During a long weekend (I had to take a Monday off for a doctor’s appointment) I read two memoirs and one non-fiction graphic novel on loneliness (which I had been working on for weeks). I started Notes from a Sickbed by Tessa Brunton before I went to my doctor’s appointment and brought it with me. The considerate person in me felt it was probably not the most appropriate read to read there, but the smarty pants in me was laughing my pants off at the contradiction.
However, I was not laughing while reading. Tessa Brunton’s chronic illness is not funny. She is trying to figure out why and what is happening to her. She learns coping methods, but even then things do not always work out. In black and white uniquely drawn images, life and illness come alive. You might not have a chronic illness yourself, but her struggles are relatable and you can empathize with her. She does not call it “using her spoons” but if you are familiar with “running out of spoons” you will understand what she is talking about when she must plan for events.
Now, I am not going to tell you my opinion of this book. It is an experience book that everyone takes something different away depending on their biases, likes, dislikes, and own experiences. I will say it was not what I expected, therefore it was better in some areas and not as strong in others, but I like it.
For at least 14 to adults as there are triggers, including, but not limited to: chronic illness, depression, some language)