A few months ago I had the good fortune to hear a radio interview with artist/writer Lynda Barry. I was intrigued and low and behold Steve bought me a copy of one of her graphic novels when from the fabled "City Lights" bookstore in San Francisco (a book nerd's wet dream if there ever was one!) Its tough to describe Barry's oeuvre and do it justice. Matt Groening is a fan and this seems fitting given Barrie's drawing style is reminiscent of Groening's marvelous Life In Hell cartoons. Barry's drawings are more detailed than Groening's and there is a daffy/delightful mix of images on every page. Each story's opening page has nifty collage elements interspersed with the drawings - its a real treat for the eye. Lynda Barry is also a novelist and the quality of her writing does not disappoint in the medium of the graphic novel. There is such a potent mix of hilarity and sadness in this book - Barry must have a photographic memory of her childhood and she is so brave to recount many painful experiences, yet the universality of her observations makes this work life affirming rather than depressing. This is one of the best books of any genre I have read in a long time and I strongly suggest that folks who are enthusiastic readers who normally eschew graphic novels give this a try. This book is both poetic and profound and at times utterly hilarious. I am going to seek out Barry's novels as well. I am awed by the scope and range of her abilities. Check this out if you can!
