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia.

I originally met Ryan through the Bookstagram community, and quickly began following her blog as well. She takes beautiful photos, writes wonderful reviews, and is always happy to talk about  books. Plus, she’s super nice, and an indie author too!

When she told me she wanted to chat about Eliza And Her Monsters I was super excited. I love meeting fellow book lovers, wanted to hear more about this story. So, let’s take a look at what she had to say!

What about the book made you want to read it? 

Honestly, I had had it for a couple years and something drew me towards it one day late at night.

In a lot of reviews, readers have stated that they felt some sort of personal connection with the book’s characters, or the overall story. Did you feel a personal connection to any aspect of the book, and if so, why? 

I actually have never related so much to a main character before. I love Eliza, and I guess I found a lot of myself in her. Her experience with anxiety is quite similar to mine and it made me feel like I’m not alone, that other people are and do experience similar things.

At first glance, the book seems to be about a lot of fun topics: comics, fan-fiction, and geeky fandoms/communities in general. However, it also deals with more serious topics, such as mental illness. Why do you think it’s important for an author to discuss all of these in one story?

I think it’s important to include these types of things with a story that deals with mental illness because they are related. They can either be harmful or helpful to a person’s mental health.

The book includes comics and excerpts from Eliza’s online community, alongside traditional chapters. How did this contribute to your reading experience? 

It just made my reading experience more unique and entertaining. I had a blast reading about Eliza and her talent and what she does, and it was cool to see her online community. In ways it reminded me of Bookstagram!

I haven’t read this book yet, but whenever I read YA I always think about what my younger self would have taken away from the story. What do you think your younger self would have taken away from this story? 

Do what you love, even if others don’t understand it.

Eliza And Her Monsters has been compared quite a bit to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. If you’ve read the latter, how do you you think they compare? 

I haven’t read Fangirl yet, but it’s in my never ending TBR!

Who would you recommend Eliza And Her Monsters to?

Everyone. I feel even adults can take a lot away from this story.

What’s next on your reading list? 

Finale by Stephanie Garber!