Great New Graphic Novels by Emily

Admittedly, I have not always been an avid reader of graphic novels.  In college, one of my art history professors required us to read Maus by Art Spiegelman and after that I was hooked.  They are a multi-art form that combines the written word and a perspective driven visual language that can provide the reader with a unique perspective.   Not to mention the “book candy” aspect.   They can take the joy of seeing a well-designed, beautiful book cover and extend it throughout the entire experience of the novel.  

Since the Stillwater Public Library has been growing its graphic novel collection I thought that now would be a great time to highlight a few new additions that I am especially excited about.  Most of these titles are either on the new bookshelf, or will be very soon.  I also expect that we’ll be adding some more great titles later this fall.  

The Influencing Machine by Brooke Gladstone.  If you’re an NPR listener then you’re probably familiar with Brooke Gladstone and her show On the Media.  She takes you through the history of journalism from the start of the newspaper to our present media system.

My Friend Dahmer: A Graphic Novel by Derf Backderf.  I think that difficult stories and subject matter are often well served by the graphic format, which is why I’m really excited to read this book.  Expect to be challenged, but you will also likely be presented with a unique perspective on one of America’s most infamous serial killers.

 

Not the Israel My Parents Promised Me by Harvey Pekar and JT Waldman.  This is Harvey Pekar’s last work.  I expect an informative and heartfelt exploration of Zionism and the state of Israel but within the context of Harvey’s quotidian existence.

Dotter of Her Father’s Eyes by Mary and Bryan Talbot.  This graphic novel contrasts two coming-of-age stories.  The first is of James Joyce’s daughter, and the second is that of Mary Talbot who is the daughter of a Joycean scholar.  This should be a great read for literature buffs and memoir lovers alike.  

Moby Dick in Pictures:  One Drawing for Every Page by Matt Kish.  So, this one isn’t exactly a graphic novel.  It’s more of a post-modern reimagining of Moby Dick using visually striking handmade imagery.