Welcome to Litsy!

For the second year in a row, #AuldLangSpine has given me my first 5⭐️ read. This is the story of Ozge, a girl growing up in Turkey, and the struggle to live up to expectations while figuring out who you are and what you want for your own life. I do love a good graphic novel memoir, and this is just that. I learned a lot about Turkey, and the art was great as well. Well -timed too as I‘m about to start a new job that makes me feel like ⬇️⬇️

New Year‘s Day vibes. Mango mimosa, French toast, and a good book I don‘t want to stop reading 😊

When I stalked @yourfavouritemixtape for reviews to see which books might make her #AuldLangSpine list, I really hoped this book would be on it, and it was! This is the one I‘m having a hard time waiting to start. I think Birdie approves 😁

Graphic novel about a girl, growing up in Turkey. And about finding oneself. Absolutely loved it.

And now, Summer Reads: Non-Fiction Edition. I read a mix of personal growth and memoirs, but the books that intrigued me the most were these three memoirs, flagged in the comments below. Not surprising, as memoirs are my favorite non-fiction category. It‘s fascinating and often moving to step into the shoes of someone else‘s different life experiences.🔸 #2022reads #summer2022reads

I loved this book!! It‘s a graphic novel but not in the usual sense, which I really enjoyed. While learning some history and culture about Turkey, readers also learn so much about the author.

“You can be whatever you want”

Loved, loved, loved this YA graphic novel. So fun and interesting to read, and the drawings were endearing and fascinating. Great way to experience live from someone else‘s perspective.

I acquired an embroidered house blessing in Ottoman Turkish. The Arabic lettering confused efforts at translation, & sparked an interest in the history of Turkey. This book will do the same for readers, especially younger ones. It‘s informative, funny & relatable. Text & art complement each other & strengthen the story. #memoir #graphicnovels

read this graphic novel for my educator book club. I learned so much!

#ReadingResolutions Day 17: For #MemoirMonday, I have this graphic novel memoir which begins with the author‘s characterization of what life was like when she was a very young girl, envious of her older sister‘s attending 1st grade in a big school right across their home in Turkey. There is something about this book that simply appealed to me. It must be Özge‘s evidently free spirit & desire to please her father. My review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-fbC

Up until the end, this book was on the So-So track for me. The illustrations in this graphic novel are fun but the subject matter, save for a little humor here in there, is gloomy. It focuses on religious fundamentalism and access to education in Turkey, where Samanci came of age. The ending is honest, realistic and hopeful, and redeemed itself as a Pick! This one will stay in the brain for some time to come. #graphicnovel #feminism #popsugar2018

Continuing to read books for the Read Harder Challenge Task of a comic written and illustrated by the same person. Dare To Disappoint -Growing Up In Turkey by Özge Samanci.

Scamanci combines Turkish history and politics along with her own upbringing and family dynamics. This and the unique illustrations join to create a truly wonderful graphic novel. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#readingaroundtheworld #turkey #24in28 #readathon #readaroundtheworld

A sweet little book of charming doodles + collage. It perfectly balances its protagonist's innocence with some heavier subject matter in an eclectic style of mixed media + meandering chapters but succinct individual images. It chronicles how the author's view on school, her family, her country and her idols changed from toddlerhood to the eve of college graduation, and how these and other factors cumulated in how she saw herself + who she could be

Do you dare to disappoint? #books #teen #ya #teennonfiction #graphicnovel #memoir #autobiography #turkey #diversity #reading

#teen #graphic novel #memoir #turkey #comingofage

Lovely graphic memoir about the author's education and family life in Turkey. The story stops just after her decision to become an artist (and "dare to disappoint" her father), so I hope to see more from her in the future!