My usual library run was happening (I was picking up a couple of interlibrary loans), when I turned and there was this book, on a display behind me, called Safer Places (by Kit Anderson). At first, it wasn’t anything special, its cover was dark and the rest of the books blended in and it was “too close” to the checkout counter. The second time I went in (more interlibrary) I turned and almost ran into that display (I said it’s close) and I heard the book say, “Get me!” Not one to turn down a plea from a book, I grabbed it, turned and said, “Oh this too!” Checked out, left, and my ride drove off to do other errands. Since books were talking to me, I knew that I was in no shape to interact with people in the grocery store, so I cracked the window, and sat and read in the car.
The book was okay. It felt good. It felt soft. It felt…wait a minute! That’s a new story! I then realized it was going to be a graphic novel of short stories.
Anderson’s book is one of those books you think you know then you don’t. You have to take your time, as it is not one solid story, but multiple that feels as if they are flowing into each other. Themes such as sleep, mindfulness, connection and nature are repeated in more than one story, but many ideas come to light. Overall, it is nice, cozy, but also has intensity. It is a mixture of everything bubbling and still you are calm. And yet, you are ready to go! There are wordless, almost wordless, and full on text savvy stories.
And though Anderson is both author and illustrator, each story almost feels as if it is written by a different person (thought some you can see the similarities) and the same goes for the illustrations. The art is in various formats, making this collection connected and separated. There is one story with several parts that runs throughout the rest of the works. Strong 14 and up if you want the “deeper meaning” but most ages can take at “face level” for meanings. And while there is not a lot of “mature content,” the concepts are heavy and not for all readers.