I just received a copy of The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels by Danny Fingeroth, a book that lists and reviews what it calls "The Canon: The Sixty Best Graphic Novels." It turns out (ahem) that one of them is mine.I mentioned this book a while ago and knew Mom's Cancer would be included--I even got an early look at the review--but didn't realize until I just cracked the cover that it was a "Sixty Best" list. Of course that's just one person's opinion, but when that person is Danny Fingeroth, a writer and editor with a couple decades of experience in the comics business, I'll take it. As a bonus, through the caprice of alphabetization, Mom's Cancer falls immediately after Art Spiegelman's Maus. Nice neighborhood.
The write-up on Mom's Cancer covers a little more than two pages, including a one-page excerpt from the book. Here are the last two lines: Not a loud, in-your-face melodrama, Mom's Cancer is a tale of subtleties, one full of small joys and sorrows, victories and defeats. It's one of those stories that stays with you long after you've read the last page.
The Rough Guide also has chapters on the history of graphic novels, iconic creators, manga, adaptations of graphic novels in other media, other informational resources, and even an original graphic novel by Fingeroth and Roger Langridge. It's nicely done, and much appreciated. Thanks to Mr. Fingeroth, editor Ruth Tidball, and all involved. Very cool.
WOW. Lumped in with Maus AGAIN. It's a hard-knock life.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!
Of course it's in the top 60! And that last line sums up perfectly why it's so great.
ReplyDeleteSis: Well, it's a big lump, but yes, sharing pages with 59 other graphic novelists, many I respect very much, is a nice honor. And yet, flattery don't put supper on the table or make the knocks of life appreciably softer, does it?
ReplyDeleteSarah, how nice of you to check out my blog and leave a note! Everyone, Sarah is a Vancouver writer and cartoonist with whom I've been corresponding lately. Her work shows a lot of perceptive observation and heart, and she's good people. www.sarahleavitt.com.
Thanks again.
Hey thanks, Brian! It's been so cool to connect with you. I've been reading the blog for a while but have just been one of those annoying people who doesn't comment even when they like something. :)
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