ladyj95's review
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
The art style was so unique. I loved getting this perspective of an interracial New York family. There was so much to this book. So many conversations that need to be had. Mira Jacob was able to convey so much in this book. I am so glad I read it.
merbearmer's review against another edition
5.0
4.5. It was really interesting to hear Mira Jacob's perspective on race and racism both during the 2016 US presidential election and in post-9/11 New York. I loved her art style and I liked how honest she was in portraying her experiences!
nglofile's review against another edition
5.0
It is fascinating that a graphic memoir that embraces flat, primarily grayscale illustrations can leap off the page with such life and complexity. All the more credit to the vision, content, and form, as it is this deceptively simple presentation which first draws in as curiosity and then sets up for a complicated yet winning exploration of identity and family dynamic.
Vignettes take us through rotating scenes in the author's years, and each is brief, accessible, and poignant. It isn't just that Jacob's formative experiences are shown, not told; the framing device of a memoir in conversations leans into precisely what makes good drama: dialogue. The words voiced are what reveal motivation, emotion, conflict, and perception in key exchanges. In one podcast interview, the author revealed that her rule for herself was never to use the technique of thought bubbles -- that clarity would either be spoken directly or revealed in subtext. It's remarkable how effectively this is achieved.
I tried several times to have our library add this to the collection, and though what finally tipped it into yes wasn't due to my efforts, I'm thrilled that it will soon be at hand to suggest to readers. Trust me, I'll be doing so at every appropriate opportunity.
Vignettes take us through rotating scenes in the author's years, and each is brief, accessible, and poignant. It isn't just that Jacob's formative experiences are shown, not told; the framing device of a memoir in conversations leans into precisely what makes good drama: dialogue. The words voiced are what reveal motivation, emotion, conflict, and perception in key exchanges. In one podcast interview, the author revealed that her rule for herself was never to use the technique of thought bubbles -- that clarity would either be spoken directly or revealed in subtext. It's remarkable how effectively this is achieved.
I tried several times to have our library add this to the collection, and though what finally tipped it into yes wasn't due to my efforts, I'm thrilled that it will soon be at hand to suggest to readers. Trust me, I'll be doing so at every appropriate opportunity.
readingwithkelsey's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really creative memoir that is told in multiple conversations throughout Jacob's life that intersect with one another. The "talks" are mainly told through conversations with her son who is learning about dealing with racism and discrimination surrounding the 2016 elections. Over the course of multiple discussions with her young son, we discover different moments and elements in Jacob's life that have shaped her. The novel dives into topics like colourism, racism, fetishization, gender among other things while also siding with discussions of hope and belief of the future, especially because she is trying not to raise a cynical kid - and the dialogue between the two really emphasizes that need for hope. I think the art style in the book took some getting used to for me, as it is mostly the same image superimposed over different backdrops, but it really grew on me towards the end of the novel as I really started to see and feel them as if they were memories. I highly recommend this graphic novel as Jacob's injects humour into every page while also battling with some difficult subjects.
booksandteatime's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Police brutality, Colonisation, Islamophobia, Biphobia, Antisemitism, Child death, Xenophobia, Cancer, and Racism
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This is my favorite book of 2019 and I know nothing I can write here is going to adequately describe it.
You may be thinking - oh, that’s cool - but graphic novels/memoirs aren’t really my thing. I was a little hesitant for that reason. Until I saw amazing 5 star reviews from a few friends and decided to give it a chance. When I told one friend I was starting it, she said “You are gonna love it! And cry. And love it! All the feelings!” She was not wrong.
Back of the book description: “A bold, wry, and intimate graphic memoir about American identity, interracial families, and the realities that divide us”. This is told all through Mira’s conversations - some as she tries to answer her young son’s questions about race, others going back through her life.
If you still aren’t sold - I’m begging you - please go to a bookstore or the library. Pick it up and read the first chapter. Don’t wait. You should read this today.
You may be thinking - oh, that’s cool - but graphic novels/memoirs aren’t really my thing. I was a little hesitant for that reason. Until I saw amazing 5 star reviews from a few friends and decided to give it a chance. When I told one friend I was starting it, she said “You are gonna love it! And cry. And love it! All the feelings!” She was not wrong.
Back of the book description: “A bold, wry, and intimate graphic memoir about American identity, interracial families, and the realities that divide us”. This is told all through Mira’s conversations - some as she tries to answer her young son’s questions about race, others going back through her life.
If you still aren’t sold - I’m begging you - please go to a bookstore or the library. Pick it up and read the first chapter. Don’t wait. You should read this today.
toreypickard's review against another edition
5.0
My very first graphic novel. I always assumed I wouldn’t enjoy them, but this was a standout.
teastojanovska's review against another edition
5.0
A lot of vulnerability filled with love and humor. Portraing an understanding honest discontent when others are critizing what being ourselves means. It's an important comprehensive narrative to have young readers be included in the conversation as well.