Dancing at the Pity Party
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2.0 • 1 Rating
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Part poignant memoir and part “cathartic and uplifting” (Kirkus Reviews) reflection on a motherless life, this graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging.
“Offers a wealth of perspective about coping with grief.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Equal parts celebration, reflection, and mourning, this graphic memoir touches on the unpredictable path of grief.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Tyler Feder had just white-knuckled her way through her first year of college when her super cool mom was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Now, with a decade of grief and nervous laughter under her belt, Tyler shares the story of that gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, extremely awkward time in her life—from her mom’s first oncology appointment to her funeral and shiva week through the beginning of facing reality as a motherless daughter. She shares the sting of loss that never goes away, the uncomfortable post-death firsts, and the deep-down, hard-to-talk-about feelings of the grieving process—but also the ways a premature death of a loved one can eventually enrich your life.
Dancing at the Pity Party is a frank and refreshingly funny look at what it’s like to grieve—for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
After the author's mother dies of uterine cancer when her oldest daughter is 19, Feder (Unladylike for adults) finds herself longing for something "that cradles my grief without smothering it." Emphasizing the awkward and silly moments surrounding death, she has created the book she wanted to read. Her mom "wasn't some sad sack in a sickbed waiting to die (even when she WAS a sad sack in a sickbed waiting to die)," nor was she a saint, and Feder brings her meaningfully to life. In one of many sweetly evocative scenes, she recalls the intimate surprise of knowing immediately which font her creative mother would have wanted on her own funeral pamphlets. Feder's simple art features light pink backgrounds, a diverse cast of supporting characters, and details that make the story feel real (covered mirrors during the shivah, for example). The so-called pity party is illustrated in charming family scenes and flights of fancy such as "the app I wish existed: Dead Mom" ("Look up any movie to find out if the mom dies in it!"). Until that app exists, this book offers a wealth of perspective about coping with grief. Ages 12 up.
