Title: Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder
Book Beginnings (page 1):
Friday56 quote (page 49, last on free preview):
Summary: Described as "part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life", Tyler Feder's debut work is touching and funny, sad but hopeful, while being brutally honest and raw. From beginnings as the oldest of three sisters to loving Jewish parents, through the first oncology appointments, through the progression of the disease and eventual death, sitting Shiva, and finally to the days, months, and years of being motherless, Feder draws you into her world in a touching and personal way.
Review: I admit that I am a fan of the graphic biography. I don't often read memoirs and biographies because they are so long and often full of details I don't care about. But the graphic memoir is a perfect medium to read about a life while being entertained with the artists' ideas of what is important. I read Dancing At the Pity Party in one go, stopping only occasionally to dab my eyes and blow my nose for crying. In addition to the story of her life, Feder includes lists of information tht are helpful to anyone who has a friend or family member experiencing the same thing. For example she creates a list of what to say to a grieving person and what NOT to say. I forwarded it to a group of friends in my church. It was so practical.
As I was looking through the reviews on Goodreads, I noticed this one written by Steven Feder (Hmm, same last name.) Yes, it was written by her father...
Steven Feder rated it: amazing. My late wife (and Tyler's mother), Rhonda, was a bright, beautiful, sensitive, loving and very kind woman, unlike anyone I had ever known. She was a wonderful wife of 21 years and an adoring mother. She epitomized the meaning of the word "mother" and was totally devoted to her children. Rhonda "walked softly but carried a big stick". She was respected and admired by all who knew her and her loss was and continues to be seismic. In reading my daughter Tyler's memoir, "Dancing at the Pity Party", I gained an even greater insight into the special relationship between them. Through my daughter's ever-lasting love for her mother, and her immense talent, I am so glad the memory of this amazing woman can be honored in this special way. Thank you, Tyler. I love you.
That alone should be enough to encourage you to read it. I found my copy as an e-book at my library. Check out your library to see if they have it. If not, request that they buy it. It is worth the effort.
-Anne
It sounds amazing, but a little too close for comfort for me.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your current read. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely be requesting that my library buy a copy of this one!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun read!! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne,
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of memoirs or biographies and whilst I have great admiration for the skill of the graphic novelists and illustrators, they are not really for me either!
All that being said, I think that this concept is a great way to teach kids about the realities of life and death and so many other difficult life issues they are going to encounter along the way.
This one made me a little sad though, because it was a bit too close for home for me right now!
Thanks for sharing and stay safe :)
Yvonne
xx
I don't usually read memoirs but I'm intrigued about the idea of a graphic one. What a unique idea.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a graphic book reader, but I find these illustrations moving.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a graphic book reader, but I find these illustrations moving.
ReplyDeleteI like the look and sound of this one. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very moving read. Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read enough graphic memoirs. I'm going to have to give this a shot.
ReplyDeleteI am with you on not reading long biographies, but I hadn't thought to read graphic ones. Great idea and this sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeletelove the comparison of new mom and old. I have the faintest of whisker and saggy skin, getting out sounds great!
ReplyDeleteOh Wow, that is something completely different. I have never read a graphic novel. I actually never look for any. But this will catch my eye. Will see if it may be available in SA.
ReplyDeleteHappy week!