Is Gawky: Tales Of An Extra Long Awkward Phase Worth Reading?

Gawky: Tales of an Extra Long Awkward Phase' is such a relatable comic for anyone who’s ever felt out of place. The main character is the author herself, Margot Leitman, who chronicles her hilariously awkward journey through adolescence and beyond. Her self-deprecating humor makes her instantly likable—like that friend who’s always got a cringe-worthy story to share. The comic also features her family, especially her dad, whose blunt honesty adds to the chaos, and her mom, who’s both supportive and hilariously oblivious at times. Then there are the classmates and crushes who populate Margot’s world, each amplifying the absurdity of growing up. What I love is how she turns mundane moments into epic tales of embarrassment, like struggling with braces or botched haircuts. It’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever tripped over their own feet—literally or metaphorically. Margot’s storytelling feels like flipping through a scrapbook of awkward memories, but with a warmth that makes you laugh instead of cringe. The characters aren’t just caricatures; they’re deeply human, flawed, and endearing. Her younger self is painfully earnest, and seeing her navigate social minefields—like trying to fit in with the 'cool kids'—is both heartbreaking and hysterical. The comic’s charm lies in its specificity; it’s not just about being awkward, but about how those moments shape us. I’ve reread it twice, and each time, I find new layers to appreciate.

Gawky: Tales of an Extra Long Awkward Phase is this hilarious yet oddly relatable graphic novel that follows the life of a girl named Gwen during her painfully awkward teenage years. The book captures everything from cringe-worthy fashion choices to disastrous first crushes, all with a self-deprecating humor that makes you laugh while wincing in recognition. Gwen’s struggles with fitting in, her towering height making her feel like a giraffe in a world of kittens, and her endless blunders are drawn with such warmth that you can’t help but root for her. What I love most is how the author doesn’t shy away from the raw, unfiltered messiness of adolescence. There’s no sugarcoating—just pure, awkward truth. The art style complements the tone perfectly, with exaggerated expressions that amplify the comedy. It’s one of those books where you’ll find yourself yelling, 'I did that too!' at the page. By the end, you’re left with this weirdly comforting feeling that maybe we all survive our awkward phases, even if they feel eternal.

Gawky is such a relatable read—it captures that universal awkward phase we all endure. If you enjoyed its self-deprecating humor and candid storytelling, you might love 'Let’s Pretend This Never Happened' by Jenny Lawson. Her essays are hilariously raw, diving into her own cringe-worthy moments with a warmth that makes you feel less alone. Another gem is 'Hyperbole and a Half' by Allie Brosh, which blends laugh-out-loud comics with deeply personal anecdotes about growing up weird. Both books share Gawky’s vibe of embracing imperfections. For something with a slightly more reflective tone, 'Bossypants' by Tina Fey tackles her awkward years with sharp wit and wisdom. And if you’re into fictional awkwardness, 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman offers a quirky protagonist whose social missteps are both heartbreaking and uplifting. These picks all celebrate the beauty of being unapologetically yourself.

I picked up 'Well, That Was Awkward' on a whim, and honestly, it was one of those delightful surprises that stick with you. The book captures the cringe-worthy, heart-fluttering chaos of teenage crushes and miscommunication so perfectly—it’s like reliving my own high school drama but with way more humor. Rachel Vail’s writing nails the voice of a 13-year-old girl; it’s witty, self-aware, and occasionally mortifying in the best way. I laughed out loud at the protagonist’s inner monologue during the awkward silences and botched texts. What really won me over was how it balances secondhand embarrassment with genuine warmth. The friendships feel real, messy, and supportive, and the romantic subplot isn’t just about the guy—it’s about the protagonist figuring herself out. If you’ve ever sent a text and immediately wanted to throw your phone into a lake, this book’s for you. It’s a quick, uplifting read that doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of growing up.