nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
Charming and relatable. I'm already a fan of the graphic travelogue, having previously been won over by Scott Thompson's [b:Carnet de Voyage|37261|Carnet de Voyage|Craig Thompson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389359335s/37261.jpg|2079714], and Age of License evokes some of the same appeal while representing a different experience. We as readers are invited to tag along on the trip, glimpsing the foods, sights, people, and moments that meant so much to the author. There is still a story structure here, and it is that element that contributes to its success. This isn't simply someone's vacation photos in different medium; you'll also find a narrative of a young professional figuring out how to build on what she's accomplished thus far, a young adult balancing longings with opportunities and responsibilities, and a woman exploring what she wants out of relationship. All this may make it sound dry or overthought, but this is where the author's light humor and open style provide balance.
I'd been asked to assess this author for audience, and I see breadth of appeal. Both aspirational and empathetic for older teen readers as well as reflective and recognizable for emerging adults. Those beyond "emerging" adulthood will be drawn to the evocation of those moments in life where one wants to enjoy the freedom of youth as well as the tug of what life can/will be. Loved the rumination on the title.
The art is sweet and simple -- most effective for both audience and theme. I have experience traveling internationally with an artist, and the sketchbook styling paired with occasional, more detailed, inked studies is spot on. A winning combination.
I'd been asked to assess this author for audience, and I see breadth of appeal. Both aspirational and empathetic for older teen readers as well as reflective and recognizable for emerging adults. Those beyond "emerging" adulthood will be drawn to the evocation of those moments in life where one wants to enjoy the freedom of youth as well as the tug of what life can/will be. Loved the rumination on the title.
The art is sweet and simple -- most effective for both audience and theme. I have experience traveling internationally with an artist, and the sketchbook styling paired with occasional, more detailed, inked studies is spot on. A winning combination.
littlelilacsdownthesea's review against another edition
4.0
This is a light book for those days where a 750-page novel is too much for the day, yet it still carries an era of tension and anxiety expressed by the author as she struggles through the responsibilities and indecisiveness that comes with being at the conflicting primary age of adolescence. A trip well taken, the book highlights Europe with most of the focus on food and unbound love.
I like this type of format when it comes to books. The drawings are creative but I have to say that I didn't entirely love this book. It didn't breath the air of satisfaction that I get when I finish a wonderful piece of production. At times it seemed like the book was dragging on and the era of tension reflected the work with great sensitivity. Now I know that this book was a diary of the European tour but I can't help but think that maybe it should have remained so.
I like this type of format when it comes to books. The drawings are creative but I have to say that I didn't entirely love this book. It didn't breath the air of satisfaction that I get when I finish a wonderful piece of production. At times it seemed like the book was dragging on and the era of tension reflected the work with great sensitivity. Now I know that this book was a diary of the European tour but I can't help but think that maybe it should have remained so.
wanderaven's review against another edition
3.0
My first introduction to Lucy Knisley was last year when I discovered her last memoir, Relish. Orbiting around all of her culinary experiences throughout her life thus far, I loved Relish. So I also went back and read her first memoir, French Milk, which wasn’t maybe the revelation Relish initially was but I enjoyed it.
Since Knisley is now on my definitely-look-out-for-anything-new radar, I just finished her new release, An Age of License. The title refers to the concept she discovered during her journey in the book: an age of license is a time in which a person, whether by youth or financial resources, or the grace of others who want to help out, or perhaps a simple alignment of the stars, takes the opportunity to travel and discover themselves in the process.
The stars aligned for Knisley when she was invited to Norway to speak at and participate in a comics festival. She also had friends who were also just married and honeymooning in Berlin, a new boyfriend in Stockholm, a friend living in France, and her mother plus her friends vacationing in France. So Knisley set off on an exploration of both these physical places and the options in her life.
I suppose I’m probably biased, since Relish sort of introduced me to and opened up the larger world of graphic memoirs for me, but I will probably always love her illustrations the most. They’re simple and elegant, and I want to use the word sweet and I will, despite my concern that it seems like not-quite-the-right-word, because it’s still the best I have.
When I read French Milk and read some of the reviews out there while I waited for it to become available at the library, I saw a lot of criticism of Knisley concerning her apparent grand wealth that she must have to travel. An Age of License reminds me a lot of French Milk, in that it involved her mother (to some extent), traveling in Europe, trying to figure out her life, and food. Knisley sort of addresses (not directly) some of this criticism in that she acknowledges that she’s lucky to be traveling, and lucky to have some financial resources to do so.
But I feel nervous when I see some of these criticisms. Yes, it does feel like Knisley (and her family) do probably have more financial resources than I personally do, at least, but to criticize a person for using such resources for traveling and experiencing is always deeply faulty to me. We all prioritize. She could use her resources to buy multiple extravagant cars, or travel to Disneyland several times a year, or eat veal for every meal. None of these things are remotely appealing to me, but it doesn't mean I'd have the right to sit in judgement about her choices. And, by the way, her initial trip to Norway was initiated by someone inviting her (and presumably paying her way), to come and speak about and teach others about her art which, by all appearances seems to be something for which she works earnestly and diligently. As I've said in other reviews and other places, others have no idea how hard someone may work, or the sacrifices they may make, to earn the experiences they have.
In any case, my only disappointment in this memoir came towards the end. I'll try not to give spoilers here but let's just say that I'm really looking forward to what I hope will be her next memoir, all about her romance with John, of which you can already see the most up-to-date news on her Instagram (which, in and of itself would likely be considered a bit of a spoiler for the book, so be careful with your link clicking).
Another fun and sweet share from one of my favourite storytellers!
Since Knisley is now on my definitely-look-out-for-anything-new radar, I just finished her new release, An Age of License. The title refers to the concept she discovered during her journey in the book: an age of license is a time in which a person, whether by youth or financial resources, or the grace of others who want to help out, or perhaps a simple alignment of the stars, takes the opportunity to travel and discover themselves in the process.
The stars aligned for Knisley when she was invited to Norway to speak at and participate in a comics festival. She also had friends who were also just married and honeymooning in Berlin, a new boyfriend in Stockholm, a friend living in France, and her mother plus her friends vacationing in France. So Knisley set off on an exploration of both these physical places and the options in her life.
I suppose I’m probably biased, since Relish sort of introduced me to and opened up the larger world of graphic memoirs for me, but I will probably always love her illustrations the most. They’re simple and elegant, and I want to use the word sweet and I will, despite my concern that it seems like not-quite-the-right-word, because it’s still the best I have.
When I read French Milk and read some of the reviews out there while I waited for it to become available at the library, I saw a lot of criticism of Knisley concerning her apparent grand wealth that she must have to travel. An Age of License reminds me a lot of French Milk, in that it involved her mother (to some extent), traveling in Europe, trying to figure out her life, and food. Knisley sort of addresses (not directly) some of this criticism in that she acknowledges that she’s lucky to be traveling, and lucky to have some financial resources to do so.
But I feel nervous when I see some of these criticisms. Yes, it does feel like Knisley (and her family) do probably have more financial resources than I personally do, at least, but to criticize a person for using such resources for traveling and experiencing is always deeply faulty to me. We all prioritize. She could use her resources to buy multiple extravagant cars, or travel to Disneyland several times a year, or eat veal for every meal. None of these things are remotely appealing to me, but it doesn't mean I'd have the right to sit in judgement about her choices. And, by the way, her initial trip to Norway was initiated by someone inviting her (and presumably paying her way), to come and speak about and teach others about her art which, by all appearances seems to be something for which she works earnestly and diligently. As I've said in other reviews and other places, others have no idea how hard someone may work, or the sacrifices they may make, to earn the experiences they have.
In any case, my only disappointment in this memoir came towards the end. I'll try not to give spoilers here but let's just say that I'm really looking forward to what I hope will be her next memoir, all about her romance with John, of which you can already see the most up-to-date news on her Instagram (which, in and of itself would likely be considered a bit of a spoiler for the book, so be careful with your link clicking).
Another fun and sweet share from one of my favourite storytellers!
palomapepper's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this travelogue of a young woman’s adventures in Europe and struggles with uncertainty in her life direction. It's more of a journal than a planned narrative. In 2011, a comic convention takes her to Norway - and she extends the trip to a month-long journey through Sweden (where she continues a romance with a Swedish guy living in a vegan commune), Germany, and France.
The ink-and-watercolor art style is lovely, and the personality conveyed is very relatable & appealing to me - Lucy seems like someone I’d want to befriend. I loved the way she sees the world: the things she noticed, the questions she grappled with, etc. She's a bit of a foodie, and documents the interesting meals she has along the way.
Side note: I’d like to direct some real loathing at the back-cover blurb saying this book is “an Eat, Pray, Love for the Girls generation.” Barf. As a “millenial” woman myself, I resent being lumped in with the shallow, self-absorbed, incessant bad-decision-makers on that show. And honestly, the comparison doesn’t even hold water - Knisley’s travelogue is thoughtful and full of heart. I look forward to checking out her other books :)
The ink-and-watercolor art style is lovely, and the personality conveyed is very relatable & appealing to me - Lucy seems like someone I’d want to befriend. I loved the way she sees the world: the things she noticed, the questions she grappled with, etc. She's a bit of a foodie, and documents the interesting meals she has along the way.
Side note: I’d like to direct some real loathing at the back-cover blurb saying this book is “an Eat, Pray, Love for the Girls generation.” Barf. As a “millenial” woman myself, I resent being lumped in with the shallow, self-absorbed, incessant bad-decision-makers on that show. And honestly, the comparison doesn’t even hold water - Knisley’s travelogue is thoughtful and full of heart. I look forward to checking out her other books :)
smblair's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
The age of license is such a fucking beautiful term and I’m so glad this book led me to it. I need to go on my own european adventure now thanks xx
dlsmall's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful, fun, and introspective graphic novel travelogue.
…and the concept of an age of license is fantastic…man, I took those years way too seriously.
…and the concept of an age of license is fantastic…man, I took those years way too seriously.
greerh29's review against another edition
5.0
A fun and light read, like most of Knisley’s books. Very clean art, delightful as always! Knisley shares her experiences of traveling through Europe and it definitely made me want to book a ticket to Paris lol I definitely recommend!
kricketa's review against another edition
4.0
more travelogue fun with lucy knisley. there's something very mid-twenty-ish about this work, which...y'know, makes sense. because she was in her mid-twenties when she want on the trip. reading it made me feel a little aged. but it was super good and i read it in one sitting.