Reviews

Unflattening by Nick Sousanis

grid's review

5.0

Every page is a work of art and, as with the best art, often illuminating some idea. It's a bit dense (in a good way!), and as is often the case with me and poetry, I had to read in short bursts so as not to be distracted from the current page by thoughts formed in pages I'd just read. I look forward to returning to it again and seeing connections and ideas expressed in the imagery that I no doubt missed the first time through.

Highly recommended!

kayastray's review against another edition

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

fieldofhats's review

informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

4.25

Read for Intro. to English Education.

There’s so much beauty in the themes and imagery of this graphic novel. Finding ways to step out and see the world through fresh eyes is one of the most prominent themes, and the way it’s presented is phenomenal. The imagery of flight contrasted with the imagery of water and boats, and how both have to do with stars, is a great way to demonstrate freedom in two distinct ways. The theme of differences and how they make us stronger is powerful, all the more so because Sousanis stipulates that open communication must stay present otherwise our differences become barriers. And of course all the literary references were so fantastic. Overall, this was a fantastic and accessible read that is immensely relatable. I highly recommend!

felixtrom's review

challenging slow-paced

2.5

I am dumb and therefore HATE this book 😡

600bars's review

4.0

I got this book for kai in the summer and didn't get around to reading it until now. I thought it might be a good way to get back into reading since i have been preoccupied with knitting and can't seem to have more than 1 hobby at a time, but tbh this just made me want to knit/crochet some more! i've been feeling bad about my brain post-grad, like i'm not learning stuff like I was able to when it was structured out for me and that i've been in a very flat routine, but this just made me think about how i've still been exploring similar ideas and possibilities just with crafts instead of reading. (i'm sure plenty of people have already thought of this, but as a newbie to crocheting and knitting i am still full of wonder and excitement.) sousanis argues how comics are a cool format bc they combine the linear hierarchal nature of text with the rhizomatic limitless power of images, and that just reminds me of knitting/crocheting. these crafts have linearity and order because everything is constructed row by row, but the overall form of any project is basically limitless. + things like how a single stitch is always dependent on other stitches. it really is a kind of magic how string can turn into so many things. i'm sure there is also a book on this kind of thing, but I was feeling mind blown. so many of the illustrations depicted weaving or braiding or sewing, and so many explanations used words like woven, fabric, tangled, etc. i just love webs and nets and weaving and braiding, so it makes sense i would enjoy reading this book. i think it was a way more fun and accessible way to read theory

rat_ratrat's review

challenging emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

avery_switch's review

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

3.75

rhyslindmark's review

2.0

This was fine. Cool graphics, meh philosophy.

crivens's review

4.0

Took me a while to get back and finish this one. Some really novel ways of expressing ideas though I can't say I love the art. Perfect alignment to the other texts about conciousness and perception I've been picking up, particularly logicomix and GEB.

sizrobe's review

3.0

An interesting topic, capably drawn, but written as pretentiously as humanly possible