Journey Through Genres: Engaging graphic novels

I’ve always believed it’s good to have your favorite things, but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring something new. That holds true when reading, too. You can have your favorite genres, but every once in a while you should challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. You never know when you might find your new favorite book!  

In our exploration of genres, we’re taking a look at graphic novels. Graphic novels are considered to be a long art form in which stories are told through sequential images, with some accompanying text. They are like comics in many ways, but typically graphic novels are standalone books while comics are serial publications. Both are rich in storytelling elements.

Now, admittedly, graphic novels are not really a genre, but rather a specific format in which stories are told. Nonetheless, they are wonderful books to explore as they share stories through art. A wide variety of genres are captured in this storytelling format so there is a graphic novel out there for everyone. 

For me it just took one graphic novel to open the door to a whole world of incredible stories. Debbie, an avid reader of graphic novels, and I, a newbie to the world of graphic novels, are sharing some recommendations. Don’t be afraid to do your own browsing of our graphic novels online or in person at the library! 

Debbie’s Recommendations 

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

George Takei, an actor, author and activist, didn't have an easy journey to success. At age 4 he was uprooted from the life he knew and faced experiences unimaginable to most of us. 

In the early 1940s an order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt led to the round up and relocation of all persons of Japanese descent living on the west coast, which included Takei's family. They would be sent to relocation centers where they would be corralled under armed guard for years. 

Growing up surrounded by barbed wire was anything but normal. Takei and his family's courage, faith and love would lead them through the hardship and onto better lives. 

Takei's storytelling makes it incredibly easy to put yourself in his shoes and imagine what that type of experience would feel like if it happened to you. He writes with the innocence and naivete of a child but shows the stark reality of how internment affected him, his family and his community. 

Kid Gloves by Lucy Knisley

While many autobiographical graphic novels cover extremely heavy and traumatic topics, Lucy Knisley does a great job of capturing the beauty of a "normal" life. Any book by Knisely comes recommended by Debbie.  

In this graphic novel memoir we are offered a glimpse into her fertility struggles, tumultuous pregnancy, and death grazing labor and delivery that led Knisley to achieving her dream of becoming a mother. 

With humor, this moving story will draw you in. It will also teach you about the history and science of reproductive health and the inspiring medicinal figures who have aided pregnant people in their journeys to parenthood.

This touching story shows how challenging but awe inspiring the decision to have children can be. It will leave you with an open heart and mind regarding the experiences of parents throughout time. 

Kaitlyn’s Recommendations 

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath 

This graphic novel is the one that opened the door to the book format for me. The previous times I tried out different graphic novels I was never able to click with one. Then I found Horvath’s book and suddenly I was captivated by the way graphic novels can tell a story. 

Samantha Strong is a cute brown bear. The truth about this seemingly wonderful small-town citizen is much darker though. She’s actually a serial killer. 

Sam has built a cozy little life in her town, Woodbrook, and she doesn’t want to risk disturbing the peace by turning it into her hunting grounds. Instead she wanders to the city to hunt and cleans herself up again before returning to work. 

Things quickly change when someone else takes a life in little Woodbrook. Suddenly Sam’s hunting activities turn from a criminal hunting prey to a criminal hunting another criminal.  

I highly recommend any fans of true crime and suspense check this one out. The anthropomorphic characters, or animal characters with human-like qualities, add a unique element to this story. You’ll simultaneously want to read this story slow to appreciate the art but also flip through the pages fast to see what the next twist will be. I can’t recommend this one enough! 

I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf by Grant Snider 

A Kansas author has created this delightful bookish graphic novel that touches on things bibliophiles all over the world understand. This graphic novel is a compilation of individual comics that offer a deep dive into the minds and actions of bookish people.  

Readers will cycle through many books throughout their lives. Some books will stick around collecting dust, others will be moved onto the next shelf and even more will meet untimely demises (books + water = disaster). Snider highlights these various book journeys in the hands of readers and writers alike.  

From discussion on what classifies as a bookmark to summaries of the classics and even uncovering the cure for writer’s block you will rejoice in this graphic novel’s mini stories that hook you, one right after the other.  

The title of this one is what initially grabbed me, but Snider’s mini stories and art are what kept me reading. I’m a serial offender of judging (only slightly) people’s bookshelves. I couldn’t help but laugh and nod along with a lot of what Snider presents in his art. This is a great read when you need some simple short stories instead of a long one.

Let's Chat About Graphic Novels

If you'd like to chat graphic novels with other readers, join us in the Fiction Wing on Wed, Sept 3, 6-7pm for our Journey Through Genres: Graphic Novels gathering. Happy reading!