by Jarrett Krosoczka
Graphix, 2018. 294 pgs. Graphic Novel
In this moving memoir, Krosoczka explores what his early life was like
through illustration. His mom was a drug addict, in and out of rehab, and he
knew nothing about his father. His very loud, very loving, very opinionated
grandparents took him in and raised him, but this had its own sets of
challenges. He finds that he can express himself through drawing, and is able
to piece together the truth about his family as he becomes a teenager.
Eventually, he meets his father and develops a tentative relationship with his
mother, as he uses his artwork to work through his feelings and history.
This was a powerful and moving memoir. There were parts that made me
cry and I felt like I knew the author through the intimate details that he
shared of his life. There is a range of emotions, including humor, sorrow,
triumph, and others as Krosoczka shares his passion for art and his experiences
in a unique family. I would suggest this for teens and adults as it does deal
with addiction and a few harder issues, but is overall a great read and a
wonderful memoir.
TT
1 comment:
I loved this book! Despite covering some heavy topics, mainly drug addiction and complicated family dynamics, hope and optimism was present throughout. The author doesn't exactly sugar-coat the facts, but still presents his mother's addiction and his grandparent's unique dysfunctions with honesty and empathy. The artwork and the author's storytelling was beautifully relatable. I highly recommend this book to everyone, even those wary of graphic novels; this is a great introduction to the medium.
MW
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