Good Reads & Views

Why She Wrote: A Graphic History of the Lives, Inspiration, and Influence Behind the Pens of Classic Women Writers by Hannah K. Chapman and Lauren Burke
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Classic women authors take center stage in this inspiring, creative nonfiction graphic novel. Some of the authors are famous (Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Mary Wollstonecraft), while others are less well-known but equally fascinating. Varied in tone—some segments are grimly atmospheric, while others are sprightly—this book zeroes in on the reasons why each woman defied the odds to become a published writer.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy learning the story behind the story, this book is for you. Also, if you like books you can briefly dip into, the episodic nature of this graphic novel will appeal to you.

You might also like: Lauren Burke and Hannah K. Chapman have a podcast called Bonnets at Dawn, in which they further explore the lives and times of classic women authors.

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Tokyo Love Story: A Manga Memoir of One Woman's Journey in the World's Most Exciting City by Julie Blanchin
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Julie, a Frenchwoman, moved to Japan and spent several years living in different places. It’s an amusing visual guide exploring Japanese food and culture through a French lens. She learns Japanese, makes friends, enjoys going shopping, and even falls in love.

Why you might like it: I especially liked the author’s guide to the 1970s-style apartments she lived in, especially the one with the bath out on the tiny balcony!

You might also like: Tokyo Geek's Guide: Manga, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, Toys, Idols & More by Gianni Simone

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And Now I Spill the Family Secrets: An Illustrated Memoir by Margaret Kimball
Nonfiction

What it is: Years of research went into this book, as Margaret Kimball dives into her family history of mental illness by scrounging through old diaries, family videos, and personal notes and photographs. She explores the reasons why families keep secrets, what drives them apart, and what it takes to keep them together.

What sets it apart: Unlike a typical graphic nonfiction book, Kimball illustrates the setting versus the characters. Each page is filled with black-and-white line drawings of entire houses, significant rooms, photographs, stills from home movies, pages of her diary, scrap notes, or maps. It was a really compelling read because we got to know the members of her family without getting a direct representation of them, only their surroundings.

Reviewers say: “An empathetic, uncommonly nuanced, and thoroughly brilliant family saga presented with real daring and true artistry” (Library Journal).

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The Adoption by Zidrou, Arno Monin, and Jeremy Melloul
Nonfiction

What it’s about: A couple adopts a little orphaned girl named Qinaya from Peru, and the grandparents adjust to the new addition to the family. Readers may think they know where the story is headed, but it takes a few very unexpected turns from there.    

Why you might like it: This is a slice of multi-generational French life with a detour into another culture.    

You might also like: Other books about well-drawn elder characters, including The Round House by Louise Erdrich and The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. 

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The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir In Pictures by Noelle Stevenson 

YA Nonfiction

 

What it’s about: Noelle Stevenson is known as the author of Nimona and of the Lumberjanes comic book series. In this memoir of the years 2011 to 2019, she opens up about her life, her art, exploring her sexuality, and living with mental illness.

 

Why you might like it: In short chapters linked together chronologically, Stevenson explores episodes, raw emotions, and explorations of her mental states, almost like moods that are deeply personal and yet relatable.

 

You might also like: Other graphic memoirs like Almost American Girl by Robin Ha, Tomboy by Liz Prince, and Stitches by David Small. 

 

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Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Listen in on Mira Jacob’s conversations with her young son, husband, parents, friends, and colleagues. In this creative, thought-provoking memoir in graphic novel form, Jacob—the daughter of immigrants from India—addresses race, ethnicity, and identity through conversations that are sometimes somber and painful, sometimes hilarious, and often filled with moments of perfect connection… and disconnection.

Why you might like it: While Jacob addresses serious issues, she introduces moments of humor and infuses her writing with love for her family. (Some charming elements: her son likes to moonwalk like his idol Michael Jackson, and her parents comment on each other’s foibles in a humorous, affectionate way.)

Book buzz: Named one of the ten best books of the year by the Chicago Tribune, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Public Library.

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Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun
Fiction

What it’s about: An endearing extraterrestrial being lands on earth, encounters all sorts of creatures, and is completely befuddled by earthlings. This charming and wise graphic novel about a stranger in a strange land explores the mysteries of humanity.

Why you might like it: If you’d enjoy reading a mash-up of Are You My Mother? and The Little Prince, then this book is for you. Also, if you think you’d like a self-improvement book disguised as a graphic novel about a confused but wise extraterrestrial, then pick up this book.

You might also like: Jonny Sun (aka Jomny Sun) illustrates the charming book Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for You and Me by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson and Emily Carroll
Nonfiction

After she called the cops on a party, Melinda is shunned in school by almost everyone. She’s depressed and angry and won’t say why, but slowly she finds her voice through art and tells her side of the story. The original book Speak was a powerful semi-autobiographical novel about sexual assault. Emily Carroll’s images enhance the story and show Melinda’s unspoken emotions and her evolution through art.

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Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel Adapted by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Brenna Thummler
J Nonfiction

Confession: I am not a big fan of Anne of Green Gables. I haven’t seen much of the television show, and I haven’t read the series by L. M. Montgomery. Yet I may have to correct that after reading this graphic novel adaptation. (However, if you are not a fan of spoilers, you might want to savor this book after reading the original series or seeing the show.)

The glorious, shimmering green lines of the illustrations of life on Prince Edward Island make readers fall in love with the place just as the orphan Anne does when she comes to live with somber siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Anne’s flaming red hair, overactive imagination and constant chatter intrude into the serene landscape and brighten the static lives of everyone in Avonlea as she grows up.

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Audubon: On The Wings of the World by Fabien Grolleau
Biography

John James Audubon studied animal behavior and painted wildlife engaged in eating, nesting and other activities, bringing them to life on the page. Yet despite his love of nature, he killed many animals to use as models in his work. This poetic meditation on his life shows his obsession with nature and his struggle to provide for his family. (A note in the book addresses Audubon’s disconnect with how colonial expansion affected the wilderness he sought and the Native American tribes he visited.) The detailed illustrations capture Audubon’s wonder at his discoveries in the natural world. Although at the time, his work was considered less than scientific, today Audubon’s paintings and prints are greatly prized by collectors. A quick and engrossing read.

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