 | Notes from a sickbed Author: Brunton, Tessa | |
| Price: $12.29 | ||
Summary:
In 2009, Tessa Brunton experienced the first symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome). She spent much of the next eight years unwell, in a medical holding pattern, housebound and often alone. In 2017, she found a strategy that helped reduce her symptoms. In graphic novel format.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (08/15/22)
School Library Journal (11/01/22)
Booklist (11/01/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 11/01/2022 Brunton’s graphic memoir powerfully reveals the frustration and sadness that comes with chronic illness. It took Brunton six years to get diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which she shows with an illustrated time line of her lying down on various couches. After the diagnosis, there are still many other problems to address, like symptom management, health insurance, and daily life adjustments. From there, Brunton goes on to explain how different it is to be confined to a sickbed for a long period of time than to be sick for a few days. Through frank explanations of her physical state and memories, as well as a dreamlike sequence exploring how she could float through the world as a ghost of sickness, Brunton’s art is distinct and emotionally evocative. The panels are constantly crowded, showing the mess that can build up around a sickbed while you’re stuck waiting on a diagnosis. The memoir achieves its mission to communicate to readers the isolation of chronic illness and fits well with memoirs like Hyberbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 11/01/2022 Gr 8 Up—In her graphic memoir, Brunton recounts her early experiences with myalgic encephalomyelitis, more commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Years before receiving an official diagnosis, Brunton spends a significant amount of time at home in extreme pain, with intense exhaustion. One of the most vexing parts of the illness, Brunton recalls, is the unpredictability; she finds it impossible to tell when symptoms will set in as well as how long it will take to recover. Some of the memories shared by Brunton focus on her day-to-day attempts to cope with and learn about her chronic illness, while other sections are lively imaginings, such as visualizing herself haunting noisy neighbors and brainstorming the best kind of mobile bed, to name a few. Brunton's tone is often humorous, with each spread filled with highly detailed black-and-white illustrations. The memoir's final spreads depict Brunton ruminating over which comic she wishes to create. VERDICT An incredibly authentic and honest look at life with a chronic illness. Recommended for purchase for all collections.—Olivia Gorecke - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 11/01/2022 Brunton’s graphic memoir powerfully reveals the frustration and sadness that comes with chronic illness. It took Brunton six years to get diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which she shows with an illustrated time line of her lying down on various couches. After the diagnosis, there are still many other problems to address, like symptom management, health insurance, and daily life adjustments. From there, Brunton goes on to explain how different it is to be confined to a sickbed for a long period of time than to be sick for a few days. Through frank explanations of her physical state and memories, as well as a dreamlike sequence exploring how she could float through the world as a ghost of sickness, Brunton’s art is distinct and emotionally evocative. The panels are constantly crowded, showing the mess that can build up around a sickbed while you’re stuck waiting on a diagnosis. The memoir achieves its mission to communicate to readers the isolation of chronic illness and fits well with memoirs like Hyberbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
