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Self-Love Club: Real Talk and Reminders for Discovering that We're Enough
This celebration of self‑love and healing, from illustrator and comics creator Hyesu Lee, is a knowing smile and a shared sigh in book form. Welcome to the club!
Finding the uniqueness that makes you you. Empowering yourself while staying vulnerable and open. Learning to rest, nurture your needs, and embrace self-love. Hyesu Lee has been on a healing journey toward all these states, and she invites you to come along with her.
In this generously candid compilation of art, comics, and illustrated reflections, Lee shines a humorous and heartfelt light on the small moments in life that help us find ourselves and learn to love what we find. This charming little book makes the perfect gift for that person in your life you'd like to see join the self‑love club, whether that's a friend, a loved one, or your very own self.
A POSITIVE APPROACH TO This book takes a joyous approach to self-acceptance and is full of reminders that no matter where you are in your journey, you are enough, and you are loved. Its humor and bright colors make it a breath of fresh air, but it's also not afraid to look at the harder things in life. We must love ourselves in good times and in bad, and small encouragements like this comic gem are just what we need to help us do so.
RISING-STAR Hyesu Lee's work as a muralist, illustrator, and cartoonist inspires her fans with its unique take on life. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she is now based in Brooklyn and has gained a loyal following for her idiosyncratic style found in illustrations for brands, magazines, public murals, and packaging worldwide.
CONTENT-RICH GIFT While this book is petite and sweetly sized for gifting, it's chock-full of words of wisdom and clever reflections to peruse over and over. This is a book to spend time with or to keep at the bedside whenever you need to feel seen.
Perfect
Finding the uniqueness that makes you you. Empowering yourself while staying vulnerable and open. Learning to rest, nurture your needs, and embrace self-love. Hyesu Lee has been on a healing journey toward all these states, and she invites you to come along with her.
In this generously candid compilation of art, comics, and illustrated reflections, Lee shines a humorous and heartfelt light on the small moments in life that help us find ourselves and learn to love what we find. This charming little book makes the perfect gift for that person in your life you'd like to see join the self‑love club, whether that's a friend, a loved one, or your very own self.
A POSITIVE APPROACH TO This book takes a joyous approach to self-acceptance and is full of reminders that no matter where you are in your journey, you are enough, and you are loved. Its humor and bright colors make it a breath of fresh air, but it's also not afraid to look at the harder things in life. We must love ourselves in good times and in bad, and small encouragements like this comic gem are just what we need to help us do so.
RISING-STAR Hyesu Lee's work as a muralist, illustrator, and cartoonist inspires her fans with its unique take on life. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she is now based in Brooklyn and has gained a loyal following for her idiosyncratic style found in illustrations for brands, magazines, public murals, and packaging worldwide.
CONTENT-RICH GIFT While this book is petite and sweetly sized for gifting, it's chock-full of words of wisdom and clever reflections to peruse over and over. This is a book to spend time with or to keep at the bedside whenever you need to feel seen.
Perfect
96 pages, Hardcover
Published November 21, 2023
7 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 13, 2023
I loved the writters honesty with her own insecurities. Very brave to share. The illustrations are bright, cheerful and very funny in some pages.
This is a comforting reminder to be kind to yourself and not take life to seriously. A big cozy cuddle read.
Many thanks to the Author and publisher through Edelweiss for a free ARC.
Review written 8/9/23
This is a comforting reminder to be kind to yourself and not take life to seriously. A big cozy cuddle read.
Many thanks to the Author and publisher through Edelweiss for a free ARC.
Review written 8/9/23
June 21, 2024
Just what I needed 🤗
I enjoyed this collection of positive affirmations, timely reminders and the author's personal experiences. It also discusses healthy boundaries, self-love, identity and more. All of which I loved and really resonated with. I also deeply appreciate what the book said about how doing nothing is also productivity and allowing ourselves to procrastinate + go at our own pace.
The art style and illustrations are cute as well as unique.
A quick but happy read!
I enjoyed this collection of positive affirmations, timely reminders and the author's personal experiences. It also discusses healthy boundaries, self-love, identity and more. All of which I loved and really resonated with. I also deeply appreciate what the book said about how doing nothing is also productivity and allowing ourselves to procrastinate + go at our own pace.
The art style and illustrations are cute as well as unique.
A quick but happy read!
October 12, 2023
I have been a fan of Hyesu Lee’s work for a while. Her playful images are incredibly eye-catching and joyful.
Self-Love Club is a book of cartoons, illustrations, memoir, and inspirational messages. Lee has clearly had issues with self-doubt, and her resolve to love herself exactly as she is, is incredibly inspiring. As women, we’re given multiple reasons daily to dissect aspects of our appearance or personality. With this book, Lee encourages the reader to embrace their individual beauty, and seek personal acceptance.
The autobiographical sections are moving, funny, and incredibly relatable. Lee opens up about issues such as her accent, birthmarks, and lack of motivation. These parts add authenticity to the motivational messages peppered throughout the book.
I loved the artwork, the message, and the humor. A really fantastic book for anyone experiencing self-doubt, or someone who needs a reminder of their awesomeness.
Self-Love Club is a book of cartoons, illustrations, memoir, and inspirational messages. Lee has clearly had issues with self-doubt, and her resolve to love herself exactly as she is, is incredibly inspiring. As women, we’re given multiple reasons daily to dissect aspects of our appearance or personality. With this book, Lee encourages the reader to embrace their individual beauty, and seek personal acceptance.
The autobiographical sections are moving, funny, and incredibly relatable. Lee opens up about issues such as her accent, birthmarks, and lack of motivation. These parts add authenticity to the motivational messages peppered throughout the book.
I loved the artwork, the message, and the humor. A really fantastic book for anyone experiencing self-doubt, or someone who needs a reminder of their awesomeness.
October 14, 2023
This is a very cute book with nice illustrations. I liked the messages. I probably would have loved it if this was my first book about self love. Thank you netgalley.
December 28, 2023
Super sweet series of comics about self love, but really about Hyesu Lee's journey to her own self acceptance. The star of the show is the illustrations, which are lively, colorful, and cute as hell. Some nice full-page affirmations are scattered amongst more story-forward comics. The body acceptance edged into anti-fatness a couple times, unfortunately, and some of the language felt a bit positive self-talk over real/mindful self-talk at times, but overall I enjoyed Self-Love Club, and am delighted to have been introduced to Hyesu Lee's work.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
November 22, 2023
The idea of self care is simple—taking time to relax and refresh, finding balance with work and the rest of your life, building relationships that make you feel safe, and taking care of your mental and physical health. But to actually accomplish all that when the bills are stacking up and everyone seems to need something from you and time is flying by and everyone looks better than you, posts happier photos on social media, and seems to be living their best lives while you feel like you’re just getting by? Not so easy after all.
Illustrator and author Hyesu Lee has struggled with it. She’s known toxic relationships, struggled to find her voice in her art, dealt with perfectionism, and fought against bullies. For years, she tried to hide away her acne, her birthmark, the hallmarks of her race. But eventually she realized that wasn’t getting her where she wanted to go. So she stopped.
She stopped listening to what others told her to do. She stopped feeling like her gender or her race meant she had to look a certain way. She stopped trying to be perfect. And what she found was joy. Her art took on more energy. She wore what she wanted and did her hair the way she wanted and ate what she wanted, and she was so much happier.
Now she rests when she needs to, letting her sofa draw her in to a big hug. She says no when that’s what best for her. She values the relationships that help her. And she shares her self-care journey with all of us in her book Self-Love Club. She still makes mistakes and works too hard sometimes, but she is willing to reset and try again.
With bright, colorful drawings that are full of whimsy and vulnerability, Lee shares her wins and her struggles, emphasizing how she cares for herself and inspiring readers to find rest and energy in her words and illustrations. The soothing words of this book blend beautifully with the energy of the illustrations, making this a fun reminder to take care of yourself.
As I read Self-Love Club, I was reminded how challenging the end of the year can be. There is so much going on with all the extra holiday events, as well as the pressure to end the year strong and accomplished, that it’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a book about self-care. It would also make a great gift for anyone who struggles with self-love (i.e. almost everyone). I know that reading about Lee’s struggles made me feel seen as well, and her bright drawings brought a smile to my face.
Egalleys for Self-Love Club were provided by Chronicle Books through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
Illustrator and author Hyesu Lee has struggled with it. She’s known toxic relationships, struggled to find her voice in her art, dealt with perfectionism, and fought against bullies. For years, she tried to hide away her acne, her birthmark, the hallmarks of her race. But eventually she realized that wasn’t getting her where she wanted to go. So she stopped.
She stopped listening to what others told her to do. She stopped feeling like her gender or her race meant she had to look a certain way. She stopped trying to be perfect. And what she found was joy. Her art took on more energy. She wore what she wanted and did her hair the way she wanted and ate what she wanted, and she was so much happier.
Now she rests when she needs to, letting her sofa draw her in to a big hug. She says no when that’s what best for her. She values the relationships that help her. And she shares her self-care journey with all of us in her book Self-Love Club. She still makes mistakes and works too hard sometimes, but she is willing to reset and try again.
With bright, colorful drawings that are full of whimsy and vulnerability, Lee shares her wins and her struggles, emphasizing how she cares for herself and inspiring readers to find rest and energy in her words and illustrations. The soothing words of this book blend beautifully with the energy of the illustrations, making this a fun reminder to take care of yourself.
As I read Self-Love Club, I was reminded how challenging the end of the year can be. There is so much going on with all the extra holiday events, as well as the pressure to end the year strong and accomplished, that it’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a book about self-care. It would also make a great gift for anyone who struggles with self-love (i.e. almost everyone). I know that reading about Lee’s struggles made me feel seen as well, and her bright drawings brought a smile to my face.
Egalleys for Self-Love Club were provided by Chronicle Books through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
November 19, 2023
Summary:
In today's world, stepping back and practicing self-care can be challenging. Sure, we talk about it all the time – but who here is actually good about it. It's okay, you can be honest!
Hyesu Lee puts a comical lens on the need for self-care and addresses a new approach to loving oneself. Dive into Self-Love Club if you're looking for a bit of encouragement and humor bundled into one.
Review:
Self-Love Club is cute, sweet, and all too real. The comics will likely resonate with many readers, and Hyesu Lee takes elements from real life and turns them into tiny, comical vignettes. Best of all, there are simple lessons we can all learn from her words (and art, obviously).
Hyesu Lee is brutally honest in her comics, and I adore it. There's a vulnerability to sharing this much, but she's so open about it. It's fantastic, and I hope it motivates others to follow in her footsteps.
If you're looking for a cozy, fun, and endearing read, Self-Love Club is the book for you.
Highlights:
Humorous
Brutally Honest
Thanks to Chronicle Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
In today's world, stepping back and practicing self-care can be challenging. Sure, we talk about it all the time – but who here is actually good about it. It's okay, you can be honest!
Hyesu Lee puts a comical lens on the need for self-care and addresses a new approach to loving oneself. Dive into Self-Love Club if you're looking for a bit of encouragement and humor bundled into one.
Review:
Self-Love Club is cute, sweet, and all too real. The comics will likely resonate with many readers, and Hyesu Lee takes elements from real life and turns them into tiny, comical vignettes. Best of all, there are simple lessons we can all learn from her words (and art, obviously).
Hyesu Lee is brutally honest in her comics, and I adore it. There's a vulnerability to sharing this much, but she's so open about it. It's fantastic, and I hope it motivates others to follow in her footsteps.
If you're looking for a cozy, fun, and endearing read, Self-Love Club is the book for you.
Highlights:
Humorous
Brutally Honest
Thanks to Chronicle Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
November 7, 2023
Self-Love Club is not at all what I was expecting. From the content to the art, but even then, I found myself enjoying it.
Going into this, I was expecting more of a blanket book about self-love. One that anyone could pick up and be able to roll with. There were parts of this one that was like that, but this was really the authors journey and her own journey with self-love.
Once I got over that shock of it not being what I expected, this was wonderful. The author is vulnerable here. Willing to talk about how growing up in Korea shaped part of her struggles to how immigrating shaped other struggles. She’s vulnerable and is able to talk about some of the things that helped change that and how she learned to love herself.
The art here was odd and weird, but in a way that was charming, once I got used to it. It was colorful. It was able to draw me in and really keep my attention.
Overall, I do feel like this was a decent read that I would recommend. I’d just recommend going into it aware that it’s the authors own journey and not a blanket self-love book that could help you too.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Going into this, I was expecting more of a blanket book about self-love. One that anyone could pick up and be able to roll with. There were parts of this one that was like that, but this was really the authors journey and her own journey with self-love.
Once I got over that shock of it not being what I expected, this was wonderful. The author is vulnerable here. Willing to talk about how growing up in Korea shaped part of her struggles to how immigrating shaped other struggles. She’s vulnerable and is able to talk about some of the things that helped change that and how she learned to love herself.
The art here was odd and weird, but in a way that was charming, once I got used to it. It was colorful. It was able to draw me in and really keep my attention.
Overall, I do feel like this was a decent read that I would recommend. I’d just recommend going into it aware that it’s the authors own journey and not a blanket self-love book that could help you too.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
December 21, 2023
Book 174 of 200 ~ 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Self-love has been spoken and written about until the cows come home. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't need to be reiterated over and over and over again like a broken record.
In this take on self-love, the big font reminders did make me either gasp or nod in agreement. This goes to show that something so obvious can still escape us.
Interesting quirky illustrations, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book174of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
#reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2023 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Self-love has been spoken and written about until the cows come home. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't need to be reiterated over and over and over again like a broken record.
In this take on self-love, the big font reminders did make me either gasp or nod in agreement. This goes to show that something so obvious can still escape us.
Interesting quirky illustrations, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book174of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
#reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2023 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
October 12, 2023
I haven't heard Hyesu Lee's name before, but I picked this up because the gently humorous artstyle caught my eye. And true to the cover, Self Love Club is a collection of cute, colorful and often funny illustrations, mostly uplifting in nature and full of gentle humor and acceptance of one's own fallibility -- and they are lovely to look at, and each of those pictures would be a good postard with a gentle affirmation that you could send a friend or pin to your wall. What I struggle with is calling it a book as such: they are not really coherently strung together, or arranged in a way that has particular significance. So calling it an artbook would have probably been fairer.
I did love some of the illustrations though, and would totally send a couple of them to friends to cheer them up.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for an ARC.
I did love some of the illustrations though, and would totally send a couple of them to friends to cheer them up.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for an ARC.
October 22, 2023
I got an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley. Self Love Club: Real Talk and Reminders for Discovering that We're Enough by Hyesu Lee is a self care comic that artfully tackles topics like burnout, managing stress, work-life balance, empowerment, and body positivity, along with other things. As someone who’s mental health has been steadily declining, I thought I would pick it up. Hyesu Lee uses their own experiences to explain how they have learned to love themself and how we as an audience can use those same principles. I really enjoyed the art. The color schemes present reminded me of So Lazo’s book Save me! (From Myself): Crushes, Cats, and Existential Crises. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy self care comics, like I do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
My apologies to the publisher and the author! I thought I had reviewed this book ages ago because I liked it so much.
This book... oh I loved it. It felt like a very comforting hug and one that I could take with me wherever I went. That's the great thing about books - you can take them anywhere - and I've shared it with others who were feeling low. The fact that the insecurities were on the page, the illustrations were wonderful and bright, and I was laughing out loud in a lot of places. As were my friends when I shared the book. It helps to remember to be kind to yourself in a wonderful and funny way.
This book... oh I loved it. It felt like a very comforting hug and one that I could take with me wherever I went. That's the great thing about books - you can take them anywhere - and I've shared it with others who were feeling low. The fact that the insecurities were on the page, the illustrations were wonderful and bright, and I was laughing out loud in a lot of places. As were my friends when I shared the book. It helps to remember to be kind to yourself in a wonderful and funny way.
November 20, 2023
In Self-Love Club: Real Talk and Reminders for Discovering that We're Enough by Hyesu Lee, readers will find quirky and comforting illustrations paired with realistic and candid views on self-love and self-care. Author and illustrator Lee opens up about struggles in her life and how she's progressed in them, even if she has conquered all of her self-doubt and insecurities (though has anyone?).
Soothing, healing, and validating, Self-Love Club is a welcome breath of fresh air in the current pressurized climate.
Soothing, healing, and validating, Self-Love Club is a welcome breath of fresh air in the current pressurized climate.
November 21, 2023
Self-Love Club lives up to its name in a book perfect for the upcoming gifting season. The art reminds me of a more colorful version of zines from back in the day in a good way. It's a light read, even for something out of the Comics/Graphic Novels/Manga section. I should note that you probably shouldn't give this to someone who's sensitive to cartoon depictions of breasts (but I probably wouldn't want to associate with anyone who's put off by that sort of thing). Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
November 2, 2023
I'd never heard of this author/artist before, but I find her message & artwork to be quite good! I appreciate the simple, colorful drawings & her positive affirmations. I found many observations that I could relate to, so it was a good, positive, quick & easy read.....yeah, I'm glad I read it! It's cute, a good solid/positive 3 stars!
I received a complimentary e-ARC from publisher Chronicle Books via NetGalley for review purposes. These are my own honest opinions.
I received a complimentary e-ARC from publisher Chronicle Books via NetGalley for review purposes. These are my own honest opinions.
November 5, 2023
Self-Love Club is a collection of comics and reflections from the author/illustrator Hyesu Lee about her journey to self-care and self-love. The affirmations and reminders in this graphic novel are reminders about every woman I know could use, and the anecdotes from the author will help readers know they are not alone. Check out this book if you could use the reminders to love yourself!
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.
October 10, 2023
This was an arc from Netgalley. This comic, graphic novel had everything that you would need to boost your confidence. To the comic strips or just sayings that make your day better, you will enjoy this pick me up. The only thing that I really didn't enjoy was the illustrations. The boobs out and nakedness are not what I expected or liked.
October 15, 2023
this book made me feel so good while reading. it’s not just a book with incisional quotes, but real life situations that make you not feel alone. the illustrations are incredible and I feel like I need some printed out and pasted all over my office for daily affirmations. I have a friend who I know will LOVE this book.
October 15, 2023
Thank you for the EArc NetGalley and Chronicle Books. This book is a great reminder that we have to love ourselves first and take care of our mental health. We also need to stop taking what others might feel about us into so much consideration and know our own worth. Quick read with cute illustrations.
November 2, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting.
It was a nice idea and it was cute in some ways, but the actual "self love" part was very basic and some of the illustrations were unsettling to say the least.
It wasn't my cup of tea; it might be someone else's.
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting.
It was a nice idea and it was cute in some ways, but the actual "self love" part was very basic and some of the illustrations were unsettling to say the least.
It wasn't my cup of tea; it might be someone else's.
Read
November 12, 2023I knew I was going to love it when the writer said she would eat her noodles with 2 toothbrushes if she had to. This book is about being kind to yourself and not worrying about things that don't matter. The pictures are cute, bright and distinctive. I will definitely be reading more books by her. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this one
December 22, 2023
This is probably frowned upon, but I just read this in a Target. It caught my eye as something someone I know might like. I started to read, then couldn’t stop. Another reviewer said the illustrations are bright and cheery, I agree. I love sharing of insecurities and the people willing to share them. It makes us more human to hear eachothers stories.
April 29, 2024
First of all the cover of this book! And the dedication - to everyone who deserves love??? Hooked me in already!
I took so many pics of the beautiful and simple messages in this book- loving myself, saying no, being gentle and kind to myself... such everlasting joys to indulge in, for self-love! I loved the illustrations too!
Can't wait to see more Hyesu Lee (which means "glorious ocean"! 🌊)
I took so many pics of the beautiful and simple messages in this book- loving myself, saying no, being gentle and kind to myself... such everlasting joys to indulge in, for self-love! I loved the illustrations too!
Can't wait to see more Hyesu Lee (which means "glorious ocean"! 🌊)
October 10, 2023
This book felt like a hug to my soul. It was funny and relatable and not cheesy at all (which can sometimes happen with self-love or self-help books promoting positivity). It was genuine and heartwarming, and I loved it.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
October 11, 2023
What a great book told with illustrations! It was expressive and detailed. I could relate to the content 100 percent. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. It was a refreshing way to read about self-love. Five stars.
October 11, 2023
I appreciate what this book is trying to do but I had a hard time with the art style and it seemed to just be constantly repeating itself throughout. Self care is very important but maybe we don't need comics to remind us of that.
November 19, 2023
This book is a great reflection of someone’s journey in self-love. It is very uplifting and the comic style is adorable. Unfortunately I had a hard time connecting with many of comics on a personal level but I feel like there are many that will connect with them.
November 21, 2023
Thank you #NetGalley for an electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
There are fantastic snippets to remind us that we are doing the best we can, and what to do when we feel like we are not. I wasn't a huge fan of the awkward illustrations, but the content itself is wonderful.
There are fantastic snippets to remind us that we are doing the best we can, and what to do when we feel like we are not. I wasn't a huge fan of the awkward illustrations, but the content itself is wonderful.
December 11, 2023
Probably closer to 2 or 2 1/2 but rounded up.
Fantastic messages but the art was a little offputting for me.
I am glad that more people are willing to talk about their struggles so that others know they are not alone.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher*
Fantastic messages but the art was a little offputting for me.
I am glad that more people are willing to talk about their struggles so that others know they are not alone.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher*
January 5, 2024
A sweet little illustrated book full of affirmations and stories from the author’s life about her need to develop self love and acceptance in different areas of her life. I grabbed a review copy from Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews