Review and quotes: DANCING AT THE PITY PARTY

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.

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-Anne