Can't we talk about something more Pleasant?

the choice: I won this book - a memoir of her parent's final years - through an online book club contest. It's funny AND done as a graphic novel. Seems I am drawn to memoirs dealing with aging parents. So now lets add cartoons.

Can't we talk about something more Pleasant? by Roz Chast    2004 Bloomsbury

the reader in me: A woman deals with this all-too-common part of life - trying to figure out how to care for her parents as they start to need help. Many of the situations are darkly poignant, things we try to avoid talking about. Using her cartoonist background, her Jewish family roots, and a strangely comforting dialogue, Chast makes this an easy-to read story. It is a sweet memorial to her parents.

the critic in me: The book has won over 15 awards, and the author is a 'New Yorker' cartoonist. Roz Chast plays with multi-media to give understanding to her story in a gloriously different and touching way. I just wish I could draw as well as her - I can't even do stick people that make any sense. Yes, I cried, I laughed, cherished her family photos, understood her confusion, and praised her resourcefulness. The style of storytelling in this graphic novel easily overcame any awkwardness in the topic.

the writer in me: okay, obviously my little family stories could also incorporate cartoons, themed chapters, random lists and THOUGHT BUBBLES. But I'm not ready to try drawing, so went back to a favourite cartoon-making program (pixton.com) but the basic plan didn't give me much to play with... yes, I wish I could draw!


This inspired me: 

 background:

Ma was born in 1883 and married Robert Casement, Pa, back in 1900. Ma is my great grandmother. This story would have taken place while they were living on Pa’s farm (bought from his father) sometime between 1900 and 1919. The little girl in this comic would be my great aunt Edna – one of Ma’s 3 children, who loved to recount stories.