Calling Dr. Laura: a
Graphic Memoir by Nicole J. Georges
Mariner Books, 2013.
Overview: I know
this was in the non-fiction section, but it was so good that I’m going to
include it here anyway. (Besides, it comes with the caveat that the author “has
tried to remain as truthful as possible, but has taken the liberty of melting
together certain individuals in order to protect the innocent and not bore
readers,” so there’s a little fiction?!) Calling
Dr. Laura is a graphic memoir about the author’s life, which delves into
the emotional effects of growing up not only without her birth father, but with
a couple of terrible stepfathers, her complicated relationship with her mother.
While Georges reveals that she was essentially incapable of “lesbian
processing” during her young adulthood, this book is proof that she has the
knack of it now (in a good way!). Along the way, a massive family secret is
unearthed piece by piece, and Nicole has to decide how this new knowledge will
affect her life.
My reaction: I
really enjoyed this book! Georges’
sense of humor (for example, comparing herself to a fainting goat re: her
emotional response to her mother) made it much more comfortable to read her
very personal narrative, but did not keep me from being amazed at the enormity
of what she had to deal with. She uses her visual medium to great effect as
well— the tension and awkward silences were palpable, and what memoir can’t be
improved by adorable drawings of pet chickens and dogs? I’ll definitely check
out her other stuff!
No comments:
Post a Comment