Reviews

Not Funny Ha-Ha: A Handbook for Something Hard by Leah Hayes

trapdoor's review against another edition

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when i checked this book out at the library i thought it was on depression. though once when i learned it’s about abortion i figured it would be wrong to return it without reading. #informative 

kstericker's review against another edition

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informative reflective fast-paced

4.75


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noelles's review against another edition

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emotional informative fast-paced

4.0

chelseamartinez's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a short, matter-of-fact step-by-step description of medical abortion and surgical abortion. I'm not sure why the title is so circumspect.

leithd15's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

3.5

bluenicorn's review against another edition

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4.0

It's rare that I come across a book where I think, "There is literally no other book like this out there," but this fits that bill. As the author states, it's not a book about right/wrong, should i/shouldn't i, but a book about the process after a woman has decided to have an abortion. The writing is free from judgment- I gave a little mental "Right on!" when she wrote that how her example women got pregnant or the situation that they were in was irrelevant. It simply contains the step-by-step process after "yes" has been decided upon. She provides insight about elements that aren't always mentioned- like going through security or the endless waiting in multiple areas. It's unfortunate that the hurdles, such as forced wait periods, age restrictions, lines of picketers, and other aspects that vary based on region and state, go unmentioned- but it's understandable, because that would be a different book. While the drawing style is not my favorite, due to it being so unique, I think it's a really important book to have in a library collection.

amphytrite's review against another edition

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4.0

I think this deserves a review, and Goodreads is a better place than most.

I'd call Not Funny Ha-Ha a foray into graphic medicine, though it isn't quite as medical as most others in the same genre. True to its subtitle, it is a handbook for those women who are deciding to have abortions, as well as for the people who love them. Leah Hayes does a very good job of completely avoiding the political and moral charges of abortion, and instead focuses directly on what physically happens during the two types of abortions, medical and surgical. These processes are told through the viewpoints of Lisa and Mary, two different women who decide to have abortions but choose different procedures.

Not Funny Ha-Ha is a very solid educational book, which clarifies what having an abortion actually is, instead of focusing so hard on the why. One of the most difficult decisions a woman can make is the one to have an abortion, and with all the misinformation and bias available on the topic, it's very nice indeed to see a manual, especially a graphic one, that speaks clearly and concisely to the reader. I did knock off a star because the handwriting is a little distracting and takes some getting used to, but that is completely personal preference shining through. For the content and educational factor, Not Funny Ha-Ha is an essential resource that every woman should have access to.

kayereadsalot's review against another edition

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5.0

Just saw this on Hoopla and decided it looked interesting. Very informative and the artwork is really interesting. I really liked the lettering and the resources Leah Hayes included in the book.

mzjai117's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a quick graphic to explain about abortion. It was filled with facts about both surgical and medical abortion. I highly recommend it.

skillwithaquill's review against another edition

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5.0

An incredibly powerful and important book. Especially with the current climate that's allowing politicians to senselessly attack Planned Parenthood and other vital clinics. It's refreshing to see such a personal topic handled without judgement or political/religious interference. I could 100% see myself giving this book to my (hypothetical) teen to teach them about abortion and reproductive health. Highly recommended.