Dancing at the Pity Party

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.