Exposures - by Lily Williams (Hardcover)

About the Book

Eisner nominated creator Lily Williams's latest graphic novel is an honest and heartwarming account of what it's like living with OCD, and the courage it takes to confront your deepest fears.

Book Synopsis

Eisner nominated creator Lily Williams's latest graphic novel is an honest and heartwarming account of what it's like living with OCD, and the courage it takes to confront your deepest fears.

Let me tell you about the winter I had to face all my fears.

I used to like a lot of things when I was younger, like dancing, baking, and most of all skiing. But as I got older, things started to change...I started to feel afraid of things like certain colors, numbers, and cracks in the sidewalk.

But there was a way to manage these scary thoughts, and start enjoying the things I used to - it started with something called exposure therapy.

Even though it was hard at first, I learned how brave I truly am.

This is the story of my OCD and how, despite the challenges, I learned to face my fears.

Review Quotes

*4 STARRED REVIEWS!*

★ "Exposures is a tough but validating graphic novel that will likely resonate with readers of Buzzing by Samuel Sattin and Rye Hickman or Guts by Raina Telgemeier." -Shelf Awareness, starred review

★ ". . .Exposures is a deeply honest and compassionate portrayal of adolescence with mental illness. This
powerful story offers insight, comfort, and hope for readers seeking understanding." -Booklist, starred review

★ ". . .depictions of Peyton's firm yet kind therapist model healthy support for young readers who may recognize aspects of themselves in Peyton. The result is compassionate and necessary." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Beautifully executed; brings OCD to life with a genuine yet gentle touch." -Kirkus, starred review

"A compassionate, vulnerable look into the mind and body of a kid with OCD, and the bravery it takes to face it. Not everyone's brains work the same way, and this sweet story is a reminder that struggles can be invisible, but no less real. Essential, relatable reading in a time when we need empathy more than ever." -- Vera Brosgol, New York Times-bestselling author of Return to Sender

"A realistic look at OCD that is illuminating, hopeful, and deeply moving. Lily Williams has created something beautiful." -- Kayla Miller, New York Times-bestselling author of the Click graphic novel series

"Williams presented CBT and ERP in a thoughtful way that distills the important aspects and gives struggling readers an idea of what's ahead. There are many kids (and adults) who could use this introduction and reinforce the message that they are not alone. This was the book I needed as a kid. In short: This story could change a young reader's life...share it widely." -- Wesley King, #1 New York Times-bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author of OCDaniel

"I wish Exposures had been available when I was in middle school; it would have helped me explain to my parents what was going on inside my brain and would have made me feel less alone. Thank you, Lily Williams, for a story that will lead to so many necessary conversations about mental health." -- John Schu, librarian and New York Times-bestselling author of Louder Than Hunger

"I'm so glad such a thoughtful book like this exists to allow kids who need it to feel seen and understood, and to help every reader better understand and empathise with anxiety disordered thinking. Lily's own experience and her love for the characters and readers is visible in every line." -- Lucy Knisley, New York Times-bestselling author of Stepping Stones

"A young teen finds herself struggling with intrusive thoughts in this extraordinary honest and heartfelt look at a much misunderstood diagnosis." -- Victoria Ying, Harvey Award-winning author and illustrator

"The story remains steadfastly engaging even as it conveys a wealth of information about what OCD is (and isn't) and exactly what exposure therapy entails. The approachable, cartoon-style illustrations make tangible Peyton's inner experience of how traumatizing and all-encompassing OCD can be. "-The Horn Book Magazine

About the Author

Lily Williams has OCD, but she is not defined by her OCD. Her own experience with OCD and CBT exposure therapy helped inspire Peyton's story. She is the creator of the If Animals Disappeared picture book series, the Eisner-nominated graphic novel Go With The Flow, and its sequel, Look On The Bright Side. She grew up in Northern California and worked in feature film animation before moving to Colorado, where she skis often.