The Heartbreak Diet is the memoir of a woman who's husband begins an affair that eventually separates them. They also have two children together. It is told in the format of a graphic novel.You'd think due to the subject matter this would be depressing. In fact, what sold me on reading this was the format. I love graphic novels but usually try to avoid this sort of subject matter, it just makes me sad. I'm very glad I decided to read it. Rose has a great sense of humor about her life. She goes back and tells the story of how she and her husband met and formed a family. She also takes us through her healing process and the fun times with her children. I loved this book. Throughout the book are "Words of Wise Women" with great illustrations of famous women.
The graphic novel format is relatively quick to get through but I love how she broke her story up into different sections, like by day of the week or coping mechanism. Her illustrations are beautiful as well. There is a great amount of detail in them. I have a very large respect for cartoonists. It looks like she draws with an ink brush of some sort. If you mess up you have to start over! That is very tedious!
I think this book would be great for anyone that is the least bit curious about graphic novels. There are no superheros, zombies, or talking animals. It's a story we can all identify with and would be a great introduction into the genre.
I will definitely be reading this over and over again. Rose mixes real life situations with a great humor for life.
4.5/5 Stars
Review copy provided by publisher
Do you read graphic novels? If yes, what is your favorite? If no, do you plan to?
I had been hesitant to start into graphic novels, but once I read Maus and Maus II, I was hooked. I'm now reading Persepolis. I'm going to add this one to my list - thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I can't see myself reading graphic novels, although some of the authors I read are now rereleasing their books in that form...
ReplyDeleteI think my problem is that I like imagining the characters a certain way, and graphic novels would make me change my view of them.
I've never read a graphic novel (I know, the comic books from way back when don't count!).
ReplyDeleteYours is one of several positive reviews I've seen about *The Heartbreak Diet*, and, as you say, it might be a good way to sample the genre.
Carrie K.- I love Persepolis! The movie is fantastic too! I haven't read the Maus duo yet but keep hearing how great it is! I hope you like The Heartbreak Diet!
ReplyDeleteKathleen- Who are some of the authors you enjoy that are releasing graphic novels? I'd love to know! I think all you can do to see if you like them or not is try one, and since they are usually pretty short if you decide you don't like them you haven't used up too much time ;)
sheistoofondofbooks- I'd count comic books. It's the same idea. Graphic novels are just longer! Often times graphic novels are the collection of a whole series of comics packaged together as one piece for final release. I hope you try this one out!
Meg Cabot is starting to, Laurell K. Hamilton (although I'm not really a fan like I used to be), Patricia Briggs will be soon... I know there's more I just can't think of.
ReplyDeleteI suppose I wouldn't be adverse to trying one, esp if its by one of my fav authors. Although, really some of them are rereleasing books as graphic novels, in which case I think I'd skip them b/c I already know what happened. But maybe a new one that hasn't been released before I would try.
Kathleen-
ReplyDeleteMeg Cabot really? I'd read that! I haven't read any of her books yet but I've got Airhead and How to Be Popular waiting for me. That's really awesome!
Audrey Niffenegger the author of the Time Traveler's Wife has put out two "graphic novels" They are more like artwork to me that happen to include some sentences. They are pretty awesome and creepy!
You should try one! Just get one from the library! Persepolis is a beautiful story that a lot of people seem to like.
I havent heard of this before...it sounds interesting. I have never read a graphic novel myself.
ReplyDeletegreat review!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Lol well if you're interested, the books are the Avalon High ones.
ReplyDeleteNaida- This would be a perfect graphic novel to start with. The content isn't so out of this world that it would put some people off. :)
ReplyDeleteKathleen- Oooh. I will definitely have to look further into those!