2018 Year in Review

Joan Tollifson's "Death: The End of Self-Improvement" challenges the conventional notion of self-improvement as a path to happiness. The book delves into the limitations of self-improvement, arguing that it often perpetuates dissatisfaction by focusing on a flawed concept of the self. Tollifson explores the nature of being and how meditation can help us access peace and creativity. She emphasizes the importance of simply being present in the moment, rather than constantly striving for self-improvement. The book offers a profound perspective on self-acceptance and genuine transformation. It encourages readers to let go of the need to constantly improve and instead embrace their present state.

Mom's Cancer is a graphic novel that documents the author's mother's diagnosis with metastatic lung cancer and the subsequent impact on their family. The book is an autobiographical account by Brian Fies, detailing the medical treatments, family dynamics, and emotional struggles faced during this period. It is known for its honest and sometimes humorous portrayal, using simple yet effective artwork to convey the complexities of living with cancer. The story highlights the balancing act between hope and despair, and it has resonated with readers who have experienced similar traumas, offering a sense of solidarity and hope.

The Red Tree is a picture book written and illustrated by Shaun Tan. It presents a fragmented journey through a dark world, reflecting the main character's feelings of alienation, despondency, and loneliness. The sparse text and detailed, surreal illustrations evoke emotional states, with a small red leaf symbolizing hope throughout the narrative. The story culminates with the girl finding solace in a beautifully blossomed red tree in her bedroom, symbolizing her reward for enduring hardships.

Hey, Kiddo is a poignant and honest graphic novel memoir by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. The book recounts his childhood, marked by his mother's addiction and incarceration, and his upbringing by his grandparents. It explores his search for his father, his complex relationships with his family members, and how he found his voice and solace in art. The memoir is known for its raw and timely portrayal of family struggles, addiction, and resilience, making it a compelling read for both young and adult audiences.

In this graphic memoir, Roz Chast recounts her struggles with her parents, who lived into their 90s and refused to plan for their death. The book is a nuanced and emotionally honest account of her relationship with her parents, their relationship with each other, and the financial and emotional stresses of aging. Chast uses her signature wit and unique visual style to navigate the dark subject matter, often incorporating humor and poignant reflections. The memoir spans the last several years of her parents' lives, capturing the complexities and challenges of caring for aging loved ones.

The Best We Could Do is an intimate and poignant graphic novel that portrays one family’s journey from war-torn Vietnam. The book, written and illustrated by Thi Bui, documents her family’s daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves in the United States. It explores themes of family, parenthood, belonging, the meaning of home, and the importance of education, as well as historical memory and narrative. The memoir is a coming-of-age story laden with issues of cultural and self-identity, intergenerational trauma, and the lasting effects of displacement.