CryBaby

by Mabel Gibson

CryBaby is a profoundly moving collection of 56 short memoirs. The collection explores themes and issues of mental health, identity, love, loss and girlhood from the point of view of a relatable young Indigenous woman and charts Mabel’s life from age 2 to her current age of 25. The stories are set in Albany, Perth and Geraldton. The collection will leave you breathless and in awe of this exciting new talent in Australian writing.

112 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2025

Reviews

[ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

tender & heartfelt !!

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

- was so nice to read in one sitting
- rlly enjoyed the gravity and space ‘small’ things were given
—> found that very affirming; of course you should write a book of micro memoir with stories like this in it
- weird being basically the same age as the author and having similar experiences in some regards (at the same uni at the same time, I’ve visited all the places she has lived, we’ve been at similar if not the same gigs before… etc)
- going to be making other people read this watch out hehe

[Jess Checkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment you open CryBaby, Mabel Gibson’s words strike like lightning. ‘I was born a human storm,’ she begins, setting the tone for a collection that is as fierce and unflinching as it is deeply introspective. These micro-memoirs, spanning from childhood to early adulthood, invite readers into the raw and tender moments that have shaped her life as a young Yamatji woman.

Gibson’s reflections on growing up as a First Nations child weave throughout the collection with a quiet yet undeniable force. She acknowledges early on that ‘I now realise that no matter what subject I wrote about, it does not take away the fact it is First Nations writing.’ This statement encapsulates the powerful truth of her work; her identity is inseparable from her storytelling, and every piece is grounded in the experience of being First Nations in Australia.

At its heart, CryBaby is a deeply personal reckoning with family, grief, and the inherited pain of the Stolen Generations. The weight of history lingers in her stories, showing how trauma shapes lives in ways both visible and unseen. Yet, alongside this deep-seated sorrow, Gibson offers moments of joy and light ­with tender reflections on girlhood, outfit coordination, and the universal teenage battle against unruly curls. These moments of levity provide balance, making the heavier themes even more powerful.

Mental health plays a critical role in the collection, with Gibson writing candidly about her struggles with depression at key stages of her development. The honesty in her storytelling creates a sense of intimacy, allowing readers to step inside her world, to feel the weight of her emotions, and to witness her resilience.

Gibson’s prose is lyrical, fragmented, and deeply evocative. The landscapes of Western Australia form a rich backdrop, grounding her experiences in place and history, further reinforcing the depth of her storytelling.

Gibson’s voice is bold, honest, and necessary and her words are a gift to readers seeking truth, connection, and an unfiltered look into the complexities of identity and growing up.
 

[Georgia Gribble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of this micro memoir.

It was so so validating and felt so strange reliving some of the feelings as a teenager.
It’s also so interesting how we live such different lives and yet we are often going through such similar things and able to relate to that in such a way.

I’ve not had THIS much relatability in a long time and I felt very seen and heard reading this book ❤️

[sawah · Rating 4 out of 5]

mabel, if we had lived on the same side of the river, we would’ve been friends:)

[Jaidyn l Attard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A candid tale of reflective vignettes from the life of one young girl growing up in WA, seamlessly moving from childhood to mid-20s. Short, sharp and sweet. Brazenly direct and filled with beautiful imagery. 10/10 recommend

We never truly leave our crybaby days behind.

[Mia Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

so beautiful to read. devoured in one sitting at a beach in Albany as a girl from Geraldton. Cried and smiled

beautiful collection of micro memoirs. feels like a book that I could read again and again and appreciate it every time

[SarahL]

Such a clever way to write a memoir!
I read it cover to cover, couldn’t put it down.
Honest, real, heartfelt.
Brave writing Mabel, thankyou!

[Josh Radwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is proof that less is more. In such a slim volume, Gibson says so much. It's raw and honest, full of pain and regret, but it moves into healing territory and becomes a gentle, beautiful reminder to remain truthful to yourself. By the end I felt like I really knew Mabel, which is exactly what you want from a memoir. Thank you for sharing these pieces of yourself with us, Mabel. In short: a vital piece of writing that should be on your radar.

[emily faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dreamy recollection of life from ages two to twenty-five, Crybaby by Mabel Gibson had me deep in my feelings, clinging to every last word. In this tender and poignant 95-page micro-memoir, Mabel—a young Yamatji woman—shares her stories of girlhood, grief, identity, and coming of age.

The essence of her storytelling lingers long after each page. Her reflections on loss, mental health, and the complexities of growing up as a First Nations woman are deeply moving—her identity and connection to Country woven into every part of her being. I admired the way she laid bare her experiences with such honesty, her words both intimate and powerful.

Being the same age as Mabel and so fortunate to live here on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar, I found her reflections on growing up in our generation deeply relatable, nostalgic, and enlightening. At the same time, her perspective as a First Nations woman offered a window into experiences both deeply personal and profoundly eye-opening.

This is a book I know I’ll return to—whether in small, savored moments or to devour in one sitting. As a proud self-proclaimed crybaby, I can say with certainty that all crybabies will love and cherish this book for years to come. I can’t wait to see what Mabel writes next. 💗

[Madeline Doncon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it’s okay for me to be a crybaby.

[Catherine Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I’ve read a book that reflected my experiences with such likeness.

I grew up in WA in the early 2000s & frequently visited Albany to visit my Grandmother. This was like looking through the scrapbooks my Mum made if I had written stories to accompany the pictures.

I’ve always been a Crybaby & this book made me feel way less alone. Love you & your beautiful book Mabel, can’t wait for the next one <3

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started crying during the introduction, so I knew this book was for me. Childhood, family, girlhood, grief, depression, loss, friendship, love, resilience. I adored this. I can’t wait to read it again and again. “Because even though I never died, the depression killed who I was”

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book and finished it within the day - so heartfelt and raw. The stories felt familiar and filled with nostalgia and authenticity.

[Joe Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, heartfelt collection. Mabel is such a talent and I can’t wait to read what she does next!

[Stella Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this

[A JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply personal, emotional and relatable. Much love from a fellow Perth/Albany twenty-something.

[Mon Dunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, honest, moving, incredible!

[Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful memoir on the reflections from childhood. i felt incredibly touched by how personal each fragment was - and the pictures really heightened this. very brave to spill your heart out, and to do so in such a creatively fulfilling way. so inspired. 🩷

[Linda Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honour of working as development editor on this collection of micro memoir, so I am biased, but I promise you this is an honest review. ‘CryBaby’ is a unique work that focusses on 56 micro moments in Mabel Gibson’s life, to tell her story as an innocent (crybaby) child, growing into a young Yamatji woman who explores and grapples with identity, culture, love, loss, mental health, and other issues that affect many young people. Mabel’s voice is strong and her writing style is original and authentic. In as much as there is pain and sadness in this collection, there is also incredible beauty and hope. Each moment stands alone as a single story but, when combined, the stories chart Mabel’s growth in a way that is deeply moving and profound. Mabel is a stunning writer who understands how to distil big events and feelings into small crystal-clear moments. She has an extraordinary grasp of language and uses this to speak directly to the reader, sharing with them her most vulnerable memories. This is a brave and beautiful collection of micro memoir that will move readers of every age. Congratulations on this stunning collection, Mabel.

[Michaela Ironwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this deeply moving micro-memoir debut in one sitting, drawn into the 56 snapshots delivered with tender honesty. The collection offers a vital snapshot into the hearts and minds of this generation, told through a strong and vibrant voice. Heavy themes are handled with care, and there is hope amidst the darkness. All up a relatable and engaging read.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exquisite memoir, tiny stories link together love, family and mental illness. I loved Yamatji writer, Mabel Gibson’s writing in Maar Bidi: next generation Blak writing and have been waiting for her debut memoir with so much anticipation. Highly recommend.

[Alison Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of micro memoir is breathtakingly beautiful. Honest, raw and exquisitely written. Mabel Gibson has poured herself on to the pages and her astute observations and reflections are both heartbreaking and joyous. She is a rare talent and her debut collection is a class act.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is magic, all of it!

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be making everyone I know read this!!

[Felicity Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a book so artistically written in fear I couldn’t relate but I have never related and felt as understood as I did in this book!

[Sah Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time writing has literally taken my breath away. Loved it, will share with my friends

[Em Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an overly emotional crybaby this book saw deep into my soul !!!!! Brilliant

[MBC · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Groundbreaking” is misleading but cathartic to read… perhaps.