Everything Is Beautiful, and I’m Not Afraid
A Baopu Collection (Andrews McMeel, 2020)
By Yao Xiao
A Finalist for The 33rd Annual Lambda Literary Awards
Everything Is Beautiful, and I'm Not Afraid perfectly captures the feelings of a young sojourner in America as she explores the nuances in searching for a place to belong. Baopu is a monthly serialized comic on Autostraddle, and this book includes beloved fan favorites plus new, never-before-seen comics.
This one-of-a-kind graphic novel explores the poetics of searching for connection, belonging, and identity through the fictional life of a young, queer immigrant. Inspired by the creator's own experiences as a queer, China-born illustrator living in the United States, Everything Is Beautiful, and I'm Not Afraid has an undeniable memoir quality to its recollection and thought-provoking accounts of what it's like to navigate the complexities of seeking belonging—mentally and geographically.
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Reviews for Everything Is Beautiful, And I’m Not Afraid:
“Chinese-born cartoonist Yao blends slice-of-life comics with surreal introspection in this remarkable debut collection.”
“…a coming of age story and discuss issues that affect women on a day-to-day basis.”
-Goodreads Review
“It’s some powerful food for thought.”
-Huffington Post
“Deeply intimate”
Accessible and intimate stories about the bi-cultural experience, the therapeutic nature of self expression, and the power of visuals to capture things hard to fully express in words.
-L.Lam (Amazon Review)
“ Heartbreaking and beautiful”
The comics and illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and sometimes deceptively simple; every small panel has so much hidden detail to it.
-Amazon Review
“A lovely, biting, heartbreaking, charming semi-autobiographical journey of a young, queer, Chinese immigrant balancing independence and tradition, freedom and family, honesty and acceptance. This beautifully illustrated volume is simply a breath of fresh air.”