non-fiction comic

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders” by Monzusu & Ben Trethewey

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This manga is a collection of nine different adults talking about life with different developmental disorders. It’s sad that so many of these stories involve bullying and abuse but yeah; some parents suck and some teenagers suck. Most of these stories end in the person finding the support they need to live their lives but the important thing is to make sure the reader is educated on these various disorders, how they work, and how they can be more understanding and accepting. It may also give some insight to those who have similar behaviors and maybe inspire them to get tested. It’s informative without being preachy or info dumping. 5 out of 5.

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atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “The Murder Next Door: A Graphic Memoir” by Hugh D’Andrade

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

At 10 years old, Hugh came home from school to see his friends crying outside their home because they’d discovered the body of their murdered mother. As an adult, he still struggles with the memories and fear.

This memoir is mainly about how trauma can affect someone in the long term. It’s very honest and not at all subtle which I think is needed; especially since this is about a man dealing with childhood trauma. The best part of this? He’s actually dealing with it. He’s in therapy, looking back, analyzing, talking, considering, and really doing his best to reckon with what happened to him as a child and how it shaped the man he’s become. Speaking as a person who will go as far as to think my feelings are a burden even to my therapist, this is refreshingly unflinching. I like this. It’s insightful and I appreciate it. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Hanging On By A Thread” by Noémie Honein

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature audiences.

In Beirut where it is considered taboo to discuss such things, 18-year-old Noémie is diagnosed with cancer and this book shows her treatment and recovery from her illness.

This depiction is fairly unflinching. I say ‘fairly’ because it’s not gory or anything but Noémie is very frank about infections and the like. It’s honest and harrowing but also hopeful. The book doesn’t end when her treatment ends; it continues through when you’re “cured” but the mental toll on someone going through all that lingers on and I haven’t seen many others talking about that. And the colored pencil style is beautiful. I guess a trigger warning for cancer-related health issues since that can be tough for some people. 5 out of 5.

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