Books matching: art as a coping mechanism
6 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Hold Still' by Nina LaCour follows 16-year-old Caitlin as she navigates the aftermath of her best friend Ingrid's suicide. Discovering Ingrid's diary hidden under her bed, Caitlin reads it day by day to uncover more about her friend's thoughts and emotions. Through art and new relationships, Caitlin grapples with her grief and attempts to find closure. The story delves into themes of friendship, loss, healing, and self-discovery, portraying the complexities of dealing with suicide and its impact on those left behind. LaCour's writing style intricately weaves emotions and experiences, drawing readers into Caitlin's journey of understanding and acceptance.
Mom says Ingrid’s name and I start to hum, not the melody to a song, just one drawn-out note. I know it makes me seem crazy, I know it won’t make anything change, but it’s better than crying, it’s bet... - #2
Save:'Hey, Kiddo' by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's childhood, being raised by his grandparents due to his mother's heroin addiction, and not meeting his father until he was 17 years old. The book portrays the struggles and triumphs of Jarrett's unconventional family setup, highlighting themes of addiction, familial love, and the power of art as a coping mechanism. Through a candid and heartfelt narrative, Krosoczka shares his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of family dynamics, all depicted in a graphic novel format that resonates with readers, especially those who appreciate graphic memoirs.
The author's poignant storytelling and evocative artwork capture the raw emotions and challenges faced by a young boy growing up in a non-traditional family environment. From dealing with absent parents to finding solace in his passion for art, Jarrett's narrative unfolds with honesty and vulnerability, offering a glimpse into the impact of addiction on familial relationships and the enduring bonds of love that shape his upbringing. 'Hey, Kiddo' not only portrays the author's personal struggles and triumphs but also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding hope and healing in the midst of adversity.
- #3
Save:'The Body Artist' by Don DeLillo is a haunting novella that delves into themes of grief, loss, and artistry. The story follows Lauren, a body artist, as she copes with the suicide of her husband and navigates her grieving process. Lauren's encounters with a mysterious man in her isolated vacation home blur the lines between reality and imagination, leading to a narrative that is both profound and mysterious. DeLillo's prose is described as poetic and fascinating, with intricate descriptions that capture the evanescence of time and memory.
Time seems to pass. The world happens, unrolling into moments, and you stop to glance at a spider pressed to its web. There is a quickness of light and a sense of things outlined precisely and streaks... - #4
Save:'Burnt Sugar' by Avni Doshi follows the tumultuous mother-daughter relationship between Antara and her mother, Tara. As Tara's dementia progresses, Antara is faced with caring for a mother who never seemed to care for her. The novel delves into their complicated history, from Tara's rebellious past to Antara's struggles with her own identity and mother's neglect. The story is a poignant exploration of toxic family dynamics, memory, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma.
The narrative in 'Burnt Sugar' alternates between past and present, showcasing Antara's journey of coming to terms with her mother's deteriorating condition while reflecting on their shared past filled with abandonment, abuse, and emotional turmoil. Avni Doshi's writing style is described as sharp, caustic, and elegantly crafted, unraveling the intricate layers of the mother-daughter relationship with unflinching honesty and complexity.
I suffered at her hands as a child, and any pain she subsequently endured appeared to me to be a kind of redemption – a rebalancing of the universe, where the rational order of cause and effect aligne... - #5
Save:Stitches by David Small is a graphic memoir depicting the childhood of the author, who grew up in an abusive and neglectful family. The story revolves around young David's discovery of a growth on his neck, which is later revealed to be cancer. Through haunting illustrations and minimal text, Small narrates his journey of losing his vocal cords due to surgery and the emotional turmoil he faces in his dysfunctional family setting. The book skillfully transitions between reality and fantasy, capturing the dark and personal tale of David's upbringing in a gripping and poignant manner.
The narrative of Stitches unfolds as a redemptive story, showcasing David Small's resilience and ability to overcome the traumatic experiences of his youth through art. The graphic novel format allows for a powerful depiction of David's struggles, both physically and emotionally, as he navigates through a troubled childhood marked by neglect and abuse. Small's use of illustrations and sparse words effectively conveys the depth of his story, making it a moving and compelling read that resonates with readers on an emotional level.
- #6
Save:'Art as Therapy' by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong explores the therapeutic effects of art on both creators and viewers. Through unique insights and comparisons of illustrations, the authors delve into the educational and moral value of art, showcasing how it can promote noble conduct and values. is intelligently written, providing original insights on the functions of art, with a central thesis that the main beneficiary of art should be the individual experiencing the specific work as opposed to focusing solely on the motives of the artist or the context of creation. The writing style is described as elegant, thought-provoking, and philosophical, using artworks to draw from and touch on various subjects, offering a fresh perspective on art and its usefulness to humanity.
