Welcome to Litsy!

I‘ve curated my January choices from @Billypar ‘s #ALSpine list, and I‘m looking forward to having a great reading month. As always, I will most likely not read all of these (though with a few graphic novels, maybe I will), but will endeavor to keep reading them throughout the year. Happy New Year to you, Vinny (name taken from your Litsy profile 😊)!

⭐️⭐️I wanted to like this one more than I did. I enjoy reading graphic novel nonfiction, and Radtke imparted a lot of knowledge to us, but it was too much. There was a disjointed aspect to it that made it hard for me to fully care about what she was telling me. I also hate learning about Harlow‘s monkey experiments-they always make me sick to my stomach, so that being prevalent, especially in the second half, also brought this down for me.

Such a beautiful and moving graphic nonfiction. Definitely had some pages that grabbed me and just about pulled my heart out. Also loved the insight into American media depictions of loneliness in men (the cowboy) and women (the romcom heroine), and what aspects make loneliness cool or pathetic. Such a fitting read for my covid quarantine. Want to read her other work now.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It combined history and psychology with personal experience in just the right proportions to explore how loneliness is spreading, how it changes the behavior and perceptions of those that slog through it and what the consequences for culture at large may be. I could directly relate as a former grave shift worker of seven years and then living through lockdown immediately following. The art is moving as well.

Not exactly a graphic novel. More of a memoir, and personal essay (but with illustrations) about what it means to experience loneliness, along with an exploration of the science of what it means to be alone, feel alone, and what our private and public selves lose and gain when we find ourselves isolated from others. NPR said, “…perhaps the most important thing it accomplishes is telling everyone that they aren't alone in their loneliness..”

My latest booktube video is all about graphic novels and picture books -
Friday Reads October 14: the visual narratives edition
https://youtu.be/M-ofeQjfcH8

#IndigenousBooks #Canadian #kidlit #comics

Stories are how we draw ourselves closer to one another, and how we remember, and sometimes how we reshape.

A pastiche of quoted research on the topic and the author's own reflections, I think it's the art that is the most impactful. I do like the idea of non-fiction graphic novels, though for the sake of the medium, I feel like straight memoir, is easier to illustrate around than facts and headlines. Some data functions as further evidence of the grotesqueries and sexism inherent in early modern medical/scientific experiments, so be warned.

Depending on your definition of what counts for a book...third quarter stats updated for latest read.

It's the non-info-filled pages where the feeling of isolation is represented clearly by figures surrounded by space that are the most beautiful.

“To arm ourselves is the most extreme form of separation … to move through a life without weapons is another way to remain open to the world, and it‘s mercy.”
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I find this a good attempt on the subject of loneliness in its many aspects. In between telling her own story in words and images, Radtke jumps in and out with some history and results of scientific studies. There‘re loads of information, some powerful like the fascinating but disturbing Harlow‘s experiments, but generally it feels lack of cohesion; it reads like scattered thoughts. Interesting read, though.

Radtke looks at different aspects of loneliness and how humans try to connect by listening to the radio, connecting on social media, hugging buddies.

What left the biggest impression on me was the experiment conducted on monkeys by Harlow to look into the consequences of loneliness, not only on the individual, but also the group and the next generation.

I‘m so glad you made me aware of this graphic by posting your review @vivastory

This work of non-fiction in graphic novel format is an exploration of loneliness - a topic nobody really likes to talk about, but something everyone feels at some point. I enjoyed the different real world examples and appreciated how the author combined memoir elements with sociological and psychological content.

A study of loneliness in graphic novel form, Seek You made me think about human relationships in a new way.

I wonder how many people, on reading this, reached out to someone they‘ve been meaning to talk to or set up a meeting with a friend. That‘s what I‘m going to do.

Content warnings- discussion of suicide, isolation, animal torture, among others.

On a happier note, Venkman sure was sleeping comfy this morning!

This graphic nonfiction book takes the subject of loneliness and explores it from many angles, and then it is illustrated too with art that suits the mood. I was intrigued by the laugh track discussion, impressed by the discussion of loneliness and terror, and horrified by the reasons we know what we know about attachment. ↘️

This was pretty good. Lots of great information and interesting points of view. I feel like it lost the thread a couple times, especially later in the book. But overall a solid examination of not just loneliness but also society's perception/expectation of the lonely.

I feel as though I‘ve hit a sweet spot in my life. I used to feel very alone/sad even in the midst of a large family of my own. Now I am alone in an apartment with children/grandkids close enough to see if I wish and yet I enjoy being alone very much. This graphic novel explores the science on loneliness and connection and the need for touch. I found the book to be a bit disjointed but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Wow! What a powerful graphic novel about Loneliness within the American Culture. Such a depth of understanding and an eye opening understanding of how we are all lonely at various points in our life. I love graphic novels as a format for non fiction. They really help explain the topic in smaller bits to think on. The illustrations also help to push the story further. What a great format.

Graphic novel/essay looking at loneliness and connection in humans. It was interesting, but if I‘m honest, I don‘t love graphic novels…

Such a beautiful and moving graphic nonfiction. Definitely had some pages that grabbed me and just about pulled my heart out. Also loved the insight into American media depictions of loneliness in men (the cowboy) and women (the romcom heroine), and what aspects make loneliness cool or pathetic. Such a fitting read for my covid quarantine. Want to read her other work now.

An examination of what loneliness looks like in America told through graphic format. This is in no way a holiday book, but it is fitting to read this time of year.

#WinterGames #MistletoeManiacs #DashingDecember book 3/5 #WinterCosy #AVeryMerryReadathon #WrapItUpReadathon #ChristmasMyWay

An interesting look at loneliness and it‘s causes - all in graphic form.

While this graphic nonfiction work was written prior to the pandemic, it feels especially relevant now. In it, she covers the issue of loneliness in American society, including how loneliness, “rugged individualism,” and being alone is represented and experienced in U.S. culture. There‘s a fascinating section on research into attachment and love. She also includes her own efforts at connection. It‘s a pretty deep work to be this concise.

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Typically, I take a picture of the book, but seeing as it is currently in my luggage…finished this book on a cruise that I had taken solo. Definitely reminded me why I need to do a better job creating a community around me, hard to do when you are an introvert! Lol.

This book is such a mood. And, lots of great tidbits both to share at cocktail parties (if we ever have those again) and to think on.

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A thorough examination of how being alone impacts us individually and also as a nation. America personified as the cowboy, a symbol of rugged individualism, something I hadn‘t considered before reading this. Connection to others has changed tremendously over time and the lack of community has a negative impact on our health. Amazing artwork with interesting facts make an impressive, page-turning graphic novel.

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I really enjoyed this one. Serious look at the impact of loneliness. #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

Part memoir part sociology, this graphic nonfiction explores what it means to feel alone. Radtke takes on how loneliness affects each of the five senses. She shares times she has felt alone and the scientific research into loneliness, including the controversial UW-Madison experiments with monkeys. This book was truly fascinating, and the artwork was great. Definitely recommend!

A series of mini-essays and personal reflections on loneliness. Sometimes heartbreaking; occasionally appalling (looking at you, Harry Harlow). The graphic elements didn't always enhance the work for me, but at its best reminds me of an Edward Hopper painting (like the apartments on the cover). #nonfiction #graphic #graphicnovel #psychology #sociology

Just started this nonfiction graphic book on loneliness; very good so far. I'm not a big fan of graphics, but the color palette & illustrations suit the text beautifully. #nonfiction #graphic #graphicnovel #psychology

Almost done this book and wow! Lots of research leads to a very interesting overview of loneliness. Kind of horrified with the chapter about the monkey research, but overall really enjoyed this.

Really enjoying this one

As I was checking out the staff person asked if I wanted the books stamped - I said of course. Such a cute idea! 😍 #nowherebookshop

I love Kristen Radtke bc she‘s from my home state of WI, bc her art rules, and bc of her earnestness re: thinking and learning more about the human condition. Like her first graphic novel, this felt meandering to me, but not in a bad way. She makes a couple of leaps from social science research to broad generalizations that didn‘t quite ring true for me. But I liked this and agree that loneliness is a topic well worth studying from many angles.

I identify with this so much. I always feel on the outside of things.

Anytime I accrue enough points to get a free book from @penguinrandomhouse I think about how grateful I am that @LibrarianRyan told me about it. Thank you again!! This book is gorgeous and I can‘t wait to sink into it. 😍😍

Oh dear, I shouldn‘t be allowed in the bookstore.My 12 yr old has a reasonable stack of only 2 books

Finally have had a few days away from work and responsibilities so I‘m getting to read things that I‘ve been looking forward to.