“Kayla E. uses her medium to striking effect: her wry portrait reveals a fresh eye, at once vulnerable and undaunted.” —The New Yorker

​

“Precious Rubbish is a scream as precisely pitched as a middle C from a tuning fork . . . Her work is such an unexpected mixture of control and frankness that it is impossible to ignore.” — The New York Times

 

“This four-color atomic bomb of a comic signals the arrival of a formidable talent.” — ★ Publishers Weekly Starred Review

​

“[A] hauntingly shocking debut graphic memoir.” — ★ Booklist Starred Review

​​

“Precious Rubbish is a beautiful but devastating debut from artist Kayla E., who uses bright, nostalgic graphics to juxtapose the harsh realities of its protagonist. An exploration of a young girl’s turbulent childhood, this book reads like an open wound, something beatific, at once holy and haunting.”— Literary Hub

 

“A landmark comics achievement. [Precious Rubbish] uses comics storytelling in unique ways that I’ve never seen before and am not sure I’ll ever see again. Precious Rubbish is an early book of the year contender.” — The Beat

​

“Several times before I could finish it, I had to put Kayla E.’s Precious Rubbish aside ― [it's] just that intense and powerful. Before you think I’m being too coy or flippant about something so heavy and real, let me tell you that the book is also funny ― albeit in the driest, darkest, laughing-so-as-not-to-cry way.” ― Style Weekly

​

"Her powerful debut tells of the abuse, neglect and alcoholism she suffered while growing up via glossy pages that mimic adverts and board games, while its vintage-style panels are flecked with blood and booze. It’s a traumatic read, told with bracing, creative boldness." ― The Guardian

​

"Precious Rubbish is a book about processing personal trauma through obsessive art practice. There is no substitute for the hard work necessary to produce the images in this book. Nothing here was cast off in a moment. The visual conceit is fully formed on every page, every fake advertisement and Archie pin-up transformed into excoriating personal testimony." ― The Comics Journal

​

"Memoir and childhood trauma are expertly woven into panels, paper dolls, board games and other experiments in a way that is gut-wrenching and emotionally impactful. It is a brilliant and innovative use of the comic form, one that will stay with you long after you read." ― Southern Review of Books

"Awash in bright primary colors, Precious Rubbish finds Kayla wedding the look and feel of mid-century children’s comics such as Little Lulu to an unbroken stream of traumatic occurrences, the artist’s playful approach to form bringing pleasure even as she wrangles with the deeply unpleasurable." ― Matter News

"Kayla works in this impossibly fluid cartooning style. It's a gorgeous production of a book that shows us Lil' Kayla descending into depression, substance-abuse, self-harm, and everything else while trying to make sense of the horrific family around her." ― The Virtual Memories Show

​

"I recommend it if you want to see how you can use comic books and graphic novels in a very innovative and emotional way."― 14 News Evansville, IN

 

"Simply terrifying and truly unforgettable." ― Ms. Magazine

 

“★ ★ ★ ★ ★ FIVE STARS STUNNING! Precious Rubbish has the biblical-level artistry and poetry of William Blake combined with the playful commercialism of Mad Magazine.” — Maria Bamford

 

“This is the scariest book I have ever read.” — Mark Newgarden

​

“Precious Rubbish may help you come to terms with some things you’ve been privately avoiding or even things about yourself you didn’t know.” — Chris Ware

​

“Kayla E.’s comics remind me of the orphan-in-jeopardy genre. She is cast as a plucky heroine you root for and yet wonder, ‘How can she possibly escape?’ The answer is through the author’s courage, wit, and originality. If one person’s trash is another's treasure, Precious Rubbish is transmutation at its most therapeutic.” ― Tim Hensley

​

“Precious Rubbish is a triumph of pure resilience―a psychic thick, dark syrup of personal pain, humiliation, and suffering. And it will make you laugh inappropriately (and guiltily), which is the highest praise I can give.” ― Ivan Brunetti

​

“A staggering achievement.” ― Rob Clough

​

“Precious Rubbish is a masterpiece.” ― Noah Van Sciver